First Impressions On My NEW FISHING KAYAK!

Exciting news! I just picked up a new fishing kayak, so in today's video, I talk about why I got it and what I think about it after one short trip. As I get more experience in the rig, I will plan to share more of my perspectives. Overall, I would like to give a huge thank you to the folks over at Wilderness Systems.
Learn More About This Kayak: amzn.to/3WuMfwQ
Helix Pedal Drive: amzn.to/3Wxp1pK
The Radar 115 is definitely a great kayak, and I have no doubt I will enjoy fishing in it. The legroom, seat, rigging, and overall hull of this boat were obviously designed with intention! At this point, my only real concern is the Helix pedal drive system. The rudder doesn't seem to have quite as much direct control as I would like, and the fixed pedal drive position has me a bit worried about how that will work in shallow water. Overall, more time on the water will help me better understand the pedal drive, so maybe this will become a non-issue over time.
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[@danspanos]

If I end up getting blessed with a new kidney, and start to feel better, the first thing I want to do is get a fishing kayak! It looks like so much fun, and I wouldn't be stuck on banks and docks anymore. Great video as always, Ethan!

[@imperialwhovian3461]

You'll love it, and yes pedal kayaks are awesome but definitely think about how much it weighs as the big ones can be difficult to transport and past 100 lbs you really should look at getting a trailer for it

[@jasonm1884]

@@imperialwhovian3461 Agree completely 👆 I was quite shocked when I first loaded mine onto the car. After a few times I ended up getting a hitch welded on and bought a trailer. It was either that or not use my brand new kayak! Having said that, it was TOTALLY worth it. Having a pedal kayak is so much fun!

[@imperialwhovian3461]

@@jasonm1884 one tip I would give to save time from having ro unload and re load your.kayak while transporting it is get a.good boat cover for it, I will say though I store it out of town at my parents farm so I'm not too worried about leaving it covered with all my gear in it but if that's not an option for you it would at least cut down time having to load up and unload at the dock each time.

[@RamonOutdoors]

Praying for you Dan!

[@danspanos]

@@RamonOutdoors Thanks Ramon. I really appreciate you!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for the exellent honest review! I ended up getting the wilderness systems inflatable kayak a couple months ago, and sometimes wonder just how much easier it would be to fish in a pedal drive kayak!

[@FishAnything]

I bet that boat is a lot of fun though!

[@brandonnutting56]

I truly appreciate the straight to the point overview/ review Ethan keep up the hard work Buddy

[@FishAnything]

Thank you Brandon!

[@OilfieldAngler]

Man I love this. I’ve followed you and love your products for a while now. The first thing that comes to mind is that you, simply, are a good person. All the success will continue to come your way!

[@mattyschell1973]

Same here. Second everything you said. It was Ethan that pretty much taught me how to Ned Rig years ago and really start figuring it out from there. His channel is like comfort food

[@FishAnything]

You guys are too nice to me. Thank you so much for the support!!

[@dang3]

Thanks for giving a honest review and mentioning any flaws in the product.

[@FishAnything]

Of course!

[@ram_bam]

The honesty is so refreshing. With the price tag on kayaks these days (especially fishing ones), these details matter.

[@FishAnything]

Happy you enjoyed it!

[@mrblueskynm3968]

My choice would be to get a Hobie Lynx for ultralight fishing!

[@FishAnything]

I’d love to test one! Maybe someday.

[@dave8456]

