Review: Wilderness Systems Commander 140

This winter I was able to acquire a kayak I've been eyeing for over a year: The Wildy Commander 140. I first demoed one last year at Fly Fish Texas in Athens, TX and had been thinking about it since that time. I've had several trips out on the water now and it is time to report in.

The Rigging

My Commander, nicknamed "Winter Soldier" by my son, is the 14 foot version with a front bow skirt and a rudder system. I've added a Lowrance Elite 5 fish finder, a Super Nova Fishing Lights LED light kit, several RAM and YakAttack accessories, a Bullwinkle mount, an anchor trolley and switches for the electronics. I move it from place to place with a C-Tug cart and transport it either via trailer or in the bed of my truck with a bed extender. It is the camo color offered by Wilderness Systems.

The Good

The Commander 140 is the second easiest kayak to stand on I've ever tried, just short of the Hobie Pro Angler (but let's be honest, that thing is a barge, like standing on a cruise ship). Because the Commander is a sit in/sit on hybrid, the point of balance for your body when standing is not your ankles, it is actually your knees because of the padded side rails. Imagine trying to extend your arm perpendicular to your body while standing. Now, in that extended arm, with just your fingertips hold out a six foot long broom handle with a tennis ball on the end from the opposite side. Now try it again, two feet closer to the ball with your whole hand. The second way is easier. Much easier. This is the same thing with the Commander. Using a support point closer to your head eliminates sway in your torso and allows you to balance better.

Standing isn't the only nice thing though. The kayak is spacious. I can store my BlackPak and C-Tug in the back without a problem. There is even enough space that I usually bring a bag of snacks and drinks to stow back there as well. In the main area, the seating options also shine. The lumbar support offered from the Wildy seat is good with adjustable leg straps, back rest straps and tensioners to keep the seat in place. If you need to get a little higher up just fold the seat back down and slide it under the Captain's Perch. The Perch is molded like a seat and getting up and down changes your angle and can also relieve stiffness after long hours on the water. If the Captain's Perch still isn't high enough up, just stand up and paddle.

In front of the main area is a cross bar for mounting items or carrying or resting items. This separates another front area that when you add the bow skirt with the mesh pocket can become additional storage that is not on the floor of the kayak.

As for tracking, the Commander 140 stays pretty straight when paddling and doesn't deviate course. For long paddles with wind, this helps your paddle stroke be more efficient.

So it is pretty easy to stand in, tracks well, has good seating options and ample storage space. There is one more thing that shines about this kayak: The Weight. Listed at only 68 pounds, this 14 foot kayak can be carried on your shoulder and has padding provided to do so. Going from Point A to Point B is easier than with most.

The Needs Improvement

As with most hybrid sit in/sit on kayaks, there are no scupper holes. You need to keep a sponge or pump handy if you are fishing in heavy chop or rain. With a bow skirt you'll eliminate most of the water that could potentially get in on normal paddling days. I also don't recommend this kayak for anything surf side but bay side adventures will be a great fit.

Another thing that is difficult is inside the side track you have these bungee connectors that can move back and forth to be tightened. The tightening happens with a hex key. The hex key is a size that isn't included in a normal $10 set at the hardware store so hang on to the key. I don't have mine and it's been a bear trying to find a size to match it. If Wildy could make a place, possibly under the Perch that had a couple of clips and a couple of the hex keys it would help. At least for me.

Bow and stern skirts currently need to be purchased separately but in the future it would be cool to see a retractable skirt integrated into the front and rear hatches. If you need it you extend it and if you don't it rolls back into its self on the hull. Think of it like those retractable window shades for cars.

It could also be a nice addition to include rod tubes for the main area. I currently store rods in my BlackPak and two on a Bullwinkle mount up front. Rod tubes would store a few of the rods out of the way of limbs etc and also not have them in the way of a sweeping hookset.

The final thing is maneuverability. Because the Commander 140 tracks so well and is long, it needs some extra effort to turn. It takes some extra strokes (as does any 14 foot kayak) to turn but the added rudder can greatly ease that burden. I don't see this as much of an area of needed improvement as a "just be aware of it" item if you don't get a rudder.

Final Thoughts

If you are in the market for a kayak you can stand in, camp in, store tons of gear in, and just all around enjoy, this is a kayak you should look at. With 450-475 pounds of capacity it will accommodate most paddlers and sometimes an additional guest. The Commander is stable and can make a long day of paddling seem short. I'd highly recommend a demo of one.

