MidTNKayakAngler

I've also been using TSI 321 with great results, and Magnalube-G for grease in baitcasters. For spinning reels the Magnalube is a little on the thick side so I've been using Shimano spinning reel grease on spinning reels.

Since my wife and I fish together we will take 2 vehicles and run shuttles a lot of times. I like one way floats. Sometimes we'll invite someone to fish with us.

I'm a larger person also, not as large as you as I'm 6' +/- and 225-230# I honestly cannot compare the ATAK to the Big Rig, as I've not paddled the ATAK yet. I do have a Ride 135, and the ATAK supposed to be more stable and faster than the Ride 135. Here's a comparison. I have paddled the Big Rig, so I can say the Ride 135 is faster than the Big Rig, but less stable although the Ride 135 is a very stable boat. So I would say the ATAK will be faster than the Big Rig, and will be comparable in stability. If you are interested in the Big Rig and possibly the ATAK I would wait for the ATAK to come out paddle both, and put an hour or two of seat time in each. I'll pay good money for a good kayak also, and I've paid over $3000 for kayaks before, but I don't think I'll go with a motor. I won't rule out not ever getting a motor, but at this time I feel if I'm going to get a motor then I may as well get a boat. Jeremy

I've used the Yakima bars on my Honda Accord for 10 years now. I've put up to 3 kayaks on the bars at once and each kayak being 33-34" wide. I use 2 cross straps, and bow and stern straps. I have a buddy that puts his PFD on top of the roof of his small car and puts his kayak on top of the PFD, and secures the kayak with rope. That's about as an affordable roof transportation system as I've ever seen. Jeremy

$1795 without the motor, not sure with the motor, but I think it's safe to say substantially more.

I have seen the kayak. I don't know if you could say walkable, but it does have a larger and flatter deck than the Ride 135, it is wider than the Ride 135, it is more stable than the Ride 135, lower deck to catch less wind, and faster. I've been in the Ride 135 for almost 3 years, and the ATAK is what is going to get me out of my Ride. Mine should be here in April. I've had Hobie Pro Anglers, Hobie Revolutions, Jackson Coosa's, Tarpon 160i, Tarpon 140, Tarpon 160i, Tarpon 120, Ride 135, Ride 115, and the ATAK is the kayak I have most anticipated.

I say whatever you like. Some people will use gear until it doesn't work and isn't worth fixing, and some like me will try to stick with fairly new gear 1-2 years old. My wife and I both grew up without money, and without luxuries. "We grew up in different homes, yes we do live in Tennessee" Just kidding We both went to college and got degrees, we busted our butts to get where we are. We both have good careers, and neither of us have kids. Fishing gear is something we like to stay on top of with the newest gear, newest techniques, lines, kayaks, and paddles. Our vehicles on the other hand are good vehicles and we tend to buy new, but keep many years after being paid off like my 03' truck, and 05' car. I do all my own maintenance on vehicles, and home so we find ways to save money. I don't look down on anyone, I don't care what you use, or how much or how little it costs, all I care is that you are enjoying what you do. I say stay within a budget, and don't put your family at risk, and just enjoy being outdoors and on the water or bank whatever you prefer.

I've been using All Pro Rods for almost 3 years years now. I was exclusively using Shimano Cumara rods with a few G.Loomis Mossybacks, and Bronzebacks, and some Dobyn's swimbait rods mixed in and was happy with those setups. Had around 16-18 total combos of the Mossy Backs, Bronze Backs and Cumara's. I had no plan of trying anything else because I was happy with those rods, and had no desire to try anything else. A buddy asked me to try these rods out as he knew I was happy with the rods I was already using, and I'm not one to say yeah this is the best just because of a deal, or that I know someone who uses this product. I'm very picky about what products I use because my wife lets me use any gear I want. I am very satisified with All Pro Rods, they are a Tennessee Company, they make a great product and stand behind it. They are some of the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive rods I own. I've landed 35-40lb freshwater Stripers, and 30-35lb Red Fish with the rods they have had the backbone to handle these fish and I was only using rods rated up to 2oz. I finesse fish the SMG rods jigs for smallmouth and can feel the slightest change in the lure. The tip action of the SMG are great for jerkbaits and Sammy's I'm not saying they are better than the G.Loomis, and Shimano rods I was using, but they are more affordable, and just as good of quality, and they are a local company to me, and I'm happy to support them. I still use Dobyns for swimbaits.

There are several chemicals people use, don't mix chemicals. Acetone, and aerosol Brake Cleaner are the two that I use, and an Ultra Sonic Cleaner, and then blow out with compressed air.

Yeah, nothing to it, about identical to the Curado 200E. I think if you've torn any bait caster apart and understand how it work it's pretty understandable.

