Ok..need some input here. I am finally purchasing a couple of fishing Kayaks and have spent countless hours narrowing down to the Perception Pescador (Sport) 12' or 10' based on I absolutely agree that the 12' foot is the better kayak and will be faster and straighter, however my concern is portability and storage, therefore I am leaning towards the 10'. I know I will struggle to get the 12' on and off a rack on top of an suv by myself..especially if the wind is blowing...and I dont want to scratch up the paint on the vehicle. I think I am willing to sacrifice the speed and tracking ability of the 12' in order to get a yak that I can easily load by myself and hang on the garage wall for storage. Basically..the 12' looks huge in the store and difficult to manage on dry land.
I am 6' and 190 lbs. I want to fish nearshore in the bays and small lakes and ponds. I have no desire to paddle all day or get any further than a mile max away from a launch point. I take a minimalist aproach to fishing..two rods, some hooks and some soft plastics or a few flies and I am set, so I dont need tons of storage or additional weight capacity. ( the 12' is rated at 350lbs and the 10' is rated at 325lbs).
So you experienced guys...how much performance am I going to give up by buying a 10' over the 12'? Is the 12' easier to manage on dry land that it appears?
Any input would be welcome.
Need advice..10' or 12' Perception Pescador..my first kayak.
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:29 pm
Re: Need advice..10' or 12' Perception Pescador..my first kayak.
First, welcome to TKF.
Next, this is just my opinion and it's worth exactly the amount you paid for it.
I think you'll be sorry if you don't get the 12. It only weighs 8 pounds more than the 10. I put a 15 1/2 foot boat on top of my Jeep by myself all the time. A strategicly placed towel will prevent scratches on your vehicle. We have an older Tarpon 100 (same as the Pescador 10) and while it's a great yak, it doesn't track nearly as well as the longer yaks. I paddled a new Tarpon 120 the other day, and I was suprised at how well it tracked, how stable it was, and how roomy it seemed. I hear what you're saying about not getting too far away from the launch, but even a mile is a long paddle when you have to paddle only on one side because the wind keeps turning you. Also, I found that what I expected to do with my first yak and what I am really doing is two different things.
I also think that you will get more of your money back selling used 12's than you will 10's, if you decide to upgrade later. Again, just my opinion.
I don't know where you live, but TG Canoe & Kayak carries the Pescador 10's and 12's for the same price as Academy. They will be glad to let you paddle both yaks. I would also rather buy from a reputable yak shop as well, where you will get service after the sale. Whatever you decide, the best of luck to you.
Next, this is just my opinion and it's worth exactly the amount you paid for it.
I think you'll be sorry if you don't get the 12. It only weighs 8 pounds more than the 10. I put a 15 1/2 foot boat on top of my Jeep by myself all the time. A strategicly placed towel will prevent scratches on your vehicle. We have an older Tarpon 100 (same as the Pescador 10) and while it's a great yak, it doesn't track nearly as well as the longer yaks. I paddled a new Tarpon 120 the other day, and I was suprised at how well it tracked, how stable it was, and how roomy it seemed. I hear what you're saying about not getting too far away from the launch, but even a mile is a long paddle when you have to paddle only on one side because the wind keeps turning you. Also, I found that what I expected to do with my first yak and what I am really doing is two different things.
I also think that you will get more of your money back selling used 12's than you will 10's, if you decide to upgrade later. Again, just my opinion.
I don't know where you live, but TG Canoe & Kayak carries the Pescador 10's and 12's for the same price as Academy. They will be glad to let you paddle both yaks. I would also rather buy from a reputable yak shop as well, where you will get service after the sale. Whatever you decide, the best of luck to you.
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:29 pm
Re: Need advice..10' or 12' Perception Pescador..my first kayak.
Thanks for the advice. I have decided to purchase one 12' and one 10' Perception Pescador. If The 12' is too difficult to handle by myself, I will just take the 10' when going out solo...my plan on buying 2 is so I don't have to go solo, but sometimes it is nice to get out by yourself and clear your mind with a day of fishing. I live in the Dallas area and would prefer to buy from a Kayak shop instead of Mass Merchant, but think my options are limited here.
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- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:44 pm
- Location: Wylie
Re: Need advice..10' or 12' Perception Pescador..my first kayak.
Did you look at Mountain Sports in Arlington? Seem like good people and they have a good selection. Also they have a demo days coming up on 12 May so you may want to hold off until you can demo some. For $5 you can demo any boat at the lake.bonfirekills wrote:Thanks for the advice. I have decided to purchase one 12' and one 10' Perception Pescador. If The 12' is too difficult to handle by myself, I will just take the 10' when going out solo...my plan on buying 2 is so I don't have to go solo, but sometimes it is nice to get out by yourself and clear your mind with a day of fishing. I live in the Dallas area and would prefer to buy from a Kayak shop instead of Mass Merchant, but think my options are limited here.
Re: Need advice..10' or 12' Perception Pescador..my first kayak.
So if you had to do it all over again 10' or 12'?
My buddy says 12' is too long and will be harder to fish with in tight quarters but I still leaning that way.
Thanks...
My buddy says 12' is too long and will be harder to fish with in tight quarters but I still leaning that way.
Thanks...