2020 Ascend 12T Kayak REVIEW | PROS & CONS & MODS | Walkthrough | Watch BEFORE you buy!

[@MADFISHINREELS]

Well done Brother!! Before I was making vids, I was rolling with that Ascend FS128T and that thing would fill with water in the hull. The hull hatch was not raised like in yours and it always filled with water. It was a tank though and that one didn’t track well either! I did catch some fish on it though. I was dumb enough to take it t BTB once! 😂 Wouldn’t do that again! I like that seat mod you put on there! Great info! You’re a beast if you’re flipping those big tractor tires! Tight lines Bro!!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Hey I appreciate that! 🤣 ya no BTB in this thing! But when my next kayak comes in I plan on trying it. It’s out of my comfort zone lol but I want to try it. Ya definitely not a beast but I try to work out a little, gotta lose this GUT 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@MADFISHINREELS]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX Give me a holler!! I’ll roll BTB with ya!!!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@MADFISHINREELS for sure! I got some learning to do lol

[@kevincrawford4400]

Great video! All "reviewers" should take lessons from you! Very informative, no BS. Well done!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Hey thanks! I appreciate ya watching 👊🏻

[@georgetullis7216]

Dang bro. Nice and honest review. Great job. Everything I needed to know. Have a great week!!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes sir! Glad I could help ✌🏻

[@mutinyrider666]

Quick tip for someone .keep one of those big car wash sponges on you for when you do get water pooling up. Itll soak it up quick and squeegee over the side and good to go

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Good idea!

[@oversizedoverlanding2365]

Straight to the point, honest review! Preciate it!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

I appreciate ya watching!!

[@timhutch21]

Great review. Especially good info for the silicone addition. I almost sank my kayak this past weekend and now i think I know why.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Hey thanks! I appreciate ya watching 😁👊🏻

[@N3tech]

Great vid man. I just picked one up. Everything’s gotten more expensive so I ended up paying about $869 for mine… would have been super happy with it for $599 but definitely leaves some things to be desired at its current price point.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

I appreciate ya! Ya I don’t really agree with the price raise, especially because they didn’t change anything.

[@N3tech]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX yeah I’m blaming inflation and all the other amazing things going on in the world rn.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@N3tech yep I agree!

[@dj_hotwater1006]

Cabelas just had a sale last week, they were $599

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@dj_hotwater1006 nice!

[@CollinBeBassin]

I actually just started working at Bass Pro Shops and I get a 45% employee discount on these Kayaks. Thank you did the review and sure that I’m going to purchase my first fishing kayak!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

That’s awesome! I appreciate ya watching 😁👊🏻

[@The_Evergreen_Outdoorsman]

awesome video I love my 12T an I like what you did with the seat, ima have to do something like that! cant wait to see more, I subscribed!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Hey thanks I appreciate that! The seat mod was very easy and made SOOO much of a difference. I appreciate ya watching ✌🏻

[@_Dillon93]

Great video! I have the same kayak. Biggest issue I've found is water easily splashes in at the front when going over waves then pools in the cup holder / side compartments

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks I appreciate ya watching. Yes sir, it’s a very wet ride. That’s my biggest complaint as well.

[@stlpro2a386]

Have same kayak. Thinking of modifying an old geezer walker/chair to seitch out with stock seat when I start fishing for elevated fishing with added stability.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Nice! You can definitely make it work 👍🏻

[@fabiansoto4202]

This info was amazing brother

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@fabiansoto4202 thanks! I appreciate you watching.

[@saltyyak9418]

Nice man. I just got a kaku zulu this past weekend. I’m ready to take it out. I’m gonna launch out of six mile park and try that first creek to the left. I just watched your chocolate bayou video, definitely gonna take it out there one day.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Nice! Chocolate bayou is fun to kayak, lots of places to stay out of the wind. Drum bay is also great to kayak. Super shallow so hardly ever any boats. Are you new to kayaking? I’d be glad to help ya!

[@armandocardenas3213]

I own the lime green one. I love everything about it. I enjoy it every time I go out and fish on it

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

That’s awesome! I just wish ascend would have made a 12t with the pedal drive.

