Pelican Catch Mode 110 Kayak

The Verdict

Let’s cut through the marketing. The Pelican Catch Mode 110 is a 10-foot-2-inch fishing kayak that weighs 64 pounds dry and carries a 350-pound capacity. That’s the spec sheet. Here’s what actually matters on the water.

What You’re Actually Getting

Unboxing reveals the kayak itself, the standard Pelican seat, and a paddle. That’s it. No rod holders in the box — they’re molded into the deck, but you’ll supply your own mounting hardware. The kayak uses Pelican’s ExoPress hull material, which is a high-density polyethylene blend that’s lighter and stiffer than standard rotomolded plastic. It shows in the ride: the hull tracks straighter than most 10-footers I’ve tested, and it doesn’t develop that annoying oil-canning flex underfoot.

The deck layout is thoughtfully arranged. You get a large tank well astern with bungee rigging, a center console with two flush-mount rod holders, and a forward storage hatch with a removable bucket. The 34-inch beam is the standout number here — that’s wide for a 10-foot kayak, and it translates directly into stability.

On the Water Performance

I’ve spent six sessions in this kayak across a mix of flatwater lakes and slow-moving rivers. The twin-arched multi-chine hull does what Pelican claims: it tracks predictably and resists the squirrelly wobble that plagues cheaper 10-footers. Standing to cast is genuinely feasible for most anglers under 200 pounds. You won’t be dancing on the deck, but you’ll feel planted enough to work a shoreline without fear.

The 350-pound capacity is honest. Loaded with a tackle crate, cooler, and a 180-pound paddler, the kayak sits at a sensible waterline and still paddles efficiently. The scupper holes drain quickly when you ship water over the bow in chop, and the recessed deck channels route water away from your feet.

Paddling performance is where the length shows its limits. At 10 feet 2 inches, you’re not winning any speed races. Cruise speed settles around 3 miles per hour with moderate effort — fine for fishing, frustrating if you’re trying to cover miles. The hull also catches wind more than longer touring kayaks, so expect some weathercocking on breezy days.

What 225 Buyers Keep Saying

The consensus in the reviews matches my experience. One verified buyer put it well: “I’ve flipped kayaks before and was nervous about standing. This one feels like a barge — in a good way. I stand up to cast without holding my breath.” Another owner praised the weight-to-durability balance: “Hauled this thing up a rocky launch and dragged it across gravel. Not a scratch. My old kayak would have been gouged to hell.” The recurring praise centers on stability and build toughness — the two things that matter most for a fishing kayak.

Where It Falls Short

The seat is the weak point. The stock padding compresses significantly over a few hours, and multiple reviewers — myself included — found ourselves shifting constantly by hour three. Budget $40 for an aftermarket gel seat pad or a stadium cushion.

The 64-pound weight is manageable but not friendly. If you’re loading solo onto a truck bed, you’ll manage. Roof racks require either a loading assist or a willingness to wrestle. The lack of a rudder option is also a miss — you’ll constantly correct with paddle strokes on windy days.

Who Should Buy This

This kayak is built for the shore angler who fishes lakes, slow rivers, and protected bays — someone who values standing stability over speed and wants a durable boat that won’t punish them for a rocky launch. It’s also a strong fit for bigger paddlers who need the 350-pound capacity without stepping up to a 12-foot barge. It’s not for you if you’re chasing speed, paddling open water with heavy wind, or you’re a ultralight minimalist who wants a 40-pound kayak.

FAQ

Can you really stand in this kayak? Yes, if you’re under 200 pounds and have reasonable balance. The 34-inch beam provides genuine primary stability. Over 200 pounds, you’ll feel less planted — consider the 12-foot version instead.

Is this kayak good for beginners? Excellent. The stability forgives mistakes, the hull is forgiving on rocks, and the layout is intuitive. The learning curve is mostly about paddle technique, not boat handling.

Does it come with a paddle and seat? Yes, both are included. The paddle is basic but functional — upgrade if you’re paddling more than a mile or two per trip.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a stable, tank-tough fishing kayak for protected waters and you value standing to cast over paddling speed. The 350-pound capacity and hull durability make it a legit value.

Skip it if: You need to cover distance, fish big open water, or you’re loading onto a roof rack solo without assistance.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The seat and weight hold it back from perfection, but for the core job of getting you stable, dry, and casting, the Catch Mode 110 delivers.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.