Angler versions

Hi,
New to the board. I'm thinking of getting into a boat and am curious what you guys think of angler versions versus standard versions of boats like the Prowler. Are angler versions worth the couple extra bucks for the extra rigging, or is that easy enough to do on your own?

Welcome Valdal03!!!

About all you get on the standard angler versions are 2 flush mounted rod holders behind the seat.  Well ... that and extra graphics on the yak.

Some people like to buy the non-angler versions and do it themselves which can save a few bucks.  You also get to play around with what angle you get on the flush mounts.  Some like them pointed further out.  Some like them pointed further back.

-Allen

I'll start by saying I've got a Prowler 13 Angler and I love it.  I got mine as a gift, otherwise I would have gone for the non-angler version.  Depending on how you fish, what you fish for, and your mechanical inclination I would recommend you get the non-angler version and here's why:

• Think of the regular model as a blank canvas and put what you want where you want it; the angler model is any color you want as long as its yellow  I personally would have picked red or sunrise
• The standard OK seat is no better than cardboard comfortwise; you'll want to invest in a better one anyway
• I have yet to seriously use the rod holders that came on my yak and wouldn't miss them if they weren't there
• The graphics aren't that cool anyway; the NWKA stickers are the only graphics you need 
• If you can operate a drill, a rivet gun, a screwdriver, and apply judicious amounts of goop you can install pretty much anything your heart desires on your yak.

My setup is limited to a single scotty baitcaster/spinning rod holder up front (w/ 6" extension), a Cuda 168 fish finder mounted below it, an anchor trolly w/ small boat anchor, and a milk crate w/ a triple rod holder (vertical) screwed on to it.  I'd say I've got maybe an extra $180 on top of what my yak cost to have my near ideal setup.  All that left is a better seat ($100-$200 depending on options.)  You could pretty get all of this for just a little more than what you'd spend for two flush mount rod holders and a tiny plano box that come with the angler version.

• The standard OK seat is no better than cardboard comfortwise; you'll want to invest in a better one anyway

This years standard seat is better than years past.  Higher back and it wraps around you better. Still not too cush on the tush ... which is what upgrades will get you.

-Allen

Thanks, guys. That's great info given that the P-13 is right near the top of my short list.

If you can wait a month or so, the new Trident 13 is coming out from Ocean Kayak.  Why does this matter?  Well, you might like some of the new features of the Trident 13 vs the Prowler 13.  Alternatively, when the Trident 15 came out a year or so ago, the price on Prowler 15's dropped at some stores as they make room for the new inventory.  I'm guessing it might happen again with the 13s.

Then again, if you wait.. you won't be kayak fishing for awhile.

Here's a link to a post on this site about the new Tridents.
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,1279.0.html

Brian