[@MrEzplay]

Me and my son just watched your review on this kayak and the 10t model, but trying to decide any recommendations from you would be helpful, both are in are budget, thank you, for your honest reviews

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

12T is the smallest kayak I would buy. It will track better and offer more storage. It’s still pretty light, so should be no problem for kids also 👍🏻

[@edwardrock1666]

Great honest review brother. Enjoyed watching your video. I'm just getting into kayak fishing. Baught a 3 waters 105 at camping world on clearance for $534

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Hey thanks I appreciate ya watching ! 3 waters makes great kayaks. You will enjoy it for sure 😁👊🏻

[@nmocha2933]

Great honest review, very informative.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks! I appreciate ya watching 😁👊🏻

[@DonaldBlake287]

I found that those horizontal grooves that you said were for the paddle work perfectly on a roof rack. Not sure if that's what it's for but I always put the roof rack bar in those grooves. Makes me feel like the kayak won't slide off when I'm going freeway speeds.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Nice! I can see how that would help 👍🏻

[@carriekimble2994]

Thank you for the honest review. They are $900 now with tax in Mo. Picking mine up Tuesday.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks for watching I appreciate ya! Yes the price has gone up alot! They are much closer to the competitors now. There are several great kayaks in that price range.

[@hectorconcepcion5777]

You got real lucky if you got this kayak for 600, I live in Miami and no one has it cheaper than $779.99. I was able to find it used for 550 with some extras.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yep shortly after I made this video the regular price went up. Honestly now that the price went up and they made NO upgrades, I don’t think I would get it. There are several competitors in the $800 range.

[@softy1717]

Thanks for your video. Was looking to upgrade.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Glad it helped! I appreciate ya watching 🤙🏻

[@shoganai6152]

All around good info brother. 👍🏼 Not allot of folks like to mention that the floor and those molded areas hold allot of water. It’s a good economy Kayak but drainage for the deck is pretty important, scupper holes seem placed weird. Makes me wonder if the guys who designed it ever sat or used the Kayak for more than a 10 minute test ride. So your opinion and experience are appreciated sir. 😃👍🏼🍺

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thank you I appreciate that! Yes the scupper were very poorly placed. Definitely could be lack of experience from the creators ✌🏻 I appreciate ya watching 🤙🏻

[@andrewmain1630]

Seat mod you will love it

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yessir!

[@htx-polestar5377]

sweet review my man!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks man I appreciate it! ✌🏻

[@andreasn6242]

Great review! So I got a nice gift card to Bass Pro so Ascend is essentially my only option to get. This one sounds like a winner to me as my first kayak but have you tried any other ascend models like their hybrids? Also is this yak manageable for one person to get on and off a roof rack? I'm in my 30s and in somewhat decent shape.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Absolutely, it’s pretty light you will have no issues. I have never tried and other model. But I definitely would NOT Get any of the smaller versions. I have since got a pedal kayak from OldTown kayak. I appreciate ya watching!

[@Dante-yx7kg]

Hey, what screws did you use to mount your seat raise i’m thinking of doing the same

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

They are called “well screws” they have a rubber insert that creates a good seal.

[@berto01]

Excellent review!! But just wondering if its a good kayak for trolling. It seems like the pole holders might be in a difficult spot to grab your pole quickly when you get a hit? Thanks again

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

I appreciate ya watching! I’d have to say no. The kayak does not track well, it needs a rudder. The moment you stop paddling it tends to change direction. The rod holders could easily be modified using PVC pipe.

[@berto01]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX Thx!

[@ronschreiber3635]

Great Info what did you use to anchor the Square tubeing down?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks! So it’s self tapping screws in the rear, and well nuts in the front. Do you have and Instagram, or TikTok? Its easier to show ya pics on those apps if ya need 👊🏻😁

[@ronschreiber3635]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX thankyou Sir .

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@ronschreiber3635 anytime!👍🏻

[@deandurfey4715]

Very good video! I’m new to kayaking and I’ve had my eye on the Ascend 12t. I love your seat mod. I’m 6.2 255 and I think I’ll do that... thanks very much!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes sir! I’m glad the video was helpful. I appreciate ya watching!

