- Editor Rating
- FeelFree Lure 11.5
- Reviewed by:
- Published on:
- Last modified:
- Build Quality
- Storage Capacity
- Comfort
- Stability
- Maneuverability
In this FeelFree Lure 11.5 review we’ll be discussing the pros, cons, and unique features of this fishing kayak. There’s a difference between spending a couple of hours paddling around your local farm pond and heading into major water bodies for a full day of fishing. You can accomplish the former with just about any kayak, but you’ll need a serious craft to give you the necessary confidence to embark on a lengthy adventure.
The feelfree Lure 11.5 is built for exactly these types of open-water trips, while still providing many of the features and design characteristics modern anglers demand. Measuring 11 ½-feet-long and 34-inches-wide, this kayak is at home in your local river as it is nearby bays and coastlines.
Pros
- Removable sonar pod allows you to mount trolling motors or fish finders without having to drill
- Wheel in the Keel makes it easier to get this kayak into or out of the water
- Saltwater-ready hull gives anglers greater flexibility
- Plenty of storage space, including two rails, a cargo area and two watertight storage compartments
Cons
- The kayak is relatively heavy, which may give smaller anglers problems
- Keel material is somewhat thin and easy to damage
- Some anglers reported that the seat decreased the kayak’s stability in some positions
Build Quality
The feelfree Lure 11.5 is a well-built craft, but it is a little hefty and weighs 74 pounds. However, this weight doesn’t go to waste, as this kayak has a 425-pound capacity, which means that you can carry all of the gear you’d like. The feelfree Lure 11.5 can be used in freshwater or saltwater, but be sure to rinse it off after taking it into oceans or estuaries.
But perhaps the most noteworthy build feature of the feelfree Lure 11.5 is the included sonar pod. A rectangular storage space, the sonar pod is built to hold a trolling motor, depth sounder or fish finder. It provides easy access to the hull, and because it is removable, it makes it easy to take your expensive electronic items out of the boat during storage.
Storage Capacity
The feelfree Lure 11.5 provides anglers with a few different locations to store their gear. Two enclosed storage areas are provided, including a quarter-turn hatch and an oval-shaped hinge-topped hatch. The feelfree Lure 11.5 also features two Uni Track Rails (one at the front and one at the bag, near the cargo area), which can be used to mount anything from additional rod holders to sonar units.
The Unit Track Rail located at the stern comes with elastic bands for securing large items. Two flush-mounted rod holders are located right behind the seat. A molded-in paddle park is also included in the craft to give you a convenient place to store it while you’re fishing.
Comfort
The feelfree Lure 11.5 comes with a few different features to provide anglers with a comfortable ride. The most noteworthy feature is the feelfree’s Patent-Pending Gravity Seat. The cushioned Gravity Seat allows you to ride at several different heights, and it is easy to adjust via a simple lever.
You can even lower the seat all the way down to deck level if you like, or remove it entirely. Additionally, the feelfree Lure 11.5 also features a roomy, padded standing platform and a generous, 34-inch-wide beam, which allow you to stand comfortably for long periods of time.
Stability
The feelfree Lure 11.5 is a relatively stable craft, thanks to its 34-inch-wide beam. Most anglers will feel comfortable standing un the boat and confident and secure while battling large fish. However, some anglers reported that the seat reduced stability, particularly when the seat was in the upright-most position.
Most anglers reported that it was easy to get into and out of the craft, even from the water. It is important to note that the feelfree Lure 11.5 still floats perfectly well when the sonar pod is removed.
Maneuverability
Equipped with a pronounced keel, this kayak is designed to cut through the water like crafts that cost much more than this model. The included keel helps to ensure the kayak tracks well and provides plenty of maneuverability in calm waters.
However, the keel is made from a very thin material, and several anglers reported that it developed holes with even gentle use in large lakes – river use will almost certainly take an even greater toll. The feelfree Lure 11.5 also comes with their patented “Wheel in the Keel,” which makes it easier to get the craft into and out of the water.
Summary
On balance, the Lure 11.5 is a high-quality kayak, that will suit most serious anglers well. It is a bit heavy, but it is capable of caring quite a bit of weight and provides an abundance of storage space. The included sonar pod is a game-changing feature that proves to be the deciding factor for many kayak-purchasing anglers.
The included Wheel in the Keel makes it easy to get this kayak in and out of the water, and the craft provides a relatively stable ride that will give most anglers the confidence to stand while fishing.
We hope you found this FeelFree Lure 11.5 review helpful and can see why it is a top choice among the best fishing kayaks.
| Brand | FeelFree |
| Model | Lure 11.5 |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
| Type | Sit-on-Top |
| Color(s) | Blue Camo |
| Length (ft / cm) | 11'6" / 350cm |
| Width (in / cm) | 34" / 86.4cm |
| Height (in / cm) | N/A |
| Kayak Weight (lbs / kg) | 74 lbs / 34kg |
| Weight Capacity (lbs / kg) | 425 lbs / 193kg |
| Cockpit Size (in / cm) | N/A |
| Hull Material | N/A |
| Transducer Compatible | Yes |
| Number of People | 1 |
| Inflatable | No |
| Salt Water Friendly | Yes |
| Peddles | No |
| Tracking Enhancement | N/A |
| Adjustable Seat | Yes |
| Rod Holders | 2 |
| Adjustable Foot Braces | Yes |
| Paddles Included | No |
| Other Included Items | None |