Been kayak-less for about 3 years now. Where is the best place in DFW to buy Wilderness Systems kayaks? Looking to possibly get some Tarpons.

Also, I have always used Hobies, but can't afford them anymore. I was spoiled with hands free fishing. How difficult is it fishing in a paddle kayak?

I know Mariner Sails in Dallas has Wilderness kayaks; I have my Native Propel 10 in for some updates and maintenance and I walked right past an ATAK 120. And, Rick at Angler's Pro Tackle in Fort Worth might have them, too. APT carries a wide assortment of brands.

Take a look at the WS ATAK 120. That would be one slick paddle fishing kayak. I saw a video of a guy testing it. He had it up to over 3 MPH by his 6th stroke from a dead stop and I think he topped out at close to 5 MPH.

APT carries the Eddyline C-135s, the thermoformed paddlers that won ICast a few years ago and they are specifically designed for fishing, one of the best looking kayaks on the water.

The topic of which type fishes best, the pedalers versus the paddlers was brought up on Facebook about a week ago. I have one of each and I would have thought the pedalers would out-fish the paddlers; but, several guys mentioned that some of the top results in the various Kayak Fishing Tournament series are anglers using paddles.

Brad

Is the atak worth twice as much as the tarpon?

It depends on what your preferences are. They are very different kayaks

Both will get you from point A to point B, but it's how stylish you want to get there!

You shouldn't have to ask. You already know that Mariner Sails is your store!

I know that because I sold most of those Hobies to you. I'm now enjoying retirement and have returned to being a "Mariner Pimp"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to worry . . . I left everything in good hands! Go see Dave or Adrian, set up a demo, and you will continue to be spoiled.

The tarpon is way more stylish imo. Especially the 160.
Best kayak I've ever had was the Adventure (not island). I just like the 16 footers.

Well, we are all likely free market enthusiasts here, being raised in the USA.

There are two arbiters related to the pricing of things sold in open markets: the sellers and the buyers.

If a Tarpon were able to command the price of an ATAK, you can be danged sure that's how they'd be priced. Alas, that is not how buyers see their "worth," so they are dialed in according to supply and demand, a few other things, too.

If for any reason a vessel can no longer be sold for what it costs to produce and place it on the showroom floor, that's the end of the line for that model.

I like a pure paddler, for sure, but I wonder if all of the energy directed toward the pedal market will affect their prices? And, will we see more kayak hybrids built for both pedaling and decent paddling? WS has one on the market now. Jackson has its Coosa FD ready to launch.

Lots of competition!

Brad

I wish that were the case but ever since you retired, I've only been quoted msrp from anyone there. Adrian just email me a quote on hobies and tarpons. I can see msrp on the manufacturers websites. Don't need a quote for that.

Sure wish you were still there.

I'll have to second that. They are PROUD of their kayaks.

Angler pro tackle, Mariner Sails, and Mountain Sports carry Wilderness Systems.

Fishing hands free can be a huge advantage. Expecially when fishing the wind. Now I'm back in a Wilderness Commander and really liking the maneuverability of the paddle. It wasn't hard at all going back at all and in fact felt good. Both ways have their advantages and disadvantages.

I agree on "fishing hands free" for myself and, conditions aside, I'd rather be in my pedaler than my paddler when fishing.

But, some of the guys over on FB noted that some of the best competitive Kayak fishermen are paddlers if you study the results. That surprised me! I'd have thought that more pedalers would be stacked up near the top in the results column.

It's a little like bass fishing with a casting or spinning reel over a fly rod, that it is easier to use the first ones over the latter, but that great challenge is still there with the simplicity of a fly rod. So, people often use "methods" that are less productive just because they like it or want the added challenge or just the beauty of one thing over another. It'd be sort of like dove hunting with a .410: you likely won't bag as many but pretty cool. Well, then those results!

If I could fish out of a paddler in the windy Texas area lakes I fish as well as I can out of my pedal kayak with reverse functionality, I'd likely lean strongly to paddling.

Oh! I'm not positive but I think my Cuda Lt's top-end speed is greater than my Propel 10. I need to race myself!

Brad

Emailed them asking if msrp is the best they can do and haven't heard back. I guess it is.

Good choice on the Commander! Had mine for over three years now and more than happy since it fits my needs perfectly.

No Wilderness at APT but he has the new Native Manta Ray Propel in stock.
It is a fabulous pedal kayak at a great price.