need opinions on this kayak plz...

What can & has happened to some members is the rush to go buy their first kayak, based on color, size, price, graphics, etc... & then they find out it was totally the wrong yak for their needs, get frustrated, loose big money on the resell, etc. and end up hating the sport.  I'v now owned 7 different kayak models now and always on the lookout for something new.  There is a kayak out there for virtually any/every need ... just need to find your need.

Well said Bill...I think I'm at 8 models owned so far...

BigYak, Trident15, Cuda14, BigTuna, Cruise12, Rivi-T, Kraken, Perception Tribe 13.5....andy many, many more models borrowed and paddled...

BTW that Perception Tribe 13.5 is an AWESOME family/tandem yak!! My girls love it!!

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Honestly...99.99% of the guys on this site are just trying to be helpful

Just remember, I'm NOT one of those guys.  Buy a Native.  Obviously.

To figure out what type of kayak is best for you, you need to determine several factors:
1.  What type of fishing do you do/plan to do? Ocean, lakes, rivers, all of the above?  Are you looking for a boat that can do everything or one that can do one thing particularly well? 
2.  What's your price range?
3.  What types of features do you care about? Stability, Speed, Riggability, Comfort, Accessories?
4.  What length/weight of kayak?  Do you have any storage/transport issues?
5.  Propulsion system - pedal driven or paddle
6.  Etc.

Remember that any good kayak salesman should be asking you these types of questions. If you find one that is pushing a particular model over another without asking you what you want, they're not helping you.  You need to make sure to demo kayaks as well - plenty of local shops will have places for you to demo.

Dang 5 pages now lol...glad i can get everyone together ; ).Well just googling kayak reports n reviews there are millions of reviews. I talked to adventure sports today in addition. I really like the ride 135 from wilderness. I have just always liked wilderness systems for some reason. Maybe cuz im a redneck and it says wilderness? Anyway ive done lots of research on those and liking them. Super stable but is it decent to paddle n create momentum? Maneuverability? Honest opinions plz ( preferably facts ).

Dang 5 pages now lol...glad i can get everyone together ; ).Well just googling kayak reports n reviews there are millions of reviews. I talked to adventure sports today in addition. I really like the ride 135 from wilderness. I have just always liked wilderness systems for some reason. Maybe cuz im a redneck and it says wilderness? Anyway ive done lots of research on those and liking them. Super stable but is it decent to paddle n create momentum? Maneuverability? Honest opinions plz ( preferably facts ).

The only "facts" you will find about kayaks are those stated on their web site; length, weight, width, etc..  The rest of the "info" you eill find out about yaks, from users, will be THEIR opinions of kayaks.  The common thread you will find from our group is generally"try before you buy".  Go to a dealer & TRY several out & then decide what is best for YOU.  What is best for me, may not be best for you.

I too like Wilderness Systems though

It is a Ford/Chevy thing once you get into reputable name brand manufacturers. It boils down to what you need it to do. I still paddle an Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 that I bought eons ago. Bright yellow, but I still hunt out of it and fish everywhere. It works for me, I just camo it up from time to time when I have to. Wilderness are good kayaks. Personally, I like the Viking, but not enough to get rid of my Prowler and buy one.....yet.

The Ride is super stable. Not a fast "a to b" kayak though. It has a terminal velocity as I call it. It will paddle pretty fast but if you want to kick it in the rear and really go fast it won't be there for you. I use it when I don't need to go too far or as a loaner to larger guys. I can stand on the bow or in the tank well and not flip it. With stability you loose speed or ease of paddling. If you want both look to the Thresher series. It is a combo of sorts of the Ride and the Tarpon. Wilderness kayaks are very well built and very tough. I paddle a Tarpon 160 all the time. It is very stable, but not stand up stable. Yes I can stand in it, but I don't fish standing in it. I have a Ride 135 that you can try after the 22nd, or you can go to Adventure Sports Big Break Marina store and try one out. They may demo in stockton now too, but I am not sure. That is as honest as I can be. I have been on all the current production Wilderness kayaks since 2009.

also -----

 Chevy for sure ; ).  Im not looking to go fast. Im looking to fish anywhere. I would rather be more stable than fast. But if people are lapping me out to a buoy thats a problem. Is it that much slower propulsion wise? Lets say out to the first buoy at shelter cove...how far bahind u reckon id be compared to slender yaks/propelled yaks?

   I get out there in about 15 minutes or so on my Tarpon 160. My 160 is also quite a bit faster than a Tarpon 140. Only a Hobie Revo or Adventure with turbo fins beats me out there. Don't get me wrong here, the Ride 135 is a great kayak. It is just not my style, especially on the ocean. The one thing I don't know if I have seen yet is how big are you?
    The thing with speed is it is not really about how fast the kayak is. It relates more to the effort through out the day to keep it moving. Ease of movement. Also, if the fan really turns on the narrower boats will be much nicer to get back to shore on. My buddy loves my Ride on the ocean and has trolled for miles on it for salmon. Also Eric Tebbets on the central coast has used a Ride 135 for a long time on the ocean and really likes it, but just moved up to the Thresher 155.
    I also recommend spending a little more on a lighter paddle. That will make a big difference too at the end of the day. You don't need to start with an all Carbon Fiber model, but move up to a glass shaft and blade if you can.
    My best advice is before you pull the trigger you better paddle it first. That is my best advice. Also, this will most likely be the first of many kayaks you buy, so you can always change the model down the road.

For a bigger kayak I think it paddles very well and may be the best handling of the bigger kayaks. At least the lower priced ones.

kayak sales folks are all over this thread

They sure are! And I appreciate it. Great info from you guys. Im not seeing alot of smaller 10ft yaks? It seems like the deals on those models are the best especially the 2014 models. But doesnt seem like anyone fished bay or salt in something that short? Sounds like I need to stay in the 12-16ft range? And btw rob im 6'2 190...

 Sounds like I need to stay in the 12-16ft range? And btw rob im 6'2 190...

I would say 12 minimum and longer if you can afford it. I am the same size as you and paddle a Tarpon 160 just about everywhere in ANY conditions.

 Sounds like I need to stay in the 12-16ft range? And btw rob im 6'2 190...

I would say 12 minimum and longer if you can afford it. I am the same size as you and paddle a Tarpon 160 just about everywhere in ANY conditions.

If you can afford it and if you can pick it up and if you can fit it in your house! 

Right on thanks guys. Going shopping after work today