Yea! My choices for fishing kayak came down to 2. Wilderness Systems Radar 115 or the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120. Main choices were to have the peddle drive option. Also, to have an enclosed front compartment. I really liked the bigger opening on the Old Town. Even the Radar 135 has a bigger hatch. Not sure why WS didn't just use the same hatch on the 115. I ended up choosing the Radar 115. I was able to purchase it without any drive right now. I didn't really like how the OT had the drive opening flush with the floor. WS is raised up a small amount. Keeping water from flooding in each time you raise the drive. As mentioned in the video or concern of issues with the drive not totally coming out. It you line up the prop with the opening. As the drive come's up. It really isn't protruding below the boat but a fraction. It shouldn't be at all an issue. One slight gripe with the storage hatches. One has to place items in there with strategy. Otherwise, your items can disappear. The full boat is hollow in there, and items can slide back becoming difficult to retrieve. Not sure about the Old Town. Remedies are to use medium sized dry bags. It keeps it from sliding back in front hatch. Center hatch is a little more difficult. I did put two folded up fishing poles in there for testing. It seems they slide around also. Need tethers on them, I guess. Also, hatches are not completely drip free. Things can get wet. Even I have heard OT hatch leaks. But it's better than just open storage area. I've seen where the WS ATAK has more of a trunk. I suppose it's not watertight either. Not a huge factor, after all we are talking about kayaks here. But at least with the ATAK your stuff doesn't slide and disappear. Not such a big factor with the dry bag technique in the Radar. Rudder's, well there are many/ most kayaks with rudders. Most don't have great rudder response. The bigger the more response, because kayaks don't have much speed. I also see where some designs don't allow much deflection. Control arms are forward close to the back of kayak. Rudder doesn't turn at much of an angle. With the WS Radar and a few other WS models of peddle. WS Radar has the other pod opening for e-drives or fish finder. It is very capable of many different setups all at the same time mounted in front of you. Hard to beat the versatility of the Radar's. A person has to really watch what one loads for kayak fishing. Just like backpack camping. One can end up with more junk than what is really necessary. Stuff one never uses. Even like fish finders. I highly doubt I mount one on my kayak. I don't really use one on my bass boat. If you are fishing shallow waters. It's not likely the fish finder is going to help and one rarely even looks at them anyway. A depth finder is helpfull at rare times. But still just more garbage in the way and more weight with batteries. I guess if you are watching and playing with fish finders. One might as well just stay at the dock and play with the fish finder. Just forget about fishing if you are too busy. Just my thoughts!

[@travisworts6249]

I love my tarpon 120. Tracks great and paddles way better than even a 12 foot ascend sit inside kayak.

[@FishAnything]

That is a classic fishing kayak. Honestly somedays I just want to go back to something simple like that. The kayak fishing industry is getting out of hand.

[@G.ProctorOutdoors]

Another radar owner here....first off I love mine but obviously it isnt without the flaws that you mentioned....I think someone else has already pointed it out but the small brackets that the drive clips seat into will release if you hit something hard enough. 2 rocks and a submerged tree later mine actually popped completely out and I lost them to the water. The turning radius is a little rough but is definitely worse if the rudder isn't all the way down. The one shot of your rudder looked like it was only partially engaged which is another pain point of the radar. The rudder deployment doesn't work that well. I deploy mine by hand when I get in instead of using the rope. Tank well is smaller but man I load mine down during tournaments. Too much stuff to be honest. Glad to see the radar still getting some love though because I think it's a very versatile kayak. Like something between a crescent shoalie/bonafide rvr and bigger kayaks like native titanx at least in terms of weight.

[@FishAnything]

I am excited to play with it more. I will keep an eye on the rudder - good callout! Not sure how I feel about the drive system, even if it pops out on a hard hit. Just doesn't seem like as ideal of a design as the others I have used. Either way, I just need to give it more time on the water! Thanks man.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

I'm with you on the simple kayaking thoughts. I want to be able to drag it, carry it like a heavy suitcase, paddle ok, and not interested in a trailer. Maybe a Moken 10pdl one of these days. Either way, glad to see respectable companies acknowledging we all don't want 6k of our dinero wrapped up in a yak+trailer.

[@imperialwhovian3461]

Yeah there definitely needs to be more of an emphasis on mid sized pedal drive rec kayaks and not just boat sized motor only ones like have been coming out. While my current kayak is a Knarr despite its size it's not terrible to paddle and i.could still cover some water by paddle only but using the drive it's very fast so it makes up for it's size but like anything it's not as stable as other and while I could stand up and fish from it I'm more comfortable just staying seated but I think anything larger with a less ideal hull would just be a nightmare to paddle if you had to

[@sly4139]

Moken was on my short list for a new kayak along with the Makana 100. Similar size and weight to this wilderness.

[@FishAnything]

We should all get together and sign a big petition to request Old Town innovates with a 11' pedal drive boat which is designed to be lighter while still focusing on a nice pedal system :D This is a cool yak but the drive system just isn't as good as OT or Native.

[@imperialwhovian3461]

@@FishAnything honestly with the advances in 3d printing and composites it's probably possible to make a larger kayak that's still durable yet lighter.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

@@FishAnything I'll keep my ear to the ground! Old town and Pelican should have a baby.

