I'm getting ready to join the kayak fishing fray and have narrowed it down to the WS Ride 115 and 135. I'm looking for any reasons you guys might can give to push me in one direction or the other.

I'm 5'10" 185 lbs, so my size isn't going to be a factor. The 135 is about $100 more than the 115 so that isn't a big factor. My gut is telling me to get the 135 just because bigger is normally better but I know plenty of guys who are completely satisfied with their 115's.

Any thoughts and opinions from Ride owners would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and please don't tell me I need a Jackson.

Thanks guys!

I would say 135 although creeks would be more difficult without a rudder. 135 is sweet, I'm really considering making the jump to.

if you go out deep id go 135.
bigger yaks handle big water better.
for pond hopping, rivers n creeks only id go 115. nothing wrong with using the 135 for river, creeks n ponds too welcome to the fray!

Look at a few things.

What kind of storage do you have? (garage or you in an apartment)

What do you plan on transporting the kayak with? (truck or Mini Cooper)

How far do you think you will paddle? 135 will track better and be less exhausting.

The 115 is lighter and easier to handle lifting and moving.

The 115 will be better in creeks but you can make the 135 work unless the creek is less than 13'6" wide.

Do you plan on taking long camping trips. The 135 has more space.

I have two 12' kayaks and wanted something longer so I got the 135. I fish ponds, creeks, lakes, and the coast. I havent been back in a 12' kayak since I got my 135. Haven't found a need too. Both can handle the same waters but each has it's own benefits. Look at which one will best fit your fishing and in your home.

I have both the 135 and the 115. I have the 115 for quick, throw the kayak in the back if the truck trips. But I have the 135 for longer wide open lake trips. I love both of them and they are both extreamly stable. I do like the huge room of the 135. If you ever want to try both at the same to e your more then welcome to come fishing with me sometime.

Thanks for the info guys. It sounds like the 135 is probably the route I will go. Its extra size won't be an issue with where I'll store it or how i will transport it. I really like the thought of having added storage capacity on the kayak, every little bit will help.

Shaun, thank you for the generous offer! I've got another month or so before I'll be ready to buy. If I don't make my mind up 100% by then, I might just take you up on it.

I have a 115 for 3 reasons

size

weight

transport

my budy has a 135 and loves his. You really cant go wrong either way. Welcome to your new addiction

2012 135 & 2013 135 Luv Em both, before that 2008 135 & 2009 135
Loved both of those as well

2012 RIDE 135 +1

+2

Got mine out for the first and second time this weekend and don't have any complaints except I don't have a rod holder on it yet. That will be coming sometime soon.

I've owned 10, 11, and 12 foot kayaks and since owning the WS Ride 135 I have had no desire to use the shorter yaks. I still own the 11 footer but haven't used it in over a year.
The longer kayak just fits me better and although it might not maneuver like the shorter kayak it isn't that much different and if anything just requires a little more effort to turn quickly but you still can. I've had mine for over a year now and I don't have a rudder, and as of now I don't see the need for one.
I'm 6' and 220 and the bigger yak is a better fit.

If storage and transporting a longer kayak are not an issue, then I would go with the Ride 135; it's a much more versatile kayak. I have a 2012 Ride 135 and love it.

I just got my 2012 ride 135 so I could be one of the cool kids...

The only thing I think could be done better is the seat and they have improved with the 2013 model, that being said I wish there was a hi/lo option instead of hi or low but I would not want give up being able to trim out for load to have the option.

I use a 11.5 and bottom line if I can take 4' wakes pounding all day on lake austin you can use it in any fresh water lake big or small. I think if the wind is to strong for my 11.5 most likely you need not be on the water that day anyways lol. I have no idea what the difference in speed, tracking, etc would be. I have all the room I need in it. Both are heavy, un-gangly and difficult to carry by yourself. If you plan on launching at boat ramps then no problems on either boat. Im in the boat just about everyday and have had ZERO issues. If you feel you can live with the 11.5 save the extra cash and buy a cart to wheel your new boat.

I heard alot of good reviews about the ride 135 I might be getting one as soon as I get my income tax or sell off my other hobby which is 180 reef tank. I was debating either the WS ride 135 or the Malibu stealth 12, but as of now I think the ride 135 will do and again lots of good review