By Paul Lebowitz

To a West Coast kayak angler accustomed to craft built to handle wide stretches of open water, the Emotion Mojo Angler looks like an odd duck. The bow and stern are narrow and pointed, yet the center of the kayak is wide. The adjustable console appears gimmicky. Do first impressions hold true?

We’ll get to that shortly. First, the measurements: 12 feet, 4 inches long by 31 inches wide. Listed weight is 52 pounds; capacity 250 to 325 pounds depending on conditions.

A long, narrow hatch sits on the bow well defended by a dense nest of bungee cords. The footpegs are adjustable. An absolutely unique removable and adjustable console fits onto a molded-in track. It slides back and forth inside the cockpit and secures with a hand screw. The console is tall, projecting several inches above the deck. A Scotty rod-holder is mounted on top. Molded-in recesses accommodate a handheld GPS or radio, a water bottle, and tackle storage.

The seat is elevated above the water’s surface and encircled by high gunwales. Consequently, the ride is bone dry. The stern tankwell is large and segmented to accommodate the typical fishing bucket or crate. A pair of full-sized flushmounts sits just behind the seat.

Rigability is only fair. There’s little room to mount additional rod holders. There’s a pair of bungee paddle keepers, one to each side. 

Open water fishability is disappointing. The front hatch is so covered with bungees it’s a hassle to access. The boat isn’t a comfortable one to straddle or move across; the high gunwales get in the way. The adjustable console occupies a lot of space. At times, it cramps the cockpit. Finally, the two flushmounts are rather close to the seat.     

THE MOJO ANGLER - In green, the Mojo next to a sea-going Perception Search 15. In comparison the Mojo has pinched ends, a wide cockpit, high gunwales, and an elevated seat.

Compliments: removable console adds flexibility, bone dry, compact design for narrow spaces.