We took a canoe trip down clear creek in sanger this weekend and one of my buddies brought his new wilderness systems Tarpon120 kayak to try it out. I`m not knowledgeable about kayaks, I know his was a sit on top model and seemed to just cut throught the water with ease and he had no problems getting on and off it. We were very impressed with it. I think he bought it at oshmans or Academy. Now I`m seriously thinking about saving up the money to get one.


Lester

Actually, I purchased it at Mariner Sails in Dallas. You should get one Lester. It is a blast and I can't wait to get this yak to the coast.

I am also seriously considering getting a kayak for fishing. I am considering the WS Tarpon 120 as well as the Perception Caster, Ocean Prowler, and a couple of others.

How do you have yours rigged so far? Rudder? Rod Holders?

Just curious. I have been doing a lot of reading on kayak fishing sites to learn more about what I want/need.

I did a lot of research myself. A lot of web surfing as well as looking at them in person. I feel in love with the T120 because of it's size as well as comfort. I'm 5'10 and about 165. The T120 fit perfect for me. I was able to compare the T120 and the T140 side by side. I thought I really wanted the extra space, but the extra $$$ didn't really make since. The T120 was the right choice for me. I just purchased it last Saturday, so I am in the process of rigging it up. I have purchased 1 rod holder to see how it would work out. I got the Berkley (http://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/...amp;PassLevel=1) quick set holder. It's very compact. I'll probably get a couple more. I'm also looking at getting a Garmin 120 fishfinder. Oh ya, the paddle situation. I was very suprised at all the different paddles available. Money being a concern, I went the cheaper route. I'm glad I did. The more expensive ones are very nice and lite, but I would hate to break one of those. When I was in the creek, I used the paddle A LOT for pushing off. The cheaper will do for me. So far the only issue I have is trying to find a milk crate to fit the back. I noticed that most yakers use crates and I'm having trouble finding one. I don't think it's totally neccessary, but would be useful. By the way, mine doesn't have a rudder. Once again, $$$$. I didn't feel the need for one. After all, I'm not racing, I'm fishing. Feel free to ask anything. I'll try to help or research for you the best I can !

Just check out texaskayakfisherman.com. All the yak info you can imagine. Check out the rigging pages. We do have a dallas chapter. We will probably get together in a month or so. The 120 and 140 are perfect for the coast. So quiet. You can literally paddle up on reds. Also a rudder is a must if you are going to be on open water. A rudder will help you set a drift on the lake or on the coast at the right angle. You also won't have to overcorrect while paddling. You can usually find a milk crate behind any grocery store or 7-11. I had one with rod rolders attached. I have a ride so my tank well is not as deep or big as the tarpons. I now have one flush mount rod holder right behing the seat. And I have one on a ram mount in front. No more milk crate for me. A depth finder with a thru hull transducer mounted inside tops it off. Hope this helps.
p

I haven't been on open water yet, so the rudder thing I'm not to familiar with. I have noticed a few rigging posts on various sites that have ways of rigging up anchors and such. As far as the drifting gig goes, I'll soon find out ! The milk crate thing just seemed to be what everybody used. I have one crate, but it's too big to fit in the space provided. I need a 12" by 12" crate. All I have is a 14" by 14". It doesn't fit in the grooves on my yak. I look forward to testing it out in various situations and someday hope to go to the coast. The pics I have seen are just too impressive.

I have a Maliu Pro Explorer. It's 12 1/2 feet long, lots of storage and I love it.

Thanks for all the information. The texaskayakfisherman website is great. I also spend some time on kayakfishingstuff and paddling.net. This type of fishing is really catching on. Personally, I just don't have a place to store a large boat and trailer and don't want to pay to store it. I can hang a kayak from the garage ceiling and the up-front investment is pretty small.

I am renting a kayak in a couple of weeks and going to a state park to do some fishing with the family. I am renting a sit-in kayak since it was what was available at the time and looked to be more comfortable for a family outing (none of the SOTs had seat backs). I will definitely be buying a SOT though.

As far as a milk carton - I bet Walmart has them or the Container Store if you can't find a free one. I always ask my wife where to find things like that. She usually knows just where to go.

jbmorbid,

The Container Store sells crates that are 13" X 13". It fits fine behind my seat in the tank well area. I have the WS Tarpon 140. I don't think there is a size difference in the tank well just behind the seat. This crate should work for your Tarpon 120. Use a couple of bungies (also sold at Container Store) to secure the crate to the yak and you are good to go.

FlyInTexas,

Thanks for the tip on the crate! I'll probably check out the Container Store this weekend. All in all, I probably don't really need one, but sometimes I like to take a lot of useless junk along. More space is always nice. Soon, I'll be looking for a new smaller more compact tent and sleeping bag so I can do some camping along the way. The stuff I have now is just too big for the yak. Spending money i don't have is always fun. Looks like I'll be working some OT to get some new goodies ! Also, I'm still looking at fishfinders. The spending never stops.......not a bad thing.......at times !

johnm,
where are you renting from? what kind of pricing do they have?

want to rent one to see if i'd like fishing this way and am just starting to get into it. have no idea where to rent from.

thanks
greg

johnm,
i would like the same info please
i am intrested in a yak for fishing
i am 6'4" about 285lb
been looking getting real intrested want to get off the bank


LOVNTREE@GO.COM

I am renting from REI. I am renting a sit-in for a family outing - I wouldn't buy one for fishing though.

I think that Mariner Sails, and the place over in Garland also rent. Mariner Sails has a Thursday paddle where I think they will bring out a model for you to try. I haven't had a chance to try it yet. They have the Tarpon 120 and may have a demo.