Introducing the Frontier 10

The Frontier 10 is here....and it is all that we hoped it would be. Super stable, incredibly maneuverable, completely customizable, and easy to handle off the water. We are sure you'll be impressed too! Read on to learn the details, watch the Frontier ...

Read more...

Kayak Selection On a Budget

With the recent arrival of McLellan Jacobs' carbon kayak, and its fifteen thousand dollar price tag, potential buyers have before them a new threshold of luxury. What, though, can budget-minded shoppers expect when exploring the market place for their ...

Read more...

McLellan Jacobs Kayak 1

The time has come for monetarily-endowed, customization-craving kayak anglers to rejoice; a new vessel is in town, and it is sure to be one to meet the needs of even the most finicky customer. From acclaimed New Zealand designers Jamie McLellan and And...

Read more...

The New Moken 12.5

It’s not an understatement to say that I was anxious to try out the new Moken 12.5 from Feel Free Kayaks. I could tell that a great amount of thought and time was put into the layout of the kayak. The design of the kayak is made with the kayak angler in mind. The Moken 12.5 is definitely a kayak made for fishing, and its subtle features make a day out on the water chasing your favorite species of fish that much easier and enjoyable. While every kayak angler has their own preferences regarding what makes a great kayak, here are my thoughts on this new Moken line of kayaks from Feel Free Kayaks.

First Glance

The deck layout of the kayak is extremely appealing to the eye. Several hatches provide for easy access to the guts of the kayak, and the center hatch offers the angler dry storage or the ability to make a rod pod. The slide track system gives the angler the ability to put rod holders or other accessories in different positions. The rear storage area has ample room for a tackle bag, cooler, and or milk crate. The lines of the kayak are clean, and with several color options, these kayaks definitely have the Wow factor.

Hatches

There are three hatches on the kayak. First, on the front is an oval hatch with a 3 point lockdown, which ensures a watertight water seal. The area is large enough to easily slide rods into the inside of the kayak for transportation or storage. The center hatch is long and slender, and opens away from the angler on a hinge offering easy access to dry storage for cell phones, keys, lures, pliers, etc. The center hatch can also be cut out to store rods and access the inside of the kayak. In the rear cargo area is another smaller hatch offering access to the inside of the kayak from the rear. A small gear bag can easily be added for keeping small items secure.

Cockpit

The cockpit of this kayak is easily its best feature. The slide track on each side of the kayak offers the angler the ability to move rod holders or other accessories to desired positions. The center hatch is positioned to give the angler easy access to storage and locks down to prevent water entering the storage area. The standing platform is between the seat that the center storage tank, and is cushioned to allow an angler to stand for long periods of time without fatigue or pressure to the feet. There is also a mesh side pocket on each side next to the seat for storage close at hand accessories such as pliers or a fish grip. There’s plenty of leg room so the angler doesn’t feel cramped.

Seat

All Moken kayaks come standard with the high quality seat Kingfisher seat. The high back offers plenty of support for long days on the water. The bottom of the seat is cushioned at an angle and provides all day comfort. I’ve spent long hours on the water with this seat with no numbness in the rear whatsoever.

Rear Storage

The rear storage area has ample room for a cooler bag, tackle bag, and/or milk crate. There is a strap on each side of the rear storage area for securing a cooler or milk crate. The straps keep your milk crate or cooler securely locked down, but are a little on the long side. I have found putting something to raise the height of the crate or cooler will alleviate that issue. There is also a cargo net, which is also on a slide track system, allowing for moving the bungees in several different positions for securing gear or simply moving out of the way. Each Moken 12.5 comes with a flush mount rod holder on each side, but has ample room available to add 2 more flush mount rod holders to each side, or some other accessory.

Stability

The stability of the kayak is quite good for its width. The kayak sits well in the water and I felt no fear of tipping from the sides. Standing up in the kayak is a fairly easy process, and each kayak has an attach point for a stand up leash to assist an angler in reaching a standing position. Standing on the kayak takes a little getting used to, but offers the angler an extra sight advantage for tracking fish. This platform is positioned perfectly to get the angler in a comfortable position and keep balanced.

