Kayak Review | Perception Pescador Recreational Kayak

In this Buyer's Guide video, I'm reviewing an entry-level sit-on-top recreational kayak called the Pescador by Perception Kayaks. At $629, the Pescador is more expensive than most kayaks you'll find at box stores like Walmart, but it boasts delivering unrivalled performance, stability and value for the price. Does the Perception Pescador deliver on its promise? Should it be considered one of the best entry-level recreational kayaks or fishing kayaks on the market? That's what I'm going to find out as I put the kayak to a full and unbiased gear testing.
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PADDLES
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#PaddleTV #RecreationalKayak #PerceptionKayaks #SitOnTopKayak #FishingKayak #BeginnerFishingKayak #KayakFishing

[@mikemason4792]

I have the pro for fishing. I highly recommend it. It has a better seat. Easy paddling, comfortable and stable. Yes I can stand in it. I am 5'10" and weigh 175 lbs.

[@PaddleTV]

Great point. I wish I had mentioned the upgrade option to the Pescador Pro.

[@michaelfox2989]

Great video,I've the 9.5 Rambled,Perception,,for fun rec paddling is nice..

[@peterhart5312]

This is an INCREDIBLE video… Really appreciate your insight and expertise!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@natesambo9759]

Re-watched this (I have the 12 footer), and I agree the seat cushion is not good after awhile, but I also think the high seating position would make it a little less stable since your center of gravity is higher. I've fished a lot in this yak since the last time I posted. It's just OK but can sometimes be a pain. There's not enough room where your legs go, I don't have anywhere stable to put my tackle and tackle box for quick access, it has to sit on that center beam where it can tip or It has to sit in the tank well, which means I have to turn around if I need anything. It's a good recreational kayak though and yes, would agree it's the "entry level" of "good" kayaks. It's also not a "Wal-Mart" kayak like a cheap $229 Pelican or Lifetime.

[@chaznsc]

The best kayak review I have seen. Did he mention the new price? LOL Well done!

[@mpcarlin11]

Just a thought You do go through stability speed and tracking but take the company statement about "unmatched performance in it's class" and break them down into 3 separate groups. From more of an engineering standpoint It's really just the two, if you have speed you have tracking and vice versa. Then there's an inverse relationship between that and stability. The more you add to one aspect you sacrifice the other. That being said you look like you have way more user end experience on different units, my use experience is solely from sit on top entry level models so I just wanted offer a thought from design perspective. With the wide rounded kinda tri hull design and keel at the back I think they Nailed the compromise for the relationship between those aspects. It's the Jack of all trades boat, especially for the value as you said.

[@The66Leadfoot]

I love the molded in handles and the storage hatch, would make a great kayak for portaging, I just wish it had the seat of the Pro version. Great and honest review Ken, thanks!

[@kimberlybarnes7609]

I love my perception pescador 10.0. I'm on the bigger side of the weight capacity. It works great for me.

[@PaddleTV]

Good to hear!

[@rickquist3992]

Great review. It's good to see adjustable pegs on an entry level boat. How about Epic V7 vs Epic V8 cheap layup? I've been thinking about trying a wider/heavier surfski for lakes & big rivers...

[@PaddleTV]

Would love to get my hands on a surfski to review. Hopefully I can do that soon.

[@rickquist3992]

@@PaddleTV I'm not a surfskier, but I find the "wide" V7 & V8 intriguing for long distance river races without the tippiness of a traditional ski. Your resume rocks the gravitas... Thanks!

[@keithirtenkauf5563]

Thanks for the review! Can you please review the Perception Swifty (now the Drift, I think)?

[@PaddleTV]

That would be a good one. The price looks right!

[@markdunkelman2156]

Sure would like to see you review the old town loon-120

[@PaddleTV]

Me too! I haven't been able to get my hands on one yet, but hopefully soon!

[@DerangedFox]

I am getting the Pescador 10 next week-- how can I upgrade to a stadium seat? I am not finding seat upgrades for this kayak. Thabks for the video!

[@andrue17]

Crescent ultralite is faster and more fun to paddle in my opinion vs the pescador. The ultralite comes in at 30 inches wide, 10' 2" long, weighs under 50lbs and has a framed chair. Price for the ultralite was $699 before the pandemic but no jumped up to $749-$799.

[@PaddleTV]

That's a kayak I've been wanting to test out! Thanks for sharing.

[@natesambo9759]

I bought the 12.0 version of this boat for my first kayak and I love it, but do agree the seat does wear on me after awhile. I do think it tracks pretty well, my wife and kids have a cheaper 10 foot kayak and it doesn’t track as well but that may just be the length.

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. The 12 foot version will definitely track better than the 10 foot kayak. I wonder if they'll upgrade the seat at some point?

[@natesambo9759]

@@PaddleTV I still think the Pescador (12 in my experience) is a very good value for the price point. I think I paid around $700 for mine. I agree the seat cushion gets to me after awhile, but for a first/beginner kayak, it's hard to beat at this price point. I could always upgrade the seat cushion, I suppose. Not sure what kind of mods I'd have to do.

