ARCATA, California – Kayak anglers are the ultimate kayak customizers adding rod holders, down riggers, fish-­‐finders, loaded milk crates and other gear to help them land a big one.  Now they can also customize their PFD to their liking with the new Kokatat Bahia Predator. The Bahia and Bahia Tour have long been favorites among anglers, and with the Predator they now have a PFD that has built in angler specific details that can be customized to their personal specifications,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat Sales Manager. After safety, the Bahia Predator is designed for angler comfort and convenience.  The Predator has the same popular design as the Bahia platform, but is made with a tough Cordura face fabric to help reduce hook snares. MSRP -­‐ $139.00

Just like the other Bahia models, the Predator has articulated front panels that wrap around the front of the paddler and a variable-­‐thickness foam back designed to accommodate the taller seatbacks found on many recreational and sit-­‐on-­‐top kayaks popular with kayak fisherman.  Additionally, to help keep anglers cooler, mesh vents run across the back above most seat backs and down its sides to maximize airflow.

The front of this fishing specific PFD is laid out so kayak anglers have easy and convenient access to their gear.  Multiple pockets, MOLLE attachments, and shoulder loops provide a platform for an infinite number of personalized outfitting configurations.

A large thermo-­‐formed pocket on the right side of the vest can be unzipped to 90 degrees creating a shelf and work surface for knotting lures or other small projects.  The pocket, large enough to house a small flybox, also has built-­‐in storage for lure organization.

On the lower left panel of the Predator is a duplex pocket, similar to the ones found on Kokatat’s MSFit Tour, that has a vertical zip front mesh pocket and a larger wide zip rear pocket. The self-­‐draining front pocket is perfect for smaller waterproof gear, while the larger rear can hold a small tackle box, UHF radio or other gear.

Located between the duplex pocket and main center zipper are four rows of MOLLE attachments where anglers can not only house pliers, flies, retractors, line snips and other tools, but can also attach Kokatat’s Electronics sling or Poseidon Chest Pocket.  Inside the PFD are additional MOLLE attachments to store even more items. Loops on the shoulders give anglers additional opportunities to accessories the Predator, including the attachment of a Kokatat Tributary Hydration System or Tactic Pack. The hydration reservoir compatible Tactic Pack mounts to the back of PFDs at the shoulders and lower side torso.  When attached, Tactic Pack looks like a backpack, but with the majority of the pockets hidden against the paddler’s back.  The Tactic Pack is designed so that with the release of two clips it can be quickly rotated to the front of the paddler for full access to the pockets.

About Kokatat Inc.

Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for more than 40 years. At a time  when  many  technical  apparel  brands  were  moving  manufacturing  offshore,  Kokatat  continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed  to  the  development  of  the  finest  and  driest  paddling  apparel  in  the  world  and  recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-­‐TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-­‐on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with  Kokatat!  Please  visit www.kokatat.com and  follow  Kokatat  on Facebook and  Twitter  “@kokatat”.