Perception Swing

I really like the look of this kayak. From all reports it is sleek, stable, and best of all - cheap! I believe that I could pick up a second-hander for about $1000 with a few extras. I can't find any official reviews on this yak as it was produced in the USA and they have discontinued production, but I am yet to find an owner who is unhappy with it. At 4.01m and with a width of 71cm it seems stable and fast.

The official specs....

Length: 4.01m
Width: 76cm
Weight: 25kg
Capacity: 170kg

The Perception Swing ‘Angler’ is a fast, versatile, extremely stable, multi-scuppered (self draining), sit-on-top fishing kayak. Manufactured to a very high standard from tough, roto-moulded linear polyethylene and fitted with only the very best quality accessories and mounting hardware, the Swing ‘Angler’ is ideally suited for freshwater, estuary and open water fishing.

Wavedance Kingfisher

Ok due to the new budget restrictions, I'm looking at a slightly cheaper model. At about $899 new, I could almost have some cash left over for a better paddle/seat and even a sounder. Still, I'd like to get a fully rigged one second hand if possible. The only downside to his I can see is that it isn't going to be great in rougher conditions (Maybe eliminating the ability to target snapper or even squid), but it seems to be the cheapest 4m+ kayak on the market.


The Kingfisher combines the advantages of a sit-on-top with the efficiency of a traditional sea kayak the new single can be used in flat water, moderate ocean conditions and slow flowing rivers.

Designed to take you and your gear efficiently to where you want to go, the new single has two large hatches and a large cargo well allowing easy access to your fishing tackle, dive and other gear.

The Kingfisher is available with or without a rudder.

• Three storage hatches.
• Two large strapped hatches front and rear.
• Central personal hatch (bag-lined).
• Quarter turn bayonet fitting hatch cover in centre.
• Moulded seat and foot braces.
• Scupper holes positioned away from seat.
• Safety grabline edging rim.
• Equipment securing points.
• Carry handles (bow and stern).
• Threaded drain plug.
• Stabilising ‘shoulders’.
• Smooth hull, textured deck.
• Superlinear polyethylene construction

The Australian Kayak Fishing Forum

My current dilemma is that my budget has been slashed from just over $2k to just over $1k. Most of my current research into the world of kayaking is null and void, so I decided to head over to the Australian Kayak Fishing Forum. I have posted a couple of times now, with my most recent post looking at my dilemma. The current post can be found here.
Some of the new yaks suggested are as follows:

• Perception Swing


• Wavedance Kingfisher


• OK Prowler 13


• Hobie Quest

I already have a review of the Hobie Quest, but as for the rest I'll have to look into them. It may end up that I purchase whichever one I can find for sale in Vic, but hopefully I'll have the opportunity to test drive a few of them first!

Hobie Pro Angler

The ultimate fishing kayak. This almost seems more like a boat to me at 4.17m long and 97cm wide. It has a great padded seat and more storage room for rods and tackle than you would ever need. If only it weren't $3.350!

The official spiel....

Look no further, your answer has arrived. Introducing the new Hobie Mirage Pro Angler. One of the world's lightest, most efficient, featured-filled boats on the market today. A revolutionary design breakthrough with extraordinary stability. It has everything you need to maximize your angling experience without sacrificing comfort, functionality or storage capabilities.

The Pro Angler comes loaded with features that puts it in a class by itself. With a capacity of over 600 lbs., you can bring it all. Protected horizontal storage for up to six rods and two additional vertical rod holders. Space for 13 Plano® tackle boxes, three in-hull storage compartments, plus an additional large on-deck storage area for an optional livewell or cooler. You get a fully-adjustable, breathable Cool Ride seat, a work area/cutting board and replaceable mounting boards on each side to attach your fish finder, GPS, lights, or downriggers. The Pro Angler is powered by the Hobie MirageDrive™, which allows you to enjoy fishing without the noise and expense of a gas engine.

On the forums...

Hobie Pro Angler
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5824

Hobie Revolution

The Hobie Revolution is a sleek, well designed yak. It's length is 4.09m, which makes it glide through the water and the miragedrive system would let me sneak up quietly on those easily spookable schools of EP's at Bemm River. This would currently have to be my number 1 kayak choice.


