Ocean Kayak – Scupper Pro Dive

 

Trout fishing on the Waikouaiti River

 Manufacturer : Ocean Kayak (www.oceankayak.co.nz)

• Model: Scupper Pro Dive (model  is so old its sadly discontinued)
• Year: 1999
• Weight: 27kg
• Length: 4.5m
• Width: 66cm
• Rudder: Yes
• Modifications: See below.
  

  Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro (Dive model)

This is the first of my two fishing kayaks. A bit old and a bit scarred but still a fantastic open water kayak. I’ve been fishing off it for quite a few years. When I bought the scupper, it was the closest thing on the market to a fishing kayak. She’s light weight for her length, super stable and performs well. The kayak’s length does make things interesting in the surf zone, as there have been a few crash landings.  Installing a rudder, using thigh braces and learning better technique have all increased my chances of getting to shore dry.

Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro Dive

As you can see in the picture above I have made a couple of modifications to the scupper. these include:

• Scotty rod holder mounted near feet
• 2 tenob flush mounted rod holders behind seat
• Installed rudder kit
• Bungy cord between legs to hold huge tackle
• Mission thigh braces
• Rear catch bag with drift shute sleeve
• Bilge drainage plug at hip
• Rear bungy cord to hold gaff or paddle
• Paddle keepers both sides
• Front and rear running rigs
• Air bags for secondary buoyancy
• Standard Ocean Kayak seat
• Deck compass

Originally I installed a full length running rig. I removed this in favour of two shorter running rigs which produce less slack line and hence less chance of entanglement during surf re-entry. In some circumstances I will clip myself to the kayak via the stern running rig line. When doing this I attach the line to a quick release dive belt (minus the dive weights) This allows me to easily release the line while under load. I have ended up with some impressive bruising when the running rig line wrapped around one of my legs after canning out in the surf. For this reason I have sheathed the rear line with soft tubing to cushion any future ‘wrap ups’ and reduce the lines ability to coil around body parts by stiffening it. Being attached to the kayak in this manner is potentially hazardous and I usually only clip in when paddling alone as the loss of the kayak could mean a very long swim back to shore. 

The best features of this kayak for me are its slim width but very stable hull. This is enhanced by its very low seat = lower center of gravity. It is a relatively light and fast fishing kayak at 27kg. I will comfortably paddle this boat in 3 – 4 metre rolling swells. My biggest complaint would have to be the main hatch which does not seal particularly well. During a 26km paddle down grade 2+/3 rapids I took on maybe 5 – 10 litres. Tipping in the surf will also result in taking on water. For this reason I use internal dry bags and carry a modified bilge pump.  Couda