Perception Sport Access 11.5 Angler Kayak @ ****'s
Any one own one of these kayaks?
Thinking I might purchase one when I come to visit in the spring.
I will be staying in the Tampa Bay area and fishing the bay while I'm there.
I'm sure it will work fine for the lakes back home in Canada.
How will it work for fishing around the bay and everglades areas?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Dave
Thinking I might purchase one when I come to visit in the spring.
I will be staying in the Tampa Bay area and fishing the bay while I'm there.
I'm sure it will work fine for the lakes back home in Canada.
How will it work for fishing around the bay and everglades areas?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Dave
Replies
For an extra $100 I'd advise you to purchase a tried and true fishing machine, the Perception pescador 12.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20973116&gsidynamic=GooglePLA-_-PADDLESPORTS-_-PADDLESPORTS-_-SKU-15792537&camp=CSE:GooglePLA:20973116:15792537:PADDLESPORTS-
Do a search here on the forums for "pescador" and consult other forums such as this one:
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=192334
IMHO, the Pesky is the best bang-for-your-buck all around kayak. Offshore, inshore, everglades, bay you name it.
Just my .02 :wink
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2013 Hobie Outback
I actually came across this one after I posted my question.
And from what I've been reading it is the better choice.
Looks like a nice rig too.
http://www.perceptionsport.com/kayaks/PRS_Pescador_120_Angler
Only difference? It does NOT come with a seat, however it does come with an anchor trolley install. I picked mine up early last year for $399 on sale :wink
Pound for pound, the pescador is the BEST entry level SOT fishing kayak you could buy NEW. Obviously, you can get deals on used kayaks but if buying new and on a budget, that's your best bang for your buck. I take mine offshore 90% of the time and it handles anything I've thrown at it....
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2013 Hobie Outback
Leaves more $$$ for bait and lures. :grin
My tankwell fits
-Crate with PVC attached, 5 gallon bucket inside.
-Kayak cart, lashed with bungee
-Small cooler.
As far as standing goes? It can be done, with great balance. I've done it in the pool while testing gear, and on the flats/canals without much on board. You cannot stand in any kind of chop whatsoever, and it's quite difficult.
Bottom line, the Pesky isn't made for standing but it is a great, cheap , reliable offshore fishing platform. For the money, it can't be beat. If you need to stand and still go offshore, I'd look for a prowler on CL.
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"Helping find peace for those who fought to defend it!" :USA
FREEDOM CAPTURED!
FSU Alumni GO NOLES!!! >>
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2013 Hobie Outback
Here is one that I am looking at in the same price range...seems very similar..http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4002683&ab=ACLN12_Fishing_FishingBoats_FishingKayaks&cp=4406646.4413993.4417832.4417969
If so, stay away from the caster. Please, do a search on the forums HERE for "caster" as well as "pescador" and "pompano" You'll find posts from where I bought and returned the caster in favor of the Pescador. A scotty rod holder can be EASILY installed up front for $25-30 and flush mounts cost $8 each. Don't think that the "angler" version offers anything more when they charge $100-150 more for 3 rod holders.
If I were you, I would screw in 3 separate scotty deck mounts (one in front, two behind the seat) and have three rod holders. VIOLA!
You could always go the PVC route and hose clamp/zip tie sections of PVC to a milk crate and create 4 rod holders very easy. People have bought the 3 rack rod holders (bass pro) and attached those to milk crates before as well.
I prefer to rig the kayaks myself for my applications as opposed to how they come from the store. Just my .02
Lt. Firedog is a WEALTH of knowledge when it comes to rigging kayaks, feel free to shoot him a PM or wait for him to chime in :wink
Back to the caster, it's a nice looking kayak and will be just fine for inshore/backcountry etc. The gunnels (sides) are just not high enough for offshore fishing in my mind. I took a TON of water over the sides, and there are no scuppers in the seat area. Thus, you take one big wave over the side, and you're stuck in a DEEP puddle for the rest of the day. It was quite annoying for me while offshore. Also, it has no keel whatsoever, completely flat bottom. Any wind, and you're all over the place. I found the Pescador easier to paddle, easier to rig and just an overall better fishing platform.
Just my .02 having bought and paddled both.
South Florida Chapter Coordinator
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"Helping find peace for those who fought to defend it!" :USA
FREEDOM CAPTURED!
FSU Alumni GO NOLES!!! >>
>
2013 Hobie Outback
My guess is the non-angler version comes on sale more often though. :wink
Since I'm planning on picking one up on my vacation I will more than likely get the angler version as I don't want to waste precious vacay time rigging when I should be fishing. :grin
When I get back home the depth finder and other extras will be installed.
BTW...the single flushmount is the perfect storage spot for a grappling-style folding 3 lb anchor.