I use a combination of items depending on the depth, structure, wind, and which kayak I'm in. Anchor on anchor trolley Drift Chute Stick-It-Pin Set up to where the wind pushes me where I want Point the nose of the kayak into the wind and try to get a cast of two in before the wind blows me off the spot

When I use bait casting equipment over spinning equipment it is for larger lures, or heavier cover. I have a couple reels on the want list that are designed to throw lighter lures 1/8 and less, that way I don't have to use spinning gear anymore. I am much better accuracy wise with casting gear. Jeremy

Worth every penny

In that price range, and being able to stand you will get better quality going used. Some people no matter what the design of the kayak is cannot stand.

Like Darren said, Google Images is a great place. Things I have done are added flush mount rod holders, added Yak Attack Gear Tracks and Zooka Tube rod holders, added anchor trolly's, electronics like Super Nova Lighting, and depth finders, ConSeal for quieting the deck, and for traction when standing, added rudders, modified seats to my liking, and I'm sure many other things I have forgot about.

My wife and I both fish. She uses good gear also Stradic's and Sustains, and quality rods, as we both use quality gear. We usually buy 1-2 new kayaks a year which cost anywhere from $1000, to $4000 each. We fish 15 or so tournaments each a year with average entry fees being $50 a tournament per person and some tournaments upward of $250 each. We also have a full lineup of saltwater gear as well as freshwater, some serves double duty. Almost everything we buy we buy two of. We usually take 3-4 week long trips a year to the Gulf, Keys, Everglades, or just South Florida, and tournament trips are usually 2-3 days. If it's just me I can sleep in the truck, but most of the time it's both of us and I won't make her do that. It is very expensive. I had never looked over my year's receipts until last month and last year we spent a lot of money without even realizing it, and that was only with one kayak bought last year. Right now we are looking at two new ones for this year, as we usually keep 2-3 kayaks a piece for different waters, and we've had as many as 7 at one time. I wouldn't change a thing having my wife on almost every fishing trip that is taken. Married for almost 13years.

I have had the Phase 3 Air Pro Max since September and have had no issues, and I've been in the high position and scooted and leaned forward and had no issues. To go from the high to the low you need to take your weight off the seat, lightly lift and pull forward, and to go from low to high you have to pick up your weight lift and pivot rearward. I used the factory seat for about 2 years, and it wasn't bad, but after about a year and a half the cushioning was so compacted there was no cushioning. My kayaks are always stored indoors and in a climate controlled boathouse except when we are on the road so weather shouldn't have anything to do with the compaction of the cushioning, I think it may be my size, and amount of time I've put in the seat. I've only been in the new seat for around 60hrs total since late September, but I've had no issues. Hook 1 did have a large discount on them when they released them, and I also pre-ordered so that may have helped, but I know I didn't pay $350 for my seat.

The Ride 135 is a great kayak, I paddle one myself. I also have other kayaks for other applications. But if I'm going on a trip and will be fishing many types of water, or don't know what I'll encounter then I bring the Ride 135, it's like the utility kayak it does everything, but doesn't excel in anything. I find most people selling used kayaks have them over priced, you can usually get about the same deal at a good local dealer and they will sometimes knock 15-20% off all accessories, so if you are getting a paddle, PFD, rod holders, anchor, or stake out pole you can usually do pretty well with the dealers discounts. Just because a manufacturers website, or dealers website says one price doesn't mean you'll be paying that price. I would check out Appomattox, or a local dealer talk to them about what you want your needs and see what they have that will fit you.

I've got a buddy selling his Elite 7X HDI for $400 obo, it's about 6 months old and really good shape, and good working order. He's just looking for something a little more advanced for his Ride 115X.

I have the Surf to Summit Elite, and Expedition seats for other kayaks, and they are a nice addition, but nothing like having a solid frame seat. Even the seats in the Wilderness Systems Ride break down after a year or two and start to get uncomfortable. I got my Phase 3 Air Pro Max for my Ride 135 in September and it was great. There may be modifications you can do to add a bleacher seat with a frame, but be careful because it will mess with the center of gravity.

I would agree with you. I tried paddling it, and it was no fun. Without the Mirage Drive it's a floating piece of plastic with a comfortable seat. There is a particular manufacturer that has recently came out with a kayak that is getting close to the dimensions of the Pro Angler. I have fished along side this new kayak in my Ride 135 which is not a fast kayak by any means, and it couldn't keep up even at a leisurely paddle. Like John said not very efficient, and would not be a great experience if you had to cover water. With the Mirage Drive on the Pro Angler it is a very efficient watercraft. Jeremy

