Pelican Challenger 100 Angler

Size and Weight

The lightweight and durable RAM-X™ impact-resistant material makes Pelican Challenger 100 Angler a very light boat. At only 43 lb (20 kg), carrying the Challenger 100 Angler to and from the water is a hassle-free task. The kayak is 10 ft (305 cm) long with a 30 in. (76 cm) beam and a deck height of 13.25 in. (33 cm). These dimensions provide stability and ensure people of different heights can fit comfortably.

Capacity

The maximum load capacity of 300 lb (136 kg) is not impressive by kayak fishing standards but still adequate for most people. Keep in mind that the total weight includes you, your clothes, and all the gear you’re taking along. For best performance, it is usually recommended not to exceed 80 percent of the boat’s capacity.

Features

Carrying handles are placed at the bow and the stern of the kayak. When coupled with the lightweight construction, carrying the kayak is truly effortless. At the stern, there is a conveniently placed drain plug to remove any water that gets into the cockpit.

The seats on Pelican kayaks are fairly comfortable. They are made to be durable and breathable. The Challenger 100 Angler features a cushioned seat pad and an adjustable ERGOFORM™ backrest.

Other features include a dual-position bottle holder between the paddler’s legs and two flush-mount rod holders on the gunnels behind the seat.

At the stern, there’s a pretty spacious tank well with a mesh covering that will take a milk crate or cooler. It is self-bailing, meaning that any water that gets into the tank well or the cockpit will drain out through the scupper holes.

Other than the tank well, storage options are limited, which is pretty unfortunate for a fishing kayak. There’s a small storage platform on the bow but it has nothing to secure your load (a simple bungee cord would do the job).

There is no paddle holder, either, so you’ll have to keep a paddle on your lap while casting and fighting the fish.

Performance

The Challenger 100 Angler features a twin arched, multi-chine hull design. It ensures great primary stability, which is especially important for beginners just getting into kayak fishing. Don’t expect to stand in it, however.

The relatively short hull makes the boat quite maneuverable but not very fast. Overall, Pelican Challenger 100 Angler can be a viable option for short fishing trips on small bodies of calm waters.