As a passionate angler who loves spending time on the water, I’ve always been on the hunt for a fishing kayak that checks all the boxes—stability, comfort, and convenience. After testing various models, I can confidently say that Pelican fishing kayaks deliver on all fronts. With their innovative designs and angler-focused features, they’ve become a top contender for anyone looking to level up their fishing game.
Here’s my firsthand experience with Pelican’s fishing kayaks and why I think they’re worth considering.
First Impressions
The moment I saw a Pelican kayak, I could tell it was built for durability and functionality. The sleek design, paired with thoughtful details like built-in rod holders and ample storage, immediately caught my attention. What stood out most was how lightweight these kayaks are compared to others I’ve tried. Pelican’s thermoformed construction ensures they’re easy to transport without compromising on strength.
Stability That Inspires Confidence
One of my biggest concerns when fishing from a kayak is stability. I often stand while casting, so I needed something that wouldn’t make me feel like I was balancing on a tightrope. Pelican’s fishing kayaks, particularly “The Catch” series, are incredibly stable. The wide, flat hull design made standing up to fish feel secure, even when the water wasn’t perfectly calm.
Whether I was reeling in a larger catch or shifting my weight to grab gear, the kayak stayed steady. This stability was a game-changer for me, allowing me to focus on fishing rather than worrying about tipping over.
Comfort for Long Days on the Water
If you’ve ever spent hours fishing, you know how important a comfortable seat is. Pelican gets this right. Their adjustable seating systems, especially in “The Catch” models, offer excellent back support and padding. I was able to adjust the seat height and recline to find the perfect position for paddling or relaxing between casts.
There’s also plenty of legroom, which is a big plus for taller individuals like me. Even after a full day on the water, I didn’t experience the usual aches and stiffness I’ve had with other kayaks.
Designed for Anglers
Pelican fishing kayaks are designed with anglers in mind, and it shows in the details. Here are some features I found especially useful:
- Rod Holders: The built-in rod holders are strategically placed for convenience. I could set up multiple rods and keep my hands free while paddling or managing other gear.
- Ample Storage: From spacious rear tank wells to dry hatches, there’s more than enough room for tackle boxes, coolers, and personal items.
- Deck Space: The flat, open deck provides plenty of space to move around, whether you’re casting, reeling in, or adjusting gear.
- Accessory Mounts: Many models come with mounts for adding accessories like fish finders or GPS devices.
The Models I Tested
The Catch 100
This compact 10-foot kayak surprised me with its performance. Despite its shorter length, it felt stable and easy to maneuver. It’s a great choice if you’re fishing in smaller lakes or tighter waterways. The Catch 100 is lightweight, making it super easy to load and transport on my own.
The Catch 120
For a larger option, I tried The Catch 120, which offers more space and added stability. This model was perfect for stand-up fishing and provided a smoother ride in choppier waters. The extra storage was a big bonus for longer trips when I needed to pack more gear.
The Catch 130 HyDryve
This was my first experience with a pedal-driven kayak, and it didn’t disappoint. The HyDryve system allows you to propel the kayak with your feet, keeping your hands free for fishing. It felt efficient and easy to use, even for a pedal-kayak novice like me.
Lightweight and Easy to Transport
One of the standout features of Pelican kayaks is how lightweight they are. Transporting them to and from the water was a breeze. I could load the kayak onto my car roof rack without needing extra help, which is a huge plus if you often fish solo.
Launching the kayak was just as easy. The manageable weight and compact size (especially with the Catch 100) meant I could carry it to the water’s edge without breaking a sweat.
Areas for Improvement
While I loved my experience with Pelican fishing kayaks, there were a couple of areas where I think they could improve:
- Pedal System Learning Curve: If you’re new to pedal kayaks like I was, it might take a little time to get used to the HyDryve system. Once I got the hang of it, though, it became second nature.
- Limited Accessories Included: While the kayaks are ready for customization, I had to purchase some accessories, like a fish finder mount and additional rod holders, separately.
Final Thoughts
Pelican fishing kayaks offer an exceptional combination of stability, comfort, and angler-focused features. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable entry-level kayak or an experienced angler seeking advanced features like a pedal drive, Pelican has something for everyone.
Personally, I loved the versatility and performance of The Catch 120, but if you’re tight on space or prefer something more portable, The Catch 100 is a fantastic option. For those who want the added convenience of hands-free navigation, The Catch 130 HyDryve is worth every penny.
Fishing from a Pelican kayak has transformed my time on the water, making every trip more enjoyable and productive. If you’re considering a fishing kayak, I highly recommend giving Pelican a try—you won’t be disappointed. Happy fishing! 🎣