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Perception Outlaw 11.5 Review: Stable Fishing Kayak

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review
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Paddle Kayaks · Fishing

The Outlaw 11.5 has a trick most kayaks twice its price do not: the seat folds completely away so you can walk the entire deck from bow to stern. For a paddle fishing kayak that sells at a mid-range price, that is a serious standout feature.


The Outlaw 11.5 has a trick most kayaks twice its price do not: the seat folds completely away so you can walk the entire deck from bow to stern. For a paddle fishing kayak that sells at a mid-range price, that is a serious standout feature. I have watched a lot of anglers fall in love with this boat the first time they stand up and take three steps forward to make a cast.

If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review

Who This Kayak Is For

This is the kayak for the angler who wants a stable, simple, fish-ready boat without the pedal drive price tag. It fits small to extra-large paddlers and works great on lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal water. If you are the type who likes to customize, the huge stern deck is basically a blank canvas for crates, livewells, and DIY projects.

Stability on the Water

At 35 inches wide with a 16-inch deck height, the Outlaw is a stability-first design. Standing feels natural, and the traction pads across the deck give your feet grip while deadening sound, which matters when you are creeping up on shallow fish. The elevated seating position puts you high for spotting fish, and the transition from sitting to standing is smooth.

Seat and Comfort

The frame seat is a lawn-chair-style seat that folds and is fully removable. It sits about 5 inches above the deck, which gives you a high vantage point and keeps you drier in chop. For transport and storage, it folds flat into a stow position. The mesh seating area breathes well on hot days. It is comfortable for long days, though taller anglers may want to test the fit first.

Storage and Rigging

Storage is a strong suit. Large bow and stern tankwells with bungees handle crates and gear, and there is room for a cooler up to 35 liters that can double as a second seat. Two double-barrel rod holders give you a real multi-rod setup out of the box. A transducer scupper is molded into the hull for clean fish finder installs, and three Solo Mount recesses plus gear-track side handles let you add accessories without drilling.

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review 2

Paddle Performance

This is a paddle kayak, plain and simple, and it paddles like a stable 11.5-footer. It tracks decently for a wide boat and turns easily in tight water. It is not fast, so long crossings take effort, but for working shorelines, creeks, and ponds, the maneuverability is a plus. The wide hull catches some wind on open water, which is worth knowing.

Honest Drawbacks

At 77 pounds, it is not a featherweight, and loading it solo onto a tall SUV takes some muscle. There is no pedal drive option, so if you want hands-free fishing, this is not your boat. The wide, stable hull trades speed for steadiness, which is the right trade for most anglers but not for covering big distances.

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Specs

Spec Detail
Length 11’6″
Width 35″
Weight 77 lbs
Weight capacity 425 lbs
Drive type Paddle

Frequently Asked Questions

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review 3
Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review 4

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak FAQ

Can you stand in the Perception Outlaw 11.5?

Absolutely. The wide-open deck, traction pads, and folding stowaway seat make it one of the most stand-friendly paddle kayaks in its price range.

Does the Outlaw 11.5 have a pedal drive option?

No. It is a paddle-only kayak. If you want hands-free propulsion, look at Perception’s pedal models or add a trolling motor.

What size cooler fits in the Outlaw 11.5?

It fits a cooler up to 35 liters, and the cooler space can double as an extra seat when the main seat is stowed.

Is the seat removable?

Yes. The frame seat folds flat and removes completely, which opens the full deck and makes transport and storage easier.

Where to Buy

If the Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:

Check Current Price

For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Perception website for the Perception Outlaw 11.5.

Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to the reader. Product availability, pricing, and promo codes can change; verify them before purchasing. Also check out our reviews of the Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Fishing Kayak.