2011 Gear Preview: Fishing / Rec / Touring Kayaks & Canoes
This is the second part in our 2011 Gear Preview, this time focusing on the new fishing, recreational, and touring kayaks and canoes that you can find at 4Corners Riversports this season. Be sure to stay tuned for more new gear previews including rafts, SUPs and gear. And if you missed it, check out our Whitewater Kayak Preview.
Fishing Kayaks:
New this year at 4CRS is the Hobie Pro Angler, a full-featured fishing kayak with the avid fisherman in mind. The features list on the Pro Angler reads like a short novel: a wide and deep hull for stability while casting from the large standing platform, 6 horizontal rod storage slots plus molded vertical rod storage, retractable rudder, tackle box slots, tons of in hull storage including a large lined bow hatch and a big center hatch with cutting board. All of this, plus Hobie’s legendary Mirage Drive system that allows you to troll along hands free, even in the shallowest of waters, at a spirited pace that is unexpected for such a large kayak. Add to all that with Hobie’s vast accessory catalog with things such as a battery powered live well, depth and fish finders, carts, trailers and tons of fishing accessories. If you’re serious about fishing, the Pro Angler is the kayak for you.
The Coosa is Jackson Kayak’s entry into the
fast growing kayak fishing niche. Designed by pro angler Drew Gregory, the Coosa has been a hot topic in the kayak fishing community with it’s versatile HiLo seat, wide and stable hull design with a molded standing platform on the deck, and numerous built in accessory features. Add to that an extremely versatile hull designed to perform well even in moderate whitewater, the possibilities of where you can cast a line with this sit on top kayak are endless.
Rec / Touring Kayaks:
With a completely new design that fits into the crossover niche, the Rogue is a welcome edition to the Jackson Kayak line. Stable, easy to maneuver and loads of cargo space, the Rogue is geared towards paddlers looking to get away from it all; whether it’s doing a self-support down your favorite class II-III multi-day or simply crusing a scenic stretch of meandering flatwater.
Don’t need the storage space or whitewater
capabilities of the Rogue? Then check out the Jackson Regal. The Regal is a great kayak for a day at the lake or flatwater river, with a molded tank well that’s big enough to fit a small cooler or drybag, as well as molded handles and seat. The Regal is a stable, no frills kayak for those that just want to go out an enjoy the water for the day.
Perception’s new Impulse 10 is perfect for those looking for an entry level rec kayak with maximum durability at a minimum price. With molded-in bow and stern handles, tank wells, cupholder and seat, the Impulse has everything you need with nothing you don’t. The Perception Impulse 10 is the perfect choice for beginners, sportsmen, or the family on a budget.
Canoes:
Mad River Canoe has added a new entry
level model to their lineup with the Mad River Journey, available in 15’6 and 16’7 models. The Journey is constructed with a 3-layer polyethylene, symmetrical shallow arch hull that is durable and stable, yet very versatile and maneuverable. Whether you’re a discerning paddler on a budget or just looking for a dependable boat for the lake , the Mad River Journey will not disappoint.
Note: Mad River has discontinued the IQ outfitting system this year, so if you have an IQ or IQ2 canoe and need some accessories or outfitting, now is your last chance before it’s gone.
Have canoe, will travel. The Aire Traveller canoe is ready for your next adventure, even if it’s on the other side of the world. Ultra stable, yet nimble enough for moderate whitewater, the inflatable Traveller is an excellent option for just about anybody.
Fishing Kayaks:
New this year at 4CRS is the Hobie Pro Angler, a full-featured fishing kayak with the avid fisherman in mind. The features list on the Pro Angler reads like a short novel: a wide and deep hull for stability while casting from the large standing platform, 6 horizontal rod storage slots plus molded vertical rod storage, retractable rudder, tackle box slots, tons of in hull storage including a large lined bow hatch and a big center hatch with cutting board. All of this, plus Hobie’s legendary Mirage Drive system that allows you to troll along hands free, even in the shallowest of waters, at a spirited pace that is unexpected for such a large kayak. Add to all that with Hobie’s vast accessory catalog with things such as a battery powered live well, depth and fish finders, carts, trailers and tons of fishing accessories. If you’re serious about fishing, the Pro Angler is the kayak for you.The Coosa is Jackson Kayak’s entry into the
fast growing kayak fishing niche. Designed by pro angler Drew Gregory, the Coosa has been a hot topic in the kayak fishing community with it’s versatile HiLo seat, wide and stable hull design with a molded standing platform on the deck, and numerous built in accessory features. Add to that an extremely versatile hull designed to perform well even in moderate whitewater, the possibilities of where you can cast a line with this sit on top kayak are endless.Rec / Touring Kayaks:
With a completely new design that fits into the crossover niche, the Rogue is a welcome edition to the Jackson Kayak line. Stable, easy to maneuver and loads of cargo space, the Rogue is geared towards paddlers looking to get away from it all; whether it’s doing a self-support down your favorite class II-III multi-day or simply crusing a scenic stretch of meandering flatwater.Don’t need the storage space or whitewater
capabilities of the Rogue? Then check out the Jackson Regal. The Regal is a great kayak for a day at the lake or flatwater river, with a molded tank well that’s big enough to fit a small cooler or drybag, as well as molded handles and seat. The Regal is a stable, no frills kayak for those that just want to go out an enjoy the water for the day.Perception’s new Impulse 10 is perfect for those looking for an entry level rec kayak with maximum durability at a minimum price. With molded-in bow and stern handles, tank wells, cupholder and seat, the Impulse has everything you need with nothing you don’t. The Perception Impulse 10 is the perfect choice for beginners, sportsmen, or the family on a budget.Canoes:
Mad River Canoe has added a new entry
level model to their lineup with the Mad River Journey, available in 15’6 and 16’7 models. The Journey is constructed with a 3-layer polyethylene, symmetrical shallow arch hull that is durable and stable, yet very versatile and maneuverable. Whether you’re a discerning paddler on a budget or just looking for a dependable boat for the lake , the Mad River Journey will not disappoint.Note: Mad River has discontinued the IQ outfitting system this year, so if you have an IQ or IQ2 canoe and need some accessories or outfitting, now is your last chance before it’s gone.
Have canoe, will travel. The Aire Traveller canoe is ready for your next adventure, even if it’s on the other side of the world. Ultra stable, yet nimble enough for moderate whitewater, the inflatable Traveller is an excellent option for just about anybody.Be Sure to check back for the rest of our 2011 Gear Preview posts, including rafts, SUPs and gear, coming soon.