Looking to upgrade my kayak sometime later this year and have been doing some research. Last year i bought an Ascend FS128T from my friend - its incredibly stable but a monster to paddle far. Also have started going out on the upper Potomac and it takes alot of effort to manuever in moving water. What would you all recommend based on the kind of fishing I am doing? I have been looking at the ride 115x, Coosa, Cuda 12 but I figure there are others that would be good as well.

 

Most of my fishing is on ~600 acre reservoirs near my house, and I am paddling anywhere from 1-2 miles on my way back to the ramp. I normally cut my fishing off that far away because i dont feel like paddling any further than that but would like to fish more of the lake. Standing up and fishing is going to be a necessity after I was spoiled with my current houseboat. Also something that handles rivers better would be nice, the ascend just spins in circles as i drift down the river and fish and i think i will be doing more of that in the future. I would keep it in my garage and anything more than 13 feet won't fit.  Any thoughts? 

you are going to have a tough time finding a boat that is both maneuverable for rivers and paddles long distances well as usually those boats have different hull characteristics.  The coosa is an outstanding river boat but for reservoirs or longer distances it is not a great boat as it likes to get pushed around by wind and is not that fast.  When i had mine i picked up another boat for flatwater fishing.  I have not paddled a ride 115 but it has gotten great reviews for both a river boat and a lake boat.  I have paddled a cuda 12 quite a bit and it is also a good all around boat for rivers and lakes.  

 

Also on rivers if your boat is spinning around that could be because of a lot of different reasons and not just the boat as much of kayak fishing in rivers is about boat control.    I prefer a more maneuverable boat in rivers as it allows me to make quick corrections and get into position more easily.  

 

Best advice would be to try and demo some boats that are in your list and see what you think.  Also take into consideration that a higher seat position eliminates some of the need for standing.  I can stand in my boat but i am usually just sitting in the raised seat as that does the job in most cases.

From what I gather you need something you can cover some water with that has a decent seat and will allow you to stand. Similar to my needs BTW. I'm in a Trident 13 now and man what a kayak it does all that and more. My only complaint is the factory seat and I have addressed that issue.

The Coosa is a dedicated river boat and probably wouldn't be a good fit for your main style of fishing knowing that you're having to cover some open water.

The Ride 115 is a good all around kayak but is on the heavy side and although it paddles ok for an 11' kayak it wouldn't be my first choice as a "utility" kayak.

Of the kayaks you have listed it sounds to me that the Cuda 12 would be the best fit for you. It can cover water pretty well, put a rudder on it and you can set up a good drift while on moving water.

In the spirit of full disclosure I'm on staff with Ocean Kayak and wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't promote their product. Give the Trident 13 a look it might be a little too long for your garage (it's 13' 6") but if it will fit it's worth considering. With all things being equal the only thing the Cuda has on it is the seat. It is just as stable as fast or faster (that is subjective) and has as nice of a cockpit layout.

One that has not been mentioned but a kayak I have like since its release is the Commander 120. I have a couple friends that fish out of them and they all like them, one guy is a dedicated river rat and sold his Ride 115 to get a Commander. They track well are light weight and are really stable.

I had a commander and it is a great boat but if you are doing any type of technical river, it isn't great as it is not self draining.  I actually just sold mine for that reason as i wanted a self draining boat.

Too bad you are in Maryland or I would offer to buy your Ascend from you.

I recommend a Tarpon 120, unless you must stand, in which a Ride 115 is the next best option. The Commander is always an uptown, unless you need it to self bail. I roll in a 140, and have paddled the 120. The 120 turns a bit easier though is almost as fast as a 140.

Looking to upgrade my kayak sometime later this year and have been doing some research. Last year i bought an Ascend FS128T from my friend - its incredibly stable but a monster to paddle far. Also have started going out on the upper Potomac and it takes alot of effort to manuever in moving water. What would you all recommend based on the kind of fishing I am doing? I have been looking at the ride 115x, Coosa, Cuda 12 but I figure there are others that would be good as well.