[@RamonOutdoors]

That thing looks like it cuts through the water nicely! Interested to see how it performs for you throughout the year.

[@FishAnything]

Hoping to get it out again this weekend!

[@kento702]

Lookin forward to this and future kayak vids!

[@FishAnything]

Thank you!! More to come :)

[@logannewman4532]

I believe the phrasing you want is "rudder authority". At least that is the way one would describe the reactivity to input on the control surfaces of an aircraft.

[@FishAnything]

That makes sense. Either way... It doesn't have it lol

[@LazariusAuditore]

I had that kayak and had trouble getting it onto my car because the weight distribution on it was wonky for me! But great kayak! Switched to a truck after a few years topping.

[@FishAnything]

Good to know. I look forward to testing it out more!

[@raygissendanner1476]

Great review on the kayak thank you

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Ray!

[@shawneldridge4465]

definitely a cool kayak here. nice fish catching, yeah I caught a nice sized trout. I'm guessing around 13 in. I didn't have my measuring tape with me this time and I caught it on a pink and white trout magnet.

[@FishAnything]

Love to hear it! Thanks Shawn.

[@shawneldridge4465]

@@FishAnything You're welcome

[@XHorizonnQ]

This is sick. I got a used hobie passport 10.5 with pedal drive & I’ve taken it out 7-8 times in 5-6 weeks. Love the wheels for easy loading and unloading . Big fan

[@XHorizonnQ]

More on the wobbly side not a SUP but I can stand on it. very easy to accelerate & steer, plus can pop the drive in and out easily. Only thing it lacks is reverse but I personally dont notice enough to care.

[@FishAnything]

So many cool boats out there these days. Too little time (and money) to try them all lol

[@TxHornyToad]

I bought a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 for fishing. The Tarpon is 20 pounds lighter and 3” narrower than the Radar so it paddles better. I later wanted a peddle drive so I bought a Hobie Outback. It was much heavier and less nimble, but more comfortable and peddling is easier. I eventually mounted a Bixpy electric drive on the Tarpon (also fits the Hobie). They have a mount designed to fit those four threaded inserts that the Outback and the Radar have. I rigged up some steering lines to the Bixpy because the Tarpon doesn’t have a rudder. Now I can motor to my fishing spot and use my paddle to maneuver once there, or just troll along at low speed and fish. The battery lasts at least 20 miles cruising at 3.5-3.8 mph in the Tarpon. The seat is not as comfortable but the low position makes it more stable.

[@FishAnything]

That sounds like a really neat setup - I would love to see it in action! I really prefer pedals to a motor at this time, because I enjoy the exercise piece of it and prefer to avoid registering it as a boat. Maybe someday though.

[@LazariusAuditore]

I prefer the mirage drive but nothing beats free! Good work earning that kayak through building the channel!

[@FishAnything]

Thanks so much :)

[@Raed103]

Congratulations Ethan for the new kayak. Nice video keep it up 😊👍

[@FishAnything]

Thanks so much!

[@brianathern9154]

Very good and informative review and video. The price was right but for the guy having to foot the bill for one it's appreciated. Insightful, though and unbiased reporting. Blessings brother

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Brian :)

[@22lbsboost]

I'd love to see you try out a frameless pontoon such as Outcast OSG Pro or a fishing float tube

[@FishAnything]

Maybe someday! If a company sends me one, I will try it lol

[@themexicansensation2698]

Hello, my brother and I are very new to fishing (just started 2-3 weeks ago) and watching your videos has been extremely helpful. We are specifically interested in ultralight fishing and while looking for lures to use a lot of people recommended your mule fishing lures. My question is what are your favorite must have mule fishing lures/jig heads and what colors work best? We’re on a budget so we just want to buy a couple of the must haves that will hopefully catch us loads of fish. Keep the videos coming. Thank you!!!

[@FishAnything]

So sorry for the delay here! If you are just wanting to catch fish and keep it simple, go with a 1/32oz Mule Jig and a Donkey Tail Jr. Those will work just about anywhere. Get a pack of black jigs and a pack of brighter jigs along with one pack of natural (Karma or GP Black Flake) and one pack of more bright. That gives you a ton of options for less than $20.

