Need help choosing.

OK  Ultra 4.7 vs  OK Trident 15 angler  vs  Wliderness Tarpon 160/ 140

I have an outback for the lakes, trolling for trout and kokanee , bass fishing.  I need something for the Ocean and bays.  I narrowed it down to these 4.   It's a tossup for me on either brand. and would like so honest opinion on both if you have the experence with them. 
Then it comes down to length. Is there that big a diffrence in a 14,15' vs. a 16' in the wind and waves?
the Ok's have a little better weight carring cap. in the 400-450 range and the Wild. with 375.  Is bigger always better ?


And good advice for me?
 

I love my T160. Easy to paddle in current and wind. I think it is more comfortable for my legs than the OK's. I paddled Yakhoppers 4.3, which is very similar if not the same as the 4.7 in the seating area. I did not like the center hatch against my legs all day. It is layed out nice, but after the day was over my legs were sore. I never have leg probs on my Tarpon. I like the flat leg area vs the foot wells on the OK. I guess it depends on your size too. I like the longer boats for traveling from place to place also. I'd say go big on length. The slide trax are nice on the Tarpons too. Less drilling and more versatility if you decide you want rod holders in different locations from time to time.  Best advice is to try them all out first. You know we all have one for you to try out. Just ask around. That's my .02 worth. I hope it helps a little.

First off if you haven't taken them out for a demo you must do that first. Every kayak is different for every person.

depends on your weight but I am heavy and though the tarpon 16 paddles like a dream, the capacity was low.  I moved the trident 15 and love the capacity, the rod pod but do recommend a rudder with it.  Have not paddled the ultra.

Paddle a Trident 15. Its a pretty dry ride. FF/GPS in the sonar shield is very nice. The new rod pod cover is great too. A rudder on this boat will help in windy conditions but not absolutlely needed. Its the lightest on your list also. Very, very stable. I saw you in Petaluma last weekend I think. You had a kayak with fishbucket on the side. Right?

Joe, your Outback will work just as well in the ocean & bays as it does in the lakes. jim

Joe, I just noticed that you LIVE in Petaluma. PM me and you can take my T-15 for the day to paddle.

Get the tarpon 140. Best hull and best all-around boat IMO.

If you look at the hull on the trident series boats , you will see the flared bow that will tend to push the front of the kayak up and over swell, chop and waves. Where a lot of other kayaks will tend to plow through the chop leaving the deck awash. The Outback is a fine craft for fishing. Although you are correct in thinking that for real long paddling distances or chop/ swell, a longer faster craft is needed.

I love my Outback because it's a beast for saltwater.  It may be only 12' long but has no problem handling rough waters, large swells and high winds.  I'd like to add a paddle kayak to my fleet and would probably go with T series OK - I like how you can store large fish below deck via the rod pod. 

Thanks for your advise guys.

Joe, your Outback will work just as well in the ocean & bays as it does in the lakes. jim

 I know it will Jim, I just want another decicated to the salt. and one that does not have "seal flippers"  dangling underneath 

Joe, I just noticed that you LIVE in Petaluma. PM me and you can take my T-15 for the day to paddle.

That was me you saw.     I live off Eastman ln./ Bodega ave.  Appreciate the offer Craig.  I started this "want" from looking at the WS T140 Clavey has hanging. I'll get in touch to take ride next time I can get out. 

you will see the flared bow that will tend to push the front of the kayak up and over swell, ..... The Outback is a fine craft for fishing. .... a longer faster craft is needed.

 Exactamundo.