I've already reviewed these boats on my Road Trip Angler YouTube channel. However, this article isn't really about comparing these models specifically. Instead, I want to talk about the general pros and cons of the standard hard plastic versus inflatable fishing kayaks, and where I see each type of kayak making the most sense.

Kayak Weight Can Vary Significantly

Weight will be a determining factor if you’re considering one of these two types of fishing kayaks. There are some relatively lightweight composite kayaks out there, but inflatables are generally much lighter. However, hard-shell rotomolded fishing kayaks are usually wider, more stable, and can carry a lot more gear.

Inflatables usually weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Hard plastic kayaks generally weigh from 70 pounds to 150 pounds or more for pedal drive kayaks.

Since weight can vary so much, it's worth thinking about when you're comparing the two types of kayaks.

Transportation and Storage

You’ll also want to factor in storage and transportation when you’re comparing inflatable and hard-shell fishing kayaks.

Regardless of design, most fishing kayaks are between 11 and 14 or 15 feet long. You can transport a hard kayak on a roof rack, but I'd say that inflatables have the edge when it comes to transportation. It's just nice being able to pack them down, put them in a case, and throw them in the back seat or trunk of a car.

Plus, you can store them in a closet. This just isn't an option with hard-shell rotomolded kayaks. In fact, you need a space bigger than the kayak itself. This usually means a pick-up truck or trailer for storage, and a garage, a shed, or a basement with an outdoor entrance for storage.

Materials and Construction

Materials and construction are two more things to think about when it comes to hard-shell versus inflatable fishing kayaks. The NRS Kuda and Pike Pro inflatable fishing kayaks are made from PVC-type vinyl material, whereas the Coosa X is rotomolded plastic.

NRS makes high-quality boats that can take a lot of punishment, but hard plastic kayaks have the edge when it comes to durability. They just hold up better over time, and you can drag them over the ground or a rocky river bottom for a long time before they’ll wear out.

However, people have been running white water and fishing from inflatable boats for ages. Inflatables have gotten a lot stronger and more durable over the years. Just keep in mind that you do need to think about overinflation, air expansion, and punctures with inflatables.

These just aren't issues with standard rotomolded fishing kayaks because they don't expand or pop. In addition, it's nice not having to worry about hooks and other sharp objects puncturing the boat and sidelining your day on the water.

Now, I don't want to give you the impression that inflatables aren’t durable. Actually, they are. It’s just that they’re less durable than hard-shell boats like the Coosa X from Jackson Kayak.

Rigging and Accessories

I really like that most fishing kayaks come with lots of gear track, but hard plastic and composite boats have the advantage in regard to rigging and accessory options.

The Coosa X comes with plenty of Jackson’s tri-track that makes it easy to put as much rigging as you want on the boat wherever you want it. You can add a lot of accessories to inflatables too, but you may have to glue on different bases.

The Kuda and Pike Pro inflatable fishing kayaks from NRS do come with some bases. The only drawback is that you’re limited by the shorter track sections. Whereas some fishing kayaks have strips that are 12 inches or longer.

Both Kayak Types Offer Tons of Versatility

It's kind of a toss-up when it comes to which type of fishing kayak is more versatile.

But it's nice packing an inflatable kayak into a relatively small bag and blowing it up onsite. I also like that inflatables are light, that they're easy to store, and that they can be used on virtually any waterway.

The flip side is that rotomolded kayaks tend to give you more confidence in bigger water. This is largely because you don’t have to worry about punctures and other deflation issues. Just remember that hard kayaks aren’t impervious to problems or damage. They can still crack and wear out over time, especially when they're used a lot or abused. In fact, even leaving them out in the sun can degrade the plastic and lead to cracks and other issues.

That said, I'd say that rotomolded kayaks get the nod when it comes to overall versatility. However, it depends on your fishing style, how much you'll be traveling, how you'll transport your kayak, and how much storage space you have.

So an inflatable may be more suitable if live in an apartment, don't have a truck or trailer, or just want a lighter kayak that's easier to get to and from hard-to-reach access points.

Then again, a hard plastic boat may be a better choice if you'll be fishing tournaments in open water and want to carry lots of gear and rig-up accessories like electronics and anchor systems.

Hi-Low Versus Fixed Seating

Another advantage most rotomolded kayaks have is that they come with trimmable high-low seating.

This varies between models and manufacturers, but you rarely get high-low seating with inflatables. You may be able to move the seat forward and backward a little on some inflatable kayaks, but the seats are often locked into place.