[@jinkaixue5051]

Very nice vid. Thanks for sharing. One question, i just bought one today. nOticed there are two holes on the inner walls close to the front eadge of the seat. I was worries whether these were drilled by someone who evnetually returned it the store. Thank you.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes I have the same holes. If yours are the same as mine, look and see if there are threads in there. Sort of like threaded inserts. I thought it may have been to be able to move the foot pegs backwards. Or even something used in the the process of making the kayak. Definitely meant to be there, just not exactly sure why. ✌🏻

[@jinkaixue5051]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX Thank you. Might be the injection hole for manufacturing the boat. Thanks a lot.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@jinkaixue5051 for sure! Hope ya like the kayak 👍🏻 The seat mod is easy! What color did you go with?

[@jinkaixue5051]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX I got a sand storm one. perhaps the camo one is also great. there is no other color in the local Cabela's

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@jinkaixue5051 nice!

[@danielmcnish6555]

Great review.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks I appreciate it! Glad ya liked it ✌🏻

[@edisonmartinez1729]

Damn 599 🤦🏿‍♂️ they're 799 now here in Connecticut, wish I got them during COVID

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes sir! They went up ALOT. It doesn’t look like they made any upgrades either. 799 is to close to the competition I think. There are much better kayaks when you get around that $1000 range. I can honestly say that I would NOT buy one at $799. At $599 it was pretty much an unbeatable price for a fishing kayak. I appreciate ya watching! And I’d be glad to answer any questions ya have 😁👊🏻

[@edisonmartinez1729]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX do you recommend any other around that 1k price range?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@edisonmartinez1729 I love the quality of OldTown kayaks. They are truly built for fishing in my opinion. The 10ft starts around 1100 and 12ft 1300. But, “hoodoo” Fishing kayaks start at 850 and that’s with a rudder and built in anchor trolleys. Hard to beat! I’d buy a hoodoo WAY before an ascend.

[@edisonmartinez1729]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX thanks bro, I just bought the hoodoo tempest hybrid for 850 plus the shipping all together was 950....I appreciate the honest feedback

[@navikzc4738]

The seat can lock in behind the last "seating rail?" No idea what to call the speed bumps but yeah. I point this out because me personally I tried the 3 adjustable spots and kept popping in and out of those slots while paddling.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes the seat rests in the small humps. I mounted mine in a fixed position with the seat raise modification. 👍🏻

[@HarrisonLeeFishing]

Where did you get that tree stake from?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

It’s from Home Depot. Cost less that $10 👍🏻

[@HarrisonLeeFishing]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX okay sweet. I’ll look for one. Thanks

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Cool! Thanks for watching, any questions just ask! 👊🏻

[@Four_corners420]

I live close to lake Powell and want to use a trolling motor and I don’t want to have to put holes in it any ideas or products I might have missed I have. Looked everywhere but nothing i like for a trolling motor

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

I have seen some pics where people place pvc in the rod holders and attach a 2x4 across them. Then mount the trolling motor to the board.

[@fosterthewilddtv7573]

Where did you pick up the tubing for the seat mod and what size is it? I’m Picking up the same yak tomorrow and looking to do the same thing. Thanks in advance!!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

It’s 1”x1” square aluminum tubing from lowes. It’s an easy mod that you will definitely love! Glad I could help! I have some better pics of it on my Instagram IG: addicted2fishing_1

[@fosterthewilddtv7573]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX right on I’ll check it out and definitely add it to the new rig!! Thanks for the quick reply! You picked up a new sub from me.

[@fosterthewilddtv7573]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX just started following you on Instagram as well, can you tag me in the post about the seat. @akfoster93 thanks again for your time man. Tight lines

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@fosterthewilddtv7573 thanks I appreciate that! I’m a tiny channel but I enjoy it! I’d be glad to help ya with whatever I can. That’s what it’s all about ✌🏻

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@fosterthewilddtv7573 you bet ya! I’ll go do it now 🤙🏻

[@roberthall843]

How does it do in class one class two River rapids?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

I couldn’t honestly tell ya 😂. ANever experienced any.

[@roberthall843]

Lol not talking white water but small river type stuff

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@roberthall843 It will hold up well. In running water the issue would be tracking straight, and it’s a pretty wet ride.

[@stephenlynch1617]

I have the same anchor trolley and the front pulley came undone. Any suggestions on how to fix it? I can’t seem to just screw it back in

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Maybe go with a bit larger nut?

