So I've gone from my KC 12 to an Ocean Kayak Trident 15. And.....I love this yak. It tracks well and is easy to paddle. The ONLY thing I would want is a better standing platform.





I will admit that it was a drastic change from the KC to the OK, but I've taken the OK out several times and have gone through the motions of re-entry, standing up, basically everything I would encounter fishing shallow marshes and challenging wind / current. The yak has performed really well for me but the transition from sitting to standing is a bit of a challenge, and when I am standing I could use a bit more stability.

I want to use the yak for marsh and lake fishing. I don't intend to run bait in the surf or go BTB, at least until I have enough time on water.

I'm 5'10" 175lbs. Given that I want the speed and tracking ability of this yak what would the experts here recommend for my next kayak? I realize training my body more is a solution but......admittedly I'm itchin for my next toy

I enjoy my santa cruz raptor. Its light, stable.....well worth a test paddle. If you did end up covering more water than expected its not bad.

The best solution is demo as many as you can, I can stand in my Jackson with out any issues, it tracks great and paddles great. I can't wait for all these 2014 yaks coming out, I've got my eye on that Jackson Big Rig. Get out to the GTG a paddling them all and see what works out best for you.

The trident 15 is a good kayak. Not made for standing but it moves well

Yep it does move well, which is why I'm torn on get into another one. I do agree the demo is the way to go. Do they do the demos down by the bay where I can test the yaks in current etc?

And I cant wait forthe 2014's either. They have a couple of new Truck models coming out too! I'm seriously going to be in the dog house next year.

Don't know of any that do it in the Bay

Austin Kayak is going to be having a couple of demo days in september though in Houston (week of sept 14 and 21)

http://www.austinkayak.com/p/demo

Thought about demoing a Diablo Adios? I can set you up with a demo from Backwoods sometime next week.

That trident is awesome... In order to gain stability to stand more easily I am afraid you will be giving up the things you love about that boat to an equal degree. That is just the way it is. No boat does it all no matter what they say.

Since your itching for a new toy look into the ones mentioned above as a second boat but keep the trident. Then you will truly have the best of both worlds.... just not in one boat.

+1

A couple of others to look at would be the Native Slayer 14 and the Ride 135.

Slayer 14 is on my list to check out as well.. Thing looks very comfortable and easy to stand in.

Well, looks like I have been convinced me to keep the Trident and take some time and shop / demo the models listed here. I realize I will be giving up some agility for stability and I am not so sure thats quite the way I want to go.

Heck...shopping for the next toy is just as fun to me (especially when I have a good craft and not feeling pressured to get into one).

I really appreciate the advice guys. I knew I came to the right place.

Dang! That slayer look SWEET!

Mariner had one on sale a couple weeks ago at the HOW event for under $1000. I was very tempted to buy one on the spot, but luckily (for my wallet) the rib was there with me