About Us

Meet John Wood - Inventor & President

On The Fly Jack Plates was built on a simple mission: to give boaters confidence and freedom on the water. With a simple turn of a handle or click of a button, we aim to make you feel unstoppable in reaching your fishing or duck hunting destinations. Our goal is to empower you to fearlessly explore new and unexplored areas. 

The idea of On The Fly Jack Plates started when John and his wife bought a 11-foot Boston Whaler that had a 15hp on the back. Wanting more speed, he upgraded to a 25hp long shaft motor but encountered performance issues due to the lower unit being submerged too far into the water.  

After researching various jack plates – manual, electric and fixed – John realized that manual plates lacked on-water adjustability while electric models were beyond the budget. Wanting the benefits of an electric plate, he explored the possibility of a more efficient solution: integrating a manual jack into a jack plate. This idea combined the straightforwardness of existing manual plates with the convenience of electric ones, allowing for real-time adjustments while on the fly, hints the name. John envisioned a user-friendly design that provides both simplicity and functionality when needed. 

After developing 7 prototypes and collaborating with manufactures, John successfully created a jack plate that precisely adjusted an outboard engine’s height for optimal prop performance. Patented and proven through social media demand, On The Fly Jack Plates has now sold thousands of units to happy boaters.

"As an Eagle Scout, I've always believed in being prepared. I started On The Fly Jack Plates to help boaters and fisherman explore with confidence, no matter the water conditions." - John Wood