Opinions on a Tarpon 120 kayak?

[RhinoScores]

I have a chance to pick up a used Tarpon 120 for a fair price. Obviously, I'd like to get a Hobie or Ambush, but they are 4 or 5 times as much as this used Tarpon. I'm 5'4" and 140 lbs, so it not like I need to float 600 pounds. I'd be using it mostly in the bays around OC to Wildwood. On nice days at the beach with the wife in the summer I'd use it to get away from the crowded beach and fish for kings, blues or fluke (if there is a season). Any one have good or bad feedback on them?

[carnivore]

Not a big fan of SOT's but I have paddled many. Wilderness Systems makes a great kayak... for what you want to do it will be fine. I have a WS Pungo and I fish nearly every day in it. Wait till you see how many fish you catch in a yak.

[RhinoScores]

Thanks for the info.

[BigSexy]

My brother in law says they are the best thing going. He tells me to buy one every time I say I'm thinking about getting a Kayak. I think he has like three or four

[RhinoScores]

My brother in law says they are the best thing going. He tells me to buy one every time I say I'm thinking about getting a Kayak. I think he has like three or four

Thanks for the endorsement. How big is your brother-in-law and does he have the 120 or perhaps the 140 or 160?

[BigSexy]

Thanks for the endorsement. How big is your brother-in-law and does he have the 120 or perhaps the 140 or 160?

He has the 120, Says the 140 is a little too big to maneuver, load on the truck, and carry. He is about 5'9 175 lbs

[RhinoScores]

He has the 120, Says the 140 is a little too big to maneuver, load on the truck, and carry. He is about 5'9 175 lbs

Thanks again!

[yaker4life]

Rhino,
I owned a Tarpon 120 years ago that I bought for freshwater fishing. But after a few months of use it was just not as roomy as my Ocean Kayak Malibu XL, so I sold it to my brother. I found the hatches to be worthless. It tracks well and is stable. If you use a milk crate you can bring a lot of gear. My brother uses this with me in the back bays down here and he loves it. I now have a Hobie so it is hard for me to go back to a regular SOT. I don't think you will be disappointed in buying this one. It should last many seasons until you can buy a better one but at least it will get you on the water catching fish.

[Fly fish]

I have one and love it!!! Been using it for 4 years now and wouldn't change a thing. I highly recommend it- especially if you can find one for a decent price. GO FOR IT!!!

[RhinoScores]

Rhino,
I owned a Tarpon 120 years ago that I bought for freshwater fishing. But after a few months of use it was just not as roomy as my Ocean Kayak Malibu XL, so I sold it to my brother. I found the hatches to be worthless. It tracks well and is stable. If you use a milk crate you can bring a lot of gear. My brother uses this with me in the back bays down here and he loves it. I now have a Hobie so it is hard for me to go back to a regular SOT. I don't think you will be disappointed in buying this one. It should last many seasons until you can buy a better one but at least it will get you on the water catching fish.

I would love to have a hobbie, but I have to start some where. For the cost of this used T120, I wouldn't have to sell it to move up, so I'd have a second for someone to tag along after I get a hobbie. Also, I figure I might as well make sure I use it enough to justify getting a hobbie in the long run.

[barrell]

I have never heard anything negative about the t120. It seems like a good design. Ive never paddled it but did paddle the 16 footer in the keys for a week and it tracked well and had a very comfortable seat but was a bear to get on the roof of the car or to manhandle anywhere. The 120 is a better size. Get some paddling instruction so you get up to speed or just stop by my shop in the spring I can show you out on the sidewalk how to paddle properly.

[RhinoScores]

... just stop by my shop in the spring I can show you out on the sidewalk how to paddle properly.

I had already planned on coming by the shop as I'll need to outfit the boat. I'll be happy to take whatever instruction or pointers your able to give. And hopefully one day in the not to distant future I'll be there to pick a hobie peddler model. :D

I just saw your reply to my post about a yak on another site, in which you stated "At 140 lbs you dont even need a 12 footer a 10 or 11 foot yak would be fine. The 10 foot cobra mentioned above is actualy a pretty nice yak and they are about $450 brand new." I'm still waiting to hear back from the guy with the used T120, but I may head down to take a look at the shorter ones.

[barrell]

That price is without a paddle or seat but they do come with a nice hatch and a lifetime warranty. Very light and easy to cary around. The cobra escape is actualy 10 foot 6.
http://www.cobrakayaks.com/kayaks/cobracat2.html

[sayn3ver]

I would opt personnaly for something longer than 12, it will make any distance you have to travel easier (generally the longer the yak = teh faster).

I have an rtm disco although it is definetly a minimalist type fishing yak. RTM also makes the tempo which is actually an old OK mold of the scupper pro which is supposibely one of the highest rated paddle yaks. Both have a slightly wetter ride than the bigger, wider, higher barges.

I don't know what price your getting it for but i got my disco on ebay for under $600 and the tempo goes for about $700.

You won't regret going to a 14fter or even larger when you're out there paddling over a distance.

[AJ168]

I just picked up a 13' Emotion Mojo Angler a few weeks ago. I've paddled it once so far when we had that little warm spell. I absolutely love the thing so far. Tracks really well but still is short enough to be manageable and only weighs 50lbs so I can lift it on top of my Explorer myself no problem.
If the price is right, go with that one. Worst comes to worst, use it a year and resell it, then get exactly what you want once you have some experience.

[barrell]

I just picked up a 13' Emotion Mojo Angler a few weeks ago. I've paddled it once so far when we had that little warm spell. I absolutely love the thing so far. Tracks really well but still is short enough to be manageable and only weighs 50lbs so I can lift it on top of my Explorer myself no problem.
If the price is right, go with that one. Worst comes to worst, use it a year and resell it, then get exactly what you want once you have some experience.

Is the seat dry in the Mojo?

[AJ168]

The seat is actually molded into plastic. Like I said, I only paddled around for a short time just to get the feel of the boat, but I did stay completely dry. The seat is slightly raised up, so no water could come up, but water doesn't come through the scuppers anyway. The boat is completely dry.

[Pat G]

I own a t120 and love it , I use it in small lakes, large lakes and back bay