[@billhobson6637]

I have a Bonafide P127 and it has three latches for the paddles. I leave the third one undone so if I run into anything, it just moves up into stow position, no damage done.

[@FishAnything]

No doubt that is a sick kayak. Just wish they had something about 20 lbs lighter

[@billhobson6637]

@@FishAnything I made it heavier by adding an Xi3 trolling motor and a PowerPole Micro, but it’s great for salt water inshore fishing.

[@sebyuhg3751]

The baby bass are from this year, last years bass if they survived would be in the 5 to 10 inch range. But all around it just depends on the water

[@FishAnything]

That is what I figured. For only a few months old, they seemed healthy. Good sign.

[@JB-tz9pi]

I wonder if they'll make improvements on the pedal system and the rudder?

[@FishAnything]

Hopefully they make big adjustments. It’s not BAD but it’s not good either. Needs to improve to get in line with their competitors.

[@sly4139]

I recently ordered and am impatiently waiting for a new kayak a Reel Yak rubicon. About the same size as that wilderness and lots of built in storage so no need for a crate on most outings. Had been looking at your old model the OT 106 but the weight and prop drive turned me away, too much weeds around me for prop drive.

[@FishAnything]

Interesting - never heard of that one. You will have to let me know how it goes!

[@calebprice304]

For a not expensive kayak with out a pedal what would you recommend I’m a bigger guy and just wanting something sturdy. God bless and tight lines brother!

[@FishAnything]

Just depends on what "not expensive" means. I would definitely recommend buying used from Facebook Marketplace. Now is a perfect time to get a good deal due to the season coming to a close. Look out for Native, Old Town, Jackson, Wilderness Systems, FeelFree, and NuCanoe to name a few. I would avoid anything over 100lbs because it is a pain in the rear to deal with, but those typically lead to much more stability.

[@jeffv49ers]

Have you tried anything like the Glide Mako, since that SUP has pedal drive? I'm debating on a SUP since I don't have room for a Kayak or a car capable of carrying one, so inflatable for me is a must.

[@FishAnything]

Newest video lol

[@-Chuckles]

Go wilderness systems!

[@FishAnything]

Super thankful for them sending this to me. I look forward to playing with this rig more.

[@PizzaShrimp]

i just got a new kayak too! been hitting my local spot been crushing on the ultra light!

[@FishAnything]

I love to hear it!!

[@SymeonPhronema]

Great video! Whereabouts was this filmed? Even just the state will do if you don't feel comfortable giving the area.

[@jasonm1884]

Not sure if Ethan will see this so I'll tell you this was almost certainly filmed in Michigan

[@FishAnything]

Sorry for the delay - I always reply to every comment but I have been a bit behind lately. It is in West Michigan :)

[@SymeonPhronema]

@@FishAnything Alls well, thank you!

[@MostlyHumanPowered]

My concern on the pedal drive would be how to clean grass off the drive. I fish lakes with a lot of grass, so I need quick, easy access to the clean the propeller.

[@FishAnything]

That is a really good point. A bit challenging to access the drive on this boat.

[@Adam-wv1ho]

Is the drive noticeable louder than the old town? I believe I heard the drive in the beginning of the video

[@FishAnything]

I don't seem to notice a major difference. I will keep an eye on it.

[@logannewman4532]

Oh boy. You should listen to Spilt Milt's recent rant following iCast. Hoo boy he had some things to say about the state of the kayak industry.

[@FishAnything]

Interesting - might have to look into this. Never heard of him but I will look it up.

[@logannewman4532]

@@FishAnything Interesting guy. Hes an ecological statistician. He is focused on trolling for kokanee and other salmonids as well as walleye in the PNW. He's got a lot of cool ice fishing content too.

[@carloscamacho2221]

Hey just asking because my cart is full just waiting for those donkey tail jr to restock any time frame ?!?!

[@FishAnything]

So sorry for the delayed response - they are back in stock!

[@22lbsboost]

Just as a reminder what is your other footpedal kayak? An old town?

[@FishAnything]

Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

[@sneakyomni]

What's the lightest peddle kayak you've seen? I've been seriously considering a kayak but I have arthritis in my shoulders so paddling is difficult. At the same time I'll be lifting solo which also means I need something I can load/unload myself. Everything seems to be 80lbs or more. Seen anything lighter?

