Home > Kayak Types > Fishing Kayaks > Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks > Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak Review

Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak Review

Mark Armstrong
Updated on:
- If you buy via a link on this page, we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
- Read our review guidelines

With all the different types and sizes of kayaks on the market, looking for the ideal vessel to suit your style and activities (not to mention, your budget) can be tricky. You might be asking yourself whether or not you need a kayak with features suited to fishing.

We have looked at the main features of the Pescador Pro so you can get a better idea of what style of paddler it’s for and decide whether or not it will be the right one for you on your next kayaking trip.

Perception Pescador 12.0 Pro Fishing KayakPin
  • Length: 12 feet
  • Width: 32.5 inches
  • Deck Height: 14.5 inches
  • Weight: 64 pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 375 pounds

Is The Pescador Pro For You?

If you’re looking for a fishing kayak then yes, the Pescador Pro might just be ideal for you. Fishing kayaks tend to offer extra features that are not always found on a standard recreational kayak.

Yaks that are designed for fishing will often have features dedicated to fishing, such as built-in rod holders or storage areas for tackle, and sometimes even a place to mount accessories, such as electronics.

Fishing yaks can be heavier than recreational ones because of their extra rigging, so this could be a downside if you’re looking for a lightweight vessel that will simply let you have fun on the water. You should also consider the weight and size of the vessel if you plan to transport it by yourself.

If you’re looking for a yak that’s designed for speed and efficiency then a fishing yak is probably not the type to go for, as you will probably find that you have features that you don’t or can’t use.

A recreational yak would probably be a better choice if you’re looking for good value and versatility, or if you’re looking for more speed and comfort from your vessel then perhaps a touring yak might be better.

If you plan on fishing fairly regularly in more temperate climates then a sit-on-top fishing kayak could be a good vessel to choose, as it is designed to be able to take you and your gear to the best fishing spots in the lake or river. If the water or weather is cold, you might find that a sit-inside is a more suitable option.

The Pescador Pro is very stable. This means it’s a good stand up fishing kayak.

Top Features Of The Pescador Pro 12.0

The Pescador Pro 12.0 is a 12 foot long sit-on-top kayak that is designed for fishing. This 32 inch wide vessel is stable and could be ideal for taking all your gear out for a day’s fishing trip. And with a weight capacity of up to 375 pounds, there should even be enough space for you to take a little extra gear for an overnight trip.

Storage And Fixings

This durable polyethylene vessel features two molded in rod holders, as well as a place to keep your paddle while you’re fishing.

Although there is only a small amount of dry storage, with a little hatch in front of the seat, as well as one behind; it’s enough to keep your smaller valuables safe, such as your phone and keys. And it has the advantage of having a spacious cargo deck also behind the seat, with bungee cords to let you secure your bags and larger items.

Smaller gear can be stored at the bow, where there is also a mesh cover for a little extra protection. The yak also has a tackle box storage area and comes with a foot long gear track, so you can attach other gear to it. And for added convenience there is also a cup holder.

In addition to this, there is even a center console area, designed to let you attach your electronics, such as your fish finder or your GPS. There’s also space to keep wires and batteries out of the way.

Seating That Won’t Break Your Back

One of the best things about this kayak is the comfortable seat. It’s a stadium style mesh seat with a mesh seatback that can be adjusted to either an upright position or a more relaxed reclined position. The seat can also be removed for easier storage and transportation.

Another thing that boosts the comfort level on this craft is the adjustable foot rests that can make for more comfortable and stable paddling and fishing.

Size

This vessel seems to pack a lot into its size. It’s not a compact yak but it’s not overly large and, weighing just 64 pounds, it’s not too difficult for moving back and forth if you’re on your own.

To help you transport it, there are molded carrying handles that are comfortable to hold. Plus, the yak has a built in skid plate to give it extra strength if you need to drag it along the ground to your favorite fishing spot.

Good For Beginners?

The Pescador Pro 12.0 could be a good choice if you’re looking for your first fishing kayak, as it’s a stable craft with enough space for your essentials and with space for attaching additional accessories to boost your fishing success.

It can be easy to maneuver when you’re on calm waters, such a lake or slow moving river, and can track well in calm to moderate conditions, due to the shape of its hull. 

The Pescador made it into our top fishing kayak guide.


Pescador Pro Alternatives

Pescador Pro 10 Kayak

Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 KayakPin

If you like the style and build of the Pescador Pro 12.0 but aren’t sure about the size then this could be a good alternative. It’s 10 foot 6 inches long and 32 inches wide, so it’s a compact craft that might be easier to transport, and could fit in the back of your truck with the tailgate down.

It’s lighter, weighing just 57 pounds but also has a lower weight capacity of 325 pounds.

Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 12 Kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on top KayakPin

This is a stable kayak, with flush mounted rod holders and a paddle holder. It’s a sit-inside yak with plenty of storage options, including a dry hatch and bungee cord rigging at the bow and stern for extra gear.

This might be a better option if you’re planning to fish in colder conditions, as you will be kept warmer and drier inside the cockpit. It’s a 12 foot long vessel that is stable but narrower than the Pescador Pro, at just 29.5 inches, and it’s also lighter at 47 pounds but has a higher weight capacity of 395 pounds.

BKC UH-TK181 Tandem Kayak

BKC UH-TK181 12.5ft Sit-On-Top Tandem Fishing KayakPin

This sit-on-top fishing yak from the Brooklyn Kayak Company is a 12.5 foot craft with as many as 7 rod holders. It’s a tandem vessel so it’s ideal for two paddlers on a fishing trip. It weighs just 68 pounds and has a capacity of 450 pounds.

It has two dry hatch storage compartments, one for each paddler and there are paddle rests so you can fish freely without worrying about losing your paddles. There is also a bungee cord cargo area behind the stern seat.


Closing Thoughts

Perception Pescador 12.0 Pro Fishing KayakPin

Pros

  • Comfortable seat
  • Rigged for gadgets
  • Rod holders
  • Overall Storage Good

Cons

  • Dry storage area limited
  • Not super-easy to transport

After reading about the Pescador Pro 12.0 you will hopefully know whether this is the right kayak for you. Consider where you plan to fish, for example, will it be cold or hot there? How will you get your yak to and from the water?

The Pescador Pro could be a great fishing yak, as it’s large enough for you to bring along extra supplies for a long day on the water. If you plan to fish regularly then a fishing kayak can be a good investment and with this one, you can add accessories to tailor it to your needs.


If you enjoyed this article, feel free to share it with your fellow anglers, or if you have any comments, just let us know.

Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Review - Pinterest ImagePin

Leave a Comment