jcoss15

Thanks for the info guys been doing some research and I don't think the tracking will be that much of a problem since I will mainly be fishing sloughs and rivers. On the river I drag a small chunk of chain behind that slows/stops my drift so I can fish. That should keep me from zigging and zagging...hopefully

Seatmech86

Okay with that in mind after you purchase you may find that you need an anchor trolley which allows you to adjust your anchor position fore and aft to keep you pointed I the direction you intend to cast in. If current and/or wind is a factor you'll find out like I did, it comes in really handy. Harmony sells a universal kit that I picked up at Pensacola Kayak and Sail for $30. The directions were a bit funny but I managed to make it work without the cleat.

Robin

My ex-girlfriend had the 11'6" and she did well.It's a good fishing craft she alway's did well,never had it in the gulf,just the rivers.She used it for trips down Juniper and all the little streams,no problems.

Razzorduck

Just don't take a Pelican offshore. Many horror stories and some i've witnessed myself. The seam will leak it's just a matter of time.

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Better tighten that drag boy. He's gonna spool ya!

Foulhook

I bought my castaway 116 about 6 years ago now and have managed to catch plenty of fish. The forward hatch does leak like a screen door when you take a wave over the bow. The leakage can be minimized with the addition of rubber gaskets mentioned earlier. I fish in the bay and in the gulf with mine and have added an anchor trolley system. At the time I purchased it, it was the cheapest SOT that offered adjustable foot pegs. I will admit to having yak envy for all of the other newer designs and manufacturers out there and if I was looking for an entry yak I would consider the Acsend models.

WickedWaze

Glad I found this post as I was looking at yaks tonight at Academy and this has enlightened me some about them.

CORNBREAD616

I have had two pelicans because they were cheap and at the time that is what I could afford. Both sit on top and sit in. They are at most an ok kayak. the dry storage areas leak bad and if you are doing anything around here that is an epic fail. Water in hull never a good thing. The tracking is less than satisfactory and will make your experience on the water a nightmare. you will be so tired by the time you get to where you are going youll just want to give up. they also have a very cheaply made hull which is the last place you want to skip on material.

With that said, if you are on a tight budget like most of the people that fish, you can look into perception brands, they have strong keels which is the angle of the bottom of the hull which affects tracking. They are roto molded and have all you rod hlders and paddle straps. Lots of options for the money. If you watch academy you can grab one on sale really cheap. Hope this helps.

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Catching fish and starting trouble....never heard those two together before.

chasintail2010

DO NOT but it I had one it is the worst one I've ever owned they do not track good they are top heavy and very tippy

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- kyle

Herculined

I bought the castaway when I first started. I got rid of it about three months later and bought something better. In my opinion, I wouldn't spend under $500 on a kayak, when starting out. That seems to be the point where the kayaks start getting a little better. You can buy a cheap one, but chances are you will just replace it pretty soon. You will end up spending more than what you would have, if you would have just bought something better to begin with. I ended up with a tarpon140, have had it for three years and have had no problems with it.

dthomas142

+1 on the Pescador 12, dont own one, but as with everyone else, i have read many posts on here with positve remarks, not so much on the pelican. JMHO, Welcome to the Addiction, Tight lines

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2009 Moss Outback