I do want to say that NRS’s Pike Pro and Kuda 126 are some of the best inflatable fishing kayaks out there when it comes to versatile, high-quality, purpose-built fishing kayaks. And again, it really just depends on what you’re doing with the boat, where you’re using it, and how you plan on storing and transporting it.

It's also worth noting that you'll generally have access to interior storage with rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks.

More Models to Choose From With Hard Kayaks

There are a lot more options with standard rotomolded fishing kayaks than with inflatables. There really aren’t a ton of inflatable kayaks designed specifically for fishing. This limits your choices and can make it tricky to find the right kayak and get it dialed into your needs.

But to recap, I think the NRS Kuda and Pike Pro are two of the best options out there. In fact, they’ll give some rotomolded plastic kayaks a run for their money in a lot of ways.

You really just need to think about what you're doing and where you're fishing to figure out which kind of boat will work best for you.

Tracking, Speed, and Maneuverability

Another thing to consider is that inflatables tend to sit more on top of the water, while hard shell kayaks sit down deeper.

This makes inflatables more nimble and easier to get up to speed more quickly. On the flip side, the wind can push them around more than hard-shell kayaks.

With that in mind, a rotomolded boat like the Jackson Kayak Coosa X may be the way to go if you primarily fish in open water exposed to the wind. If you’ll be fishing smaller creeks and rivers and need a maneuverable lightweight boat that you can get to and from the water more easily, you may want to take a serious look at an inflatable like a Pike Pro or Kuda from NRS.

The Verdict – Rotomolded vs. Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

So what type of kayak is right for you?

That’s a hard question to answer. I have certain situations where inflatables work best and others where I prefer a rigid kayak.

It could be completely different for you. I suggest trying out both types of fishing kayaks and finding a dealer with lots of models to choose from.

Inflatables are great if you have minimal storage or just need something you can pack up and transport easily. You should definitely think about access too. Dragging a 31-pound kayak through the woods to a launch location is way easier than it is with a 100-pound kayak.

Inflatables are also an advantage when you’re attaining up a river. For river fishing, I want something that's easy to drag across shoals and sits on top of the water instead of down in the current.

Again, rotomolded kayaks usually have more gear track. So they're clear winners when it comes to rigging and adding accessories like electronics.

In summary, making the right decision boils down to the following:

• Where you'll be fishing
• How you'll move and store your kayak
• How much gear you have
• How many accessories you'll add
• Features like ho-low seating and internal storage
• The tradeoff between lightweight and long-term durability

Remember, you don’t have to settle for a kayak that isn’t right for you. These days there are plenty of options with NRS, Jackson Kayak, and other manufacturers.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Kayaks: NRS Pike Pro, NRS Kuda 126, Jackson Coosa X
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Accessories: Anchor Wizard, YakAttack Omega Rod Holder, YakAttack Cup Holder, YakAttack Rotogrip, and the YakAttack BlackPak Pro
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: Wiley X

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures? Head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our  Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

The post Coosa X vs NRS Pike Pro and Kuda 126: Best Kayak for Fishing? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Both of these kayaks are 38 inches wide and have three inflatable chambers. They have one chamber in each of the outside tubes and another in the deck. The deck chambers have drop-stitch technology that gives these boats a lot of rigidity. The Pike Pro and Kuda 126 are very stable kayaks that you can stand up easily in, and they’re pretty close in price too.

Now let's look at how they match up in some key areas.

Pike Pro vs Kuda 126 – Prices and Package Options

First off, Kudas come in two packages. There's a 10-foot 8-inch version called the Kuda 106 that costs $1,395. The other is a 12-foot 6-inch model called the Kuda 126 that costs $1,495.

The Pike only comes in a 12-foot 8-inch length called the Pike 126. However, Pike kayaks are available in Standard and Pro packages. The Standard Pike package costs $1,395, while the Pike Pro costs $1,795. But for that extra $400 you get some great YakAttack accessories and a paddle, so it's a good value.

At 12-foot 8-inches long and $1,395 compared to a similar length Kuda, the Kuda is about a hundred dollars more. But again, they both have three chambers. On each boat, the deck has drop stitch technology which can be inflated to 8 PSI for outstanding rigidity.

Standard Equipment and Foot Peg Placement

The Pike Pro and Kuda 126 come with the same fin and other standard gear like a backpack, a pump, a patch kit, and foot pegs.

