Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
Most inflatable kayaks feel like pool toys with rod holders. The CAJO Highlander 100 AirTrek PDL is different.
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Most inflatable kayaks feel like pool toys with rod holders. The CAJO Highlander 100 AirTrek PDL is different. It is a welded drop-stitch SUP-kayak hybrid that inflates rigid, weighs only 30 pounds, and accepts a real pedal drive.
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I was skeptical of inflatables for fishing until I stood on one. Drop-stitch construction, the same stuff in high-end paddle boards, inflates so stiff you can bounce a quarter off it. The Highlander 100 packs into a roller bag that fits in a trunk, sets up at the ramp in minutes with the included hand pump, and gives you a 39-inch wide platform that is built for standing.
Who This Kayak Is For
The Highlander 100 fits anglers who travel light and fish on impulse. It lives in your trunk, your RV, or your gear closet, and it is ready when you spot water on the way home from work. It also fits anglers who fly to fish, since it packs down small. If you want pedal power, the boat is ready for CAJO’s Traverse pedal drive or a fin drive, sold as a bundle or added later.
Stability and On-Water Feel
At 39 inches wide, this is one of the widest platforms in its class, and it shows. Standing to sight fish feels steady, even for bigger anglers. The inflatable hull is quiet too, which matters when you are poling into a flat and do not want hull slap spooking fish. Tracking is good for a 10-foot inflatable, though like any short, wide boat it will not glide like a hard-shell touring hull in wind.
Seat Comfort
The high-low Treklite seat is a framed seat that adjusts between a high and low position. High for pedaling and sight fishing, low for paddling in wind. It is comfortable for long sessions, and the elevated position makes standing up and sitting down easy. That adjustability is a feature hard-shell kayaks charge a lot more for.
Storage and Rigging
The Highlander 100 is rigged like a serious fishing boat. Four integrated gear tracks take rod holders, camera mounts, and fish finder arms. Three stern mounts handle an anchor pole, a rudder, or a small motor. A 4-piece paddle converts between kayak and SUP use, and everything packs into the included roller travel bag. You get a real rod-ready boat that stores in a closet.
Pedal and Paddle Performance
Out of the box, the Highlander 100 paddles or poles like a SUP-kayak hybrid. Add the Traverse pedal drive (or a fin drive) and it becomes a hands-free fishing machine. The pedal option is what puts it in a different class from most inflatables. Keep in mind the drive is an add-on, so factor that into your budget if hands-free is the goal. Without the drive, it is a paddle craft, and a good one.
Honest Drawbacks
Inflatables need air, and that means setup time. Even with a fast pump, you are spending 10 to 15 minutes inflating and rigging before you launch, plus drying and packing it down after. Sharp oyster shells and hooks demand respect, though welded drop-stitch is far tougher than old-school vinyl. And while 400 pounds of capacity is generous, the 10-foot length limits how fast you can cover big open water compared to a 12-foot hard shell.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 ft |
| Width | 39 in |
| Weight | 30 lbs (hull) / 37 lbs (rigged) |
| Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Drive type | Paddle (pedal or motor with add-on drive) |
CAJO Highlander 100 AirTrek PDL Fishing Kayak FAQ
Is the Highlander 100 really rigid when inflated?
Yes. Welded drop-stitch PVC inflates to a hard, board-like platform you can stand on. It does not feel like a pool toy.
Does it come with a pedal drive?
The base package includes the hull, seat, 4-piece paddle, hand pump, and roller bag. The Traverse pedal drive is available as a bundle or add-on.
How long does setup take?
Plan on 10 to 15 minutes to unroll, inflate, and rig. Packing it down and drying it takes a similar amount of time after your trip.
Can it handle a trolling motor?
Yes. The stern has motor mounts, and the boat is designed to accept paddle, pedal, or motor propulsion.
Image alt text
Suggested: alt=”Angler standing and casting from an inflated CAJO Highlander 100 AirTrek PDL fishing kayak”
Where to Buy
If the CAJO Highlander 100 AirTrek PDL Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Camino Journey website for the CAJO Highlander 100 AirTrek PDL. Also check out our reviews of the Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 10 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak, Bonafide P127 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Feelfree Moken 10 PDL Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak.
