Gear Review: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
--Product Information--
Product Name: Tarpon 120
Product Brand: Wilderness Systems
Best Use: Kayak Fishing, Recreational Paddling
Sizes Available / Specs:
- LENGTH 12' 3" / 373 cm
- WIDTH 30" / 76 cm
- MAX CAPACITY 350 lb / 159 kg
- DECK HEIGHT 13.75" / 35 cm
- WEIGHT 63 lb / 29 kg
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Haag Lake, Willamette
River Duration: 4-5 Days
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: The Tarpon 120 is a great do it all sit on top. The second smallest in the Tarpon family, the 120 is a great compromise of stability, speed, tracking, and maneuverability. At 63lbs, it is considerably easier to throw on top of a car than the Tarpon 140.
The maneuverability of the 120 makes it a great sit on top for a wide variety of conditions. Small lakes, still water, and gentle rivers are easy prey for the 120, but the increased maneuverability makes it more difficult to make headway in windy conditions or longer paddles. The 120 is Wilderness Systems best selling sit on top for a reason, whether you want to get into kayak fishing or just want a solid do it all sit on top, the Tarpon 120 is hard to beat.
"The Good" List:
- Bombproof outfitting, including track rails for easy rigging of rod holder and accessories.
- Rock solid stability
- Maneuverability and tracking suitable for recreational paddling and fishing.
"The Not so Good List": A rear storage hatch would be nice
The Bottom Line: The Tarpon 120 is a great boat for beginning anglers and paddlers, or anyone looking for a high performance sit on top with more maneuverability than the longer Tarpons.