I personally like the placement of the foot pegs a little better on the Pike Pro because it’s more of a sit-inside kayak. The Pike Pro’s footpegs are on the sides where they traditionally are on most other kayaks.

The Kuda's foot pegs are directly on the deck instead of the sides because it’s a sit-on-top kayak. However, I almost consider it a stand-up paddleboard style of kayak. I initially thought the placement of the foot pegs on the Kuda might be an issue, but it really wasn’t. I put my forefeet on the pegs with the Pike Pro, while I tend to use my heels on kayaks like the Kuda 126.

That said, the foot pegs on both boats worked really well.

Weight and Maximum Capacity

The Pike Pro is a few inches longer than the Kuda 126, but both kayaks are 38 inches wide.

I’m not sure why, but the Pike Pro weighs 48 pounds while the Kuda 126 only weighs 31 pounds. However, Pike and Pike Pro kayaks have maximum capacity ratings of 375 pounds compared to 300 pounds for the Kuda 126. But honestly, these are probably conservative ratings.

I think the Kuda’s rating may be even more conservative because I weigh 220 pounds. With my BlackPak and fishing gear I’m usually pushing that 300-pound mark. So even near the maximum limit, there was really no difference in how either of these boats performed.

Hull Slap

When I had these boats out on the water I noticed that there was a little more hull slap with the Kuda 126 than with the Pike Pro.

I think this is because the Kuda is a sit-on-top kayak that has a very flat bottom and hull. This design provides a lot of stability, but the boat rides higher in the water instead of cutting through it.

We experienced some wind and chop during testing. The waves regularly rolled into the flat surface underneath the bow, and it made a little noise. I’m not sure if it's a big deal or not, but you could definitely hear the waves hitting the boat and feel them vibrating up into the seat. So if that's a big deal to you, it’s something you might want to consider.

I also want to mention that the Pike series kayaks have some hull slap too, but it’s far less than it is with the Kuda boats.

The Pike Pro is Tops for Tracking

Another difference between the Pike and Kuda kayaks is that the Pike tracks a little bit straighter.

I think this is because it has a nice sharp bow entry. You also have the same thing where the water exits. This allows the Pike to cut through the water more easily and efficiently. In addition, I noticed that the Pike Pro seemed to lock into place more easily. I think the Pike Pro is going to be the better and more efficient boat if you’ll be spending a lot of time in open water.

And again, the Pike has less hull slap than the Kuda because it sits lower in the water whereas the Kuda is more like a stand-up paddleboard.

Sit-Inside vs. Sit-on-Top Kayaks

To recap, NRS's Pike Pro is a sit-inside kayak while the Kuda 126 is a sit-on-top boat. There are a number of differences between the two designs whether we're talking about inflatables or hard shell kayaks.

You'll notice one big difference when water gets in the two boats. With the Pike Pro, water generally stays inside the boat until you pump it out or get out of the kayak and dump it out. This is because sit-inside kayaks are kind of like bathtubs. On the flip side, sit-on-top kayaks like the Kuda 126 have flat tops. This allows water to drain away quickly and easily because there's nowhere for it to collect.

Most sit-inside kayaks aren't self-bailing, whereas sit-on-top kayaks typically are. So when you take some water in the Kuda, it's nice knowing that it won't stick around for very long.

Standing and Seating Areas

Even though these boats are both 38 inches wide, the standing area on the Kuda 126 just feels a lot wider.

I think this is because the tubes on the outside are a smaller diameter and the center deck is wider. With this design, the seat has a little bit of space on each side between it and the tubes. I also feel like you can spread your feet out and get a wider stance with the Kuda. This made it feel a little more stable than the Pike.

By contrast, the Pike has bigger tubes and a smaller area inside. Since the standing area is almost the exact width of the seat, you have to keep your feet closer together. And again, this narrower stance makes the Pike feel slightly less stable even though the boats are the same width.

Both boats have the same seat, but it feels like you’re sitting higher up in the Kuda. With the Pike, it definitely feels like you’re down inside something. Of course, this isn't surprising since the Kuda is a sit-on-top kayak and the Pike Pro is a sit-inside kayak.

Secure Deck Storage on the Pike Pro

One advantage of sit-inside kayaks like the Pike series is that I feel like my rods and gear are more secure when they’re laid out on the deck in front of me.

