Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Wilderness Systems Radar 135 has been a staple of serious kayak fishing for years, and the TriPower design is why. You can run it as a paddle kayak today, drop in the Helix PD pedal drive tomorrow, and add the Helix MD motor drive later, all on the same hull.
The Wilderness Systems Radar 135 has been a staple of serious kayak fishing for years, and the TriPower design is why. You can run it as a paddle kayak today, drop in the Helix PD pedal drive tomorrow, and add the Helix MD motor drive later, all on the same hull. At 13 feet 6 inches, it is a long, stable platform built for covering water.
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Who This Kayak Is For
This is for the angler who covers distance and fishes big water: large lakes, reservoirs, and inshore saltwater. If your fishing day involves long crossings or open bays where a longer hull pays off, the Radar 135 is in its element. It also suits anglers who want to start paddling and upgrade to a drive later instead of buying twice.
Stability and Tracking
The S.M.A.R.T. hull (Stability, Maneuverability, Acceleration, Responsiveness, Tracking) leans toward stability and tracking over quick turns. Standing is solid on calm water, and the long waterline tracks straight, which saves energy on long paddles. It is not the quickest turning hull in the line, but that is a fair trade for how confidently it handles chop and crosswind.
Comfort and Seat
The AirPro MAX seat is one of the better seats in kayak fishing. It slides fore and aft for trim, and when you are standing to cast, it folds out of the way instead of blocking your feet. The back is breathable and supportive, and the elevated position gives you a good view of the water around you.
Storage and Rigging
You get a large bow hatch, a flush-mount center hatch, and a rear tankwell with bungees for a crate or cooler. SlideTrax rails run along the boat for mounting accessories, and the FlexPod OS electronics console makes fish finder installs clean: the battery, cables, and transducer all live in one removable pod. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetooth — it runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light. There are two tackle storage areas, dual paddle keepers, and rod holders front and back.
Propulsion Options
The base Radar 135 is a paddle kayak, and it paddles well for its size. The Helix PD pedal drive (sold separately) gives you hands-free forward motion, and the Helix MD motor drive adds powered fishing. A foot-controlled rudder option sharpens steering when you are running a drive. Being able to buy the kayak now and add the drive when the budget allows is a genuine advantage.
Honest Drawbacks
It weighs 90 pounds, which is real weight at the end of a long day or on a steep ramp. At 13 feet 6 inches, it also needs a long vehicle bed or trailer and room to store. And every upgrade costs money: the pedal and motor drives are sold separately, so a fully rigged Radar 135 is a bigger investment than the base price suggests. If you know you want pedals from day one, price the bundle and compare against dedicated pedal kayaks.
Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 13 ft 6 in |
| Width | 34 in |
| Weight | 90 lbs |
| Capacity | 475 lbs |
| Drive type | Paddle (pedal and motor drives optional) |
| Style | Sit-on-top |
Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Does the Radar 135 include a pedal drive?
The base model is paddle-powered. The Helix PD pedal drive and Helix MD motor drive are sold separately and drop into the same TriPower pod.
Is it stable enough to stand in?
Yes. The S.M.A.R.T. hull gives it strong stand-up stability, and the seat folds away to open the deck for casting.
How does it handle big water?
Very well for a kayak. The 13-foot-6 length tracks straight and handles chop confidently, which is why it is popular on large lakes and inshore water.
Can I install a fish finder?
Yes. The FlexPod OS console houses the battery, transducer, and display in one removable unit for clean installs.
Where to Buy
If the Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Wilderness Systems Recon 120 Fishing Kayak with AirPro ACES Seat, Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. 120 Fishing Kayak, and Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Wilderness Systems website for the Wilderness Systems Radar 135.
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