133X Tournament Kayaks for fishing have changed significantly in the last ten years. Fishing platforms that can compete with small boats have developed from simple paddle-powered boats. The Ascend 133X Tournament Kayak is among the most talked-about options available in this market. Stability, performance, and customisation are guaranteed with this serious angler-friendly equipment, regardless of whether you fish in serene inland waters or challenging huge lakes. I bought this kayak from Bass Pro Shops as part of my Ultimate Freshwater Fishing Package.
A Big Kayak with Bigger Ambitions
The Ascend 133X Tournament Kayak is a sizable kayak with more ambitious objectives than only fishing. It is intended for anglers who carry a lot of gear and want a stable platform from which to fish. It is 36.5 inches broad and 13 feet long. It looks large at first, and it is, but it is surprisingly doable after you settle into the seat. Its massive 550-pound weight capability allows it to support a motor, you, and your things without compromising stability. A built-in front motor plate makes mounting a trolling motor easy without the need for heavy custom rigging, and meticulous wiring routes allow you to run electricity for lights, fish finders, and other accessories neatly.
Construction and Stability: Adjusting to the Flex
The roto-molded hull of the 133X provides a robust, impact-resistant exterior. However, the hull flexes more than some other high-end kayaks, which is something new for anglers. At first, this flex could feel unsteady, like the kayak is attempting to shake. In actuality, it’s really a material and design characteristic. My acclimatization to the water took around ten minutes. After then, I didn’t notice it again. The hull keeps a steady imprint in the water, following straight and avoiding tip-overs even when loaded with gear. The seat is yet another gem. It has two fishing positions—a low seat height for more effective paddling and a higher position for better visibility when casting—and is comfortable and customizable.
On-the-Water Performance: Paddling vs. Motoring
Although the Ascend 133X may be paddled, a trolling motor such as the Motor Guide Xi3 is what really makes it powerful. This size of fishing kayak is rarely designed to be a paddling machine. Considering its size, the 133X is surprisingly easy to paddle; its length helps it track straight, and its wide width gives you plenty of confidence when shifting weight or leaning. Anglers with balance issues, such as me after a prior hip and back injury, may find it more comfortable to sit or utilize an elevated seat, even though casting can be done while standing.
Real Fishing Scenarios: Where It Excels and Where It Feels Challenged
Over the past month, I’ve taken the Ascend 133X Tournament Kayak across several types of water bodies. Here’s what I found:
Shining in Small Wate
Handling Bigger Lakes
Transport Considerations
Rigging and Customization Tips
Many customization options are available thanks to the Ascend 133X’s thoughtful architecture, and my setup points out a few enhancements that are well considering. Adding a trolling motor, such the MotorGuide Xi3 or Minn Kota with GPS anchor lock, will greatly improve fishability. Additionally, the kayak provides exceptional underwater visibility when paired with a 7-inch Garmin fish finder with Livescope. Lithium batteries are a smart choice because they are lighter and have a significantly longer charge life, making them well worth the change if your budget allows. For rod organization, everything is conveniently accessible in a container with PVC rod tubes in the rear tank well.
Pricing: Is It Worth It?
When bought separately, the Ascend 133X Tournament Kayak now costs about $1,099, but Bass Pro offers several package discounts that provide fishermen better value. The Paddling Package costs $150 more and includes a paddle and life jacket, while the Freshwater Tournament Package, which costs $2,399, contains a kayak, paddle, a small fish finder, a MotorGuide Xi3, a rod holder, and a quick-release motor plate. For those who are interested in saltwater, the $3,964 Ultimate Saltwater Fishing Package is the best option because it updates the electronics to a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv with a lithium battery.
Pros and Cons: Honest Assessment
It offers exceptional value, especially when purchased in bundles, and has plenty of storage and attachment rails that make organizing tools and tackle easier. But it’s not the best option for open-water, rough-water fishing; the accessory tracks could be positioned closer to the seat for easier access; the kayak is heavy for one person to carry alone and often requires wheels or an extra pair of hands; and the slight hull flex can be odd at first until you get used to it.
Who Should Buy the Ascend 133X Tournament Kayak?
The Ascend 133X Tournament Kayak is perfect for serious anglers looking for a small-water fishing machine that can hold a lot of gear, weekend warriors looking for near-boat performance without the cost and hassle of full boat ownership, motor users who prefer powered fishing over pedaling, and do-it-yourself riggers who enjoy customizing their setups.It’s less appropriate, though, for individuals who want to paddle alone, frequently fish in huge, turbulent lakes or coastal seas, or who would find it challenging to manage the kayak’s substantial weight on their own.
Final Thoughts
The Competition for Ascend 133X Kayaks make the line between a boat and a kayak less clear. When set up properly, it’s a serious fishing machine that can hold you stable over schools of fish, carry all the gear you need to make every trip productive, and take you to new places. No kayak is perfect. But considering the cost, especially when bought in a set, it’s one of the least expensive tournament-ready kayaks on the market right now in the US. If you like fishing in protected lakes, rivers, and reservoirs and desire the ease of use of a kayak with the adaptability of motor power, the Ascend 133X is definitely worth a look.