[@tnoutdoordudes]

Is it decently quick ? I bought a 34" wide kayak for fishing and it's like a slug when with other kayaks .I struggle to keep up

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

To be honest I don’t think so. Its not to bad but I certainly would not buy it with speed in mind. My complaint is that it does NOT track well at all.

[@FishingLongIsland]

My son wants this. Looks great just not 600 anymore. Lol. Now 850

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Price has gone up! I don’t agree with it, they didn’t make any upgrades. I’d shop around for sure. I would have never bought it for 850. Lots of competitors in that price range. Just being honest.

[@FishingLongIsland]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX No, I appreciate your honesty I’m just trying to find what is the right one for him. I looked at the new one you just bought but I’m not gonna drop three grand on a first time kayaker for an eight-year-old. I subscribe to your channel 2

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@FishingLongIsland I appreciate ya! Are you in Texas?

[@FishingLongIsland]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX no we are in oceanside, Long Island NY

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@FishingLongIsland My pedal kayak was just a preference for me, price was steep. There are definitely some much better priced pedal kayaks around $1200 just as good 👍🏻

[@louieleos1218]

Do you think it’s worth the 749 price it’s at now

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

That’s tough. I think it is well worth the 549 that I paid. That was the normal price a year ago. 749 is kind of high unless they made some significant changes. It’s definitely not a bad kayak but there is some good competition in the $900 price range. I bought it because it was cheap and worked well for $549. Look at some hoodoo and feel free kayaks.

[@louieleos1218]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX thanks for the heads up. Gonna check out the brands you mentioned. Doesn’t look like much has changed for the crazy increase in price

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@louieleos1218 for sure! Go to Austin kayaks website and look at the “3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 120 Fishing Kayak” it $899. It’s a big and very wide kayak. Great hull design. That’s what I was choosing between when I got the ascend but I decided to save the $350. Let me know what ya think.

[@ryancrips158]

Dang 599! Just paid 850 for mine out the door in 2022

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes the price has went way up since this video. I actually would not buy one now. That price is close to some great competitors.

[@clints8731]

I put my sail on the front deck.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Nice! 😁👊🏻

[@9009matorres]

What’d you make that stake out pole with

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

It actually a “Tree Stake” from Home Depot. Less that $10 and worked great for me! 😁👊🏻

[@9009matorres]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX nice. Thanks bro!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@9009matorres for sure man! Ever have any questions just ask 👍🏻

[@titushayden8079]

Did you get it when it was on sale? I'm only finding it right now for around $780. Great video btw!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes. The price has went up since I made this video and they didn’t make any upgrades. It used to be $599. I don’t think it’s worth $800 honestly. At 599 it was unbeatable! But $800 is way to close to the competition.

[@scottmcbride2237]

Yeah. You can get a way better yak for $800. Not worth that.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

👍🏻

[@scottmcbride2237]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX I mean. For $100 MORE YOU CAN GET THE BIG FISH 105. WAY NICER KAYAK

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@scottmcbride2237 I’m not saying it’s a great kayak man. Did you read my reply to the original comment?

[@eldiablitodeyakima]

What size padddle do you use?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

A 250 cm Ascend paddle from bass pro shop 👍🏻

[@fabfishing7422]

Nice Bro! 💪

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Thanks I appreciate that! ✌🏻

[@fabfishing7422]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX Absolutely! If I didn't have so many kids I'd probably get a kayak 😁 not sure if you're familiar with Chad Hoover. We took him and his wife fishing last year and did a video together.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@fabfishing7422 That’s awesome! I have a Brady bunch too 🤣✌🏻 I definitely enjoy some kayak fishing.

[@fabfishing7422]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX 😂 I'm with you buddy! 5 boys and a girl!