Additional

Every Moken kayak comes with the “wheel in the keel” which offers the ability to move the kayak to the water without the need for a kayak cart. I’ve found that the wheels works great on a variety of surfaces to include grass, dirt, pavement, hard-packed sand or gravel.

Another useful feature is the “smart track” rudder. I have been extremely pleased with the rudder system that Feel Free employs on their Moken series. With most rudders on kayaks, you lose the stability of the foot pegs. The Feel Free rudder system gives you the stability of the foot pegs being stationary with a “toe” pedal on the top of the foot peg being used to control the rudder system.This makes paddling and controlling the rudder all the more easier. Even when wearing waders with boots, the rudder system is still easily controlled.

Overall

I have been very pleased with not only the layout of this kayak, but also its maneuvering and performance. It paddles extremely well, and tracks as well as any kayak I have ever paddled. The kayak has clean lines, which make it a breeze to paddle whether on calm days or in rough weather. There are many color options, which only add to the allure of these kayaks.

The handles on the kayak are molded which alleviates the worry of dry rot, or breaking when carrying the kayak and damaging the kayak. I would like to see a handle added near the rear of the kayak, but that can be an easy fix with the addition of a handle kit from any kayak accessory retailer. The rear of the kayak does have molded openings on each side just underneath the kayak that is used for a tandem carry. The layout of the kayak will suit any angler out there, and the ability to add accessories with ease will make this one of the premiere fishing kayaks on the market.

Tony Hart is an avid kayak angler from NE Florida. He is currently on the Pro Staffs for Feel Free Kayaks, Saltwater Assassin, Accent Paddles, MTI Adventurewear, Yak Gear, and Overboard Fishing Rods. Tony is also part owner of Overboard Fishing Rods, and owner of River City Kayak Fishing, a guided kayak charter service in NE Florida. Tony spends his free time sharing his passion of kayak fishing with his 2 small sons.

Read more...

SOT Raptor from Santa Cruz Kayaks Hits the Beach!

The dividing line between mastermind and madman may be gossamer thin, but no one can doubt the creativity and dedication of Santa Cruz Kayak’s Jim Martin. In response to kayak anglers’ requests since his original Sit-In design of 2011, the Raptor line recently expanded to include a new Sit-On-Top version.

Both kayaks share the somewhat startling design concept of a narrow pointed bow flaring to a twin-pontoon stern. Martin’s goal, of course, is to combine the best elements of speed and stability, and he was willing to think outside the box. The result is a few parsecs beyond the classic kayak shape, and would not look out of place in an episode of Star Trek.

But, these boats work, and owners around the country (and the world) have the fish pix to prove it!

The SOT is brand-new, and we caught up with Jim for an initial chat and a short test drive.  Initial impressions?  The Raptor SOT is super stable.  The feeling is like no other kayak we've sat in; there is an ever so slight feeling of initial stability, then the seondary stability kicks in and just sticks you to the water.  You stand up fishermen are going to love this kayak.  Tracking is also very good for a kayak of this length.

Jim, congrats on the new design, how are things going so far?

This SOT is really doing great for only being out less than two weeks (more like 6 weeks at the time of this article publication) ... fingers crossed.      I feel like the guy who ran up to Vegas and spent my entire life savings and lost, now I've pawned everything else and laying it all on black!    Ha-ha...

How long have you been building fishing kayaks and why did you start?  

Thirty years ago my first attempt was actually a canoe built from fiberglass layered foam panels.   Next was a bicycle mounted on pontoons with a paddle wheel drive.  That thing would crawl through 6' tall Tule brush.   The raptor was sort of a spin off from that, intended to be a pedal powered boat. Eventually I leaned towards an electric motor drive.  The beautiful woodwork of that original kayak brought crowds around the dock each time I took it out.   The stability of the design convinced me that I had a really unique and practical concept.

What was your original design process and how bumpy was the transition to mass production?

Wish I'd known what I didn't know then... LOL. Finding the right people is key. I was very lucky to have hooked up with people who believed in the design and worked with me in getting it accomplished.

