Pelican The Catch 120

Size and Weight

The dimensions of The Catch 120 are responsible for its stability and versatility. The length of 11’8” (356 cm) and deck profile of 15” (38 cm) allow even taller people to fit comfortably while creating acceptable storage space for extra gear. The stability is due to the sizable width of the kayak. At 34” (86 cm), the kayak will remain balanced even if you are standing.

The lightweight construction is also very impressive. Weighing only 69 lb (31 kg), The Catch 120 is light enough to haul on your own. It can also be easily turned over if you manage to capsize.

Capacity

Pelican The Catch 120 can carry a maximum load of 400 lb (180 kg). This means you can enjoy your water adventures without having to compromise on the amount of gear you carry.

Features

The Catch 120 has a tunnel hull design which ensures it performs well in shallow waters and provides the decent in-hull storage space mentioned earlier. At its bow, you can find a huge quick seal hatch that allows you to store fishing tackle. A roomy tank well, located behind the seat, functions as the primary storage area and features very sturdy bungee cords.

The kayak has four flush-mount rod holders and a molded-in bottle holder. Four carrying handles make it easier to handle and cartop.

Just like other Pelican kayaks, the Catch 120 is made from a multi-layered polyethylene—named RAM-X™ PREMIUM—that is more robust and durable than the industry standard. This ensures the kayak is lightweight and sturdy.

The comfort provided on this vessel may well be the best you can get at this price point. Pelican’s ERGOCAST™ G2 dual-height seating system allows you to change sitting positions while on the water. The adjustable footrests make it easy to find an optimal paddling position. The anti-slip mats on the deck improve traction and safety. They also dampen any noises that could spook the fish.

Despite being a good purchase, there are two minor compromises one makes when using this kayak. Even though the loading capacity is great, the storage options could be better. Besides the cargo deck and seal hatch, there are not many other compartments for storing gear. For some people, this could be a deal-breaker.

The second compromise is the absence of a rudder. This may be expected of a kayak at this price point, but it does not feature a place that accepts a rudder if you decide to buy one separately. Such a design flaw could be problematic when tracking on a windy day.

Performance

The maneuverability of this kayak is worthy of mention. This isn’t the fastest kayak on the market but you would have to spend quite a lot more money—like on The Catch 130—to get a faster vessel. Even when fully loaded, The Catch 120 is able to move comparably with speed and agility, making your adventures more exhilarating.