Today was a day of “firsts”. Got to paddle a sit-on-top for the first time ever…first time in a Ride 135…and my first trip ever to Copahee Sound.
The guys I went out there with got there before I did - when I finally arrived, the water was out of the launch area. So I got to do the “Copahee Stomp”. Fortunately it was a hard bottom for the most part - and I could tell many others had made this trip. I saw the top of an old shoe sticking out of the mud…
When I finally got to the end of the little launch-area channel, I was able to sit down and actually do a little paddling. This is the first time I’ve ever been in a sit-on-top and everything that people say about this model of boat is true…super-stable! And I was expecting it to be rather slow, but I found that it glides along nicely when you get it up to speed. I paddled it with and without the rudder - The rudder made for easier turns and helped when the wind would push you around while you paddle. I’m getting a rudder on my yak…
I got brave enough to even attempt a successful stand-up in the boat, and I even got bold enough to rock the boat side-to-side to see what it would take to dump me out. I almost had water over the sides and it still wouldn’t go all the way. I sat side-saddle to access the rear hatch behind the seat effortlessly, as well as scoot up front with a leg over each side to get to the front hatch. I felt very comfortable.
Scubastan let me use a rod and reel, and I got to do a little fishing. I had a small shark hit my line, but he flopped off before I could get him to the boat. We got to see a big ladyfish jump up and skip across the water…it was a good trip. I was happy just to meet a few fellow board members and I asked them a lot about their yaks and rigging, crates, tackle, etc. My thanks to them for letting me come along!
I don’t think I’m even going to bother paddling the Manta Ray 14 - I was that impressed with the Ride.
By the way, my username was originally ScrambledGreg, but I started using
Hey elgeebee…Sounds like you had a fun day and a great first trip in the Ride 135…Welcome to the Addiction!!
Just saw a Ride 135 with nice accessories in the JAX website:
http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/phpBB/topic25638.html
Do NOT know that guy selling it tho, but normally direct contact is better than Craigs List or Ebay when you might never meet the person…
Hope that you find one that you like and “Tight Lines”…JohnYaksJax
Someone had linked to that one on another forum…I’m still doing some pricing. I think I’m going to get a regular Ride 135 and rig it myself, as far as the rod holders, etc. Put my own spin on it…
Where did you get the ride from?
I rented the one I used in Copahee that day from Time Out Sports in Mt. Pleasant…
The seat in the manta ray will blow the ride away…
04’ Scout 185SF / F150
I sat in a Manta Ray 14 - the seat was very nice, but I felt a little confined in the seating area and leg wells…I liked the way the tank well was shaped in that boat, though. The Ride just had a little more going for it, for my tastes.
Cool, I did not mean to come off sounding negative, both are nice boats!!!
I hope you enjoy yours.
04’ Scout 185SF / F150
lol…not taken that way at all. I’m just happy to have finally made a decision one way or the other! Only took a year 
elgeebee,
I had a great time paddling with you. Lets get together again. I saw where Wilderness Systems had a July special.
Sailfish 2100 bay/YamahaF150
Perception 12.5 Caster
Hey scubastan. I see where you have a Perception Caster 12.5. How long have you had it, are you happy with it? We just bought one about a month ago, got to fish in it for the first time last week. For what I know about yaks, seems like a lot of boat for the $. I looked at the Pescador but like the hatches and the seat on the Caster better. We had a SINK before we bought the Caster and once I got on the Caster, I see what all the hype is about…waaaay better for fishing and a lot more comfortable. I am now saving to buy a second SOT. Maybe another Caster or, if I can save up enough, something even nicer and I’ll give the Caster to my son. Yep, hooked.
Yeah dude - that was a good trip. I went ahead and bought a Ride 135 from Time Out Sports - should be here in the next week or so. Can’t wait to get it out there…
That rebate offer couldn’t have come at a better time.
If you are looking for a stable ride in a kayak that is set up for fishing
Look at the malibu stealth series kayaks
Malibukayaks.com
Fishing Kayaks SC
fishingkayakssc@homesc.com
DFreedom,
Overall, I’m happy with the Caster 12.5, especially for the money. It’s not as stable as I would like, but it’s not bad. I can stand up in it, but it’s shakey. I would like to get a Ride 135 in the future, but I’ll keep the Caster for my wife.
Sailfish 2100 bay/YamahaF150
Perception 12.5 Caster
Yeah, I have already decided that I am going to buy another SOT, just not sure what. Going to spend a few more $ this time. My son loves the Caster so that one will be his.