I actually got a boat! That’s been a bit of a running joke around here as I’ve been jokingly asking for a fishing boat for years only to be told “No” by Angela. I think if I really, really wanted a boat and was serious about it I would have one by now, but the truth is I never REALLY wanted one and the cost and responsibility that goes with it. Instead, I think I landed on a decision that makes sense for me, and that’s a pedal kayak that can get me on water large and small without taking up a ton of room or breaking the bank.
So how did I get here? I blame it on the muskie! I’ve been watching muskie fly fishing videos and because enthralled with the idea of catching one on the fly. That led me to buying a complete rod, reel, fly setup to do so, but more on that later. The reality is, the best chance to cover water and to get close to where muskie live is via boat, and in most cases the guys I’ve been watching are using kayaks. Beyond chasing muskie, I’ve become frustrated with fluctuating water levels on area streams and would like an option that provides more consistency. That means getting on some area lakes.
When I first started looking at kayaks I had no idea what I was looking for. One feature I was interested in was pedal propulsion, and I remember Hobie was a popular brand for that. Well, they’re also several thousand dollars and if I’m going to spend that on a boat it better come with a motor! After a little research I learned of the Pelican Catch 110 HD (Hydrodrive) II. The reviews were calling it the best value of kayaks of its type coming in at $1,200. I watched several videos and read several reviews and eventually was satisfied this was the right choice for me.
Living in a small town means typically having to order a “fancy” item like this, or driving a good ways to get your hands on one. I started by looking at the Cabela’s website and they had them in limited stock at their Wheeling, WV store. I also had about $200 worth of Cabela’s points built up so I was thinking I can get one of these things for $1,000 plus the cost of the couple hours drive. Before I pulled the trigger though, I shopped around and it became clear there was no special deal to be found online.
As I contemplated the purchase more, I thought it would be a good idea to stop by our local Dunham’s sporting goods store and actually touch a kayak. I thought maybe they would have something I would like, although my hopes were low. I had a couple other errands to run anyway so I added a stop at Dunham’s to the list. I started browsing kayaks and eventually got to the side wall where several were standing on their noses on display. Imagine my surprise when my eyes locked on a Pelican Catch 110 HD II right in front of my face! There it was in all its glory, and I could reach out and touch it.
Naturally the listed price was $1,200, but I wouldn’t have to drive anywhere to get it and I could have it right away. Then I remembered seeing July 4 holiday coupons for Dunham’s in my email. I saw they were offering 25% off Pelican kayaks for two days only and I was within that window. Surely that coupon wouldn’t work for the kayak I wanted though, right? The best way to find out was to take a picture of the barcode and take it to the checkout counter. The young woman scanned the code and then my coupon, and sure enough the kayak could be mine for just $899 before tax. That is by far the best price I saw for this boat, and it seemed like an obvious decision.
I went home and secured final permission before making a plan to consummate the transaction. Of course they only had one so I needed to move quickly. I was in the store the next day and I had my new kayak home and was working on it by the evening. I still have a lot to learn and some customizing to do, but I now have a vessel of my own and I look forward to figuring it out. I’m sure there’s more to come on this topic. Maybe the next step is deciding on a name.