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The Perception Outlaw 11.5 is an incredibly stable fishing kayak that’s been designed to optimize space on the deck while retaining a compact length for convenience and maneuverability.
- Length: 11 foot 6 inches
- Width: 35 inches
- Depth: 16 inches
- Weight: 77 pounds
- Weight capacity: 425 pounds
This kayak was built for standing. And its walkable deck is one of its standout features. This can make it an ideal fishing platform, even for fly fishing.
Because of the stability, speed is sacrificed. It’s not the quickest kayak. But this is not what it’s made for, so it’s probably not an issue for most kayak anglers.
As well as being ideal for fly fishing, it can also be a good choice for a kayak camping trip. It has good storage, with room for a lot of gear and at a price that won’t break the bank. But it lacks dry storage, which may be an issue for some.
The removable elevated seat is also optimized for fishing.
Perception Outlaw 11.5 Overview
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 is a fishing kayak. This means it’s designed to offer outstanding stability, with space to store your fishing gear.
This is an excellent kayak if you’re looking for one that’s easy to customize. With its streamlined deck it can also be an ideal choice for fly fishing. The standing platform can also help you cast your line more comfortably.
It’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces, so it can be great for fishing in rivers and smaller lakes.
With the high level of stability, this can be a great kayak for beginners. The spacious deck can also give you more freedom of movement, which can feel more comfortable.
While this is an excellent fishing kayak for its price, it doesn’t have a whole lot of features. But it does give you the opportunity to add aftermarket accessories to tailor the craft to your specific style of fishing (or other activities).
If you’re looking for a feature-rich, high performance kayak, this is not it. But if you want a stable fishing kayak for standing up, then this can be ideal.
Standout Features Of The Perception Outlaw 11.5
Walkability
Walkability is one of the key features of the Perception Outlaw. This is designed to offer a more spacious fishing platform, so that you can cast more easily and comfortably.
For added safety and comfort underfoot, there are traction pads on the deck. As well as providing grip, the pads also help to reduce noise from your deck – so you don’t scare the fish away.
Another handy feature is the seat that can be stowed, giving you even more room for standing.
Because of the low-profile, streamlined deck there can be less chance of getting your line snagged while casting. This can be even more useful for fly fishing when you need more room to cast.
Standing Stability
This is a very stable kayak. Not only is it incredibly wide (35 inches), it’s been designed with two deep channels running along the length of the hull, adding a pontoon-effect to the performance.
The high level of primary stability can be particularly comfortable for beginners.
The extra-wide hull means it’s not as fast as some of the narrower kayaks out there. But if you’re looking to fish, speed’s probably not high up on your list of must-haves.
It’s mostly designed for flatwater conditions, such as lakes and slow-moving rivers. But it’s also made to handle calm coastal water and ocean conditions. It’s probably not the best kayak for rapids and rough water and it’s not recommended for this.
Removable Seat
Having a seat that’s completely removable can give you that extra space for casting, letting you move around more easily. It can also mean it’s a lot easier to store your kayak and transport it. The seat can be stowed in a dedicated slot on the kayak.
The ergonomic seat is designed to offer all-day comfort. So you can spend as much time as you need to wait for that prize catch to take your bait. However, there are no footrests for support.
The seat is elevated off the deck, providing you with a better vantage point for sight fishing. However, the seat can’t be lowered, so unless you remove the seat entirely, you have to sit pretty high off the deck, which may not be to everyone’s preference.
The seat is framed and features mesh fabric to help with breathability and drainage.
Excellent Storage Space
The Perception Outlaw is a spacious kayak, with plenty of room to store fishing equipment or camping gear.
The large rear tank well is ideal for storing a fishing crate. When the removable seat is stowed, the seating area can be used to store a 35L cooler (sold separately). You could also use your cooler as a seat.
There are two side storage trays that can be used to keep tackle safe. You’ll also find cup holders and two double-barrel rod holders. The fishing rod holders can hold up to two fishing rods each, so four rods in total.
The bow storage well has a mesh cover to help secure items to the deck. There’s also a paddle park to hold your paddle while you’re fishing.
The Outlaw also has a decent load capacity, so you should manage to fit everything you need for a successful day of fishing or overnight camping trip. The capacity and spacious deck can also make it a comfortable kayak for larger paddlers.
