Sometimes you want to escape the roar of the engine and power yourself through the water. For the anglers that enjoy the serenity of being alone on the water, fishing from a 'yak gives that experience. Many kayak companies design specific fishing editions, like Wilderness Systems that made the Tarpon 140 pictured above, but choosing which one is right for you requires you to take some test drives. Although I don't recommend buying a fishing kayak unless you can try it on the water first, a good place to start narrowing down your options may be in customer reviews. Here's one from a Web site dedicated to kayak service from someone who purchased the Tarpon 140.
reviewer: Owen from North Georgia
I recently purchased a T140 that I've used in the surf, calmer bay water and in-land rivers. The T140 handles big surf (4-6ft) very well...just playing around in the breakers was a blast! Thigh straps are a must!! For ocean fishing purposes it's a 5/5 IMO... outstanding stability and excellent storage! The storage capacity is fine and well placed, the hatch covers can be a pain to get back on though, but they don’t leak. It handled the moderate to small chop and the large wakes from container ships in Charleston, SC harbor, with no problem. The T140 cuts through the water quickly with minimal hull slap. I've also used the T140 in a few North GA rivers with solid results. The boat handled class II rapids with no problem (again, buy thigh straps). Maneuverability is marginal with tight turns on the smaller rivers; I think this is to be expected with a boat of its size though (14ft)... It's a heavy boat and feels more than the advertised 65lbs...can be a bugger to get on/off car by self! It’s easy to get in/out of from land and also if your already in the water.
I feel no remorse spending the $'s for this fine yak, I strongly recommend the T140! Review summary below:
Speed: 4/5
Stability: 5/5
Storage capacity/placemnt/convenience: 4/5
(minus 1 for hatch covers)
Seat comfort: 5/5
Big water performance (ocean/lake): 5/5
Maneuverability (w/o rudder): 3/5
Weight: 2.5/5
Leg room (I'm 6'7"): 5/5
Cockpit layout: 5/5
Durability: to new to rate
Overall 4/5
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