[@jasonm1884]

I don't know if there are any peddle kayaks out there under 80 pounds but I doubt it. I was totally against the idea of getting a trailer for mine but it proved much too difficult to load and unload it. Once I got the trailer it ended up being much better than I expected and I now use my kayak far more than before. I encourage you to consider whether you want to manhandle even a lighter kayak onto the roof and whether or not a trailer might be a good bet even if you haven't seriously thought about it before.

[@sneakyomni]

@jasonm1884 yeah that's what I'm worried about. Trailer is a no go, for now at least. Partly due to the space to store it and partly for the cost. I'm going to have enough to get my wife to agree to buying a kayak. I even considered the inflatable kayaks.

[@Just_A_Name14]

@@sneakyomniif you have to convince your wife into getting something that brings you happiness she doesn’t support you and needs to go. Marriage should be about love and support not financial stability

[@sneakyomni]

@@Just_A_Name14 lol love and support also means respecting her opinions and discussing it like adults. These things aren't cheap and would come out of the same budget we use to pay for vacations and others which also brings happiness to other people in the family. It's also a practical thing. If I don't have a place to store a trailer, I shouldn't be buying a trailer. I might be able to pay a storage facility but then that adds to the cost. It's not as if this is the only thing to bring me happiness and I'm being denied

[@Just_A_Name14]

@@sneakyomni very true. I’m glad you two are sensible enough to discuss things and respect each others opinions. I just buy my own toys with my own money and then budget family matters with a different account.

[@johnthemachine]

You can already sense the danger, so good on you. Always bring your paddle. Those pedal drives have so many flaws. I’ll never use one. Seen too many crap out at the worst moments. So many of the guys in these modern wannabe bass boat kayaks are one mistake away from disaster and also think they’re bullet proof, it’s disturbing. The majority don’t respect or understand kayaks to begin with and have little to no experience in them, probably looked down on kayakers their whole lives from the deck of dad’s $100,000 bass boat. They need rescue constantly where I live, it’s always on local news, which is why I’m salty about it as a kayak fisherman myself. It gives us a bad name.

[@FishAnything]

Kayak fishing is definitely gaining a lot of popularity. I hope that we can see continued improvements in the design of these boats for all anglers (not just tournament guys).

[@jesusayala8207]

Can you please restock the donkey tail jr? I have about 10 products ready to order but I want the dtr to be one of them been wanting to get it

[@FishAnything]

They are back :)

[@yep.fishing]

What about price vs competition? If it's cheaper then some negatives can be forgiven

[@FishAnything]

Ehhhh the price is not necessarily in their favor with the pedals.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

I would love to have a MAYBE THE Jackson’s FD BUT THE Definitely hobie kayak 360 but $4500 that’s crazy you buy a used bass tracker for that price and maybe have some extra money left maybe

[@FishAnything]

The prices are getting out of hand...

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Would be nice to know the price...

[@FishAnything]

All prices are shown online. I don't typically talk price because that stuff is subject to change. Roughly 3 grand with everything included

[@LazariusAuditore]

Also I think my legs were short for that kayak.

[@FishAnything]

They definitely give you a ton of leg room. The seat can adjust quite a bit so I could see how that would throw off weight distribution depending on your height.

[@jacenchrisbaker]

HEY I KNOW THAT COMPANY.

[@FishAnything]

Yeeeeea buddy! Hope all is well out your way.

[@piesquared1025]

Those 2 stainless levers on the side of your drive allow you to fold your drive forward, out of the way. That big pin it swivels on, allows you to remove the drive for smaller rivers. I have the Recon, and yep, the steering sucks. If you hit a rock w your drive it bends those stainless clips I spoke of earlier. Bendum back, your good. Now, learn how to grease your drive. its easy, good luck, enjoy.

[@FishAnything]

Thanks man! I have some learning to do about the rig. Ultimately I just think the drive could use some work to get to the level of their competitors.

[@Subpar_fishingguy]

Along with these kayaks becoming too heavy and large to be considered a kayak they’re also becoming obscenely expensive and they don’t even come with a good motor(autopilot exempt) so you might as well just buy a used bass boat

[@FishAnything]

There is a lot of room for different types of innovation in this industry. Sadly I don't have the capital or experience to go make my own kayaks haha