Gift Ideas for the Kayak Fisherman

Frost covered the ground this morning when I let the dog out to do her business. Groggy and delusional at 3AM, I started coming to grips that winter is pretty much here. Winter always means Christmas because as soon as Halloween is over Walmart puts out the fake trees flocked with some flammable white substance. Walmart is here to remind us "Hey, people, it's time to spend all of your money!"

I have given into that thought and started to formulate what to get my family members. I have scoured Black Friday ads (most of which are crap this year) and decided to make my own list. The women folk in my family have a hard time knowing what to get me so this is a little help in that direction. Some of these gifts I already have but could always use another or twelve. I've tried to come up with stuff in several price ranges so if it's a company party or your significant other's BIG gift, you might find something on here. And if you wanted to get me something off this list, it's a guaranteed sure thing I'll like it. (It is my list after all.)

Under $25

Hawg Trough- This special design cradles the fish and holds it steady for accurate measurement. 30" in length, the measurements are readable from either side. Both ends have holes to leash to your kayak.
Measurement numbers are raised.The Hawg Trough is made of durable plastic and is injection molded.

Hoo-Rag- For maximum protection from the sun, or maximum anonymity, the Hoo-Rag takes care of business.  Cover your entire face except for your eyes and achieve complete Hoo Rag ninja status, a new breed of ninja that wears sunglasses.

E-merse Waterproof  Camera Bag- E-Merse™ Clear Dry Cam cases offer great camera protection and allow you to take pictures and operate point & shoot cameras right through the case. Features a DryMax pocket to help eliminate fog build up and maximum moisture control. Comes in two sizes.

Fish Grip- Made by makers of the Norton Brass Rattler - "You have our assurance that this quality product will help to successfully land a fish with a less chance of injury to either the fisherman or to the fish, which may be released".
Over center locking - grip to lock, flip to open.
Unique jaw design - holds the lip of the fish.
Durable materials - plastic and stainless steel.
High viz color - easy to see, day or night.
Weight scale slot - attach a scale, deduct 5 oz.
Wrist lanyard - in case it slips.
IT FLOATS

Flat surface on jaws of the Fish Grip helps to prevent the puncture of thin tissue of the mouth of the fish. Lip bone of the fish rolls to either side of the point of the jawx of the Fish Grip securing your catch.
Less injury to the fish too!

Gear Trac Lite (multiple colors)- Yakattack's innovative, highly versatile Geartrac is now available in lightweight, high performance polymer... and did we mention they're in colors?!

C'mon, you know you want to splash some flair on your fishing rig. Includes mounting hardware. 

Hags Tornados in Watermelon/Chartreuse F4/F8- The Hag's Tornado is constructed in a manner to where it has an action like no other soft plastic worm. The Hag's Tornado has a built-in rattle chamber in the tail so that the fishermen can easily insert a rattle without damaging the worm. If this rattle chamber is left empty it will create an air pocket that will add extra buoyancy to the tail.

When rigged on a Texas rig, the worm will stand completely vertical. When rigged on a Carolina rig, the worm will float up off of the bottom. This will be deadly when fishing those deep grass beds or trees. Put the Hag's Tornado on a shakey head and watch out!

The Hag's Tornado uses a special formulated plastic that not only allows the worm to stand straight up and down or even float off of the bottom, but also makes it tough enough to hold up to numerous fish. A lot of competitor's products tear up with only one fish, costing the fishermen a lot of money. The Hag's Tornado are tough and you will love not having to put a new worm on each time you catch a fish.

Under $50

Zooka Tube- YakAttack teamed up with RAM to produce this innovative, soon-to-be-coveted rod holding system: The ZookaTube! The ZookaTube holds virtually all types of rods: spinning, level and fly. Left handed or right handed? No problem! The ZookaTube is ambidextrous! The ZookaTube is constructed from RAM's high strength composite, which is lightweight, strong and will last forever! The ZookaTube easily adjusts pitch by releasing the large thumbscrew on the side. The ZookaTube comes in a range of mounting options

X-Grip- RAM made universal device mount with Geartrac compatible Screwball.

Although it was designed for holding mobile devices and such, this thing can actually grab onto tools and other items you might want handily mounted on a Geartrac. Clever!

