For those that have never been kayak fishing — you’re missing out. If you want to get into it, then we recommend you check out the Pelican Catch 100. We gave it a ride and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s hands-down one of the best fishing kayaks we’ve ever used.
To help you determine if this kayak is for you, we’re going to give you a quick rundown of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Catch 100. But trust us, the good outweighs everything else.
| Feature/Specification | Pelican Catch 100 |
|---|---|
| Length | 10′ (305 cm) |
| Width | 34″ (86 cm) |
| Weight | 57 lbs (27 kg) |
| Deck Height | 15″ (38 cm) |
| Max Capacity | 350 lbs (159 kg) |
Design and build quality.
Right out of the gates, we noticed that this wasn’t just any kayak. The Catch 100 looks and feels like a high-quality piece of gear.
The Pelican Catch 100 is a sit-on-top kayak made from high-density Polyethylene material, with a width of 34 inches, a length of 10 feet, and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The kayak has a tunnel hull design that enhances stability, making it ideal for lake and slow-moving river fishing.
For what it’s worth, in our tests, we just did some local lake fishing.
Sometimes, the best features are the little things. The kayak comes with a quick-lock hatch that is easy to access and provides room for storing your gear. When you’re out on the water, this is a huge plus.
As the name suggests, the Pelican Catch 100 is designed with fishing in mind. It comes equipped with flush mount rod holders and anchors that make it easier to fish from different angles while still keeping your hands free for reeling in the big catch.
Comfort is a priority.
Long days on the water are enough to give anyone a sore back and numb butt. That’s why we appreciate the effort Pelican put into making sure this kayak is comfortable.
The kayak comes with adjustable footrests and Ergocast cushioned seats that are not only comfortable but also allow you to spend long hours on the water without experiencing any discomfort. It also comes with a specifically designed carrying handle that makes it extremely easy to transport the kayak around once you’re on land.
For example, we took a break out on an island, and we were able to pull it up onto the shoreline with ease.
If you’re a bit older and the idea of kayak fishing makes you a little nervous, this kayak provides stability and reassurance. The tunnel hull design mentioned earlier, along with the deep V-chine hull, makes sure that the Catch 100 is as stable as possible.
Whether you’re a veteran on the water or a newbie, you’ll feel confident and secure in this kayak.
Performance you expect from Pelican.
One of the most significant advantages of the Pelican Catch 100 is its length, which is ideal for cranking up speed and enabling anglers to glide more efficiently through the water. The 10′ length does come with a drawback, however. You may be limited on how you transport it. We had to use our pickup truck to get it to the lake. If you have a sedan, you might be in trouble.
Its impressive tracking ability allows for seamless movement even in choppy waters. Oftentimes, we would opt for the bass boat if the water is choppy, but this kayak can handle some chop.
When it comes to maneuvering, the Catch 100 is surprisingly nimble. It has a tight turning radius and responds well to paddle strokes, making it easy to navigate through narrow waterways or around obstacles.
We were also impressed with its stability when standing up, which can be a challenge in some kayaks. This made casting and reeling in fish a breeze.
Ease of use.
As we mentioned before, we like the little things that make kayaking and fishing easier.
The Pelican Catch 100 weighs only 57 pounds, making it easy to load and unload from your vehicle to the water. Compared to other kayaks like the Perception Outlaw (another phenomenal fishing kayak) at 77 pounds, this kayak is a breeze to handle.
The adjustable footrests and cushioned seats make it easy to customize the kayak for your specific needs and comfort level. Plus, the quick-lock hatch provides easy access to gear while out on the water.
Value for money.
The Pelican Catch 100 is one of the most reasonably priced kayaks in the market that offers anglers excellent value for money.
When you take the quality and the features it brings to the table, you would expect to pay well over $1,000. However, you’ll be surprised. This kayak retails for around $600.
That Outlaw we mentioned, that’s $950, for a comparison.
So not only do you get a high-quality, comfortable, and stable kayak, but you also get it at an affordable price.
Pros and cons of the Pelican Catch 100
There are very few cons to this kayak, but we’ll try our best. We did some intensive testing, and here’s what we found—
| Pros of Pelican Catch 100 | Cons of Pelican Catch 100 |
|---|---|
| Stable and sturdy design: The kayak is designed to provide maximum stability which is crucial for fishing. | Not ideal for long trips: Due to its size and weight, it may not be the best choice for longer trips. |
| Comfortable seating: The dual-position seating system allows you to adjust your position for optimal comfort. | Limited color options: Currently, it is available in only two colors: Forest Mist and Outback. |
| Good load capacity: With a maximum capacity of 350 lbs, it can accommodate a good amount of gear for fishing. | No rudder system: The absence of a rudder system might affect the steering in windy conditions. |
| Affordable pricing: Compared to other fishing kayaks in the market, the Pelican Catch 100 is relatively affordable. | Storage could be better: Some users have reported that the storage options could be more versatile. They were adequate for our needs. |
| Easy to maneuver: Despite its size, it’s easy to steer and control. |
The Catch 100 is a fisherman’s dream.
The Pelican Catch 100 is an excellent option for anglers looking for a budget-friendly sit-on-top kayak with the perfect blend of stability and speed.
Its unique design, build quality, and features make it stand out from the competition.
So, if you’re planning to take up fishing or just looking for a new kayak, the Pelican Catch 100 is undoubtedly worth considering. Even if you’re new to kayak fishing, the Catch 100 is user-friendly and will make your experience on the water comfortable and enjoyable.
About the Author
