Trident 13 vs Trident 15 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Johnny Hirn · 05-04-2017, 12:02 PM

Hello everyone.
I know there are other threads about this on the internet but none of them addressed some questions i had. First, is there a main difference between the two when it comes to surf launching/landing. Next, i have heard the the 13 is a wet ride, is the 15 dryer? I would primarily use it around malibu area (county line) and sometimes La Jolla in both the kelp and offshore open water. What are the longest rods that will fit inside the rod pod? Any other big differences that i should know about? Any insight more than welcomed.
Tight lines,
Johnny

GregAndrew · 05-04-2017, 03:43 PM

If you don't have storage/ transportation issues or fish small water, get the 15. A bit more storage and speed, but not much different on dry vs. wet ride. Fishing County line, nothing is going to be a dry ride.

tacmik · 05-04-2017, 05:40 PM

15 needs a rudder. 13 doesn't. Also weight difference if using a 15. love my 13.

Amish Ed · 05-04-2017, 05:46 PM

Are you buying new? The new ones have a Wilderness type seat, thus a drier ride.

Johnny Hirn · 05-04-2017, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amish Ed

Are you buying new? The new ones have a Wilderness type seat, thus a drier ride.

I wish but as of now i am looking for used due to money.

Johnny Hirn · 05-04-2017, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacmik

15 needs a rudder. 13 doesn't. Also weight difference if using a 15. love my 13.

That's a big perk for me on the T13.

Johnny Hirn · 05-04-2017, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

If you don't have storage/ transportation issues or fish small water, get the 15. A bit more storage and speed, but not much different on dry vs. wet ride. Fishing County line, nothing is going to be a dry ride.

That's what interests me with the 15. I was just unsure because i have heard that longer kayaks get harder and harder to land/launch.

Snags · 05-04-2017, 07:53 PM

Love my Trident 13. Good in the surf and light.
I've stowed 7' 6" rods in the rod pod but usually just leash my gear.
Plenty of room for bait tank, tackle box, and anything else.
Only wish those new comfy looking seats would fit the older models.

Johnny Hirn · 05-04-2017, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snags

Love my Trident 13. Good in the surf and light.
I've stowed 7' 6" rods in the rod pod but usually just leash my gear.
Plenty of room for bait tank, tackle box, and anything else.
Only wish those new comfy looking seats would fit the older models.

Do you think that you could fit in an 8 foot rod or were the 7'6's a squeeze. Also have you found a seat that is better for the older models?

Snags · 05-04-2017, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Hirn

Do you think that you could fit in an 8 foot rod or were the 7'6's a squeeze. Also have you found a seat that is better for the older models?

The 7'6" was a tight squeeze. I don't usually stow my rods in the hull.
The stock seat is fairly comfortable. I put some extra foam on top and I'm good to go all day. No need for anything else.

Jizzling · 05-05-2017, 07:40 AM

Whats your budget i you dont mind me asking?

Johnny Hirn · 05-05-2017, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jizzling

Whats your budget i you dont mind me asking?

Well right now i am hoping to sell my current kayak and i have some money saves so probably around 800. Hopefully my kayak is sold for what i want.

Johnny Hirn · 05-05-2017, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snags

The 7'6" was a tight squeeze. I don't usually stow my rods in the hull.
The stock seat is fairly comfortable. I put some extra foam on top and I'm good to go all day. No need for anything else.

Ok that's good to know. I don't see myself really storing them unless the landing could be sketchy.

FullFlavorPike · 05-05-2017, 08:33 AM

I never have a problem launching my older Trident 15. I get by without a rudder, too. Landing the longer boat is trickier...but you'll figure it out!

Gunner58 · 05-05-2017, 08:45 AM

I had my trident 13 for years. I loved it. It would break through the surf and I was able to haul all my gear and a 56 pound white sea bass. The 13 is more than capable. You should be able to find one on Craig's list for around 600. I sold mine for 700 and I threw in the FF and a crate. But I went to the dark side and now I have a Hobie Outback. As to your question I would go with the 13 it is all around a better kayak in my opinion.

