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Finding that perfect fishing kayak can be a time consuming process and with so many products out there that all seem to make the same promises, how do you which one will be the best for you?
We have checked out the features of the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler to see how it compares with the market alternatives and to give you an overview of its pros and cons, so you can decide for yourself if it’s the one to go for.
So, is the Prowler 13 Angler any good?
- Length: 13 feet 4 inches
- Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
Before You Purchase A Fishing Kayak
Fishing kayaks can be a great investment, if you choose the right one for your needs. But before you go ahead and splurge on a new vessel, there are a few things you should think about.
Firstly, where do you plan to fish? In the sea or a bay, in a calm lake or river? You should also consider how long your fishing trips will be and whether you’ll need more or less space for extra gear.
Another important factor to think about is transportation, so consider how you plan on getting your yak to and from the water, as this could limit the size or weight of the vessels available to you.
Fishing kayaks have been engineered to suit the needs of paddlers who will be using them to fish. This means they’re probably not the best choice for a paddler who is looking for a more recreational kayak.
Fishing kayaks can be a great investment if you plan to spend a lot of time on the water fishing, as they will usually have dedicated fishing features that other vessels may not have, such as extra storage, rod holders, gear tracks and sometimes dedicated space for your electronic accessories.
A single fishing kayak can be ideal if you plan to head out on your own most of the time. If there will be two of you fishing you might find it beneficial to paddle a tandem fishing kayak. However fishing from your individual yak may give you more freedom and let you explore on your own, which you may find preferable.
Best Features Of The Prowler 13ft Angler Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler is a 13 foot sit-on-top fishing kayak that is considered to be one of the most popular fishing kayaks out there. It boasts being able to combine speed and efficiency with plenty of practical fishing features.
This kayak is designed for those who want versatility from their vessel. If you plan on fishing in a range of different conditions, such as calm lakes or rivers to moderate bays or even oceans, then this yak could be a good one for you, as it is has been engineered to handle a variety of water conditions.
Stability: Steady As She Goes
At 28 inches wide and 13 feet long, this kayak is a little narrower than some other fishing kayaks but despite this, it is a very stable kayak with good secondary stability that enables it to stand up to rougher waters and ocean waves.
Its stability combined with its narrower hull could make it a good choice for fishing in the ocean, as this should make it more hydrodynamic and therefore more efficient, which means you should experience less fatigue when you’re paddling over longer distances.
Video: Prowler 13 Overview
On-Board Storage Options
Having ample storage on your yak when you’re fishing can be essential for a good day on the water. And the Prowler 13 Angler just might have you covered when it comes to deck storage.
There is a large storage hatch at the bow with a Click Seal lock, where you can store gear that needs to be kept dry, as it has a handy watertight seal.
In the cockpit, just in front of the seat there’s also a convenient 6 inch hatch that has a storage bucket, so could be good for keeping lines close to hand, as well as for securing your small valuables, such as your keys and cellphone.
Behind the seat there is a large tank well cargo area with bungee cords for securing larger items, which could be a good place to keep a cooler or your tackle boxes.
In addition to these storage areas, there are also paddle holders at either side of the kayak, so you can keep your paddle safely out of the way while you’re fishing, knowing it’s not going to float away.
There is also a molded in cup holder as well as two flush mounted rod holders, so you can sit back and relax while your lure does the work. For attaching extra gear and securing other items there is also bungee rigging around the deck, which can come in handy for clipping on dry bags.
Performance On the Water
As well as having a well designed hull that provides good secondary stability and speed over different types of water, this fishing yak also benefits from having a foam padded Comfort Plus seat back, but you might find you need a little extra padding under the seat during a long fishing trip.
The seat has four-way adjustability and features a durable nylon fabric that is resistant to UV light and comes with brass and stainless steel clips so you can easily attach to and detach from your yak.
The molded in seat well benefits from having molded in foot braces, so you can find the right spot for your feet for when you’re either paddling or reeling in a catch.
You can easily upgrade this yak by attaching a rudder to it, as it comes with an attachment point at the stern where one can easily be installed, however, this will require an additional purchase.
Being a sit-on-top this could be a good choice if you fish in warmer climates, as you will be likely to get wet from paddle splashes on deck.
Portability: Getting From A to B
Compared to some other fishing kayaks that can be pretty heavy with all their rigging, the Prowler weighs just 56 pounds, which could make it an ideal option if you tend to head out on fishing trips on your own.
To make it easier to transport to and from the water’s edge, there is a skid plate under the keel, which should give it some extra strength if you have to drag it along the ground and should protect the hull from damage.
There are side mounted carrying handles and toggles on the bungee cord at the bow and stern.
Being just over 13 feet long, you will need to consider how you’re going to transport this craft and where you’re going to store it, for example, will you need a roof rack and will there be room in your garage to keep it at home?
Prowler Angler Alternatives
Are there any kayaks available that are similar to the Prowler?
Yep…here’s 3 to consider:
Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler
This fishing kayak is a 13 foot sit-on-top in the same price bracket as the Prowler 13 Angler but weighs a lot more, at 75 pounds.
It’s a stable vessel designed for all types of water, including the ocean. It’s wider but has a ton of features, including a pre-installed rudder, gear tracks, and lots of storage and places to mount your accessories.
Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler
Running a little higher in price than the Prowler, the Trident has been engineered for speed and maneuverability on all types of water, particularly the ocean.
It’s 2 inches longer than the Prowler and an inch wider but features an ergonomic seat with adjustable thigh and leg support, lots of fishing storage and even a Sonar Shield to protect your fish finder from the elements.
Perception Pescador Pro 12
This is another sit-on-top fishing kayak that comes in at around the same price as the Prowler, but is a foot shorter in length, which could be better for you if space is an issue, but it’s also heavier, weighing 64 pounds.
It has lots of storage and mounting options for your fishing accessories, such as rod holders and a gear track system. It has been engineered with flat water in mind, so not quite as versatile as the Prowler.
Conclusion
Pros
- Speed and efficiency on the water
- Lightweight
- Good storage
- Versatility
Cons
- Seat not great on long trips
- Only 2 rod holders
If you plan to spend a lot of time on the water enjoying your favorite hobby then the Prowler 13 Angler could be a good vessel for you, as it will let you get out on the water wherever you choose, whether it’s your local pond, a river or even the ocean.
If you’re looking for versatility and performance, then this vessel might just deliver, as it has a lot of options for adding upgrades should you choose to in the future, meaning you could rig it out exactly to your liking.
We’ve given you our opinion of this yak, so why not now check it out for yourself.
If you’ve enjoyed this review, we’d love to hear from you and if you want to help out your fellow fishing kayakers then feel free to share this with them, or with anyone who you want to send a gift hint to.
