Widerness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak Fishing Review

Answers by Chris "Holy Mackerel" Fierro

1. How long have been fishing the kayak?

About two Years, since June 2003.

2. Why did you choose this boat?

One day at work, of course on my break, I was looking up fishing, and some kayak fishing sites popped with my google search, along with, Jas’ old school message board. I saw the kayak fishing pics posted, and thought, “Man, I have to do that!” When I was looking at kayaks, I remember seeing a lot of posts on Scupper Pro’s, Scramblers, and FnD’s. Honestly, I didn’t know any better when making my decision. A few weeks later, I went to photo my Friends Funk band, and met someone who worked at Windsport in Mission Bay, so I went in the next day. It seems like an explosion of new fishing kayaks arrived on the scene just after I bought my kayak, but I am very happy with it.

3. Have you owned other boats? Which? In what order? Discuss your progression.

Yes, as a teenager in the 80's I had a mullet, and an inflatable raft. My friends and I used to slam the Calico's under the W. Mission Bay bridge. Once in about 1991 I went down to San Felipe, and brought my inflatable two man raft ready to tackle the Sea of Cortez. We were staying at this time share resort place, and I remember seeing these bright colored plastic kayaks stacked on the beach, they looked like scrambler style, very basic. I thought "hmm, those look cheap, who would paddle those tupperware looking things," my visions of a kayak at the time where the traditional long cruising style, wood finish looking things. So, I proceeded to pump up my two man raft which took forever to blow up, was difficult to row, and was always in danger of popping. Many years later, I still kick myself for not trying to fish one of those kayaks, I am sure it would have instantly made a lot more sense to use as a fishing platform. I also inherited a scupper pro no tank well from my brother in law who no longer paddles due to being married, and having a kid, he says he has no time to paddle, so I said I will gladly take guardianship of it. It's fast, and a great second kayak for taking my friends, and my nephews.

4. What are the tradeoffs of this kayak?

No room for forward flush mounts in the front for trolling. I have a Nemo™ bait bucket by Grego with two rod holders, and two other flush mounts behind my seat for trolling. But that is what clickers are for, and I have come to like to have all my rods, and equipment behind me. I like to keep the bow open so I can lay my jig dedicated pole hanging off the front, so in an instant I can drop down an iron, or use a surface iron depending on the time of year. I actually mounted a flush mount and a Scotty rod holder on the bow. It works, but a little too far to reach, and you literally have to jump up and straddle the kayak to get to the rod in time during a strike. The Scotty flush mount is now my fish finder mount, which places my fish finder off to the right, and opens the front of the kayak up a lot, and the flush mount works for my gaff. I wish it had more storage below deck for rods in big surf, and big fish, but for me those two things are rare.

Here is a shot from the stern with the bait bucket, and flush mounts.

5. What are the strengths of this kayak?

It is light, so I am not killing myself to lift it on my rack. It tracks well, is stable, has a good open deck, and it is a dry ride, which is important to me. The Tank well is great, and the space between the tank well is good for rod holder placement. The design of the cockpit where the molded rod mounts are placed work well with Velcro, I placed there to keep my tools in one place, ie watch, pliers, clippers, knife. Also the built in seat works for me, I know people complain, but I like it because it is easy to use, and sturdy. It forces me to wear my PFD, because it acts as padding on my back as well. For being 12 ft, it is pretty quick, but I admit, I wish I had a longer kayak for those longer paddles back to shore. Due to the keel, hull design, or dead rise ( I am not a boat engineer, so some, most, if not all of these terms may be wrong ) I have been able to paddle farely well in bad wind and chop, and never felt like I wasn’t really getting anywhere.

You can see in this shot the set up, a little ghetto rigged, but works for me…

6. What is the one thing that keeps it above the rest in your mind?

It's a great all around kayak, but to each their own, besides everybody has their own preferences, I would probably be happy on any kayak, as long I can still fish. It really works for me though, and I am looking at the T-160 for a possible upgrade, unless I win a new kayak in a tourney here soon, so I guess I better just start saving for that T-160!

7. Anything else?

Yes, thank you for this opportunity, see you all on the tourney trail!

8. Do you have a couple of favorite pictures of you and this boat? Post them!

The early days, with one of my biggest catches to date! (fish was released unharmed) You can see the old crate system, multiple Spinning rods, and how clean my kayak still was…