What's the Raptor count now, and where is the one farthest from Santa Cruz?

I'm sure our numbers are microscopic compared to the well-known brands. We just shipped 4 of the sit inside models to a fishing lodge  Sitka AK, though Korea may actually be the farthest international destination so far. 

Was your new SOT Raptor a direct response to kayak anglers' input regarding the original "sit inside" design?

There has never been a sit inside kayak like the Raptor. Its shortcomings were the ability to challenge the surf zones and the high cost to produce it. Most likely it was a big mistake on my part, but on the other hand we have a growing number of  believers who appreciate the Sit Inside design. I'm amazed by the responses from anglers about the SOT model. We can't seem to make it fast enough to meet demand.

Are there any performance differences with the new SOT design?

The biggest performance change is it's faster by about 20%. I also noticed much better control in the surf zone, both entering and surfing in on a wave. Subtle changes in the hull design made a huge difference.

Can you explain to our readers how your kayaks differ from typical fishing SOT's?

Sure, you won't be able to flip this kayak over without a deliberate effort.

What's the biggest fish caught from a Santa Cruz Kayaks Raptor so far?

I pulled in a 28lb Halibut last September. Got the pix and video too.

What are the worst conditions you've paddled the Raptor in, and how did it handle?

Every boat has its limitations of course. One winter day we took it out  the harbor entrance at Moss Landing to see how it would perform.  There were 10' seas that day and winds were 20 - 25 knots.   I had wind swept waves that crashed over the bow but were easily deflected by the high coaming. Going out that day in those conditions really built up my confidence in what the design is capable of.

What’s the best thing about the Raptor?

For the Sit Inside, It's like sitting in a boat, stable and dry. You can set your gear down inside without worry about dropping it overboard or down a scupper hole.

For the SOT model- the surfing ability! Both have the same unparalleled stability .

What’s the thing you'd most want to improve on the Raptor at this point?

Sales! ha-ha. Seriously, I'd like it to turn easier. There's always a trade off in every design. The trade off is this yak tracks beautifully, even in a crosswind.  It points and paddles a straight course without need for a rudder. 

What warranty do your kayaks come with?

We're very confident offering a lifetime warranty on the hull. These things are indestructible. One had a forklift run through it. It welds easily and that one is back on the water.

How is your entry into the fishing kayak market going?

We survived our first year, this one has been noticeably better. Seems like it takes a while for people to get over the initial shock of this kayak that is so different from what they are used to seeing.    I've heard all sorts of assumptions from those who had never seen or paddled one. I used to get defensive over that, now I just laugh it off and go fishing.

Read more...

Introducing the Hobie Mirage “Pro Angler 12”

Hobie has unveiled the newest addition to their fleet of angling kayaks. The new Mirage ”Pro Angler 12” may be their most versatile fishing craft yet. No matter what type of water you fish, the Pro Angler 12 is ready to handle it, and boasts more f...

Read more...

Jackson Kayak Big Tuna

Jackson Kayak has once again teamed up with professional kayak angler pioneer Drew Gregory to announce the release of their newest fishing kayak, the Big Tuna – a solo or tandem fishing vessel. The launch date for the highly anticipated boat is set for Monday, April 2. This is the third fishing kayak that Jackson Kayak and Gregory have developed together following last year’s Coosa and the ‘Cuda, released earlier this year.

The Big Tuna is a vessel unlike any other on the market, with several never-before-seen features in the kayak fishing world. One of the unique elements is the "Tuna Tank" (patent pending), a bait/live well that requires no plumbing or electronics. The operating directions are to simply put your kayak in the water. It’s that simple, because it utilizes water from beneath the boat to circulate into the tank keeping fish lively and fresh. The tank also resides in the center of the boat for easy access, bait management and optimum boat performance.

This one-of-a-kind boat took a diverse and experienced team to develop. Gregory worked once again with head of research and development Tony Lee and top assistant Scott Henderson. Also contributing unique elements was veteran kayak architect Joe Walton. Together with Jackson Kayak’s "head coach" Joe Pulliam, they have delivered a smart, feature-rich boat for enthusiasts in the burgeoning kayak fishing market.