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@fabfishing7422 sweet! I got 4 girls 😁✌🏻

[@luisxavier5114]

What’s the weight capacity?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

350 pounds. I weigh 250, but I take very minimal gear and it handled great.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello awesome video there brother. This is the type of kayak I'm looking for. Something cheap and easy to get on the water with. I am looking to pick one of these up for my son. I have 5 boy & my third son got his first kayak the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend and now my 4 & 5 son once a kayak too. I do have to question brother? #1. Do you know how much this kayak weighs? I don't want to get a kayak that is too heavy that my son cannot pull or carry. I have heard that some of them are heavy and some are light. #2. Do you know if the foot brace are pretty wide , comfortable for being Barefooted 👣, & those black mats on the floor comfortable Barefooted 👣. My family has very wide feet. 4 of my son's feet are very wide. Me and my third son we both have very very extremely wide feet. Pretty much twin. My foot is a sz15 6 EEEEEE wide with very fat wide toe & my son is a sz13 4 EEEE wide with big toe & both of our toes being equally straight across making our foot very very wide. Sounds like twin feet right? My foot outgrew shoes and socks 33 years ago so I got to kayak barefooted 👣 & my son just finally outgrew his socks about a month-and-a-half ago and now he has to kayak barefooted 👣 too. This is why i was asking how comfortable would it be to kayak barefooted 👣. It really really sucks having a extremely wide foot because I feet will not stay on the foot brace for some reason. They keep falling off the foot brace because of them being so wide. I just found your Channel today looking forward to checking the rest of your videos out. You take it easy brother hope you're having a good weekend. Thank you for sharing your review.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Hey thanks! It only weighs 77 pounds. As far as the foot braces go, I’ve never tried it barefoot. I always have wading boots on. I appreciate ya watching!

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX oh okay only 77 lbs okay. Oh you wear wading boots when you are kayaking. Man it must be nice. I wish I could wear something. I don't know if it's because of me having very fat wide toes or my toes being equally straight across that's making my foot very extremely wide. It really really sucks man cuz having very extremely wide feet causes some embarrassing moment sometimes. Thank you so much brother for the information.

[@thepubliclandnomad3365]

its 770 now... is it still worth 800?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Absolutely NOT! Lol it was recently brought to my attention they went up $200 in price and didn’t upgrade anything. There are several competitors you can get for the $800 range that are far better. At $549 this was a budget kayak simply to get on the water. Hard to beat that price.

[@thepubliclandnomad3365]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX which competitor kayak would you recommend?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@thepubliclandnomad3365 look up feelfree and hoodoo kayaks

[@echo1er]

so new hack for under your seat. custom drawer system

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Nice!

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX Can you stand up in this kayak? or is it "standupable"?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@Bronco2Cj you definitely can. But for me it was NOT comfortable.

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX Understood.. I kayak with a group every monday at 5:30..we kayak the river, catch the sunset then head back in.. nice 4 to 5 to 6 mile paddle... would this be a good kayak to do just that and not fish? I'm in the market because its time for me to stop borrowing someone elses..and the one I borrow is a 12 ft Pescador from Perception and I'm having a hard time finding one..

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@Bronco2Cj what’s your price range if you don’t mind me asking? Since I made this video, bass pro shops raised the regular price to $799.99. And I’m not to sure I like that now, it was regular price $599 when I bought mine, which was a great budget deal for a NEW kayak.

[@danawick9817]

lol in Canada they are 3 x the price

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Wow! That’s pretty wild. I just switched to an OldTown BigWater 132 pdl kayak. Did a video on it as well.

[@OLDMANGAMING1970]

The prices im finding in Tennessee just over $800. Inflation I guess.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Yes! Price has gone up ALOT since I purchased mine ($850). I actually don’t agree with it. They didn’t make any upgrades. With that price it’s close to all the better competitors. I only bought mine because it was $549. That was hard to beat at that time.

[@andrewmain1630]

Sorry I'm an idiot

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

🤣 No man it’s all good! ✌🏻

[@dcrossley9340]

$599????? They are running $860 right now. Let’s go Brandon amirite?

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

🤣 exactly! They have went up a lot, and haven’t made any upgrades. I would not pay that.

[@dcrossley9340]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX doing it anyway, tired of shore fishing and don’t want a boat just yet.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@dcrossley9340 I gotcha! Have you looked at the competitors around that price range? You can get pedal kayaks for around 1100

[@dcrossley9340]

@@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX found it online with paddle and wheels for $800 flat. I can’t find any decent kayak for under $800. Nice video though 👍

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

@@dcrossley9340 thanks! I appreciate ya watching 😁👊🏻