Tarpon 140???

Considering purchasing a Tarpon primarily for inshore fishing and small lakes and rivers. Was considering the 120 but seems the 140 might be better for longer paddles if needed. Advantage of the 120 is probably easier to transport but don't know how much you lose in paddling efficiency and speed with the shorter length. Standing is not a priority when I fish.

Might wait till he the new ATAK comes out at end of month to demo before I make my decision. Don't know how the Tarpon 140 will compare to the ATAK as far as paddling efficiency and speed.

Heard nothing but great things about the Tarpons, sounds like good versatile kayak and hull design.

Get a cuda 14. Its a much more efficient 14 ft fishing platform.

Cuda not an option, not a fan of the center hatch, like more open deck. Heard lots of great things about the Cuda but during demo was not for me.

Personal opinion warning here! I have paddled all three tarpons and being a bigger guy the 14 seemed the least balanced of the three but it is still a good boat. If you are a heavier guy, I weight about 240 I would recommend looking at the new thresher as well it has more capacity and has been closely compared to the tarpon. It has the center hatch too so that might throw you off but I would try it.

Not knowing your height/weight makes it a bit more difficult to recommend.

I have a buddy that paddles a Tarpon 140 and he loves it.
As Bert mentioned, the T140 is better suited for smaller guys.
The new Thresher would be a better all around choice.

I am 5'10 190, thanks for feedback

I like the Tarpon and think its a great long distance yak and fishing platform. I also recommend trying the Thresher. As for comparing the Tarpon to the ATAK that's interesting. I paddle my Ride long distance and found the ATAK to be a dream in comparison to paddle. I have not paddle the Tarpon and the ATAK side by side but would like to try it now. I'm sure that the Tarpon would still be faster and easier to paddle but how much IDK. If you don't care to stand then I lean toward the Tarpon or Thresher because you'll save money on something you won't use. If you might stand to fish then I like the ATAK. It does paddle great and is very stable.

[quote=Todd™]I like the Tarpon and think its a great long distance yak and fishing platform. I also recommend trying the Thresher. As for comparing the Tarpon to the ATAK that's interesting. I paddle my Ride long distance and found the ATAK to be a dream in comparison to paddle. I have not paddle the Tarpon and the ATAK side by side but would like to try it now. I'm sure that the Tarpon would still be faster and easier to paddle but how much IDK. If you don't care to stand then I lean toward the Tarpon or Thresher because you'll save money on something you won't use. If you might stand to fish then I like the ATAK. It does paddle great and is very stable.

Thanks for input. The price difference between the Tarpon and the ATAK is significant especially when you add the cost of a rudder to the ATAK, over $2,000. Like you mentioned great to have that feature to stand and fish but if not a priority, could be money spent elsewhere for other gear.