Fishing kayaks have taken the market by storm, offering anglers a more affordable and flexible alternative to motorboats. While high-end kayaks can cost a fortune, there is a subsection of the market that focuses on fishing-specific kayaks under $1,000. If you’re looking for a versatile kayak that won’t break the bank, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into my experiences with the Pelican Catch Mode 110 kayak, priced at just $740, to help you determine if it’s the perfect fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Exploring the Pelican Catch Mode 110 Kayak
- Price: $740 USD
- Length: 10′ 8″
- Width: 34.5″
- Weight: 63 lbs (28.5 kg)
- Capacity: 375 lbs (170 kg)
The Catch Mode 110 boasts an array of features, including four carry handles, a retractable skeg, a suspension seat that doubles as a booster seat, a covered front storage area with a paddle holder, gear tracks for accessories, two bottle holders, traction pads, three flush-mount rod holders, and bungees in the rear tank well for securing your gear.
Portability and Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Pelican Catch Mode 110 is its portability. Compared to most sit-on-top fishing kayaks, it is impressively lightweight. Its sub-11-foot design further enhances its overall maneuverability. The large side grab handles make it easy to carry the kayak like a suitcase, with enough clearance to prevent your fingers from getting pinched—a common issue with side handles. While it may not compete with highly portable kayaks, it strikes a good balance between size and convenience.
Stability and Performance
In terms of stability, the Catch Mode 110 impresses in all three positions: normal, elevated, and standing. The ability to sit higher or stand raises your center of gravity, which could potentially compromise stability. However, the Catch Mode 110 is skillfully designed to compensate for this, ensuring a solid and stable platform for your fishing adventures.
As for performance, it’s important to note that the Catch Mode 110 prioritizes stability over speed. Its short and wide sit-on-top body is not engineered for speed, but rather to serve as a stable fishing platform. The retractable skeg enhances tracking, ensuring you spend less energy on constant course corrections. However, it’s worth mentioning that the skeg cannot be retracted from within the cockpit, requiring you to paddle to shore and manually adjust it.
Comfort and Features
The Catch Mode 110 offers excellent comfort with its range of positions—low/normal, cross-legged, elevated, and standing. Equipped with a suspension seat, it conforms to your body shape for a personalized and comfortable fit. The wide seat accommodates a variety of body types, enhancing the overall comfort.
When it comes to minor drawbacks, the seat’s back support is slightly high, lacking adequate lumbar support. The seat also tends to shift from side to side while paddling, which can be remedied by placing some material between the seat and the kayak’s sides. Additionally, taller individuals may find that the foot pegs max out, affecting comfort and impeding paddling, while shorter individuals will have a more enjoyable experience with the ample legroom.
Noteworthy Features
The Catch Mode 110 offers a few notable features. The bow storage area with its removable cover provides a convenient space for stashing gear within reach. The bungee-style water bottle holders on each side prevent your drink from sloshing about and scaring away fish. However, the placement of the gear tracks is less than ideal, as mounted accessories can be knocked by your paddle. These tracks would have been better situated further forward or behind the seat.
The Value of the Pelican Catch Mode 110
Despite a few quirks, the Pelican Catch Mode 110 offers exceptional value at just $740. For a fishing-specific kayak with a range of features, this price point is hard to beat. While there are other comparable kayaks on the market, such as the Perception Pescador, the Catch Mode 110 steals the show with its more comfortable suspension seat.
Who Should Consider the Catch Mode 110?
The Catch Mode 110 caters to a wide range of users. It serves as an excellent entry-level kayak for those new to kayak fishing, providing the versatility to enjoy both fishing and casual paddling. Even experienced anglers can customize the Catch Mode 110 to their liking, saving money while still having a fantastic time on the water. While it may lack the efficiency for long paddling excursions or sprinting capabilities, it excels as a stable platform for both anglers and recreational kayakers.
In conclusion, the Pelican Catch Mode 110 is a reliable and affordable fishing kayak that offers great value for its price. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, this kayak will provide hours of enjoyment on the water. For more kayak breakdowns, helpful tips, and insightful videos, visit UpStreamPaddle.