Double socket arm and universal spring loaded X-Grip™ holder for cell phones. The included X-Grip™ cradle has a clean and clever four leg design that sports great holding power without hiding your phone behind foam pads and plastic. The spring loaded X-Grip™ holder expands and contracts, allowing for a perfect custom fit of your cell phone. The perfect compliment to the modern sleek interior of today's vehicles, the RAM X-Grip™ is the cell phone holder evolved. 

Gerber River Shorty Knife- Serrated blade features a blunt tip to prevent accidental punctures and to serve as a prying tool. Highly polished medium-carbon stainless steel inhibits corrosion and holds a sharp edge to cut quickly through entangled rope and webbing. The quick-release sheath clips to a las tab on your PFD so you can get to the knife instantly. It holds the blade securely yet releases it with a single one-handed pull. The strong composite handle has a large, comfortable grip with ridges that help you immediately orient the serrated edge. Holes in the handle minimize the weight and accommodate a lanyard. 6¾"L open, 3¾"L closed. Blade is 3"L. 6.4 oz. Made in Italy.

Polar Bear Soft Sided Cooler (12 pack)- Polar Bear Coolers are made with the highest quality most well blended materials. Built stronger to last longer! Superior Craftsmanship, Superior Performance. You can reliably count on the Polar Bear holding ice for 24 hours in 100+ degree heat. (That's Fahrenheit) 

1120 Pelican Case- This Pelican 1120 case comes with Pelican’s unique Pick ‘N Pluck foam. This foam is pre-cut which allows you to customize the interior by half inch cubes. Trace out the item you want in the case and simply pluck the foam out by hand, no tool required. You can customize your case in less than 15 minutes. It is unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof. These are some of the features of this Pelican Protector Case that offers total protection for your equipment. It is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it extremely strong and durable. Its exclusive 1/4" (6.4 mm) neoprene o-ring and ABS latches seal perfectly and includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. Your equipment can fit into the high density foam of the case for total subjection and protection against impact, vibration or shock. This case is NATO codified and tested to MIL C-4150J (Military Standard), IP-67 (Ingress Protection) and ATA (Air Transportation Association). Unconditionally Guaranteed ... forever.

Under $100

Bomber Gear Halo 5.0 Top/Bottom- THE HALO 5.0 THERMAL CREW IS WARM BY ITSELF on moderately cool days and ideal as a thermal inner layer.

Moisture management paneling in key areas wicks moisture away from the body, increases insulation, repels moisture and dries quickly. The Polartec Power Dry material with flat-seam, Performance Cut construction allows 4-way stretch for easy, unrestricted mobility and comfort – even under dry wear. The Halo 5.0 includes a reflective screen printed logo, SPF 40 protection, and is anti-microbial treated. 5.0 oz. per square yard.

VisiCarbon Pro Light and Flag- Designed to meet the needs of serious kayak anglers as well as recreational paddlers, the VISICarbon Pro™ sports unprecedented performance combined with light weight, low drag, and portability with plenty of style.The main mast section is designed with carbon fiber tubing for high strength and ultra light weight. The VISICarbon Pro™ weighs in at just 14 ounces, complete with 3 AA batteries. The ultra thin mast and safety flag combine to offer excellent performance with low wind drag. The 48 long VISICarbon Pro™ breaks down to 14 long in seconds. The Silent Snap™ flag attachment system provides a secure attachment that allows the flag to be removed in seconds. The folded down unit can be stored inside the nylon safety flag which doubles as a carry bag.

Leverage Landing Net- What makes The Leverage Landing Net™ unique is its innovative handle design, utilizing a simple arm brace and “pistol” grip that enables the fisherman to deploy and operate the net one-handed while maintaining control of the fishing rod in the other hand. The brace and grip combination enables your arm to act as an extension to the net’s handle, and increases strength and control when your netting fish. The new Kayak model is the same net with a handle extension beyond the arm cradle which enables this net to be used in a traditional rod holder.

Stohlquist Pi-Seas PFD- Economical fish hunting vest with the right features for safety, comfort, and practicality. Large "drawbridge" front pockets act as fold-down work surfaces when opened. Right pocket includes adjustable strap for locking down long lure boxes. Left pocket feature 3-D inner pocket with hook and loop closure sized just right for thread spools. Other features include anchor points, lash tab, and "D"-ring for net attachment.

