For serious anglers, the Perception Pescador Pilot 12 fishing kayak has features for anyone. Made of high-density polyethylene, the Pescador Pilot is a sturdy, durable boat that won’t spring leaks because it’s molded in one piece without seams. Designed for comfort and stability you can take this kayak on lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal waters.

The comfortable mesh seat adjusts to your comfort level with two height levels and forward and backward adjustments for easy paddling no matter your height. Pole holders at two positions keep rods upright or tucked away. Open storage in the front and the rear hold tackle boxes and coolers and a console designed for a fish-finder sits in arms reach of the seat.

Pescador Pilot 12: The Pros

The Pescador Pilot focuses on what serious anglers want in a sit-on-top kayak: durability, reliability, comfort, function, and maneuverability. This kayak meets all the basic necessities of a fishing kayak then takes the features to a whole new level.

The polyethylene hull resists damage from scrapes, collisions, exposure to sunlight, and weather because it’s cast in one piece and roto-molded. The skid plate on the bottom protects the hull while hauling it in and out of the water, and it’s completely replaceable.

Getting in and out of a kayak can be tricky, but the stability on the Pescador Pilot is top-notch. Even when the chair is in its highest position people feel confident that they won’t take a dive. Standing up – very tricky in an average kayak – is completely possible. For additional safety, each hull is stamped with a permanent U.S. Coast Guard-compliant ID number.

What some might say is the highlight of the Pescador Pilot is the seat itself. It’s made of breathable mesh, allowing airflow to keep paddlers cool even on the hottest of days. It’s fully adjustable in height, legroom, and reclining. The footrests are also adjustable to the best position for paddling. Because of the adjustability and the size of the chair, people of all sizes say they can sit out all day in it comfortably. When you want to call it a day and relax in the yard or by a fire, the seat is removable.

Packed with storage space in the front and rear, there’s plenty of space for coolers, tackle boxes, and equipment. Bungee lashings keep everything secure while out on the water. There are also accessory mounts to customize your trip. Adding cargo won’t sink this kayak either, even with a full load it will stay afloat and not tip over.

Because it’s shorter and lighter than many models of kayaks, the Pescador Pilot 12 is very easy to steer. The shape helps keep the kayak on course and also minimizes the effort it takes to paddle. Finding your way into hard to get to spots easily, where other fishers dare not paddle. And because it’s smaller and lighter than other kayaks, loading, unloading, and transporting the Pescador Pilot 12 is much easier than other kayaks.

The Pescador Pilot 12 comes in a variety of colors from blue, red, and green to variegated chartreuse and watermelon. Never lose your kayak on your crowded dock again.

Pescador Pilot 12: The Cons

While the Pescador Pilot is packed with positives, some negatives need noting. Some of the design features aren’t fully thought out. Some people have also had issues with the straps and clasps on the seat, to the point of replacing the parts with other, stronger pieces.

Although the rod holders are convenient, the upright position doesn’t keep rods stable enough for hands-free fishing. Some people complain that having poles in that position makes it hard to paddle, but others say it’s not a problem.

Another design issue is the rear storage unit. Since it sits behind the chair, in order to reach anything back there you have to turn in the seat or stand up. If you pack those things which you only need a few times this issue is not as much of a big deal.

As some unlucky people have found out, the kayak doesn’t come with a paddle. This must be purchased separately, an additional cost that could have been included in the package. However, knowing that, it’s not a huge downside.

Even though it’s lighter than other kayaks like the Perception Pescador 10, it’s still almost 60 lbs and it might be difficult to get on top of a car. This won’t be a problem for most people, but people with physical problems may have a tough time getting this kayak in place.

Perfect Fit

While most occasional fishers won’t want to drop money on something they would use maybe a half dozen times a year, those who dream in fishing reels and bait will love the Pescador Pro 12. Spending a day or a weekend – even weeks or more – on the water finding the best spots will thrill fishing enthusiasts.

Even if you don’t fish but love being out in nature and on the water this kayak is perfect. Bring along a picnic lunch, a book, and your favorite beverage (or a case of it) and relax the day away.

The Pescador Pilot is especially suited to bigger people because of its stability and the ease of getting in and out. Since it can hold up to 475 lbs all but the burliest of fishers will ride comfortably, knowing their kayak will keep them afloat.

Retirees and seniors will also love this kayak because of its safety. Even people who have limited mobility can find freedom on the waters and not worry about getting in or out or tipping over.

Final Verdict

Perception Pescador Pilot 12

Buy Now

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If you’re looking for your first sit-on-top fishing kayak or even your third, fourth, or fifth kayak, we like the Pescador Pilot 12 for its overall construction and useful features.

Seamless one-piece construction and durable but lightweight design come in as one of the winning features of this kayak, but what sells this model is the comfort of the chair. Sitting for hours at a time without being able to really stand up and stretch can take its toll, but not with the comfy lawn-chair seat in this kayak.

The few negatives – some design issues and a few minor construction problems – are not deal breakers, in our opinion. The Pescador Pilot 12 is an excellent all-around choice for a fishing kayak.

See you on the water!

Robert Walker has been a Kayak enthusiast for over a decade. He's owned several different Kayak's, but only recently got into Pedal Kayaks in the last few years. This website is Robert's way of sharing his passion for Pedal Kayak's with the world.