I roll up to the launch in my compact car, pop the hatchback and pull out a large case. I open the case and unload a folded inflatable kayak. In minutes I inflate the boat with an electric pump. Another couple minutes and my inflatable kayak is rigged with rod holders, a gear crate and a comfortable seat. I grab the paddle, a fishing rod and my life vest and I’m on the water in less than 30 minutes.
For many anglers, this is the kayak fishing dream. Nothing beats an inflatable kayak for convenience, versatility and utility. But inflatable fishing kayaks have some downsides. Durability, performance and stability are sacrificed in the name of convenience. Leave it to a whitewater raft manufacturer to partner with a kayak fishing accessory giant to develop an inflatable kayak focused on serious fishing.
NRS Pike Pro: An Inflatable For Serious Fishing
NRS Pike Pro Specs
Length: 12’8”
Width: 38”
Weight: 48 lbs
Capacity: 375 lbs
MSRP: $1,395
nrs.com
Fishy Features
The NRS and YakAttack collaboration is built on the time-tested Pike fishing kayak. The tough inflatable boat uses the common three-chamber construction with a stiff drop stitch floor and lower-pressure side chambers.
The design creates a stable kayak with an open deck for gear and rigging. Most importantly, the kayak provides space for a frame seat.
NRS takes the concept to the next level with cool features and smart construction. Starting with spray shields across the bow and stern to keep water out of the cockpit. When water does breach the boat side, large scuppers in the deck are the same design used to drain water from a whitewater raft.
The bow and stern feature open space for gear. To secure drybags, tackle boxes and gear crate, the Pike comes with bungees and a strap. For more gear security options, the bow and stern wells are lined with Molle loops to attach bungees, ropes and straps. To improve comfort and grip, the deck is covered with foam padding. A 24-inch fish measuring board is printed on the deck to check the size of the catch without losing the fish overboard.
Adding rod holders, camera mounts, electronics and a cup holder is easy with five YakAttack accessory mounts. The universal mounts are glued to the gunwales at the seat and bow and another mount is positioned at the front of the cockpit.
Rigging
On its own, the NRS Pike is a premium inflatable fishing kayak. With the open space, multiple storage options and versatile accessory mounts, the boat is ready for a variety of rigging options.
To cut the learning curve, pro anglers at NRS and YakAttack worked together to outfit the Pike with accessories for a wide range of fishing tactics.
Paddle Sober And Smart
- Never mix alcohol and paddling. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and rafts.
The NRS Pike Pro Package includes two Omega rod holders on LockNLoad bases. YakAttack’s LockNLoad provides a sturdy gear track mount with removable accessories. By pulling a lever and pushing a button on the base, I can install and remove the rod holder with one hand.
The LockNLoad fits in two Mighty Mount Switch gear tracks. These gear tracks mount on top of the YakAttack accessory pad glued to the kayak’s surface. The Switch and LockNLoad systems make it easy to customize the Pike rigging.
YakAttack’s BlackPak Kayak Fishing Crate is the cherry on top of the sundae. Taking the gear crate to new levels, the BlackPak features four rod holders for vertical rod storage. A hinged and latched watertight lid protects gear and tackle from the elements. To secure the crate to the kayak, tie-downs on the corners and at the handle keep gear in the kayak.
To outfit my Pike Pro, I inserted one Omega rod holder in the cockpit and another beside the gear crate. I use the front rod holder when unhooking a fish or rigging my rod. The rear rod holder is angled down to keep my fishing rod from snagging in overhanging trees.
I added the BlackPak crate with the included bungees and positioned the rod holders on the back of the crate. On the left side of the cockpit, I used another Switch mount to add the YakAttack RotoGrip paddle holder.
The Switch gear tracks also allow me to add electronics. Using YakAttack’s CellBlok sonar mount and SwitchBlade transducer arm (not included in the Pro Package), I can install the fish finder display, battery and transducer to a gear track.
By adding the YakAttack Pro Package to the NRS Pike kayak, I get every essential rigging accessory to set up the kayak for how I fish.
Seat
The Pike’s lightweight aluminum frame seat is covered in padded mesh to dry quickly and provide support. The seat back is curved to fit flotation on a highback life vest. The seat is elevated off the deck but still low enough it doesn’t affect the stability. As important as the seat, the Pike has adjustable foot pegs. The foot pegs allow me to tighten my fit in the kayak seat so I can get the best paddling position. Real kayak foot pegs are unique to the Pike and greatly improve the boat’s comfort and performance.
Wear A Life Jacket
- Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
- Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Performance
Fishing and paddling performance is always an uphill battle for an inflatable kayak. The shallow draft, high, wide sides and flat hull can be a challenge for speed and tracking in wind and chop. However, the Pike bucks the trend with a unique design.
The side air chambers act as pontoons to help the boat go straight. The gunwales are low and rounded to cut under the wind. The Pike has a fin box and skeg in the stern and a rigid keel insert in the bow to further improve tracking.
The unique element is the Pike’s flared bow with a reinforced entry to improve tracking and slice through the water. The transom is also lifted and flared to release water efficiently.
NRS has years of experience designing whitewater rafts and other high-impact inflatables for professional paddlers. The Pike follows the same pedigree with heavy-duty, durable skin that won’t rip or puncture. The sturdy material also increases the boat’s stiffness to further improve performance.
The design comes together to improve tracking and speed. Combined with the low-profile frame seat and sturdy foot pegs, the Pike paddles better than most inflatable fishing kayaks.
Since the big advantage of an inflatable kayak is convenience, the Pike scores a 10 in packability and easy transport. The folks at NRS understand the struggle of stuffing an oversized kayak into an undersized case, so they gave the Pike carry case plenty of space to fit with the folding seat and two-piece paddle. After fishing in the Pike, I didn’t have to fight to get the boat back into the bag. Granted, the 48-pound kayak is a little too heavy and unwieldy for me to carry comfortably as a backpack, but the package is easy to move from the car to the water and back to the house.
Who is the NRS Pike Angler?
The NRS Pike is a great kayak for anglers who don’t have space for a hard-plastic boat. The quality construction and versatile rigging make it a good choice for adventure and whitewater anglers, too. Once on the water, the Pike will almost keep up with traditional kayaks and the sporty blowup boat paddles past other inflatables. The Pike comes with a large, double action pump, but I prefer to use an electric pump running off my car battery. Combining the Pike’s convenience and performance with YakAttack’s accessories results in the best inflatable fishing kayak for anglers looking to get on the water for serious fishing.
I also see river and adventure anglers falling in love with the Pike. NRS is known for indestructible inflatable whitewater rafts, so the Pike is built to safely bounce down a rocky river. The flat deck and solid stability make the Pike capable for fishing slow water between rapids.
Know The Local Hazards
- Check navigation charts before you launch.
- Check with those who have local knowledge of man-made and natural hazards, e.g. low-head dams; sweepers, strainers and undercuts; tides and currents; and rocks and shoals.
Adventure anglers finally have a kayak that is packable, portable and versatile. I wouldn’t recommend hiking miles with the heavy boat, seat and paddle in the large pack, but loading the boat on an ATV would be easy. And, the Pike is small enough to check as luggage on an airline to take the fully capable fishing kayak anywhere in the world.
Where to Buy the NRS Pike Pro
Pike Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak
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Serving suggestions. YakAttack accessories allow for full customization. | Feature photo: Patrick Hayes