Johnny Hirn · 05-05-2017, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner58

I had my trident 13 for years. I loved it. It would break through the surf and I was able to haul all my gear and a 56 pound white sea bass. The 13 is more than capable. You should be able to find one on Craig's list for around 600. I sold mine for 700 and I threw in the FF and a crate. But I went to the dark side and now I have a Hobie Outback. As to your question I would go with the 13 it is all around a better kayak in my opinion.

Ok great! Thank you for the help

Johnny Hirn · 05-05-2017, 09:08 AM

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE HELP! As of now i would like the 13, BUT is a 15 shows up for a smoking deal i wouldn't mind the 15. It's good to know all this info.
TIght lines
Johnny

buddha · 05-05-2017, 12:50 PM

I always store my rods and reels. Reels go in a dry bag and rods under the hatch. I can fit a 7'6 rod in there but not a 8 ft one.

The 13 is more maneuverable, lighter weight, better handling in the surf, an overall better boat. I have a rudder and a sail on my kayak and it is the best kayak I have owned in almost 20 years of doing this.

That being said I am looking forward to the new Swell Watercraft kayaks that are coming out soon.

I think more fishing kayaks should have a large center hatch for storage for rods, fish, etc.

05-04-2017, 12:02 PM	#1
Johnny Hirn Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 76	Trident 13 vs Trident 15 Hello everyone. I know there are other threads about this on the internet but none of them addressed some questions i had. First, is there a main difference between the two when it comes to surf launching/landing. Next, i have heard the the 13 is a wet ride, is the 15 dryer? I would primarily use it around malibu area (county line) and sometimes La Jolla in both the kelp and offshore open water. What are the longest rods that will fit inside the rod pod? Any other big differences that i should know about? Any insight more than welcomed. Tight lines, Johnny Last edited by Johnny Hirn; 05-04-2017 at 12:40 PM.

05-04-2017, 05:40 PM	#3
tacmik Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: East County Posts: 914	15 needs a rudder. 13 doesn't. Also weight difference if using a 15. love my 13. __________________

05-04-2017, 05:46 PM	#4
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Are you buying new? The new ones have a Wilderness type seat, thus a drier ride. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

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05-04-2017, 03:43 PM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	If you don't have storage/ transportation issues or fish small water, get the 15. A bit more storage and speed, but not much different on dry vs. wet ride. Fishing County line, nothing is going to be a dry ride.

05-04-2017, 07:53 PM	#8
Snags Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Culver City Posts: 103	Love my Trident 13. Good in the surf and light. I've stowed 7' 6" rods in the rod pod but usually just leash my gear. Plenty of room for bait tank, tackle box, and anything else. Only wish those new comfy looking seats would fit the older models.

05-05-2017, 07:40 AM	#11
Jizzling Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 65	Whats your budget i you dont mind me asking?

05-05-2017, 08:33 AM	#14
FullFlavorPike Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 809	I never have a problem launching my older Trident 15. I get by without a rudder, too. Landing the longer boat is trickier...but you'll figure it out!

05-05-2017, 08:45 AM	#15
Gunner58 Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 81	I had my trident 13 for years. I loved it. It would break through the surf and I was able to haul all my gear and a 56 pound white sea bass. The 13 is more than capable. You should be able to find one on Craig's list for around 600. I sold mine for 700 and I threw in the FF and a crate. But I went to the dark side and now I have a Hobie Outback. As to your question I would go with the 13 it is all around a better kayak in my opinion.

05-05-2017, 09:08 AM	#17
Johnny Hirn Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 76	THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE HELP! As of now i would like the 13, BUT is a 15 shows up for a smoking deal i wouldn't mind the 15. It's good to know all this info. TIght lines Johnny

05-05-2017, 12:50 PM	#18
buddha Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: chula vista Posts: 907	I always store my rods and reels. Reels go in a dry bag and rods under the hatch. I can fit a 7'6 rod in there but not a 8 ft one. The 13 is more maneuverable, lighter weight, better handling in the surf, an overall better boat. I have a rudder and a sail on my kayak and it is the best kayak I have owned in almost 20 years of doing this. That being said I am looking forward to the new Swell Watercraft kayaks that are coming out soon. I think more fishing kayaks should have a large center hatch for storage for rods, fish, etc.