PanFish Camera Pole- Getting your camera pointed in the right direction just got a little easier. The PanFish™ by YakAttack™ features a split mast design with adjustable friction disks that allow quick and easy horizontal panning. Just grab the foam grip above center mast and rotate. Nothing to loosen, nothing to get loose. Just point and let go. 
The PanFish™ was designed for over-the-shoulder video with lightweight cameras. We recommend a maximum payload of 1 lb, including camera and housing (if applicable). This covers most lightweight and point-and-click style cameras. 

Big Spender

BlackPak- Brand new for 2013, the BlackPak crate system is poised to set a new standard in rod, tackle, and gear management on kayaks and standup paddleboards. It ships flat and assembles quickly using common hand tools. The interlocking joint design creates incredible strength, promising many years of trouble-free service. The clean, tactical appearance demands attention and the rapidly developing line of BlackPak accessories means there’s always another problem solving innovation just around the corner.

The BlackPak has stations for up to 10 rod holders, each of which can be installed vertically or angled. When 4 or more rod holders are used, they can be installed in the “high and dry” position, preventing unwanted seepage from a wet tank well. The top rails are configured to accept all GearTrac or Mighty Mount compatible accessories. The lid is hinged and latched with elastic cord, and is designed for easy removal, allowing it to double as a bait board.   (Sold Unassembled)

Kistler KLX Speck and Red Baitcasting Rod (Medium)- With the foundation of an American Made Hybrid 42.7 Million Modulus blank, adding top quality components and Kistler innovations make the KLX a rod that has to be experienced to be believed. And of course it is built right here in Magnolia TX by Kistler’s certified rod technicians.

When you look at your new KLX rod you will immediately notice very little fanfare in the way of fancy colored wraps, or paid endorsements signed on the shaft. Instead, the American Flag, and the very best rod we could possibly build for the money.

Pride in building the very best for our customers. It’s the foundation of the Kistler values. So you can say…..’Fishing NEVER Felt SO Good!’

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

Fuji blank exposed reel seat

Fuji MICRO (larger than other brand micro rods) Stainless steel "K" tangle free, Alconite rings

Action: Fast

Length: 7'0"

Power: Medium

Lure weight: 1/8 - 3/4 oz.

Line weight: 10 - 15 lb.

Handle length: 9 "

"The handle length is measured from the bottom of the butt cap to the bottom joint where the reel seat meets the cork."

Overall rod weight 3.6 ounces 

VIO POV HD Camera- No matter whether you are casting for muskies, flippin’ for bass, fly fishing for trout, or poling the flats for tarpon and bonefish, make sure you do all you can to preserve your outings to more than just your memory or a still photo. Oh sure, it’s easy enough to get a digital camcorder, but finding a willing cameraman is a different story. With the VIO POV HD as your boat partner, every fish from the strike to the release will be recorded. Oh, did we mention that the camera head is waterproof? This means getting one-of-a -kind underwater shots is now easily accomplished. And you’ll never have to say, “Did you get that?” One of the best features of the system is the “Loop Record Mode” which enables you to save recordings after they happen! This means that at the end of the day, no more going through hours of video to get the nuggets of excitement--clips of the action are all you will have, and they are easily downloaded and shared via PC. The camera can be mounted on your hat or shoulder for great “Point-of View” shots, or on your boat’s console for all-encompassing action shots.

Werner Kalliste 240cm- The Kalliste’s performance core blades have an exceptionally light buoyant feel on the water and offer silky smooth strokes that make paddling all day long feel effortless. The Kalliste is the ultimate choice for low angle kayakers. Mid-size blades offer gentle power and a smooth easy stroke.

SuperNova LED Lights Extreme Kayak Kit - Fully Jacketed, Fully Encased and Silicone Encapsulated Strips. The ONLY strips that are fully submersible!

The SuperNova Kayak Kit includes 8 strips of lights for the front, rear and cabin of your kayak, which ensures ample visability of all structures at casting distance and the cabin lights give adequate worklight, and can be switched off and on as needed.

See what's out there and most important, be seen by others on the water.