So that’s one big plus for the Pike series because it’s nice knowing your gear isn't going to fall or get washed over the side. Whereas if I lay something on top of the Kuda it could get washed over or I could inadvertently knock it over into the water.

It's also easier to lose a flopping fish that you're trying to measure on the Kuda because it has a flat deck that doesn't have elevated sides to hold everything in.

Profile and Wind Resistance

I initially thought the Kuda would have a lower profile on the water. The tubes are a little higher, but it's actually pretty insignificant.

When we're talking about how high above the water these boats sit I feel like they're actually pretty close. How a boat sits in the water can make a big difference when it comes to tracking, maneuvering, and stability. So the wind is a bigger deal with inflatable kayaks than with traditional hard kayaks.

Inflatable kayaks don't generally have much resistance because they don't sit very low in the water. So in some cases, wind can blow them across the water pretty easily.

When it comes to wind resistance, I'd give the Pike a slight edge. It just locks in better due to that sharp entry point on the bow, and because it sits a little lower in the water than the Kuda.

The Verdict – Pike Pro vs. Kuda 126

Still not sure which boat makes the most sense for you? Well even for me, it would be tough to decide between the Pike Pro and Kuda 126.

What I Like About the Kuda 126

Getting on and off the Kuda is easier since it’s a sit-on-top. I also found it to be more stable while standing in the deck area because I could spread my feet out. In my opinion, the Kuda is probably a better option than the Pike if you're primarily a river angler who occasionally ventures into whitewater.

And last, I really liked the color of the Kuda 126 I tested. The Pike is available in the same color scheme too, just not in the Pro version. So if anything, I just wish that the Kuda was available in a Pro version like the Pike.

What I Like About the Pike Pro

I love that the Pike is available in a Pro package and that it comes with a number of accessories you'll probably end up adding anyway. You can pretty much hit the water right out of the gate with the Pro Package since it comes with a paddle.

However, it's a pretty close tie for me if you're just comparing the Standard Pike to the Kuda.

I'd also say that the Pike Pro will be a little more efficient if you'll be fishing flat, open water like in small lakes and ponds. It just tracks straighter and is a hair quicker than the Kuda.

You Can't Go Wrong with Either Boat

In the end, you'll just have to decide for yourself which boat will work best. But again, I'm not sure which would be the best all-around fishing kayak for me. So I can’t really recommend one over the other.

Either way, they’re both great kayaks and I really enjoyed fishing out of both of them.

Check out NRS' website for more information on the Pike Pro and Kuda series inflatable fishing kayaks.

And as always, thanks for stopping by.

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel, Road Trip Angler, and keep an eye out for more reviews and head-to-head comparisons we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Inflatable fishing kayak: NRS Pike Pro, NRS Kuda 126
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Accessories: YakAttack Omega Rod Holder, YakAttack Cup Holder, YakAttack Rotogrip, and the YakAttack BlackPak Pro
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Inflatable Fishing Kayaks – NRS Pike Pro vs NRS Kuda 126 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

First off, the Pike Pro is considered a sit-inside inflatable kayak. So instead of sitting on top of the boat you actually sit down inside it. That being said, the Pike Pro has a very open cockpit. It’s definitely not like the traditional touring-style kayaks or whitewater kayaks where you're crammed into a tight cockpit area. So I actually think it’s more of a hybrid between the two.

Before jumping in I want to mention that the NRS Pike comes in Standard and Pro packages. For this review, I tested a Pro model.

Standard NRS Pike 126 vs. NRS Pike Pro

The Standard NRS Pike 126 comes with a hand pump, a backpack, a patch kit, and a framed seat.

With the Pike Pro version, you get all this plus a paddle and some cool Yak Attack accessories. The Pro also comes in a unique color scheme. The MSRP is $1,395 for the Standard Pike and $1,795 for the Pro model. But when you look at what you’re getting with the Pike Pro, I think the price difference is totally justified.

NRS Pike Pro – Specs and Capacity

The Pike Pro or Pike Pro 126 is 12 feet 8 inches long, 38 inches wide, and weighs around 48 pounds.

It also has a capacity of 375 pounds. I weigh about 220 pounds, and even with my fishing gear, I didn’t feel like I was anywhere near weighing the boat down beyond what it could handle. But I will say that I haven't put a ton of gear in it like I would if I was going on an overnight trip.

Between me, my Black Pack, rods, tackle, and assorted gear, I was probably pushing the 300-pound range. But even at that weight the boat just felt stable and rock solid. I really feel like that 375-pound number is accurate or maybe even a little conservative for the boat.

