First fishing kayak?

All,

I'm just looking at picking everyone's brain. As of right now I'm torn between a tarpon 120 angler and 140 angler. I'm more set on the 140 but wanted to ask those more knowledgable on the subject. Some info: I'm 5'7 165lbs and I plan on transporting it with a rhino rack kayak carrier on top of my 4 door Toyota Tacoma.

Tarpon Angler 120 or 140?

Rudder or no rudder?

Thanks in advance for any input!
Kevin

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Permalink Reply by Joe Corrigan on May 3, 2012 at 7:19am

Deffinatly a rudder. It just makes the day easier and you will kick yourself for not having one.

I have a Tarpon 16 and love it. Loading and unloading is a little chore. I have a Ford Explorer and carry it on top. I have a system where I place a bath mat accross the top of the back hatch and then slide it up there. I'm not 20 any more but don't have a problem. I say the same thing to everyone that askes me. Boat length is your friend. The longer your boat the straighter it tracks and faster it goes. If your fishing in fairly open waters like a lake or wide river go as big as you can afford. After a long day of fishing and your paddeling home against a 40 knot wind you will be happy to have a longer boat. Add a rudder and it becomes fairly manuverable in tight quarters. One other item you might want to check out to add to your boat is a YakDaddy Slider. I have one and now everything I need is in reach but I can get it out of my way when I need it. It's great addition to your fishing day.

Good Luck.