What's Included:

• 2- 28LED Light Strips, 20"
• 2- 13LED Light Strips, 10"
• 4- 4LED Light Strips, 4"
• 3M Adhesion Promoter
• 2 Switches and Waterproofing Boots
• 8 Pieces Heat Shrink
• 6 Wire Management Pads
• 10 Tie Wraps
• 5amp Fuse
• 6' Extra 22AWG Wire
• 1 In-line Fuse Holder

Smith Optics Tenet- The Tenet is feature packed, centered around the exceptional optical clarity and performance that our proprietary Techlite Polarized Glass lenses deliver. Additional goodies like smooth action spring hinges and rubber- like Megol details make this style fit like a dream and stay put on your head when you have the throttle pinned.

Large Fit / Medium Coverage

Techlite Polarized Glass TLT Lenses

Evolve Frame Material

Anti-Reflective and Hydrophobic Lens Coatings

Hydrophilic Megol Nose and Temple Pads

Stainless Steel Spring Hinges

8 Base Lens Curvature

Frame Measurements 61-18-135

Happy Shopping!!!!

Cool New Gear I'm Looking Forward to Trying Out

I am a Kayak Fishing Gear Head. Certifiable. I like new gadgets that make my life simpler. Or cooler. I enjoy nice things too. Earlier in my life I went the cheapest route possible and after multiple failures, reworks and a few too many four letter words, I decided quality was a better way to go. I still like a good deal though. 

This summer, I've been eyeing a few things that have attracted my attention. Some have already arrived at my door. I'm hoping to get to test some of the others. Yep. Kayak Fishing Gear Head. 

Smith Optics Tenet Sunglasses with Polarchromic Lenses- 

Friends at Capital City Kayak Fishing and Whole Earth Provision Company really got my interest up in Smith Optics. The technologies they were saying these lenses had seemed highly advanced and at the same price point as other top brands. I did the research and this is what the Smith website says:

That's pretty cool. A glass lens that shifts with the light. No more trading out different pairs of glasses on different days and at different times. One pair to rule them all? Maybe so. I ordered the Tenet model and they arrived yesterday. Testing will commence soon. By just putting them on, the Smith Glass lens feels much lighter on my face that comparable sunglasses with a glass lens. I'm not naming names but you know who you are. On the water time is coming soon and of course a full report after a few trips. 

Hoo-Rag Bandana- 

This one was a Facebook discovery. I've owned protective gear like this in the past but have not been able to get the cool designs I like at such a good price. In addition to offering tons of cool designs, Hoo-Rag offers free shipping on all orders and can make custom designs for you! Want to get your softball league some cool Hoo-Rags with the league logo? They can do that. For all you Devil Dogs out there, they have licensed designs from the Marines available to. My first Hoo-Rag (the Hoowaiian Hook Atlantic) is on its way to my house as we speak. I'll be doing some day and night testing on the water and giving a full report back later this fall. The Hoos are $15.95 each except for the Mystery Hoo. That one is $8. And today my friends is a good day because I can save you some additional money. Hoo-Rag is offering 10% off the price of your order when you use this code:  PROMO45YX2  at checkout. 

RAM Universal Tough Clamp

Not available until the middle of October, this one has tons of uses as well. This clamp gives you the ability to mount lots of RAM products to lots of surfaces. The RAM website describes it like this:

An extra pair of hands is something that almost everyone has wished for at some point. The RAM Tough-Clamp™ is the solution. This extremely versatile product from RAM has endless applications and will certainly become one of your most valued tools. The RAM Tough-Clamp™ includes a 1" ball which can be used to mount a variety of products utilizing RAM's vast selection of mounting solutions. Attach your GoPro Camera, Smartphone, RAM AQUA BOX® Pro or similar light weight device on almost any surface. Capable of attaching to flat surfaces and square rails from 0.25" to 1.75" thick, and round rails from 0.5" to 1.75" OD, attach the RAM Tough-Clamp™ to any surface on your kayak, boat, motorcycle, aircraft, desk, or any other location where you simply need an extra hand.

The first idea that cropped into my mind was a GoPro camera. I don't have lots of them but like a variety of shots. If I attach a GoPro to the Tough Clamp, I can attach it to my net for the landing shot, then move it to my Park-N-Pole for a nice release shot without risking dropping a handle bar mount or screw in the water. I can also change it back to the net, attach to a tree, attach to a paddle or somewhere else with just a squeeze. I don't have one of these yet but I sure look forward to getting one. 



Have some additional ideas to share about cool products coming out? Let me know! Leave a comment here or on Facebook. 

All Rigged Up

Next week I'll have full details, reviews and ordering information up for most of the things you see here. Thanks for watching!

Gear Rigging Preview