"The Big Tuna is literally the most versatile kayak I’ve ever seen," Gregory explained. "Sure, it’s a fishing kayak that can handle any style of fishing and do it with multiple anglers in the boat, but it is also built to handle any number of activities from general family recreation, to scuba, snorkeling, hunting, crabbing, lobstering, bow fishing, spear fishing and of course it’s the perfect guide boat!"

"I can’t tell you how fired up I am to finally have a tandem fishing kayak for myself and our customers," said Eric Jackson, president of Jackson Kayak and member of the JK fishing team. "This kayak is a game changer for fishermen worldwide."

Other prominent Big Tuna features include the popular elite seats, with Jackson Kayak’s signature "hi/lo" seating as well as the new "face-time" seating. This allows users to rotate the front seat and face their partner. The boat’s functionality allows for more than 100 seating combinations. Jackson Kayak’s architects have made the Big Tuna easily convertible and fishable as a solo boat as well.

The Big Tuna will retail for $1,499 ($1,699 with rudder) and measures 14.1 feet in length and 35.5 inches in width. The boat will have a weight capacity of 575 pounds.

Read more...

Jackson Kayak launches the “Big Tuna”

No, theyare not talking about Jim Halpert from the television series “The Office”.  The Jackson Kayak “Big Tuna” is the latest fishing kayak created by Jackson and their spokesman Drew Gregory.  This is the third (and quite possibly m...

Read more...

Hobie Introduces the Pro Angler 12

Hobie Cat® Introduces the Hobie® Mirage® Pro Angler 12

Their Most Versatile Fishing Boat Ever

Oceanside, California, April 15, 2012 – Advancing its vision for new heights in fishing, Hobie unveils the lightweight and compact Mirage Pro Angler 12 that may be the most versatile fishing boat to ever come out of their Oceanside, California factory. Its target customer is anyone who wants to fish lakes, rivers or open ocean with no boundaries. At 120 pounds fully rigged, the 12 foot long, 36 inch wide hull sports a 500-pound weight capacity and delivers new levels of innovation packed full of must-have angler features. These include such things as the Hobie MirageDrive® pedal propulsion system, the all new Vantage Seating, “Lowrance® Ready” Fishfinder Installation System, Pivoting Tackle Management System and vertical/horizontal storage for six rods. MSRP: $2549. The Pro Angler 12 is proudly made in the U.S.A.

“Our team is made up of several extremely creative and experienced individuals who strive to put forth the best in fishing technology. After months of hard work and testing, it is our conclusion that the following features truly combine to make the perfect fishing kayak,” noted Morgan Promnitz, Hobie’s fishing product manager.

MirageDrive: The iconic feature on the Pro Angler 12 is Hobie’s patented MirageDrive pedal propulsion system. The self-centering padded pedals are connected to two underwater flippers, functioning much like penguin wings. Pedaling is done alternatively left and right, like walking, to drive the flippers. It is a quiet and efficient mode of propulsion that maximizes fishability.

Vantage Seating: The standard definition of Vantage is “an advantage in a competition; superiority; and a position, condition or opportunity that is likely to provide superiority.” The new Hobie Vantage seat fits all these descriptions. This deluxe chair is designed with Hobie’s new comfort-mesh for breathability and with fore/aft and five-inch up/down adjustment without getting out of the seat. Got lumbar support? The integrated Boa® System allows for ultimate lumbar support. Ready to stand up and fish? The seat will fold up out of the way. Ready for some beach time? The seat is easily removable for use on-shore.

Boa® Adjustment: A Boa system on the back of the seat provides one-handed dial, full range of adjustment, for lumbar support. It is quick and easy and once locked into place, stays that way.

Fishfinder Installation System: A Lowrance-Ready built-in transducer mount features pre-installed through-hull cable plugs. Fishfinders can be installed in minutes without gluing transducers or drilling holes in the kayak and they provide accurate readings from sonar or DSI (DownScan Imaging) – the latest technology in 3D imaging for fishfinders.

