Ocean Kayaks, distributed by BLA, have been around for a while and they are constantly bringing out modifications and additions to their range. In this review I will look at the Tetra 12 Angler, a neat little kayak with plenty of features for the angler.

The Tetra 12 Angler is one of the latest releases from Ocean Kayak and is fitted with some innovative features.

The most impressive is the large centre hatch positioned just in front of the paddler. The hatch is 65cm x 11cm and has the potential to store fully-rigged rods and tackle boxes.

By adding some D-saddles to the inside of the hull near the hatch opening, you can clip your gear in so that it doesn’t slide off to some unreachable position.

This hatch is very beneficial for anglers wanting to fish offshore. It allows them to stow all of their gear while negotiating the surf or river bar.

It will also suit paddlers heading into skinny water as the easy rod storage inside the hull allows paddlers to avoid snagging rods on overhanging trees.

The hatch lid is fitted with an assortment of attachment points for an adjustable rod holder, sounder, paddle leash and drink holder. It also has a built-in brag mat with measuring marks up to 51cm.

Rod holders and accessories can simply be screwed to the hatch lid to give you limitless possibilities.

The seat is designed to be permanently mounted to the kayak. The front of the seat is attached to the kayak with brass inserts; bungy cord holds the rear of the backrest.

The seat can be removed from the kayak but requires a screwdriver and a couple of minutes to do so.

The paddler’s footwell has just the two scupper plugs but they are cleverly positioned so that the water drains forward to your heels and out the scupper holes.

At 80kg I found the kayak to be a dry ride. The large rear well has indents for an optional 10” hatch to be fitted and also has some clever indents to assist with draining of the rear well.

Other features include two flush-mounted rod holders, paddle park, large oval front hatch and keel strip.

The Tetra 12 has a great combination of speed and stability. A 12’ kayak will always give you an advantage in straight-line tracking and will glide through the water far better than the more basic 9’ kayaks.

When too much weight was loaded in the front hatch, the Tetra 12 started to wander off line.

Nevertheless, by simple repositioning of gear farther aft, or loading some gear into the rear well, it immediately improved the tracking.

The new centre hatch on the Tetra range will be a real winner for Ocean Kayak. The limitless storage and fit-out options that it provides should really suit any kayak angler.

Add to this the relative light weight and good performance characteristics and these should make the Tetra 12 a popular fishing kayak this Summer.

The Ocean Kayak Tetra 12 Angler retails for $1299. It is also available in a non-angler version for $1149 or can be purchased fully-fitted with a Humminbird 385 sounder/GPS combo.

For more information contact your local kayak shop and ask about the new Ocean Kayak Tetra range or visit www.ocean-kayak.com.au.

•Craig McSween of Adventure Outlet conducted this review. He is a sea kayak instructor with Australian Canoeing. For feedback on this review call Adventure Outlet (Kayaking, Camping and Outdoor Store) in Southport on 07 5571 2929 or emailo --e-mail address hidden--