Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak offers great tracking and remains stable at all conditions. Its seat is super comfortable and that means, you would not feel uncomfortable while fishing for long. Ample storage space available in this kayak to keep all your fancy fishing accessories and Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak is highly adjustable as well.
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| Width | 30 in |
| Weight | 63 lbs |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Hull Design | Sit-On |
| Type | Touring |
Weighs around 63 lbs, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak is a bit top heavy. Its unique design allows it to move fast on water and gain speed. It has got ample space to storage all your fishing gears. Considered to be an all-purpose kayak, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak can also be used as a reliable diving kayak. It has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds which is more than enough for most Americans.
Both the front and the rear hatches stay dry most of the time which is a big plus. The side portions of this kayak have got smooth plastic surface that gives a nice feel but you might have a hard time mounting GoPro suction because of it. AirPro seating system makes seating for long hours a breeze. However, there is one thing that you need to keep in mind and that Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak lacks a dashboard that its Pungo variant seems to have.
Other attributes that stand out to me is the Orbix midship hatch, which is for dry compartment storage, the AirPro seating system which comes standard with all Wilderness Systems products, and the additional pockets located near the front. Keep in mind however, that it doesn’t come with a dashboard like the Pungo, if anything this is similar to the Perception Sports Pescador.
Product Features
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak has got all the features that other kayaks of the same series tend to have but it also has got something extra. You can spot a bungee at the front which is strategically placed to allow paddlers to keep their paddles safe when not in used. Orbix hatch is nice and since it is foamed meticulously, all your gears will stay safe no matter what.
On the left is an adjustable fishing rod, and near the front are adjustable foot braces. The foot brace system is called Keepers, and allows you to easily change the height threshold of the kayak so you have the necessary room to push off of while paddling, which is very important. If you’ve ever paddled, you’ll know just how hard it is to leverage your weight, this makes it simple and easy to do.
The Tarpon does not include a dashboard, however, it does include another orbix hatch near the center of the kayak, as well as mesh pockets on the side for storing small accessories such as a waterproof cellphone or knives.
The AllPro seating system is a 3-stage adjustable, with different levels of support. There is also a height adjuster near the thigh padding, which is very important because you will want to get closer to the water while paddling, and prop yourself up when your stationery and fishing.
The back includes two more Slide Trax, and two additional rod holders. There is a TON of storage in the back, probably a bit overkill here, but they are definitely looking out for the fisherman, just in case you need the room. In the very back there is a hook up for a troll motor.
Positives About the Model
Like all Wilderness Systems products, the features are top of the line. As an angler, I prefer sit on top kayaks, because I have a lot more leverage when casting and I can move about the kayak easier as opposed to SIK’s.
The cockpit is also quite large, another hallmark of this brand, so you have plenty of room width width wise to move about, yet its stable enough to be steady.
There is plenty of room for additional addons in case you want to attach a camera or a fish finder, and three rod holders is perfect if you’re a kayak fisherman.
Negatives About the Product
Despite the width of the cockpit, I really wish there was additional lateral space. It’s simply average. Also, like all Wilderness kayaks, this guy is quite expensive, and is really meant for a single person. I wouldn’t advise bringing along any extra occupants, as the cockpit area was sacrificed in favor of the storage area.
Final Analysis
This is a hefty price to pay for a kayak, but you’re going to pay a bit more for a sit on top. The features are pretty standard for the brand, and you can expect top of the line tracking, comfort, stability, and storage area.
When directly compared to the Pungo, it’s a slightly smaller, more stable version of the SiK. However, if I’m going for straight fishing, I definitely go with this one because it’s a sit on top version, and the central dry hatch is much more convenient than a dashboard.