[@scottdavis2711]

I am looking at Kayaks, my first one! It is down to Vibe skipjack 90 or yellowfin 100. I am also looking at the Perception Pescador, I am 5ft 10 150lbs. I was thinking Pelican but they are thermoformed, that concerns me. I am leaning toward Pescador that is made in SC USA. Thoughts?

[@curlywillowflowerfarm7705]

Will you do a review of the Crescent CK1 Venture? Curious your thoughts

[@PaddleTV]

Would love to review a few of the Crescent kayaks! Stay tuned.

[@steveng5107]

Can you review Lifetime Tamarac Pro 103 please 😊 Thanks!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Ken. Yeah....it's gotta have a nice seat. I'd like to see a review of the Tarpon 125. Cheers. 👍🙂🚣‍♂️

[@PaddleTV]

Just came to my attention that there's a Pescador Pro model, which has a fully upgraded seat. That would have saved me some butt pain! :)

[@hany-tawfik]

Hope you can review perception rambler 13.5

[@PaddleTV]

I have never tried the Rambler, but I've spent a bunch of time in the Malibu Two, which looks very similar boat. The Malibu Two was a nice, entry level tandem kayak. I'll bet the Rambler 13.5 is the same. Hopefully I'll get to test one soon.

[@nighma]

Thank you for this review. Do you have any advice for someone looking for a recreational kayak for lake but more stable ?

[@nunyabidness3075]

If I may, I’d recommend renting or borrowing for a couple of trips if you think the Pescador feels too wobbly. Once you learn about primary and secondary stability, you will find any recreational kayak is plenty stable. Also, for lake use, high primary stability generally means inefficient paddling that could lead to some misery in higher winds. Rental boat operations for floating down rivers like those highly stable boats, but you won’t if you want to go very far without a current.

[@rickquist3992]

@@nunyabidness3075 +1

[@blessedarmadillo8257]

Reportedly the Pescador 12 has the same leg room as the 10, so if you think this doesn't work for your size the 12 wouldn't work either. What kayak would you recommend for taller paddlers? I'm 6 foot 5, 210 llbs.

[@dougk3905]

I assume the Pescador Pro version has the same hull design and would paddle the same? If so that looks to be boat to get with the better seat.

[@PaddleTV]

That's right (as far as I understand it). I would definitely spend the extra money on an upgraded seat.

[@tokay999]

My kayak is the exact same !!!! Mine says west marine and says pompano on the side

[@pellabandgeek]

I have a pescador 10 and it does not track well at all. It constantly loops out if you stop paddling for a couple seconds

[@nunyabidness3075]

Interestingly, they don’t make the tandem anymore which had a center seat for single use (by I’d presume a strong paddler) they make a couple similar models calling the center seat a kids seat and not promoting it as a single user seat anymore. At the same time, one of the nicer canoe manufacturers (swift) is saying canoes are more often getting sold with options making them useful as either tandem or solo. We need a third boat for shallow Texas rivers with lots of rocks and often some rapids. I guess we will need two, unless I can find another tandem/single in plastic or something else appropriate. The Kevlar boat makers all say it’s fine, but I just can’t see dragging an expensive boat around.

[@PaddleTV]

You're right. Kevlar boats are great... but they're not great for all conditions. I wouldn't use one for shallow rivers, simply because you won't be able to enjoy the paddle as much, because you'll be so concerned about the kayak.

[@tominnenPL]

Perception Pescador, yeah! One of the most solid sit-on-top kayaks. Hardshell is hardshell, rotomolded PE what need more? One of the biggest issue of that kind of kayaks is their "not so enviromental friendly" production and utilisation. Plastic is ok when it is uses with some idea what next to do with it after terminal damaged product. Ocean is full of plastics crap floating hurting sea animals. I think Pescador is so solid, that long term usage is for sure.

[@IAmArgodabar]

I'm 5.9' and weigh 225lbs. Do you think this kayak would be ok for me in terms of weight/height?

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. I think this boat would be a solid choice for you!

[@MsLori62]

I have one. I agree about the seat. Butt hurts after a bit.

[@lisatharp3100]

Get ya a gel seat cover, amazon

[@debbiea6782]

Any thoughts on the Pelican Rustler 100 kayak?

[@PaddleTV]

Never tried it, but I like the fact that it has foot braces, instead of the molded in foot wells. The rod holders are a nice bonus. Not a bad kayak from the looks of it.

[@debbiea6782]

@@PaddleTV thanks for the input. And thanks for sharing your knowledge with your reviews of kayaks!

[@Baddad36]

Will I die if I take it into coastal waters? (Humor(?) aside, seriously, how would it handle in gentle sea? 6ft, 160lbs.

[@PaddleTV]

It would do fine in gentle seas. Being a sit-on-top, it's self bailing, which is nice because you don''t have to worry about swamping. At your size, the boat would perform well too. Not a bad option, unless you're trying to cover a lot of ground. It's no speedster.

[@Baddad36]

@@PaddleTV Superb unbiased reviews, great presentation AND you reply to comments. You, sir, are a rare and wonderous thing. Many thanks.

[@vkhiev]

I like this kayak as mid tier but not the most stable