Santa Cruz Raptor SOT - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

MrM · 11-05-2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junglejim

I am a fisherman in Florida who visits cal just about every year. I came across this site while I was searching kayak fishing in California. Since the Raptor is built in CA. I thought fisherman might want to check this one out. I only posted my comments to let people know about it. I am a licensed captain and have fished over 35 years out of boats in Florida. Mostly fish offshore but about 7 years ago I bought my first kayak a Ocean Scupper Pro. Tipped it over 2 times while leaning a little bit. Lost some tackle in the process. I have not done that in over a couple of years. I like standing up when I fish as well was impossible to do in the Scupper and also a Prowler 15 . Just wanted fisherman to know about this one. I still love my Scupper Pro for longer trips or paddles and will keep it. It is a great kayak.

Hey, I'll be the first to admit when I'm wrong. Glad to hear you're not just the owner trying to get some press. No one really uses this yak that posts on here, so the more "real world" information you have to share with us, the better.

Welcome!

Baitman · 11-06-2012, 09:34 AM

Hey guys,, I'm the owner / designer of the Raptors.
Totally understand the unwanted " Ad pitch" that a lot of people try to toss into forums. I don't like to see attempts at sales pitches on NCKA either,,, but on the other hand, sometimes it's information which some members might be interested in. A sale,,,or a sponsored event. In two years time for this reason, I've never posted anything about my kayaks here, though I have responded to posts. NCKA keeps me plenty busy,,, sometimes I forget there's other Kayak fishing sites out there.

There's a guy setting up a kayak shop near Ventura, he will become a dealer for the Raptor and offer demos soon. With Hobie and Malibu firmly entrenched , it's extremely difficult to even get a dealer to consider carrying an unknown brand. Maybe it's the economy,, maybe it's the profit margins aren't big enough... Maybe it's just me...

Odd that I have more dealers in Florida than California. Especially with the shipping disadvantage.

Thanks Junglejim for posting your experience on the Raptor. I read this yesterday but didn't want to add to the "conspiracy theory". hahaha Glad to hear you like it ! ( knew you would ! ) Sorry we can't provide the bait tank in camo. Trying to keep it light colored to deflect heat.
Yeah, I was at the Cambria Slamdown tourney. Calm a day you could ask for, A guy rolled just 100 feet from me and lost gear... I thought to myself " wouldn't have happened if he was in a Raptor,,, Here's your sign" About half of my customers already have several kayaks and been fishing a long time. One guy in Sitka AK teaches kayak classes and purchased 4 Raptors for his fishing lodge after I met him for a demo paddle.

For "Real World" info, Check out this site, user rated reviews. Santa Cruz Raptor always seems to be in the Top User rated category,,, even though we've got the smallest distribution and only been in business a VERY short time! That says a lot...

http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/...k-reviews.html

Those reviews come from genuine owners who've purchased it..

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This video posted from a kayak fisherman in Lompoc who recently received the new SOT model. Nice Lings !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYVgRnHDhCU&sns=em

Would love to add more,,, check out our website for more info. Thanks, Jim

11-06-2012, 09:34 AM	#2
Baitman Junior Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 22	Hey guys,, I'm the owner / designer of the Raptors. Totally understand the unwanted " Ad pitch" that a lot of people try to toss into forums. I don't like to see attempts at sales pitches on NCKA either,,, but on the other hand, sometimes it's information which some members might be interested in. A sale,,,or a sponsored event. In two years time for this reason, I've never posted anything about my kayaks here, though I have responded to posts. NCKA keeps me plenty busy,,, sometimes I forget there's other Kayak fishing sites out there. There's a guy setting up a kayak shop near Ventura, he will become a dealer for the Raptor and offer demos soon. With Hobie and Malibu firmly entrenched , it's extremely difficult to even get a dealer to consider carrying an unknown brand. Maybe it's the economy,, maybe it's the profit margins aren't big enough... Maybe it's just me... Odd that I have more dealers in Florida than California. Especially with the shipping disadvantage. Thanks Junglejim for posting your experience on the Raptor. I read this yesterday but didn't want to add to the "conspiracy theory". hahaha Glad to hear you like it ! ( knew you would ! ) Sorry we can't provide the bait tank in camo. Trying to keep it light colored to deflect heat. Yeah, I was at the Cambria Slamdown tourney. Calm a day you could ask for, A guy rolled just 100 feet from me and lost gear... I thought to myself " wouldn't have happened if he was in a Raptor,,, Here's your sign" About half of my customers already have several kayaks and been fishing a long time. One guy in Sitka AK teaches kayak classes and purchased 4 Raptors for his fishing lodge after I met him for a demo paddle. For "Real World" info, Check out this site, user rated reviews. Santa Cruz Raptor always seems to be in the Top User rated category,,, even though we've got the smallest distribution and only been in business a VERY short time! That says a lot... http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/...k-reviews.html Those reviews come from genuine owners who've purchased it.. ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video posted from a kayak fisherman in Lompoc who recently received the new SOT model. Nice Lings !!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYVgRnHDhCU&sns=em Would love to add more,,, check out our website for more info. Thanks, Jim Last edited by Baitman; 11-06-2012 at 09:46 AM.