Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak Review [2023 Update]

First of all, a little on me. I hail from Oregon. Yes, Oregon; the northwestern US state, close to the Pacific. Nature has poured down on Oregon with all types of water bodies. In Oregon, you have 249 lakes, eight rivers, direct access to the mighty Pacific.

So, everything that a “fishing paradise” could mean is highly applicable in the case of Oregon.

Born and bred in Oregon, I am really lucky to have explored this great state. Nature never stinted on beautifying Oregon. Lush vegetation, surrounding water bodies, and perfect atmosphere make Oregon such an attractive and healthy place to live in.

So, fishing in Oregon means that you stand to make bucketful of Sturgeon, trophy-size bass, Chinook salmon, Rainbow Trout, Pacific Halibut and the renowned Steelhead. Anyways, I have been able to catch some of those fish species despite being new to kayak fishing.

Thanks to my Pescador Pro 12. The kayak has proven to be effective on rivers and lakes. Yes, you can fully trust on the kayak for some serious fishing on inland lakes and rivers. I absolutely love kayaking Fern Ridge Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, and many other Lane County lakes.

Since the Pescador Pro 12 can juggle as a fishing kayak and a recreational vessel, you can be sure to have lots of fun on it. However, it is true that anglers will be able to derive the most use out of the Pescador Pro 12.

Overview

The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is a fishing kayak designed especially for fishing. The kayak is 32-inch wide and it is exceptionally stable. The kayak is ideal for carrying all your gear pieces for a day out on the water. The kayak can carry up to 375 lbs, thereby making it large enough for taking extra gear pieces for an overnight trip.

 Construction 

High-grade polyethylene plastic is the major material for the Perception Pescador Pro 12 construction. This is a one-piece construction. Perception is a leading brand in plastic kayak manufacturing. Its Pescador series is one of the most trusted names in the industry.

In each part of the vessel, the Pescador Pro 12 features differing thickness. Differing thickness makes sure that the vessel has its required strength. Since the kayak is mostly a plastic construction, it’s not taking on extra weight.

Size & Stability

The Pescador Pro 12 packs just 64 pounds. However, the real surprise lies in its weight capacity. The weight capacity of the kayak is 375 lbs. The kayak is not unnecessarily large. The problem many have with large vessels is that it gets extremely difficult to maneuver a large vessel.

If you like to go fishing solo, then it won’t be difficult for you to move back and forth. Dragging a kayak up and down the beach seems to be a real challenge for many. To transport the kayak easily, there are carrying handles that are comfortable to grasp.

A built-in skid plate will give the kayak extra strength if you are required to drag your kayak along the ground to your favorite fishing spot. 

The Perception Pescador Pro 12 combines all its components in a unique and effective way to ensure stability and tracking. The storage, accessories, and safety features are all customized and precisely engineered to offer excellent maneuverability.

It handles uneven waters very well and retains stability when moving slowly (backward and forward). The kayak is capable of running smoothly not just on ponds, but also on rivers, inshore and on bays. When shopping for a kayak, looking into a good record of tracking and movement isn’t just enough.

Stability depends on balanced how accessories, storage, and other features are. If those features are balanced, you are bound to maneuver a kayak easily. The hull design is highly important for wind push. The hull design is essential for reducing wind push.

Don’t worry! The reduction of wind push doesn’t necessarily impacting buoyancy. The yak will float in four or five inches of water.

Storage and Amenities

The rod holders will definitely be found in the kayak. You will find a place to keep your paddle while you are busy managing your rod. Many people complain with the Pescador Pro 12 for lack of enough dry storage.

Yes, the amount of dry storage in this kayak is little. However, it is enough to keep your small valuables secure and sound. Dry storage includes a little hatch in front of the seat. You will find another one behind the seat as well.

The small dry storage space should be useful in storing your phone, keys, radio, or GPS device. Behind the seat has a spacious cargo deck as well. So, you will find a hatch, as well as a spacious cargo behind your seat.

The kayak has bungee cords. Bungee cords are useful in securing your bags and larger items. If you are carrying smaller gear that you would like to put in one place, you can utilize the bow. At the bow, you can store your smaller gear pieces. Don’t worry, a mesh cover will protect your items.

A tackle box storage area and a foot long gear track are added for your convenience. You will also see a cup holder where you can keep your coffee cup. Yes, you want to keep yourself refreshed when fishing for a long period of time.

What I absolutely love is the center console area of the Pescador Pro 12. The center console area can be utilized for attaching your necessary electronic devices, such as fish finder or GPS. You will also find space to keep batteries and wires out of the way.

Protection  

When we anglers purchase a kayak, we purchase it with the objective of spending a long period of time in there. Sitting for hours is likely to get painful. Many of us can’t handle sitting for longer than an hour. There requires a comfortable seat.

The good news is that the Pescador Pro 12 features one of the most distinctive kayak seats. The seat is a stadium-style mesh seat with a mesh seatback. The seat can be adjusted to your preferred position. You can either choose an upright position, or opt for a more relaxed reclined position.

When relocating, the seat can be an obstacle. You may want to remove the seat for easy storage and transportation. Yes, you can remove your seat from your Pescador Pro 12. When fishing for hours, you are likely to experience foot ache.

The foot rests on the Pescador Pro boosts your comfort level by a notch. So, when fishing sitting on this craft, you can rest your feet on the foot rest or paddle away from a more comfortable and stable position.

Versatility

This is the major factor when many people chose this vessel. Although the Pescador Pro 12 is designed for fishing purposes, you can use the vessel for recreational objectives as well. You can use this kayak on waters varying from calm to moderate current conditions.

You will find the tank well convenient for storing live bait. Of course, the tank well is open to modifications. Other storage spaces for lures, rods, and other gear components are compact and excellent.

Even if you are not satisfied with the intact state the kayak comes in, you can still make adjustments to it. This is a easily recyclable, repairable 12-foot kayak.

FAQs

Q: What is the weight capacity of the yak?

A: The Perception Pescador can carry up to 375 pounds.

Q: What is the mesh cover for?

A: The mesh cover can be at the bow, and use for securing smaller gear.