BUZZBAIT
[BOATS]
THE SEVEN LATEST CATCHY KAYAKS BY PAUL LEBOWITZ
SHORT AND SWEET Capable 11-foot fishing kayaks are surging to the forefront. Easy to transport and store, this handy class is epitomized by the new Wilder- ness Systems Ride 115, a pint-sized power- house that’ll carry up to 500 pounds of angler and gear. It’s chock full of fishing features once found only on longer models, including the cushy, adjustable Freedom Elite Seating System, a full set of hatches, and plenty of SlideTrax ac- cessory mounts.
www.wildernesssystems.com. There isn’t one wasted inch on Hobie’s new
pocket rockets, the paddle-powered Quest 11 and the efficient Mirage Revolution 11 pedal ‘yak. The latter’s 47-pound hull weight is a back-saving 25 percent lighter than the origi- nal 13-foot Revo, with the same eye-catching good looks. No pushover in the surf, it’ll turn in its own length. Gone are the days when a
18 …KAYAK ANGLER SPRING 2012 TREND SETTERS
shorter ‘yak was the cheaper, less capable alter- native.
www.hobiecat.com.
BUDGET RIDE, BIG PERFORMANCE The kayak fishing dollar stretches farther than ever. Ocean Kayak’s sleek Tetra 12 is a great ex- ample. This sweet paddler comes with all the essentials (Comfort Hybrid seat, Quick Seal bow hatch and paddle keepers) and looks like a million bucks—for a modest $750. The An- gler Package, including the nifty Mod Pod II center console hatch, is just a bit more. www.
oceankayak.com. Elie’s impressive new Gulf 120XE Angler
comes fresh from the factory bristling with rod holders, two slick one-handed hatches, the Ergoflex tilt-lock seat and a silky smooth Fluid Steering System rudder. First class all the way. This is a dry, nimble, well equipped ‘yak—
what’s not to like? The cost is an eyebrow-rais- ing $1,000 even; $730 for the basic boat. www.
eliesport.com.
A STAND-UP BATTLESHIP Two trends—bigger is better and the crest- ing standup wave—meet in NuCanoe’s new Frontier 12. The broad Cast & Blast deck is a confidence-inspiring 41 inches wide, likely the largest on any craft conceivably called a fish- ing kayak. Custom Fit Seats mount anywhere along 72 inches of Freedom Track. A first for NuCanoe, the Gear Vault accesses in-hull stor- age. Cutting edge factory rigging comes to the battleship.
www.nucanoe.com.
BIG WATER CRUISERS STRETCH THEIR SEA LEGS Open water demands longer boats with the
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