FRESH CATCH CAPABLE IN ANY WATER BUT
AT HOME INSHORE. PHOTO: BEN DUCHESNEY
[S P LAS H]
ELIE’S CAPABLE COAST 120XE ANGLER
A do-it-all boat for anglers looking for far-away fish
Striper fishing in New England requires kayak anglers to drive around looking for signs of life. As soon as I spot diving birds or breaking fish, I grab my kayak and charge the action. This requires a kayak that is light enough to unload in a rush and seaworthy for a mad dash to intercept flee- ing fish. Elie’s new Coast 120 XE proved to be a perfect platform to run and gun for bass and blues. This boat may have a budget price tag, but it has the capabilites of a purebred.
LIGHTWEIGHT SPORTSTER The best fishing is often furthest from the launch. To hit distant destinations, I need a boat that is light, stable and fast. Elie’s Poly- XR three-layer, thermoform material weighs less than a similar roto-molded boat. But the plastic is just as tough; I could drive over this boat with my truck and bang out any dents with a hammer. I took the Coast 120 out in 15 mph winds, what we call striper chop, and the boat sliced through wind waves without beating me to death. The Coast’s hull has a slight keel to keep the boat tracking smooth and straight and a flared bow keeps the waves from crash- ing over the sides. The ErgoFlex seat is elevated off the deck and heavily padded for long paddles, or to soak in the comfort while soaking a bait rig.
64 … KAYAK ANGLER
FAST AS HULL The high-vis yellow and white two-tone col- or scheme stands out on the horizon. The rigid plastic hull makes the boat more agile for quick turns to tackle oncoming waves or boat wakes. Edge the boat slightly and it will spin on a dime. The best part of this boat is by far the speed. With a steady, relaxed pace I could keep up with my hardworking buddies in their heavier rotomolded boats. When I gave her the spurs, the Coast 120 took off and let me beat my buddies to the best holes.
FALL IN LOVE, NOT THE DRINK The Coast 120 XE Angler is designed to balance stability and maneuverability. The responsive primary stability let me kick the boat on edge for quick maneuvers to dodge a wave, but the strong secondary stability kept my moves from putting me in the drink. Standing up in secluded inlets and coves, I could cast comfortably and paddle with confidence.
Not only is the Coast 120 XE designed for serious fishing, but it comes rigged with a dozen strategically placed pad-eyes. Flush mount rod holders behind the seat and a Scotty Power Lock rod holder in the cockpit are ready to fish right off the rack. BEN DUCHESNEY
FISH FRIENDLY FEATURES:
• Easy to adjust footpegs
• 8” quick-access day hatch, with storage bag
• Comfortable Ergoflex seat for all-day fishing
• Easy-to-use paddle tie-down groove
Elie Coast 120XE Angler SPECS
Length: Width: Weight:
Capacity: Price:
12' 30” 59 lbs
350 lbs $699.95
www.eliesport.com
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to watch the new Coast 120XE in action on the striper coast, with web editor Ben Duchesney.
• Quick lock bow hatch
• Versatile accessory eyelets for more mounting options
• Two flush mount rod holders behind seat
• Scotty Swivel rod holder
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