Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Review (Always On Top!)
Fishing kayaks are exactly what the name sounds like: They’re kayaks you can fish in. But there’s a lot of important details that goes into making these fishing kayaks not only seaworthy, but utilitarian enough to suit your needs.
Features of Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
Performance hull
The hull of Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak provides stability in rough waters while being fast yet quiet in calm waters. Because of the well thought out design of the hull, you can use this kayak on the high seas or in still waters where the fish would be disturbed by a clumsier vessel. Also, because the hull is so stable, it makes the overall experience much safer for when safety is a concern.
Comfort Plus Seat
The Comfort Plus seat keeps you comfortable on your long fishing expeditions while still enabling you to easily maneuver and fish in the kayak.
Large tank well
The tank well is designed to be big enough to hold your SCUBA tanks, tackle boxes, and any provisions you might need to take with you, maximizing storage in a compact space.
Large front hatch
The front hatch is easily accessible to fishing rods and other gear you can store below deck.
First Impression
I was immediately struck by how awesome the urban camo pattern looks. It has a cool, grungy look that is gender neutral enough to appeal to most men and women. Not only that, but the color sort of blends with river rocks and white water, so it really is a true camouflage depending on where you’re at and what you’re doing.
When I sat in the kayak, I noticed right away how comfortable the seat is. The curve of the back-rest sort of cradles your back, which feels good not only right away, but also once you’re out in the water. Also, I’m tall and I had plenty of leg room, which was an initial worry I had before I actually tried the Prowler 13 out.
As for the front hatch, it actually is really easy to access, so I had no problems getting my fishing rod in and out.
All in all, my first impression was really good. I liked the combination of good looks, comfort and utility, which was why I initially went for this kayak in the first place, so I was pretty pumped that it met my expectations the first time I went out in it.
Performance
The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak handles so much better than I thought it would. I mean, I expected it to be above average, because I’m not the type to “settle” when it comes to my sports gear—especially when it comes to kayaks, because you’re going to be out in the water alone more often than not, and you need something that can perform. Anyway, not only did the Prowler 13 handle better than average, it handled great.
The first day I took it out, I took it out on the ocean near where I live. There was a lot of wind that day and the water was choppy and slightly rough, but otherwise not too bad, so I thought it would be a good day to put this kayak through its paces and see how it handles.
If you’re new to kayaking, it’s important to know that one of the main issues with kayaks is that they can tip over while you’re in the water, some more often than others. I’m six-foot-five and have a lot of upper body strength, thus I’m a bit top heavy, making me kind of the perfect candidate to tip over. I’m happy to report that didn’t happen. The balance on the hull is amazing. I would say it’s definitely the most stable kayak I’ve ever been in, period.
The next test I wanted to do was on calm water. It’s advertised to handle both rough seas and calm water; I knew the former was true, so now it was time to test the later.
This time, I took the kayak out on a big lake near my brother-in-law’s cabin. The wind was calm that day, so the water was mellow. Aside of stability, this kayak is also supposed to be silent and fast, and calm water is the perfect way to test that.
I’m happy to report that the Prowler 13 moves swiftly across calm waters without disturbing any especially skittish fish nearby. And that ability is what makes this fishing kayak so aptly named.
Pros
What to like about the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak:
- The urban camo aesthetics look awesome and at-home in the water.
- Can support up to 475 pounds of weight, which this an ideal kayak for most sportsman’s needs.
- The storage accommodation is amazing, especially for people who plan to do more than fishing while in their kayak, like SCUBA diving.
- A great kayak for big and tall guys who need a kayak that can support them while still being cool and utilitarian.
- Sit on top design
- Comfortable seats prevent soreness during long fishing excursions
- Transducer compatible
- Durable construction provides a long lifespan for the kayak
- The hull is stable and allows for silent speed either on the high seas or calm waters.
- Ample places to attach carabineers
Cons
What to consider:
- It’s only rated to hold up to 475 pounds, so that’s something important to consider if you’re taking a lot of heavy gear with you. For those who travel light, this won’t be much of an issue, if at all.
What comes with the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak
This kayak comes with two rod holders, two cup holes, a storage bucket in the hatch, two paddle keeps and a rudder.
Conclusion
I’d recommend the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak to any fisherman; whether you’re out on the sea or in a river, this is a kayak that not only gives you speed, stability and silence, but also has loads of storage options to suit most needs.
Check out this great presentation from Ocean Kayak.
