Fist Yak Purchase Help

[cmdub22]

Hello all - I'm trying to decide between two nice kayaks the new WS Tarpon 120 or the WS Ride 135. I'm about 5'6' and 180 lbs, and will be using it near Wayson's, Kings Landing, and many of the local reservoirs and lakes in PG & Howard Counties. What are your thoughts on these 2 nice boats... Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Chris

[ictalurus]

I just bought a Tarpon 120. I haven't used it much yet, but I really like it so far. My father has an older model that I've paddled some in lakes and on creeks. I haven't paddled a Ride, but I've looked at them a couple times. The two are kind of different. The Ride was designed, in part, for standing up and sight fishing. The hull is shaped kind of like two pontoons, and it's over 1ft longer than the Tarpon. Generally speaking, the longer a kayak is, the faster it'll be, and the wider it is, the slower it'll be. I'm not sure how the Ride balances those two. The Wilderness Systems website lists both at the same weight, which I find hard to believe. I picked up a Ride at a store, and it was pretty heavy compared to the Tarpon. Light weight was important for me when I chose the Tarpon because I knew I'd be lugging it a lot on float trips.

My father is 6' and ~220lbs, and the Tarpon is fine for him in terms of stability, wetness of the cockpit, etc. My inseam is 34", and my legs just barely fit with the footrests at the farthest position.

Another thing to think about is how much distance you'll be covering when you fish. Having a faster yak means more time fishing and less time traveling. FWIW.

You should post your question on the "choosing a kayak" section at the kayakfishingstuff.com forum. You might find someone who's paddled both. Annapolis Canoe and Kayak might have both to try out, but you'll need coldwater gear unless you wait until the water temp is over 60.

[cmdub22]

Hey ictalurus

Thanks for the advice. You're right about weight being a a factor especially when trying to get to those nice little spots to launch from...Plus I'm not really sure how much standing I'll be doing in this area - at least until I'm real confident in the balance dept. :D

[edwards311]

Go with the Tarpon 120, I own one myself and it is a great yak. Aslo, if you got the extra cash you might want to look at the tarpon 160. The 160 has more room is more stable and is extremely quick on the water. I am going to upgrade from my 120 to a 160 hopefully by the end of summer. You might also want to check out some of the forums on kayakfishingstuff.com, you can find alot of great info. on their site in reguards to rigging, yak reviews etc... good luck

[FishingRod]

I also agree with everyone. Go to Annapolis Canoe and Kayak and test paddle the Ride, Tarpon 120, 140 and 160. My guess is you will probably want the Tarpon 140 or 160. I've owned the Tarpon 120 and 140 and though they were both great kayaks. I skipped the 160 and now have a Hobie Adventure:D. If I didn't splurge on the Hobie then I probably would have bought the Tarpon 160 next. If you want simplicity and are on a tight budget then go with the Tarpon 120. If you go with the Tarpon 140 or Tarpon 160 then you will probably want a rudder and that will add a few hundred dollars to the price and extra weight to the kayak.

[cmdub22]

Thanks guys for all the tips.. Went on KayakFishingStuff.com (http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com) - wow talk about a lot of info...It's hard to do my work now:D I could spend a lot of time on that site reading up on yak fishing. Thanks again to all!!!!

[surfnsam]

i went with the tarpon 12 over the ride also. the new tarpon is lighter and i think the tank well is larger also. weight makes a differance when lifting one on top of my truck with its cap on. now i have to load 2 yaks on my truck, the new tarpon and my redfish 10 for my wife:eek2:

[bass-ackwards]

I'll weigh in since I am scrawnier than you and own a ride135. I am 5'6" and 140 lbs (yes, I am a dude). I bought the ride in 2007 because it is extremely stable and well laid out (although many of today's kayaks are well laid out). I can stand up and cast without a problem (nice to stand up to stretch and to see the water from a better angle - for redfish in NC or for smallies in the Monocacy). I can crab out of it easily as well (using rings, not traps).

drawbacks - heavy as hell. you have to plug the scuppers behind the seats or you'll be sitting in water. it is not as fast as a tarpon or manta ray or other kayak with traditional hull shape/width.

I bought it specifically to fish, not to paddle, so it serves its purpose well.

JR