Question: KAYAKERS: Any of you seen the 2009 models of the wilderness systems tarpon120

[Jump n Fish]

They don't have them up on the wilderness systems website for some reason, but I've seen the drawings of the new tarpon 120 on various kayaking websites and they gave it quite the makeover. I gotta see one of these things in person because it looks awesome. I've got a redfish 12 and I was going to buy an 08 model tarpon 120 this weekend thats on clearance for a great price, but after seeing this drawing, I'm tempted to save my money and hold out for one of these.

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak - 2009 Model - Austin Kayak - Product Details

Edited to add:
I guess its all the tarpon models that got a makeover this year.
Here's another sneak peak I found of a prototype
Google Image Result for http://paddlesport.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/img00026.jpg

I'm almost gettin giddy just thinking about it.

[Big Johnson]

Very nice kayaks, thanks for sharing... I hope to be able to possibly score a kayak this next year. I have been kicking around the Ocean Big Game Prowler because of its load capacity. As my user name suggest, I am not a light weight but have a great desire to kayak... Does this sound like a good fit or would you suggest something else.

The new Zephyr 155ST looks awesome!!!

[Jump n Fish]

I'm assuming you're wondering if the tarpon is a good fit and not the zephyr. Do you plan on using it mainly for open water, or smaller rivers and creeks. If you're gonna be on open water mainly, for your size I would get a 14'er like the tarpon 140. I prefer a 12'er for rivers and creeks because I've found a 14'er harder in current to control and it will get pushed sideways faster in the current if you're not on top of things. Also for your weight a 12'er is going to be a wetter ride. The 09 model in the 12' or14' is gonna be a bit pricey, but now's a good time to be looking around for the 08's on clearance. Still a great boat but I like the layout of the 09's. I'm a little skeptical of the new hatch because my kayak takes a beating and I like the rubber lid. I have a heritage redfish 12. Its a very similar boat, but I liked it because it seemed to ride a bit shallower than tarpon because of a flatter bottom. I need that to slide over logs and shoals on the rivers, but it would be pretty much unnecessary in open water. Also the redfish has a more open and flatter ****pit that I like to stand up in. The redfish is 2" wider at the widest part which makes it probably a little more stable but not by much since the tarpon has a very slight tri-hull even though its slightly narrower, but the tarpon is probably a little quicker. If you are wanting a 12' kayak, I would recommend the redfish for your size. Even my skinny butt gets a little wet in the tarpon, but I have a friend that weighs around 250 that has a redfish 12 like mine and he stays as dry as I do. Thats mainly because the redfish has a taller platform so you sit up a bit higher, but theres a tradeoff because that makes it more vulnerable to the wind blowing it around too. There is no perfect kayak for every use, you have to decide what you're primary use is going to be and go from there. Unless you want to buy more than one.

Anyway I picked up my Heritage Redfish 12 on clearance for new for $550. The same place I got that had a tarpon 120 for the same price that I was going to get today, but they sold it yesterday. I'm not sure who all deals these kayaks up that way, but check the smaller outfitters like Canfields, *****, Scheels. I've never seen Cabelas or Bass Pro carry Heritage or Wilderness Systems kayaks. You may have to order one or travel a little ways to find a dealer. Check their website for dealers near you. I know kayakjak is a big fan of the Perception kayak, but unfortunately I've never been able to try one of these to say much about it. The native manta ray is a great boat too and basically another version of the redfish and tarpon, but for a little more money.

[kayakjak]

The Tarpon 120 looks like a dandy! The price isn't bad either. I do like the Perception in smaller ponds and lakes. Also, pretty good on the river. It is a good one for the hotter weather as you can easily get wet on nice hot windy day. It also manuevers very well. For a bigger guy you might try a Cobra. We have one and it handles everyone easily. It is also very fast in the water. The Wilderness Ride is an excellent Kayak as well. They sit well and very stable. Whatever you get you will have the most fun of your life catching fish from it! If you need any other suggestions just let me know. I've got some other kayak buddies that might be of some help. If you want to try any of mine just let me know. We have quite a few to choose from here.