I am considering buying a fairly high end kayak specifically for getting into really skinny water for reds. I have looked at the tarpon 120 and the 140 and both look like solid boats. I was wondering, when the company says you can stand up in them because they are so stable are they telling the truth or do Tarpons flip easily. Also if anyone has one it would be great if you could tell me how fishable they are in terms of storage and holders etc. If anyone has any other suggestions of companies i should be looking at, the advice would be much appreciated.
I have a 120 and love it, but I believe I would of loved it more if I got the 140, the 120 is standable in but the 140 is made to stand it, the floor is flat and level wheres the 120 is slanted(take a look at both and your understand) theres plenty of room for lots of fishing gear in my 120, I put 2 scottys on it and has plenty more room to mount more and add gps mounts and other things, also the room behind the seat it perfect for a milkcrate with a few rod holders on it. i like how the 140 has the bungee on the front hatch so i added some for extra storage. if your around myrtle beach I can let you take mine for a test run
It’s possible to stand in a T120, but like LTC said, the T140 is made for it, so is the Native Ultimate and the W/S Ride 135. Some yaks are easier to stand in than others, but honestly, I know dozens of yak fishermen and only about 6 stand in their yaks.
The East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival is coming up April 17-19 at James Island County Park. You’ll have access to more makes and models than you;ll find in any showroom and you can take them out for a test paddle. If you can’t wait til then, go see Dolphin Dave at Time Out Sports in Mt P… Dave is one of the 6 that does stand in a yak.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
I have a Tarpon 140 w/ angler package and rudder. It is a great kayak, super glide, very stable. I have stood in it only a few times, but for the most part I have never really had to. I would recommend getting one.
I have fished out of several different yaks and was using the WS Ride till I found the Hobie. It is hard to beat the Hobie for a fishing kayak. The advantage of being hands free allows you to work the grass banks while your trolling a grub off the back. I can maintain about 3 1/2 mph all day and the Mirage drive lets you cover a lot of distance and still fish at the same time. The natual speed of the Mirage Drive lends itself very well for trolling.
Was told that Hobie is coming out with a new angler version in the next few months that sound pretty good. Have the stability to be able to stand and the speed of the Mirage Drive.
Eagles may soar, but weasels never get sucked into jet air intakes
preciate all the advice guys. I think I will wait til the East Cape festival to get a better read on what I really want. I do like the hobie with the foot paddle system but wouldnt the paddles on the bottom prohibit you from getting into really skinny water? i just need to actually test drive a few before I make a decision.
