Anyone tried this Kayak Perception Sport Caster 12.5

[NHHC]

Im looking at a new fresh water kayak for fishing. Saw this at Dicks Sporting goods and price isnt shabby. Wanted to know if anyone has used these before. I have a Tarpon 160 and wanted something close, but a little smaller for fresh water. Figure for $600 its a good deal.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902129&cp=2367438.2367826.2672651.2674153

[StriperBlues]

I have the 11.5 Caster which doesn't have the front hatch. Very Very Very wet boat, even if its not rough..

[dennka44]

i bought my perception caster from dicks too i rigged it all for fishing with the equipment from hook-1 kayak i love it it handles well in choppy water and moves along pretty well in shallow water i paid 800.00 for mine so 600.00 is a deal

[DBA]

Glenn-did you get my PM about the Shootout?

Sorry to hijack your thread............Im done.

[candyman]

I just got the Perception Caster today. I can see that it will be a wet ride since the cockpit only has one scupper hole and it is at the highest point of the cockpit as well, which makes no sense! I plan to take a big sponge out with me to bail a little bit as needed.
I can't wait to get it out on the water and will let you know how it goes.

[candyman]

I just took out my Perception Caster 12.5 today for the first time. Here's how it went...

When people tell you its a wet ride, believe them wholeheartedly. It is an EXTREMELY wet ride. Im 5-10 and 230 pounds so a lot of water got pushed up through the scupper hole. I put a scupper plug in but it slid out and then I couldnt find where it went so I had about 3 inches of water where my legs were. My ass would have been soaking wet but I had my waders on so I stayed dry.

A rudder is a must. The tracking is terrible. You will paddle 3 times as much as you need to just to stay in a straight line. I have no rudder yet but I will DEFINITELY be getting one before the spring! Also the seat is really uncomfortable. Its almost like not having one at all.

It sits so low to the water that turning to get something out of the back is a risky proposition. Im not sure I will bother with a milk crate. I might just use a dry bag with a bungee attached so I can grab the cord and pull it into the front with me when I need to grab something. With the scotty rod holder in front and the 2 flush rod mounts in back, I dont believe I need the crate anyway. With this particular kayak I think its best to have too much clutter.