Many anglers who want to get a kayak do not like the idea of having to get one for pond fishing and another for the sea or rougher waters. After all, not all of us have the budget to get all of those things in one go.
Those anglers have found that the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Kayak is a stable option that can work for rivers, ponds, lakes, and even sea kayak fishing when the conditions are right. While they use it that way, can this kayak really stand up to those conditions?
Let’s take a closer look at this kayak and its features to decide for ourselves.
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Kayak
The Prowler 13 Angler Kayak is made by Ocean Kayak, but it isn’t just meant for using it on the ocean. This was one of the first kayaks made for fishing, and it still proves over and over again that anglers love it for a reason.
Who Is This Product For?
This kayak is made for those who want to be able to do great fishing in a variety of water types and situations without hesitation. It can work on choppy waters and in smooth lakes, and you’ll find that it is easy to control regardless of your experience level in kayaking.
Another group who might love this kayak are those who want a lot of storage space, as this kayak has many areas where you can pack things away so that you always have them available to you while you are out fishing.
What’s Included?
This set only comes with the kayak itself. There is no included paddle, but this is probably a preferable thing because you might already have a paddle you love or want to choose your own paddle according to your needs.
Overview of the Features
The Prowler 13 Angler Kayak is one of the original fishing kayaks that came onto the market. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best, the fact that this line is still being improved and released every year should tell you something about how effective it is for other anglers. This is the 13th iteration of the Prowler, and it only gets better each time that it is re-released.
The versatility of this model is one of its main selling points. As mentioned, it can be used in rivers, on lakes, or even on the sea in the right conditions. The way that the hull is designed ensures a safe and stable ride. Whether the waters are calm or rough, this Prowler model manages to stay well-balanced and in control.
Beyond maneuverability, this model also offers many bonus features just for the angler. There is a deluxe comfort seat, two rod holders, an extended storage hatch, two paddle keeps, space for a transducer, and an oversized back tank that can hold coolers, SCUBA gear, or anything else that you might need on your day out!
Finally, it’s important to note that while this hull is very stable, it’s also built for speed, so it is a bit more narrow. While sitting, it might be hard to tip, but some have found that standing on it isn’t always easy because of this crossover hull design.
How to Use Your Kayak
To get a full idea of how to use your kayak, we have included this video from the makers of the kayak so that you can understand all of the features that are available to you before you get into it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6p3OV9WFLE
Learning to use all of the features on your kayak will take time. In fact, it will take time just to figure out how to pack your kayak most efficiently!
All beginners, however, should know how important it is that you pack or carry the following items every single time that you go out on the water to go fishing:
- Safety gear, including life jacket, whistle, gloves, flares, and anything else you might have
- Skin protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray)
- Water and food
- Anchor
- A multi-tool
- Fish handling gear
With these basic tools, you’ll ensure that you have everything you need to have a great time without getting hurt even if the fish aren’t biting. The key thing to pay attention to when you are just starting to use a kayak for fishing is that you are prepared. Nothing is worse than being out on the water and realizing that you forgot an essential tool.
Once you’ve learned what to pack, you will also want to consider what types of customized rigging you might want to add. Think about the way that you like to fish, and see if there is anything that you feel you would be missing while you are out on the water.
This video gives an excellent overview of how to custom rig your Prowler:
While you don’t have to choose the same accessories as this kayaker, you might be inspired by their ideas to have your own custom set up!
Alternatives
A similar model that works in a variety of water situations but is made by a different company is the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110. The Sea Ghost is a bit shorter and lighter, but it offers a similar level of control and speed as the Prowler.
If you want to get a different option by Ocean Kayaks instead, then the Ocean Kayak Caper Angler Kayak is a reasonable option that is in a similar price point but offers a different set of features for you to try as an angler. It has strong fishing features available too.
Conclusion
The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Kayak is an excellent option for anglers who are looking for both power and versatility. The Prowler was one of the first kayaks explicitly designed for fishing, and each new release in this line has only gotten better.
The Prowler 13 offers speed, stability, power, and function that you cannot find in many other angler kayaks at this price point. Give it a try, and find out if it might be the kayak that makes your fishing dreams a reality!