What makes the perfect fishing kayak? That’s a question debated daily on kayak-fishing forums and web sites. Wilderness Systems, an Easley, South Carolina-based company, has earned its status as one of the most recognized names in paddle sports by listening to what their customers want in a fishing kayak.
Redesigned in 2009, Wilderness Systems’ “Tarpon” series has long been a favorite of serious anglers. But what makes a kayak a fishing machine? A review of these Tarpon features might shed some light on what to look for in your next kayak purchase.
• Tracking and handling. Like any boat, car or other vehicle, a kayak that doesn’t handle well won’t be of much use. With available lengths of 12, 14 and 16 feet, the Tarpon adapts to a variety of conditions by combining small-kayak maneuverability with long-kayak speed. Combined with one of the available rudder systems, both handling and tracking are increased ten-fold.
• Accessories. Fishermen in kayaks have to make the most of available space and Tarpon’s Slide Trax accessory system provides stable mounting platforms for everything from depthfinders to anchors.
• Comfort. Whether you’re paddling a flat sound or open ocean, comfortable, stable seating is a must, especially for all day trips. Wildy’s Phase 3 seating offers unprecedented body fit and comfort coming from an ergonomically-designed seat with precision adjustment settings.
• Dryness. By design, sit-on-top kayaks allow water to pass over the hull and exit through built-in scupper holes. The Tarpon comes complete with scupper-hole plugs to allow fishermen to adjust where and how much water goes through the hull.
• Storage. A combination of available deck space, dry storage and compartments helps keep gear organized and available. The Tarpon features a wide aft tankwell with bungee cords to hold a cooler, storage crate or small bait tank while the midship and bow Orbix hatches provide suitable dry storage for personal and fishing gear.
• Rodholders. Vertical rod storage within close reach allows the fisherman to have a variety of rods ready for whatever the situation dictates. Two flush-mount rod holders near the stern and a trolling-ready Scotty rod holder in front of the seat make fishing on the fly a breeze.
For more information, visit www.wildernesssystems.com.
Editor’s Note: This story appears in the August issue of North Carolina Sportsman now on newsstands. To ensure you don’t miss any information-packed issues of the magazine, click here to have each issue delivered right to your mail box.
Be the first to comment