TexasKayakFisherman.com

Considering purchasing another kayak to allow me some fishing versatility and serve as a buddy kayak. Currently have a 2012 WS Ride 135, great boat but I know one kayak cannot cover all fishing situations. Great fishing platform, can stand, very stable but not the fastest and tough paddle when trying cover lots of water. Currently majority of time is spent inshore fishing the bays, but would like to fish the surf, lakes and rivers.
Was considering the following: Budget: $1200

OK Trident 15
Native MR 14
Tarpon 140
Tarpon 160
Hurricane Skimmer 140

Demo the OK Trident 13 and Native MR 14 and afterwards decided the OK Trident was not for me. I am all about an open deck and with the Mod Pod, space in the foot wells felt limited. Seat was ok, tracking was ok, and really did not see a huge difference in speed compared to my Ride. The Native had a very comfy seat, but no scuppers under seat, so any water that might enter the kayak could likely be trapped underneath the seat. Tracking was better than the Trident and my Ride and I felt this yak was faster than the Trident. Was impressed with the performance of the Native MR.

Have not demo the Tarpon 140 or 160 or the Hurricane Skimmer 140, not much info out there.


Just would like some opinions and suggestions on what would be a good 2nd kayak to the Ride 135.

I am 5'10 195. Have a trailer so handling and weight are not an issue.

Thanks

I have a Cuda and have been thinking of adding another yak as well. I put my Cuda in the same category as your ride. Stable great platform and easily fishable. For me adding a second yak I want something faster. I am looking at a prowler/ trident 15' or tarpon 14'. A kracken would be sweet but momma would not buy that. You should look at the yak with a job in mind. Hope this helps and good luck.

If your looking at a T140-160 or OK Tridents ultras etc you will probably want to look at a viking 400 or reload as well. You are welcome to paddle either of mine if your in San Antonio ever. I went from a cuda to both the 400 and reload and there is no going back for me.

Thank you, Hurricane skimmer 14o looks like interesting kayak, just have not heard any reviews from real fisherman.

"Currently majority of time is spent inshore fishing the bays, but would like to fish the surf, lakes and rivers."
You may need 3 different kayaks for fishing the surf, lakes, and rivers.
Surf requires a wide stable design.
Lakes require a long narrow design for good tracking to go longer distance
Rivers require a shorter recreational design for easier turning
In selecting a second kayak, I think it is best to first decide how and where you will be using it the most, then pick a design that works best for that type water. I've owned and paddled about 7-8 different models of sit inside and sit-on-top kayaks. The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is my favorite sit-on-top and the Perception Acadia 12 has been may favorite sit inside. As I get older and paddling skills have improved, my preference has changed from heavy, wide, and slow to light, narrow, and fast. Just recently I decided I also want a more comfortable seat, so Native kayaks are starting to look good to me.
If weight is not an issue, I'd get a good used Tarpon 160 and let your buddies paddle the slower wider Ride 135. A Tarpon 160 can serve as your faster / long distance boat. If water under the seat is a concern for the Native MR 14, then you could get a bilge sponge for about $2 and put it under the seat. All of the kayaks on your list should be great for bayfishing.

Have my short list:

Native MR 14
Tarpon 160
Tarpon 140

Seems like a local dealers that use to carry the Natives, no longer carry them. Ask them and they say they did not sell compared to the WS and Ocean Kayak. One dealer that carries the Native, told me they can't restock the MR because Native is so backed up with orders of the Slayers that they the MR has been put on hold for production. Anyone heard this?

fishr3 wrote:"Currently majority of time is spent inshore fishing the bays, but would like to fish the surf, lakes and rivers."
You may need 3 different kayaks for fishing the surf, lakes, and rivers.
Surf requires a wide stable design.
Lakes require a long narrow design for good tracking to go longer distance
Rivers require a shorter recreational design for easier turning
In selecting a second kayak, I think it is best to first decide how and where you will be using it the most, then pick a design that works best for that type water. I've owned and paddled about 7-8 different models of sit inside and sit-on-top kayaks. The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is my favorite sit-on-top and the Perception Acadia 12 has been may favorite sit inside. As I get older and paddling skills have improved, my preference has changed from heavy, wide, and slow to light, narrow, and fast. Just recently I decided I also want a more comfortable seat, so Native kayaks are starting to look good to me.
If weight is not an issue, I'd get a good used Tarpon 160 and let your buddies paddle the slower wider Ride 135. A Tarpon 160 can serve as your faster / long distance boat. If water under the seat is a concern for the Native MR 14, then you could get a bilge sponge for about $2 and put it under the seat. All of the kayaks on your list should be great for bayfishing.

wide and surf? What kind of surf are you paddling, the most efficient kayak with a higher rocker is better for getting out and over swells quickly. Wide will get bogged down in any moderate to heavy surf. Once out almost any boat will work for short trips, the longer the trip, the more efficient the kayak needs to be.