Thread: YOur opinion on this unit

I own that model and have no complaints, other than I don't have time to use it as much as I want. Tracks well, has good speed and the weight of the whole thing is not too bad. It could use an upgrade for the seat, but it serves it's purpose for 2 or three trips per year.....

I would try and demo some boats. Make sure you are comfortable in one before buying. If the seat doesn't feel good for the 20 minutes you test it it won't get any better after you are on the water for a couple of hours. What are your intended uses for the kayak....lakes...or streams....or both? There is certainly nothing wrong with that kayak...if it fits your needs. For that kind of money you have a big selection to pick from. Many kayaks have what is termed in the kayak world as "lawn chair type seat". You will find those seats much more comfortable.


Regards

Whichever you choose, go ahead and do it. My wife and I were full timers for 5 years and there were many times I would have loved to have a Kayak so I could try out some real fishy looking waters.
There are a number of active kayakers on here so you should get some good input. The only advice I have is to get a sit on top model. I bought a sit in type for my grandkids and it is hard to get in and out of from the dam of the pond in their neighborhood. A sit on top would have been much better.

Where do you guys demo kayaks at? The only places I could by one near me is Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting Goods or Sports Authority. They wont even let you take one out of the racks to look it over more closely.

Originally Posted by RiverSlabber

Where do you guys demo kayaks at? The only places I could by one near me is Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting Goods or Sports Authority. They wont even let you take one out of the racks to look it over more closely.

There are some kayak shops in Illinois. I just don't know how close they are to you. When buying a high end fishing kayak....which the original poster is looking at.....it is MHO one is far better off buying from a kayak shop vs a store that just "sells" kayaks. Here in Tennessee we have HOOK1 that will let us demo any kayak in their store at no charge. A kayak shop is owned and ran by kayakers that can help one out a lot on choice of boats and on your rigging needs. The big box stores won't...and can't do that. They probably know very little about fishing kayaks....or any kayak for that matter.


Regards

For all day fishing comfort, I really enjoy an elevated seat (Jackson, Wilderness System and others). Used a standard seat for many years, and won't be going back.

There are several with very comfy seats that will mean more than meets the eye for a newby. Lots of variables if you let your imagination loose.
and if I want a change to a swivel seat..... you do have an option.
Comfort is key to a day of fishing without cramped legs or back. No problem
with your choice of kayaks as long as your comfortable to fish and paddle
to the next good looking location. Keep us updated and show a picture of
your final decision.

I have its big brother the Trident 13 and it is a joy to paddle. Tracks straight, has plenty glide per stroke and takes boat wakes and such like a champ. Of course they were designed for big water fishing. I am going to upgrade seats though. I paddled a lot od kayaks before settling on the Trident. My last 2 were the Trident and the ride 135 advanced angler. Felt like I had to reach for the water from the high seat in the ride and liked the behavior of the Trident better. Only boat I could not find to try was the Tarpon140. The Tarpon160 was probably the nicest of all I tried but the extra length just was not very friendly when transporting in back of truck.