Wilderness Ride 115X for BTB ? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

5-20 · 06-05-2014, 12:29 PM

At the urging of a friend, I've started looking at the Ride 115x as a BTB machine.

I'm intrigued by a few things about this yak. The slide-traxx system, the elevated seat, the removable console/fishfinder mount. I really like that it's 33" wide and can carry 500 lbs.

I'm not so sure about it being only 11'6" and that it's reputedly somewhat slow. However, right now, stability and layout's more important to me than speed.

A few questions for any of you that know a bit about this yak.

-How does it handle surf launches/reentries?

- Can I fit a baitwell in the rear storage area? It looks kind of small (based solely on pictures)

- I'm not completely sure where I'd put my tackle if I had a baitwell in the rear area. I don't want to have everything in the front hatch. Any ideas about what I do about this? I would like to be able to bring 3-4 Plano 3700s with me. I like chunking lures!!!

Thanks for any/all input!!!

jruiz · 06-05-2014, 12:37 PM

Some seats, like the one I have, have integrated pouches that are sized for plano tackle boxes. Actually mine came with two large ones and three small ones.

Siebler · 06-06-2014, 10:30 AM

This year I have spent more time in my 115x than any other kayak and am VERY impressed by it. It is a little shorter than what I would usually tell folks for a BTB boat but overall it is very nice. Throw in the new Hi/LO AirMax Pro seat that is being released in October and I think it is a great choice.

Want to try one? Hit me up you can borrow mine for a day or come demo at OEX.

5-20 · 06-07-2014, 11:47 AM

Thanks, CJ. I went down to oex last friday and looked at a bunch of yaks including the 115x. Its undoubtedly a nice yak, but just by looking at it, i think i would probably be more comfortable with a yak in the 14' range that would probably track a little better on long paddles since i'll probably want to use it for btb fishing most of the time. I guess the 115x kind of strikes me as more of a bass fishing yak.

easyday · 06-09-2014, 10:35 AM

Did you check out the tarpon line?

EDC · 06-09-2014, 08:05 PM

Wilderness Systems are more designed to be freshwater but they are really nice anyway you fish them. The track system can be added to many other kayaks though and I would personally want a longer kayak for what you are doing. Just my opinion. Have you checked out the 140?

06-05-2014, 12:29 PM	#1
5-20 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 241	Wilderness Ride 115X for BTB ? At the urging of a friend, I've started looking at the Ride 115x as a BTB machine. I'm intrigued by a few things about this yak. The slide-traxx system, the elevated seat, the removable console/fishfinder mount. I really like that it's 33" wide and can carry 500 lbs. I'm not so sure about it being only 11'6" and that it's reputedly somewhat slow. However, right now, stability and layout's more important to me than speed. A few questions for any of you that know a bit about this yak. -How does it handle surf launches/reentries? - Can I fit a baitwell in the rear storage area? It looks kind of small (based solely on pictures) - I'm not completely sure where I'd put my tackle if I had a baitwell in the rear area. I don't want to have everything in the front hatch. Any ideas about what I do about this? I would like to be able to bring 3-4 Plano 3700s with me. I like chunking lures!!! Thanks for any/all input!!!

06-06-2014, 10:30 AM	#3
Siebler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richland Oregon Posts: 1,547	This year I have spent more time in my 115x than any other kayak and am VERY impressed by it. It is a little shorter than what I would usually tell folks for a BTB boat but overall it is very nice. Throw in the new Hi/LO AirMax Pro seat that is being released in October and I think it is a great choice. Want to try one? Hit me up you can borrow mine for a day or come demo at OEX. __________________ CJ Siebler

06-09-2014, 10:35 AM	#5
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,469	Did you check out the tarpon line? __________________

06-05-2014, 12:37 PM	#2
jruiz Large Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 1,008	Some seats, like the one I have, have integrated pouches that are sized for plano tackle boxes. Actually mine came with two large ones and three small ones.

06-07-2014, 11:47 AM	#4
5-20 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 241	Thanks, CJ. I went down to oex last friday and looked at a bunch of yaks including the 115x. Its undoubtedly a nice yak, but just by looking at it, i think i would probably be more comfortable with a yak in the 14' range that would probably track a little better on long paddles since i'll probably want to use it for btb fishing most of the time. I guess the 115x kind of strikes me as more of a bass fishing yak.

06-09-2014, 08:05 PM	#6
EDC Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Oceanside Posts: 44	Wilderness Systems are more designed to be freshwater but they are really nice anyway you fish them. The track system can be added to many other kayaks though and I would personally want a longer kayak for what you are doing. Just my opinion. Have you checked out the 140?