Pivoting Tackle Management System: The newly-designed large rectangular center hatch features a pivoting compartment that houses and includes two medium sized Plano® tackle boxes.

Port/Starboard Dual-steering: Steering is controlled via an oversized fingertip steering handle on the left side, making it easy to cast, hook and land fish while maneuvering to that secret spot. What if the preference is for right handed steering? No problem. Steering from both sides comes standard and the main handle can easily be moved from one side to the other, whatever the preference.

Rod Storage: Two vertical molded-in rod holders angled for trolling and four horizontal built-in rod holders with rod tip protection ensure the right equipment is always on-board for any species or waters.

As with all Hobie products, the features do not just end with the bigger and obvious ones. Keep checking. Front, rear and side handles make the boat easy to move or transport. Brass inserts are strategically placed for the optional anchor trolley kit. The removable front hatch liner is sized for the daily catch, drinks on ice or gear. Two replaceable mounting boards can handle a variety of electronics and rod holders. Anti-skid floor mats make it easy to stand up and fish. The boat even has a receptacle for an after-market accessories mount or sail and mast.

And the list goes on.

Like all Hobie boats, the Pro Angler 12 meets the National Marine Manufacturers Association certification requirements for flotation.

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes and markets an impressive collection of watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks and fishing boats, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.

Read more...

Pelican Debuts its Affordable “Pulse” Series of Kayaks.

Pelican International’s feature-packed “Pulse” series of kayaks aims to get more paddlers on the water for as little as $229.

LAVAL, QUEBEC, March 5, 2012 – Outdoor enthusiasts who have been waiting for a kayak that offers impressive performance at an affordable price are in luck this year. Pelican International, world leader in boating innovation, recently announced that as a result of the company’s ongoing efforts in research and development and its continuous investment in the latest boat building technology, Pelican’s 2012 offerings will include the “Pulse” family of kayaks, enabling paddlers to get onto the water for as little as $229 (MSRP).

The “Pulse” line consists of 5 sit-in kayak models, including two “angler” models equipped with specialized fishing accessories such as swivel rod holders and flush mount rod holders. The line ranges in price from $229 for a basic 10-foot model to $499 for a fully equipped 12-foot angling kayak. Pelican’s newest family-friendly recreational kayaks are simple, economical, versatile kayaks built on a new hull platform that provides the perfect balance between lively performance and stability. All models represent incomparable value in their respective classes.

Superior kayak building technology

In addition to exceptional affordability, Pelican kayaks offer unsurpassed performance and durability. Since 1968, the company has developed several exclusive boat building materials, including RAM-X ™, a multi-layer material that has become the benchmark of quality in the industry for its high impact-resistance, its ability to regain its initial shape after a violent impact and its low-maintenance, UV-protected exterior finish.

Pelican is also the only North American kayak manufacturer to use Twin Sheet Thermoforming (TST) technology. This technology allows the company to use higher grades of plastic, resulting in stiffer, lighter, more durable products. The combination of Pelican’s proprietary materials with the TST process results in a lightweight kayak that offers unparalleled rigidity, exceptional impact and breakage resistance and superior safety.

Environmentally responsible

As a company that promotes enjoyment of the great outdoors, Pelican remains firmly committed to protecting the environment. The company recycles 99.9% of the scrap created during the manufacturing process and uses post-industrial recycled plastic in over half of the boats they produce. In addition, Pelican’s 430,000 square foot North American factory uses specially designed air ducts to redirect the heat released by ovens during the molding process to heat the entire facility during the winter months.

Pelican Kayaks are available at authorized retailers throughout North America. To learn more about Pelican International, please visit http://www.pelicansport.com/

###

Founded in 1968 and based in Laval, Quebec, Pelican is a world leader in the manufacture of kayaks, canoes, small fishing boats, pedal boats and outdoor winter toys. Pelican International promotes safe boating, advising all passengers to wear a coast guard-approved personal flotation device at all times when aboard a boat.

Read more...