Video: Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak Specs & Features Review
Customizable
One of the good things about this kayak is that you can customize it to your own requirements.
A really handy feature is the gear tracks that are built into the side carry handles. This helps to save space and gives you convenient no-drill mounting points for your fish finder, GPS and other accessories.
There are also three Solo Mount recesses so you can install additional accessories.
Easy To Paddle
The compact length of this fishing kayak means it can be more easily maneuvered in smaller bodies of water compared to longer kayaks. It’s easy to control and easy to turn. It also has decent tracking, so it can help you paddle in a straight line.
The ease of use makes it a good choice for new kayak anglers.
While it’s not the lightest kayak, it’s not as heavy as some other fishing kayaks. There are four carry handles. The bow handle is molded for easy use (and doubles as the paddle park). The stern handle is conveniently placed under the boat so that it’s easy to grip.
The other two handles are on the sides, doubling as gear tracks.
Other kayakers are also finding the Outlaw to be a great boat for customizing to their own tastes. Check out this angler’s rig.
Perception Outlaw 11.5 Alternatives
1: Perception Showdown 11.5
If you’re looking for something similar to the Outlaw but with more bells and whistles, the Perception Showdown could be just the thing. This is the upgraded version of the Outlaw. It comes with a pedal drive system for hands free propulsion and greater speeds.
It features most of the same great features found on the Outlaw but is an inch wider and has a 450-pound capacity. It’s also a little heavier (85 pounds) and a lot more expensive.
The Showdown also benefits from having a bow storage pod, providing covered storage that you don’t find on the Outlaw.
There’s also a rudder system to help you navigate moving water. It still has a roomy standing platform but the pedal drive takes up some of the standing space.
Pros
- Pedal drive system
- Fishing platform
- Covered storage
Cons
- Expensive
2: Jackson Bite Angler
The Jackson Bite Angler is probably the most comparable kayak to the Outlaw. But it’s a little more expensive. This also has a walkable deck, with lots of space to store gear. Like the Outlaw, there’s no dry storage. But the ultra-wide deck means there’s room for a couple of dry bags in addition to your fishing gear.
There are no traction pads on the deck but there are adjustable footrests. The mesh seat is padded and elevated for comfort and visibility.
The deck on the Bite is also pretty low-profile, making it good for fly fishing as well as other types of kayak fishing.
There are two flush mount rod holders, tackle box storage, and large bow and stern storage areas for securing gear.
Pros
- Very stable
- Standing deck
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- No dry storage
3: Perception Hi Life 11
The Perception Hi Life combines the best features of a stand up paddleboard with a kayak. This can be ideal if you’d prefer to stand more than sit.
It has deck padding across the entire deck, like a SUP. It has a comfortable, elevated seat with padding. The backrest folds down when you want to stand. And under the seat is a cooler recess (cooler not included).
A great feature is the built-in gear track that runs along the center, allowing you to add your own accessories.
This stable craft is 6-inches shorter than the Outlaw so you may find it’s easier to maneuver and transport. There are deck bungees at the bow and a swim-up deck at the stern that can also be used for storage. But it has a lower capacity of 280-pounds.
Pros
- Very spacious
- Hybrid design
- Elevated seat
Cons
- Lower capacity
Perception Outlaw 11.5: FAQs
Does The Outlaw Come With Paddles?
No. A paddle is not included. But this can give you the chance to choose a paddle that suits.
Do The Silent Traction Pads Come Installed?
Yes, the traction pads come pre-installed.
Can You Mount A Trolling Motor To The Outlaw?
Yes, you can. You can add an aftermarket trolling motor but you’ll need to make or buy a mount.
Conclusion: The Perception – Is It Any Good?
Pros
- Standing platform
- Spacious deck
- Incredibly stable fishing kayak
- Removable seat
Cons
- Not very fast
- No in-built storage hatches
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 offers great value and is an excellent fishing kayak at a decent price. It can be a great option for beginners and new kayak anglers looking for a high level of stability.
The walkable deck is one of the main features of this stable kayak. And the fishing platform is comfortable and easy to stand on.
The high level of storage space and good capacity means you’re able to load it up with all the necessary fishing gear for a successful day on the water.
If you think the Outlaw could be the right kayak for you, check it out here. And let us know what you think.
