Any opinions on Ocean Kayak Caper Angler ?

**simon_mac** · 13-05-2008, 15:21

Hi all,

I'm thinking about buying a dedicated angling kayak and want something I can easily shift, car-top and store on my own so I've ruled out anything over 11 foot long.

The Caper (11 foot) Angler edition looks great. The only modification I'd make would be to put a rod holder in front of me.

Does anyone have one of these kayaks? Any good/bad points?

Regards,

Simon

**jdavies841** · 13-05-2008, 21:22

Havent tried that model, but i would advise not to put the rod holder between your legs because it could get in the way when yu need to re-enter the yak. Either mount it right forward ot to the side of you.

**Snapper35** · 14-05-2008, 00:01

That's one I haven't paddled. Must do something about that soon. Popular kayak in the old days. Take a look at the Drifter too, that's a lovely boat, or the new Scrambler 11.

**pinkfoot** · 17-05-2008, 09:56

Hi Simon
If you go on anglersfloat homepage then pictures then Kayaks fishing there seems to be a lot of guys using them and they don't seem have be having any probs hauling the tope on board.

**wayne barbet** · 18-05-2008, 20:19

Hi Simon,i have a caper angler,had it for 2yrs,and not fallen out yet,touch wood,they handle quiet well,i keep up with my mates drifter,doesn't glide as well as the drifter,but handles the chop,swell well.very stable,no problem standing up,hope this helps,happy yak'n

**Speciman** · 19-05-2008, 09:23

From one Simon to another...

The Caper Angler was my first yak. I also bought this model due to storage constraints. Its a good yak but only suited for shorter trips and its hard work in current and against headwind. Myself and a few others started with Capers but sold them on after we found it's limitations. I've since moved and have storage for a longer yak.

A lot of the guys coming into the sport go for the short wide yaks as they opt for the stability (the Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game is a popular yak for newcomers). However those who paddle regulary and in a variety of waters soon trade up to something slimmer and more suited for distance work - they tend to be more efficient to paddle and sea worthy in bigger seas.

All the kayaks we fish from are 'stable' -kayaking is a bit like riding a bike and you'll soon get used to things. Providing you learn some basic strokes, relax and let the kayak move beneath you, you'll soon gain confidence paddling something that at first glance looks and may feel a bit tippy.

**simon_mac** · 19-05-2008, 10:29

Thanks for the tips lads. Storage space is my limitation, but an 11 footer should do the trick. I'll be using it on both the sea and in the Lake District and would not expect to do any huge trips with it anyway.

Cheers again.

**Simon Everett** · 22-05-2008, 11:36

Simon - look at my thing on kayak speed in the htreads.

It illustrates how kayak speed DOES affect you on shorter trips, especially in the sea and even more so in estuaries.

Plenty of kayak tuition courses for anglers coming up this summer - advice given freely, donation to the RNLI to attend. We have just had one in Exmouth where there were over 100 kayak anglers.
This weekend in Guernsey, similar thinig, next week first course at Mudeford RNLI station.

It will be worth your while going to one of these before you decide - what you perceive as difficult now as you start out, can be rectified within 10 minutes of tuition. That knwledge then stays with you forever - and hopefully will keep you safe(r)