Currently down to 279lbs. I am in the process of losing 100 pounds. As a reward at 50 pounds lost I am going to buy a fishing Kayak. I’ll still be a big guy at -50 lbs so I am sold on the Wilderness System Kayaks. Only question is the Ride 135 or Tarpon better. They are about the same price (expensive) but I only want to make this purchase once. I plan to fish the inland waters of Louisiana and a few lakes. Also would like to be able to stand up fishing after losing more pounds. Which is better and what’s the difference between the two?
I answered to the other as well…
I think the Ride and Tarpon series is pretty average price as far as fishing yaks go. You’ll also need to factor in a PFD, paddle, and a few accessories as well.
I would probably look elsewhere than the Tarpon. I had a Tarpon 140 and at 220# it held over 1.5" of water at all times. The Ride is a little drier but bigger as well. Without a rudder, and in a stiff wind, the Tarpon is a 15 strokes on the left to every 1 on the right type boat as well.
I’m using the Trident 13 and it’s done dry at all times and plenty stable for me to pole around the flats for redfish. I’ve also owned a Manta Ray 14 which was a much better kayak than the Tarpon 140. Neither the MR14 or Tarpon 140 were ideal standing platforms.
As far as the fishability between the bunch, the Trident 13 is the best from the factory. Rod storage, fish finder ready, large tankwell, huge capacity (425#), etc…
What sells you on the Wilderness Systems brand so much?
Wilderness Systems
First brand I saw that focused on us bigger guys. I am new to the sport.
…
I wouldn’t say that Wilderness focuses on the big guy paddlers. The Tarpon 140 has a capacity of 375# and the Ride is at 400#. If anything they are on the lower end of the scale.
The Trident 13 has a capacity of 425# and the Trident 15 is at 500#. The Prowler Big Game is 550#.
Malibu Kayaks would be another brand you should check out for big guys. Their fishing boats run from 450# to 650# capacity. The eXtreme, X Factor, and Stealth series are all roomy kayaks as well with plenty of hatches.
I suggest you search a little more based on what you’re telling me re: being new and that Wilderness was the first brand you saw.
And the Native boats generally
can hold a lot of weight. The Ultimate and Magic 14 footers will go 400 lbs or better and the Manta Ray isn’t far behind.
And they are really designed with fishing in mind.
jim
The Ride 135
If it were moving water, I’d recommend the Tarpon. For the water you describe, I recommend The Ride 135.
While the other kayaks mentioned in the thread are also good, I think you did a good job of your research to come down to Tarpon and The Ride. They are pedigreed fishing kayaks.
As far as being wet, it’s a sport that takes place with your butt at water level. Expect to get wet. Expecting to sit on water and stay dry is, to my way of thinking, an unreasonable expectation. Far more important are things like carrying capacity, quality control, handling characteristics, etc. Wetness of seat, especially in a warm climate like Louisiana, is way down the list of priorities at least for me. Of course, you will have your own set of priorities, and that’s as it should be.
Also highly over-rated are feelings of “stability” versus “tippiness” and “tracking.” Both the Wilderness Systems boats you mentioned and the other brands mentioned are plenty stable enough for fishing, whether or not they feel tippy. Seriously, that feeling will go away within 1/2 hour of your first launch. Tracking is wildly over-rated and nothing that good paddle strokes can’t compensate for. In fact, I’d rather have less tracking than more within the context of recreational kayaks.
- Big D
- Big D
Right Kayak
Hey That Trident 13 is nice. Like the fish finder.
well
any one that’s a canoe!