The Pelican Catch 120 Classic Kayak is a popular choice among kayak enthusiasts, known for its stability, durability, and versatility. Here's my review and some of the DYI upgrades I have completed.
One of the standout features of the Catch 120 is its exceptional stability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Its wide hull design ensures that you can stand up comfortably for fishing or casting without worrying about tipping over.
Constructed with high-density polyethylene, the Catch 120 is built to withstand rough waters and impact from rocks and debris. This material ensures that your kayak will last for years with proper care, even if you frequently venture into challenging environments.
The kayak comes with an adjustable ERGOCAST G2 dual-position seating system, providing ample support and comfort for long hours on the water. The adjustable footrests also accommodate paddlers of various heights, ensuring a customized fit.
With a generous storage capacity, including a rear tank well with bungee cords and a quick-lock front hatch, the Catch 120 offers ample space to stow your gear, tackle boxes, and personal belongings. I have added two additional hatches. One 8" at the stern and one 4" midway behind the seat. These were added primarily to have access for running wires and installing mounting hardware.
Included Stock Hatch
Added 8" stern hatch
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3VBE01o
Added 4" hatch behind seat
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4cjdzDm
Compared to similar kayaks on the market, the Catch 120 offers excellent value for money. It provides a perfect balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it an attractive option for both recreational paddlers and serious anglers.
With any fishing kayak, transporting can be challenging. One of the first upgrades I do is adding some sort of wheel system and for me, that is the "Bonndox Landing Gear"
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4aXKkEV
Depending on the kayak, this could be a challenging task. You want to make sure you mount them in a way to provide maximum strength and support so there isn't adverse stress on the surrounding area. Here I used the included delrin blocks for the top mounting plate along with stainless support bars inside the underside of the kayak body. I removed the stock rod holders to have the hull access and mount over top of the rod holder holes.
Next up is the under seat storage drawer. I like to have moist used items close by so I was able to find a drawer that fit perfectly under the seat. I attached directly to the floor of the kayak with stainless screws coated with silicone to prevent water seepage to the hull.
Under Desk Drawer 18", Pull-out Storage Drawer Link: https://amzn.to/3RltSqX
Fish Finder:
There are so many fish finders to choose from with a large range of prices. I keep things pretty simple when it comes to this. I see many kayak fisherman spend thousands of dollars on electronics setup, which is awesome if that's your liking. I only need depth and water temp info. The one I used for this build was the stock unit from my bass boat. This is a 5" Lowrance Hook2.
This was a very easy install on this kayak as it seemed to have everything in all the right places. I used a Lowrance scupper hole transducer kit to mount the transducer in the front scupper. All the wire run inside the hull with easy access from the front hatch.
It's hard to see in this picture, but the transducer actually sit above the lowest point of the hull so it won't scrape the ground when the kayak is loaded on a flat surface.
Anchor System:
Windy days on the lake or fishing in a river will require an anchor system. I prefer the "Anchor Wizard" to everything else out in the market. You can use a varieties of anchors and there is plenty of nylon cord to anchor in 20ft. or more of water.
Anchor Wizard Link: https://www.anchorwizard.com/
USB Port:
Another upgrade I put on all my kayak builds is a USB port for chrging phones or GoPro's.
Typically, I use a 10AH Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery. This will power a fish finder and other small electronics for several outings before needing a charge.
Running wires in this kayak is pretty easy and there is plenty of storage in the front hatch to store the battery.
USB Port Link: https://amzn.to/3RpUhEe
Cigar Holder.
I find it very relaxing to enjoy a cigar with my coffee early in the morning while on the water so I cam up with this "Hack" I put on all my kayak builds and eaven on my boat. Basically, a self stick metal disc with a magnetic cigar holder.
Metal Disc Link: https://amzn.to/4bVteZR
Magnetic Cigar Holder Link:https://amzn.to/45qIVG0
Cheers!
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbhippybass/
Overall, the Pelican Catch 120 Classic Kayak is a reliable and versatile choice for anyone looking to explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters. Its combination of stability, durability, comfort, and storage capacity makes it well-suited for a wide range of outdoor adventures, from fishing and camping to leisurely paddling. Adding accessories and modifying is the fun part for me.
This build is done. Off to the next build...
Additional Product links for this build:
Pelican Catch 120 Classic Kayak: https://amzn.to/4c0ftcm
Catch Kayak Paddle|Adjustable Fiberglass Shaft with Nylon Blades: https://amzn.to/3xiCbNF
YakAttack BlackPak Pro Kayak Fishing Crate 13x16: https://amzn.to/3VP0QTD
RAILBLAZA Visibility Light Kit with Flag: https://amzn.to/3KFbENp
Yak Attack TracPac: https://amzn.to/3Ru7hIZ
YakAttack GridLoc Through Hull Wiring Kit: https://amzn.to/3RmMR4r
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