Suggestions for a yak

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.  Im new to kayak fishing but not fishing. Im currently looking to purchase a fishing kayak and am looking for some suggestions. Ive looked at the wilderness systems tarpon 140 and 160. Any thoughts. And what is the deal with the rudders? Good or bad?

There are tons of posts on this - you might try a search...

Also, if you want some good advice you should give your height and weight. 

I ran with an OK Scrambler XT for a few years and now love my Malibu X-Factor.  The superior stability is key, and I don't mind the more difficult paddling of such a big boat.  The Tarpons are known to be excellent boats, and rudders are generally something people want (although I've never had one, and I think most don't...).  Probably everyone here would advise you to paddle as many different boats as you can before pulling the trigger.

Good luck and have fun!   

Eric

Agree with Abking, all kayak dealers will let you demo their boat, call to the shop and make an appointment, tell them what you want to demo, I own a Wilderness Ride very stable though its less slick than Tarpon 140 and 160, Tridents are very good then again its always depends what suites you best on paddling.. Good luck I am also looking for another Wilderness.. T140

Thanks for the input.



Wes

I would strongly recommend an intro to kayaking class from a reputable shop prior to purchasing anything. Kayak fishing is mostly paddling, with fishing on the side.

Post class, paddle at least a handful of boats. Play around on them if possible. Fall off of them, and re-board. Try to think about the gear you'll have aboard and where you might store it. Think about how long your fishing sessions will be, and if they will be ocean or freshwater.

Wilderness Systems boats are great boats IMO. I paddle a T140 & am very happy with it.

Height and weight are major factors in what boat you'll enjoy the most.

Welcome to the madness!

What type of fishing are you planning to do?
The Tarpons have a low profile in the water, so they're affected less by wind (compared to other brands/models). I LOVE my '07 140. Almost as much as I LOVE my '09 140! The 160 is a very nice kayak and something to consider if you plan to fish the ocean or Bay on a regular basis. A 140 is able to handle rough seas too...but the 160 is like the Cadillac of sleek seafaring yaks. But if you plan to do lots of freshwater fishing, the benefits of a 160 will be somewhat neutralized (unless you fish Tahoe or Berryessa = always windy lol).
Go with either one and you will not regret it!
PK

You won't have much need for a rudder with a Tarpon 140. If you like the 160 better, I'd advise you to paddle a boat with a rudder, and try it without rudder as well- just lift the rudder and see how well do.

My T140 is a great boat, but there are others that a probably just as good, so demo a few.

Do try as many boats as you can.  Take a pole with you.  I bought a hobie.  I am a cyclist and love the pedals.  With one of those new fangled low profile baitcasting reels that fit in the palm of your hand, and can practically be operated with one hand, I can fish like a mad man out of the hobie.  With the pedals on the hobie I can stay in one spot even  in the wind, and use my left hand to work the rudder.  That means my right hand is completely free to run the rod/reel, since I use a lefty baitcasting setup, it works out really slick. 

Wilderness Systems boats are great boats IMO. I paddle a T140 & am very happy with it.


There's some big ass fish that likes your boat too!!!! Follows you around like a big toothed puppy.

Rich
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