The Perception Sport Sound 12,5 Angler

9.4
9.4 score
[Editors rating (9.2) + Users rating (10.0)] / 2 = (Gearweare.net) score (9.4)/10

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Editor rating: 9.2 / 10
User's rating: based on 1 user ratings
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Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • With a length of 12 feet and beam of 28 ½”, this kayak is both exceptionally fast and reasonably stable due to the low seating position afforded by the sit-inside hull design. Also, weighing in at only 57 pounds, it is light enough that most anglers can lift it onto and off of a vehicle’s roof.
  • The enclosed cockpit provides some protection from the elements, the seating is comfortable and adequate for the job, and the adjustable foot braces make it accessible by a variety of different sized paddlers.
  • Both the bilge and the cockpit rim are molded in such a way the there is a reasonable amount of room forward of the seat for standing in the kayak while fishing but it still enables the paddler to engage the edges of the cockpit with their knees for significantly greater control than is possible with a sit-on-top design.
  • There is a molded-in tank well in the stern and it has been fitted with an anchor trolley system.
Cons
  • With a length of 12 feet, this kayak may be a bit too long for those anglers who are specifically looking for a fishing kayak that can be stored in a small space or for those who need a highly maneuverable kayak for fishing in tight quarters.
  • With a beam of only 28 ½”, it may be a bit too tippy for inexperienced or younger paddlers or those who are looking for a super stable fishing platform.
  • With a weight of 57 pounds, it may be too heavy for some anglers to lift onto and off of a vehicle’s roof. In addition, some angles may feel that the seating is a bit Spartan to suite them and the outfitting can certainly be described as meager. Plus, this kayak lacks a dry storage hold.

Length

As I mentioned in the review of the Old Town Vapor 12 Angler kayak, my first love is high performance, British-form, sea kayaks and open ocean racing kayaks. Thus, I tend to have a distinct preference for long, slim, sit-inside kayaks as opposed to short, wide, sit-on-top kayaks and that extends to fishing kayaks as well.

Therefore, while I have always liked Perception kayaks, they have really outdone themselves with the Sound 12.5 Angler. At 12’ 6” in length and with a beam of 28 ½”, this kayak is a bit wide by sea kayak standards but, is rather narrow by fishing kayaks standards.

Design

Also, it features a tri-hull design which, when combined with its other specifications, it is an exceptionally fast fishing kayak. In addition, as a general rule, sit-inside kayaks tend to have more efficient hull designs than sit-on-top kayaks and the Sound series is no exception. However, what I like most about this kayak is that it has been designed in such a way that it retains many of the key features of both sit-inside kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks.

Protection

For instance, the enclosed cockpit gives you a feeling of having some protection from the elements and the low seating position that creates an ultra-stable paddling platform. Plus, there is just enough of a lip on either side to engage with your knees so that, when the Zone seat pad (which is engineered to provide the ultimate comfort and fit) is combined with the Keeper’s adjustable foot braces and padded thigh braces, you have considerably more control over the kayak than you otherwise would. But, like a sit-on-top design, it also features a large, open, cockpit that provides plenty of room to stand in the kayak while fishing and a molded-in dashboard that provides a place to put small items such as fishing lures. Plus, it includes a includes a Scotty Bait Caster rod holder.

Additional features

Furthermore, there are two molded rod holders located on either side aft of the cockpit to keep your rods handy but out of the way when not in use and there is additional storage space aft of the seat in addition to a molded-in tank well in the stern that is perfect for carrying a small cooler or a live bait well. Another feature that I really liked on this kayak is the anchor trolley system which enables you to use a kayak anchor to position the kayak with either the bow or the stern facing into either the wind or the current depending on your preference and the prevailing conditions.

Bottom line

Personally, I have always been partial to Perception kayaks and this kayak is no exception. Thus, since this kayak incorporates most of the features that I require in a fishing kayak, I would have to say that “yes”, I would purchase one. While it may not be as glamorous as some of the other fishing kayaks on the market, it is nonetheless well designed and the lack of outfitting can easily be corrected using some of the many aftermarket fishing kayak mounts.
Last, due to it’s in between length and relatively narrow width combined with the enclosed cockpit and the ability to add a spray skirt, this is an excellent kayak for fishing on just about any type of water that you would care to paddle a kayak on.