The official review from Hobie....

The Hobie Mirage Revolution Fish has the speed of the Adventure, utility of the Outback, and maneuverability of the Sport. It provides an easy to use, stable, and efficient alternative to traditional fishing boats. It will enhance your fishing experience with a deluxe cockpit and the speed to get you to the best spots quickly. Maneuvers easily on shallow flats, rivers, lakes and oceans. Now you're ready to yell ... Hook Up!!!

What the forums are saying...

Hobie Revolution 1st impressions
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4279

Which Hobie Revo or Outback?
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2885

Hobie Quest

Ok, onto the biggest name in kayaks - Hobie. One kayak that looks fast, adaptable and ready to fish is the Hobie Quest. If I do look at getting a paddle yak, and can't source a Malibu Stealth 14 then this would be my number 1 choice to test out!


The official review....

The revolutionary new Hobie Quest Fisherman is the ultimate fishing kayak for paddlers. Its hull design is very fast, yet super stable. The cockpit layout provides everything you need within reach, including two large hatches, three rod holders, mesh-covered stowage pockets, and plenty of room for gear. Now it's time to jump into your Quest and go catch the big one.

Malibu Stealth 14

This seems to be a really good kayak. It is super stable at 84cm wide and 4.37m long. It has everything you need for fishing, heaps of storage areas, but the one problem I can find is that there seems to be no distributors in Australia!


The official spiel.....

The S-14 offers our brand new patented casting platform/center live well storage system. This 3-hatch center deck offers extra storage capacity and convenient mid-ship bait tank system. As with all our kayaks, the spacious hull can fit almost anything along with your fishing rods completely out of the elements when necessary. Package loaded with low profile Gator Hatch, side carry/paddle holders, adjustable foot track system, 45-degree angled hatch with bag, 2 front/2 rear flush rod holders.

On the forums...

Malibu Stealth 14 & Stealth 12
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3978

Feel Free Moken

The Feel Free Moken has caught my imagination and looks to be a mid-range price 'yak with a fair bit to offer. A longish one again at 3.99m, and it comes with quite a bit of storage capacity.

These things look built for fishing.

The official line...

Introducing Feelfree’s ultimate fishing kayak – the Moken. Named to honor the Moken people, whose nomadic sea fishing culture helped them survive the 2004 tsunami, the 13ft Moken brims with features fisherman crave. It sports a bow storage plus two additional cockpit hatches, with additional room for a storage crate and bait bucket. Within reach of the paddler is a handy flip-up console for lures and gear, with a nearby mounting area for additional fishing rod holders and fish finder. Completing the outfitting are molded-in carry handles on the bow and sides plus a rudder system. It’s a real keeper!

From the forums....

Feel Free Moken
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3015

Prowler Elite 4.5

The first kayak review! I'm looking at this 'yak because it seems stable, and at 4.5m it is long enough to generate some speed if I choose to fish offshore but also seems a stable fishing platform. However, the weight of 35.4kg makes it seem pretty cumbersome and its storage capacities seem limited.

Here is the official review:

The Prowler Elite is the latest release in the Prowler series, incorporating a number of features designed for kayak fishing. The huge storage capacity provides more than enough room for all your gear, be it fishing, diving or just plain fun paddling, and the fishing specific features make it a choice amongst kayak anglers. These features include Fish Finder mount with transducer entry through hull, rod holders and ability to attach front rod holder.

Comes complete with rudder, polyethylene construction hull, seat system, large rear moulded-in storage area with bungy straps, tackle box tray, self draining cockpit and paddle holder.

From the forums.....

New Prowler Elite 4.5
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=323

Prowler or Predator?
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2392

Prowler Elite 4.5
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=985

Why a kayak?

I'll be the first to admit I have been turned off by the cold and rain when I could have taken the boat out and got onto some fish. I have in the past been a bit soft in this regard. However, due to the difficulty of getting into some spots I want to fish (Such as the Bass river) and the stealth of sneaking up on a school (Like EP's on the snags at Bemm River) I would like to purchase a kayak. This is also because I want to stay fit and healthy. So join me on my journy as I review, test and ultimately buy a kayak that is suitable for my needs for fishing but also fitness - And hopefully hear about my catches of some good fish and exploration of new territories!