Easy to Set Up and Transport

The Pike from NRS is a great option if you don’t have a pick-up truck or trailer because it packs down easily and fits in the backpack that comes with it.

Once it's deflated and packed away, you can even put it in the back seat or trunk of a car.

Three Inflatable Chambers

The Pike Pro has three inflatable chambers – two in the outside tubes and one in the floor.

The outside tubes can be inflated to 3 PSI. That gives you plenty of stability and buoyancy that allows the boat to float on top of the water nicely. Thanks to its drop stitch technology, the floor can be inflated up to about 8 PSI.

This makes for a very rigid and stable platform so you can actually stand up and move around in the boat with confidence.

The Pike Pro 126 is Tough and Durable

I also like that the Pike Pro is constructed from durable PVC. This is a big deal because I get tons of questions from people concerned about puncturing inflatable boats with hooks, knives, and even sharp fish fins. They also want to know how inflatables hold up around rocks, logs, debris, and even oyster shells if you’ll be fishing in shallow tidal areas.

But it's never been a problem for me, and I don’t see it being an issue in the future. I’ve been fishing from inflatables for years, and I’ve never had a hook puncture one of these boats.

That’s not to say that it couldn’t happen, but it’s pretty unlikely. And even if you do have a mishap that results in a puncture, it would be pretty easy to fix because the Pro comes with a patch kit.

NRS Pike Pro – Equipment and Features

Starting up front, you have a nice handle on the bow that makes it easy to carry, drag, and lift the boat.

Another thing I really like is that the bottom of the kayak has a reinforced nose or keel with a hard plastic cover. This allows the boat to cut through the water very sharply.

It also helps resist abrasions and punctures when you’re beaching the boat or bumping into submerged rocks and logs.

Next, you have a number of D-rings that you can lace a bungee through. You can also use the D-rings for attaching other types of straps and gear to the boat.

Pike Pro’s Foot Pegs

The Pike Pro has a lot of great features, but my favorite might be the foot pegs or foot braces like the ones on the Kuda.

Most kayak anglers start out fishing from shore or in traditional boats before jumping into kayaking. When getting started, they may not have a lot of experience or technique which can make the transition a little hairy.

That’s pretty much how it was with me, but I quickly learned a number of techniques that have served me well. One was how important it is to use your core when paddling so that you're more efficient out on the water. Foot pegs really help because they allow you to brace your feet and engage your core and legs instead of just your arms and shoulders. This is especially helpful when you’re in moving water or maneuvering in tight places full of obstacles and obstructions.

I love having foot pegs on a kayak because they make for an all-around better experience. I think this is something that gets overlooked on a lot of inflatable kayaks. It’s actually pretty awesome that the Pike Pro has them.

High-Quality Yak Attack Gear

What makes the Pike Pro a fishing kayak is that it comes with a number of accessories and design features that are specific to kayak fishing. Here I’m talking about things like the Yak Attack switch pads and switch mounts that come with the boat.

With the Pike Pro, you get Yak Attack switch pads on either side of the tubes and between the foot braces. This gives you four bolt patterns, and Yak Attack’s switch mounts screw right into them. So altogether you have five switch pads and five mounts.

In addition, you get an assortment of popular Yak Attack accessories like a cup holder and the RotoGrip. The RotoGrip allows you to quickly lock the paddle in place when you’re fighting a fish and need both hands.

You also get a couple of the Omega Pro rod holders which are universal whether you're fly fishing or conventional fishing with a bait caster or a spinning setup. These accessories all work really well and can be mounted in any of the five locations.

The Pike Pro also comes with Yak Attack’s new BlackPak Pro which has four rod holders mounted to it.

The Pike Pro Comes With an NRS Paddle

Another great thing about the Pike Pro is that it comes with a paddle.

I've been using Bending Branches paddles for a long time and I’m definitely a little spoiled when it comes to high-end lightweight paddles. In fact, all my paddles have carbon fiber shafts along with carbon blades or a combination of fiberglass carbon or carbon nylon.

I generally choose my paddle depending on the situation, but it’s nice that this boat comes with NRS’ 240-inch paddle. I think it’s the perfect size for the boat, and it worked well with my high-angle style of paddling too.

But I still think this is a nice paddle even though I’m used to Bending Branches paddles. NRS’s paddle does feel a little heavy compared to the others, but it’s definitely durable. I also feel like it’s a good value with the Pike Pro package, and it’s by no means low-end. In fact, I’d probably put it somewhere at the high end of the mid-range.

