Looking For A New Kayak This Spring

[spease1]

I have narrowed my choices down to an Old Town Predator, Ride 115x, or a Jackson Cuda 12.

Any tips or pro's and cons of any would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

[strvmmer]

I've got a cuda 14 and love it, but if I were buying again it probably wouldn't be my first choice. However, that's solely because where I fish has changed dramatically. When I bought the Cuda14 I was fishing large bodies of water(Chesapeake Bay etc) and now I'm doing more river fishing. The Cuda is a great big water kayak, tracks well blah blah blah, but isn't so good in rivers. I've only dumped it once, but would like something a little more nimble. If I were to do it again it would probably be a Coosa or Ride 115x. Both of them are better suited for river fishing(especially the Coosa), but still do fairly well on bigger bodies of water.  

[Turtle135]

What type of water do you fish most of the time? Lakes (how big), rivers, creeks, etc.?

[Hanover_Yakker]

Those are three very different hulls and will have different paddling, stability and handling characteristics.  Seat time/water time is the only true judge of which one is right for your fishing style.  Assess your style, focus on what you do 70-80% of the time and pick the kayak hull that fits that style.  The remaining 20-25% can be handled typically in the same hull just not too frequently without some adjustments on your part.

[Raymurda]

Native slayer propel 10 if you have the budget. Peddle power with the ability to reverse is incredible.

[Mattfrom_NJ]

The ride is a really nice boat for bass fishing. It is slow but stable. 135 might be worth a look. Just make sure you paddle before you buy if you have the option.

[MikeinFresno]

the Predator is a large, heavy, wide boat..it is great for standing and carrying a load...it is not a long distance or fast yak tho due these same reasons. They are being sold used now in CA on yak forums for $700-800, like new and with extras.