Profile

I have been paddling for 40 or so years and have enjoyed everything from whitewater to touring but I purchased the Ascend FS10 strictly for fishing in the rivers and lakes of western North Carolina.

Normally I would reserve a rating of 10 for a truly special product (or a huge payoff from the manufacturer) neither of which is the case here but this boat ticks the box for every requirement for a light, inexpensive, sit-in fishing kayak so I couldn't find any point deductions.

You can get all the technical data from Bass Pro (http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Angler-Kayak-Camo/product/14072306364312/) so I'll just hit on the highlights.

First of all it looks good. 'Nuff said there.

Next, it is very stable, you're not going to stand up in it but it is not at all overly tippy. If you don't, as my grandmother would say, "act like an idiot", you'll be fine in most water conditions.

It's light but not flimsy at 56 pounds. I can take it on and off a roof rack easily enough by myself.

It comes set up for fishing with a large open cockpit, three rod holders (two flush mounts behind the cockpit, one rocket launcher type centered forward), a small dry deck plate storage area (listed as "weather proof" I'd still put keys and phone in a real dry bag) and a space behind the cockpit for a tackle box or 5gal bucket.

It tracks well in a current or on flat water, not like a ruddered touring kayak but way better than a lot of rec boats that I've paddled. This is attributable to the hint of a full-length keel it possesses.

It is pretty comfortable with adjustable foot braces and a camp chair style seat that is actually removable for fishing on the bank.

Lastly, at $550 the price is right.

I use my Trophy 126, for a fishing kayak. Dose really good for me. Tracks well, seem fairly fast getting across to the hot water outlet, at the power plant lake I fish at. Have been caught out when the water gets real ruff and I made it back keeping the nose pointed into the white cap waves. So I feel save in it. I do wear my life jacket all the time just in case. I have a 14 foot john boat but never use it sent I got the Future beach trophy 126. It is just to easy to use.