If you're going to be using this boat a lot you may want to think about upgrading. However, it's a good value and a nice piece of gear to get with the Pike Pro.

Cockpit, Floor, and Seat

If you've seen my NRS Kuda 126 review, you know that it comes with a measuring board. It’s the same one you get with the NRS Pike and NRS Pike Pro.

In addition, you get an EVA pad that provides another layer of protection against punctures. It also gives you extra traction when the boat gets wet.

Moving back you'll find a sturdy framed seat that’s really flat and compact when it’s folded down. I’m very familiar with the seat because I’ve fished from it on other NRS kayaks. It’s pretty much the same seat that comes with both versions of the Kuda, even though they’re sit-on-top boats, unlike the Pike and Pike Pro which are sit-inside boats.

I’ve always found it to be a comfortable seat, and I like that it can be adjusted fore and aft. It has four straps, so it's easy to get the boat dialed down into a sweet spot.

The Back of the Boat

With the Pike Pro, you get the standard bungee and D-rings lining both sides of the tank wheel area. You can move those bungees around or add straps or carabiners or whatever you need to get your gear tied down.

You also have another handle underneath the boat that comes in handy when loading, moving, or unloading the boat.

The Pike Pro Has a Rigid Fin for Easy Tracking

Tracking in an inflatable without a fin can be tricky. When you make a paddle stroke the boat is going to want to turn quite a bit. When that happens, you'll have to fight it back and forth.

What's nice about the Pike Pro is that there's a fin installed in a fin box. The fin helps you track straight and prevents the wind from blowing you off course.

The fin that comes with the boat is what NRS calls the all-water fin. It hangs down about four or five inches below the boat. It’s ideal in most situations like when you're trying to cover a fair amount of distance in open water like lakes and ponds.

However, I really like using inflatable kayaks in rivers. However, the ones around my house are really shallow in some areas. I find that the all-water fin is a bit long for shallow conditions. So I switched it out for NRS’ whitewater fin which only sticks down a few inches.

The Pike Pro Comes with a Pump

The Pike Pro comes with a manual pump, but if you’re going to be inflating and deflating the boat frequently you may want to invest in an electric pump. That way you can get your gear together and make other preparations while the boat is filling up.

The Pike Pro's unit is what they call the 2 HP pump. I’m not sure if the HP stands for horsepower or just means that it has two different settings. However, it has high and low airflow settings which allow you to get lots of air into the boat pretty quickly. You start on the high setting until you get close to the 3 PSI rating in the sides and 8 PSI in the deck. Then you can switch over to the low setting to get that last little bit of air in.

NRS Patch Kit Included

One word of advice is that you shouldn’t leave inflatable kayaks inflated to the max PSI when they’re not being used. And even when you are using them, it’s best not to go all the way to the max. This is important because if it’s cool in the morning and you’re boat is full of air, it’ll expand as the temperature rises. This expansion could cause a problem, so it’s generally best to slightly underinflate.

But again, the Pike Pro kayak comes with a patch kit, and I always recommend carrying a small hand pump with you as well. This way if you run into a problem you can do a quick patch repair, inflate the damaged chamber and get back out on the water in a hurry. And remember, the boat has three separate chambers, so it’ll keep you afloat even if one is punctured or starts to leak.

NRS Pike Pro 126 – Ready to Go Right Out of the Box

NRS’ Pike Pro is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality inflatable fishing kayak that’s easy to set up, transport, and store.

The Pike Pro is also easy to rig, has lots of great features, and comes standard with some pretty top-notch gear. All you'll really need to do is grab your gear and a personal flotation device.

I tend to use boats like the Pike Pro in ponds, lakes, and rivers. Especially when I’m going to be spending most of my time close to shore. I really don’t recommend inflatables for bigger lakes or offshore scenarios.

Check out the NRS' website for more information on the Pike Pro 126.

As always, thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to check out my YouTube channel The Road Trip Angler, and keep an eye out for more reviews and head-to-head comparisons that we'll be publishing shortly.

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures? Head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter. 

Inflatable fishing kayak: NRS Pike Pro 126
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Accessories: Yakattack Omega Rod Holder, Yakattack Cup Holder, Yakattack Rotogrip, and the Yakattack BlackPak Pro
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post NRS Pike Pro 126 Inflatable Fishing Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.