This Pescador Is a Conquistador in the Water

Last updated on August 4th, 2020

The Perception Pescador Pilot 12.0 is the newest member of Perception’s famed Pescador line of fishing kayaks, representing one of the most affordable sit-on-top peddle kayaks on the market today.

In fact, it is several hundred dollars cheaper than its kayak fishing competitors, although it isn’t lacking in either features or performance. The Pescador Pilot is a feature-rich, performance fishing kayak that makes you feel like you are getting your money’s worth and then some.

perception pescador pilot 12.0 pedal drive fishing kayak

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Pescador Pilot 12.0 in Sonic Camo – Source: Perception Kayaks

Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the Pescador Pilot 12.0 and what makes it one of the most talked-about sit on top fishing kayak releases of 2017.

Reviewing the Pescador Pilot 12.0 Pedal-Driven Fishing Kayak

For starters, the durable 12′ 5″ / 381 cm, high-grade polyethylene kayak hull is made in the USA and comes in 4 of the most striking colors on the market including Sunset, Sonic Camo, Moss Camo and Red Tiger Camo. 

The weight of the kayak is 85 lbs or 38 kg, and it is rated for a maximum load capacity of a little north 500 lbs.

So, as you can see, this kayak is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport via roof racks or, better yet a good kayak trailer such as this Malone 4 kayak trailer. And with its generous load rating, you’ll have no trouble with it if you’re a big guy and/or have lots of gear.

There is no shortage of awesome features on this pedal-driven performer, all of which are designed to create the perfect hands-free fishing experience. This includes the innovative Pilot Drive pedal system, which pairs wonderfully with the optimized gear ratio for effortless cruising all day long.

Not only can you hit your desired speed with little effort, but the kayak remains impressively stable even through choppy waters, even in ocean water environments.

The pilot drive is also completely removable and comes with Quick Key Zero Draft adjustability. This allows you to quickly and effortlessly engage and disengage the drive to zero-draft, making both shallow-water docking and launching a snap.

Furthermore, the turbo flats come with a custom-design that helps to reduce noise and keep turbulence down to a minimum, which is definitely useful when attempting to sneak up on that elusive catch!

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Impressive Mobility with the Pescador Pilot

The easy-grip, low-profile rudder steering control helps massively in this regard, making tight turns a much easier task – this really shines through when trying to maneuver in hard-to-reach areas and tight squeezes.

As the drive is lightweight it can be easily stored when you are not using it, thanks to the storage recess in the hull, and it is even removable for storage purposes when the Pescador Pilot is not in use.

When it comes to pedal drive mobility, the Pescador Pilot drive is up there with the very best. It offers the ability to quickly and effortlessly navigate into almost any you want to fish, no matter how tight or unreachable it may appear!

An Adjustable Chair for More Space and Comfort

There is truly no shortage of wonderful features on the Pescador Pilot that will appeal to anglers, including the fantastic captain’s chair.

For one, the adjustable captain’s chair is ergonomically designed to provide the utmost comfort. It’s the type of chair that not only offers all-day comfort when used but also works in perfect tandem with the pedals.

The on-the-fly adjustability makes it easy to set the chair to a range of different heights, which is great news for the taller anglers out there! Also, a generous 33-inch width makes it possible to stand and fish in the Pescador Pilot along with the seating option, and the kayak remains stable whether sitting or standing.

Plenty of Options for Kayak Fishing Accessories

Perception Pescador Pilot 12 | Sit on Top Fishing Kayak with Pedal Drive | Adjustable Lawn Chair Seat and Tackle Storage Areas | 12' | Sonic Camo

See the Pescador Pilot 12 on Amazon

There is plenty of storage space for your kayak fishing gear with the Pescador Pilot, starting with the included molded-in stern and bow tankwells. Bungee keepers secure the stern tankwell while the bow tank is covered with a mesh snap for quick and easy access.

You can easily access both wells thanks to the compact nature of the Pilot 12.0, but it never feels too cramped, even when packed full of gear and tackle.

Better still, the inclusion of a transducer scupper means there is a secure place for your electronic gear. Pre-installed inserts also allow for transducer mounting, and the inlets and outlets have been perfectly placed to allow easy wiring to the transducer and display.

Simply place a battery into one of the pods next to the scupper transducer mount and then wire through – installing any electronics really is a breeze on the Pescador Pilot!

Each side of the kayak comes with Yak Attack gear tracks with mounting points, allowing you to mount a variety of accessories. The addition of four molded-in rod holders at the rear of the boat means there is no lack of mounting options when fishing in the Pescador Pilot.

It’s worth noting, however, that the molded-in rod holders are a bit on the shallow side and not very snug, so it may be worth modifying to add flush mount holders if you want to keep your rods from shifting around.

The Pescador Pilot definitely delivers with its extra features. It’s all about customizing the kayak to suit your own style, and with so much in terms of options for storage, mounts, electronics installation and stand/seating ability, it’s safe to say that this kayak delivers with plenty of useful features!

A Fishing Kayak Worth the Price?

As previously mentioned, one of the most eye-catching aspects of the Pescador Pilot is the price. Retailing at under what competitors are asking for similar quality and features, it is, in our opinion, among the best and most affordable performance sit on top pedal drive kayaks for fishing available today.

The Pescador Pilot 12 is an exceptional value for the money on a product that seriously impresses on all points.

The Pilot Drive system offers an attractively priced pedal-drive system that delivers in every area. Maneuverability is quick and easy – there is no need to crank the pedals, as you can achieve your ideal cruising speed with minimal sweat, thanks to the optimized gear ratio.

When you add the brilliant Quick Key Zero Draft adjustability, it becomes clear just how impressive the Pescador Pilot 12.0 is, especially at its bargain price point. This pedal drive fishing kayak is a conqueror (conquistador) in the water and worth every cent!

Pescador Pilot Fishing Kayak Snapshot:

  • Features the Pilot Drive with Quick  Zero Key Draft for convenient adjustability
  • Ergonomically-designed Captain’s Chair with on-the-fly adjustability for max comfort
  • Includes bow stern tankwells, and plenty of storage space and mounting options for your gear/electronics
  • Transducer scupper and rudder designed for easy wiring and mounting of your electronics
  • Come in several attractive and striking colors to separate you from the crowd
Buy the Pescador Pilot 12 on Amazon

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About Dorado

John Pardal, aka Dorado, is the editor as well as an author for Reel Adventure Fishing. He has fished extensively up and down the U.S. Atlantic coast, throughout much of Florida and a bit of the Caribbean. John loves writing about all aspects of sportfishing and is passionate about conservation and promoting sustainable fishing.

2 thoughts on “This Pescador Is a Conquistador in the Water

  1. will

    Does anybody know how this would handle in the ocean? I fish off the gulf and don’t want to have buy a hobie due to price.

  2. Jason

    This looks totally tricked out. I remember just fishing from the shore with my dad as a kid, but I’d love to have one of these. I think I’ll probably end up getting something like this fairly soon. Thanks for covering this!

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