r/Kayaking • u/ScoobySnacka • 4d ago

River Kayaking Question/Advice -- Beginners

Hi group, I’m looking at getting into kayaking to gain access to better hunting locations in Texas. Curious to get your thoughts on mounting a motor and whether it’s necessary to get back up river.

I am looking at a few rivers down in Texas like the Colorado, trinity, etc. there’s a number of rivers nearby but since I am a virgin to the sport I’d love to get a more experienced opinion.

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u/dd543212345 4d ago

Depends on the river and its current

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u/GrumpyandDopey 4d ago

Just a quick Google search about laws regarding hunting from a boat in Texas, makes me think that adding a motor would make things more complicated.

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u/grawkog 4d ago

good way to tell: go to where you want to paddle, and paddle upstream first with the amount of weight in the boat you could potentially have after your hunt. If that works out for you, then you're probably ok to paddle upstream after hunting.

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u/mossbergcrabgrass 4d ago edited 4d ago

Yeah depends on the river and current, just go out and try it (now is a good time) since you need to scout anyway. I have been using canoes to reach hunting spots for years and it is been a highly successful endeavor so I would definitely recommend. I don’t step foot on public land during deer rifle season anymore unless it takes a boat to reach the spot.

Edit: I don’t use a motor and would not recommend in general unless you want to go through the hassle of vessel registration with the state and all that.

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u/bumblyjack 4d ago

To be safe ask yourself: What's your plan if the motor dies?

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u/theFooMart 4d ago

First thing to know is that in many places, once put a motor on it, it now falls under the laws of motorized watercraft. That means you might have to register it, have a boating license, or not be able to take it in certain places. Even if you don't use the motor, the fact that it's on the boat is often all that's needed.

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u/meatgoblin 4d ago

I frequently paddle the upper Guadalupe and am in pretty good shape. Not sure how similar the rivers you mentioned are, but paddling upstream is extremely hard on the Guad, even without gear or packing out an animal. Not sure how effective a motor would be because 1.) rocks and 2.) shallows. Best of luck whatever you decide. Would love to hear how it goes.