 

Most of my fishing is on ~600 acre reservoirs near my house, and I am paddling anywhere from 1-2 miles on my way back to the ramp. I normally cut my fishing off that far away because i dont feel like paddling any further than that but would like to fish more of the lake. Standing up and fishing is going to be a necessity after I was spoiled with my current houseboat. Also something that handles rivers better would be nice, the ascend just spins in circles as i drift down the river and fish and i think i will be doing more of that in the future. I would keep it in my garage and anything more than 13 feet won't fit.  Any thoughts? 

 

I second fly's encouragement to "test drive" as many yaks

as you can in your area, or find a place like Appomattox 

River Company and visit during their demo days.

 

As for boats and brands, Wilderness Systems is one of the

largest, maker fine yaks, the Tarpon are great tracking yaks.

Try many brands. Only then can you get what is right feeling

for you.

 

I was all set on a Commander after my extensive online

research. But once I sat in one and then in the Native Ultimate,

I felt the Ultimate was a better yak for me. Same goes with

spinning reels. My favorite may not fit your tastes.

 

But like fly's experience with the Commander, the Ultimate 

doesn't drain, either. I know people who take them on rivers, 

and out in big waters. Not me.

 

My next yak will very likely be one with scuppers for drainage

as there are place I want to go with my kids that I prefer not

to in my Ultimate. For reservoirs, my Ultimate is fantastic, tho.

 

So my research has me liking the Ride, Lure, Slayer, and a few

​others. But I wouldn't pull the trigger without - at the least - 

sitting in each yak. Best would be on-water demoing if possible.

 

Just my .02.

Agree with all above about test driving.  I believe that Appomattox and Backyard Boats both conduct test drive days in Annapolis, but I suppose they were likely earlier in the season.  Give them a call. 

Agree with all above about test driving.  I believe that Appomattox and Backyard Boats both conduct test drive days in Annapolis, but I suppose they were likely earlier in the season.  Give them a call. 

 

We should probably clarify - (to the OP) you can still demo

kayaks  regardless of whether during demo days. If they

are on a river or near one, often they will let you demo the

yaks you're interested in...

Thanks guys, lots of helpful stuff. I will look for a demo day around me and try a few out. Fin stalker youre right on the point with being able to stand but also cover water easier - thats the only drawback of my ascend. let you know how it goes!

standing, paddling longer distances and the seat are the issues I see that most yaks cant do all at once. Standing means wide and stable which usually counters fast...the newer lawn chair type seats make sooo much difference in the all day comfort and helping to eliminate sore low back issues.... since you also want to do rivers extra long is not so good either...I would look at the Jackson yaks for the seat, standing and paddling ease...I have a T13 also, and it is a great yak, but it has the old seat pad design and it isn't nearly as comfortable as my new Hobie Outback with the new seat... I could never go back from the seat, but I could paddle again and do without the Hobie drive.

standing, paddling longer distances and the seat are the issues I see that most yaks cant do all at once. Standing means wide and stable which usually counters fast...the newer lawn chair type seats make sooo much difference in the all day comfort and helping to eliminate sore low back issues.... since you also want to do rivers extra long is not so good either...I would look at the Jackson yaks for the seat, standing and paddling ease...I have a T13 also, and it is a great yak, but it has the old seat pad design and it isn't nearly as comfortable as my new Hobie Outback with the new seat... I could never go back from the seat, but I could paddle again and do without the Hobie drive.

 

A Ride 135 with rudder and Air Pro Max seat would do all those things well

I also have the Wilderness Ride 135 with the new Air Pro seat and rudder. It's super comfortable. I haven't fished too many rivers but I regularly fish a large reservoir near me with no problem. I have spent many hours in this boat and love it. Wilderness has a new one called Atak. Looks like a real nice fishing kayak and you can get pedel power or electric motor with it if you want.