I had a Tarpon 160i for a while, and that's what I could propel faster than the Revolution. Granted I could not stand on the 160i, but that's not what it was made for. It had an ample tankwell, 2 flushmounts, rudder, and I had my Lowrance mounted on it. I could travel farther and faster than I could in the Revolution. In the Tarpon 160i I could maintain an average of 5.0-5.5 MPH GPS for great distances for me (4-5 miles) and hit 6.5-6.7mph top speed but cannot sustain that but for 100 yards or so. On the Revolution I can average 5.0-5.25 for the (4-5 miles) then my legs go jello, but can maintain 4.5-4.75mph for 7-8 miles. I was fishing a tournament last night and wanted to get to the river channel in my Ride 135 and I was hitting speeds of 4.75, but could only maintain an average of about 3.95mph and this is with me 220lbs, and approximately 125# of gear over a distance of 1.75 miles. Holding position forward and backward is doable in the Pro Angler, and other Hobies, not as easy as the Natives. In the Hobies, I pull the mirage drive and flip it around and you go in reverse. Flipping the drive around takes 2-3 seconds max. There is no perfect kayak and to cover all conditions thourally you will need multiple kayas as there is no perfect kayak. Like said there are many great manufacturers that are offering new features. I'm currently in a Ride 135, and I'm trying to see what all it can do and do well. It's ran some class 3's well, I can stand fairly easily and pitch from it. The only thing is speed, so that's where the mechanical drive kayak will come in. Not sure between the Slayer Propel, and Hobie Pro Angler, or maybe a Hobie Revolution like my wife's.

My first thought was is a 225HP overkill on a 20' bass boat. My answer, not necessarily just depends on the manufacturers suggested HP, and weight of the boat. If you are to much HP for the drive systems things will break, and break regularly. A pedal drive system is not an engine or motor, it's a dive system that that requires human power, strength and stamina. What about a sail? Would using a sail to get offshore, or to return to shore be cheating to assist you to reach greater distances with deeper water and bigger fish? Four shows that come to mind off the top of my head about kayak fishing do not feature pedal kayaks, I see more pedal driven kayak fishing commercials. The Kayak Fishing Show - Ocean Kayak now Jackson Kayak "Not pedal driven" Kayak Bassin on WFN - Wilderness Systems "Not pedal driven" Knot Right Kayak Fishing - Wilderness Systems "Not pedal driven" The Extreme Kayak Fishing Challenge - Jackson Kayak 5 years ago is when my wife and I got into kayak fishing. We researched "THE BEST FISHING KAYAK". What kept coming up is the Hobie Pro Angler, so we bought two, one for each of us and a trailer. Later on my wife bought a Revolution 13 for the Ocean because the Pro Angler was just to big for her to wrestle it down to the beach when we would take our trips to the Gulf. We fished from the Pro Anglers for almost 3 years, and my wife still uses the Revolution. We ended up buying more and more kayaks when manufacturers "Wilderness Systems and Jackson" would come out with a new kayak. At one time we had 7. The boathouse was getting cluttered so we started selling and we are down to 3. After being out of the Pro Angler for more than 2 years now I really miss it, and now the Native Propel is out. I've only had a brief on the water experience with the Propel, but want some more time before I decide. I don't think pedal kayaks are unfair or cheating. There is always an issue with the possibility of mechanical issues. "What if you're Mirage Drive broke 8 miles from where you launched would you want to paddle a 130lb + kayak with another 100+lbs of gear and yourself in a kayak or boat that is 38" wide? Probably not What if you were fishing directly below spill gates of a d**n and had to maintain 20-35 yards from the gates while spilling in order to keep on the fish. Having propulsion other that a paddle is a big help. You can paddle into the spilling water and maintain at a safe distance and fish at the same time. With a paddle kayak this is very difficult. What about maintaining position in wind on a point, or maintaining position in current? Paddle Kayak Please What if you are missing a hand, or arm? A pedal kayak for the win. If I was fishing a swampy location filled with stumps give me a hybrid SOT/SIT IN. Running a class 2 or 3 river, give me a paddle kayak that is short and nimble. On the other hand fishing remote locations where I have to carry in I prefer a hybrid SOT/SIT IN where it weighs less than 50lb and I can carry it in on my shoulder, can't do that with a pedal drive kayak. I run a successful tournament series in Tennessee and I assist in running another out of State which is one of the largest freshwater tournaments in the US. From what I see pedal driven kayaks usually do place closer to the top, is this only due to the pedal drive, or is it this angler is more serious, has more on the line and needs to win, a better angler, just luck, or is it the drive. I'm sure it's a combination of all of these things, but a pedal driven kayak does not necessarily catch you more and bigger fish, but with your hands free it does give you more of a chance to do so. For speed I had a paddle kayak that I could smoke one of the fastest pedal driven kayaks out there, so speed isn't necessarily an excuse. I will probably have another pedal kayak or two by next spring after I see what everyone is going to release, but I'll always have one or two paddle kayaks. Dang, seems like I never have a short post. Sorry, Jeremy Meier

Yakima Rack and Roll, this is my 2nd trailer and the Rack and Roll is by far my favorite.

The Hobie Pro Anglers were our first kayaks, this was in 2009 before the new seat. We fished out of the Pro Anglers for 2 years until we sold them. We ended up going to paddle crafts besides my wife keeping the Hobie Revolution for big water. Now we are thinking about Pro Anglers again or the Native Slayer Propel's.