CAPE CANAVERAL ROCKET SHIP


The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160 Angler B


PAY ATTENTION


efore you can catch fish on the flats, you have to find them. The stretched-out 16-foot-long Tarpon


160 is as fast as anything powered by a paddle or pedals. To cover water any quicker while hunting the happy mullet and nervous bait that signal trout or reds are in the area, you’d need a motor. When the wind blows hard, the low profile of the boat keeps it from getting blown around but it does take some water over the bow during rougher conditions. No matter, the scuppers quickly drain the boat dry. Thanks to the elevated seat, you don’t have to sit in a puddle. Ah, comfort. The sleek Tarpon is more torpedo than barge, so


standing up isn’t for everyone. Some can do it, poling from place to place. Once you hit a likely area it’s easy to hop off and wade fish for a while. Like any longer kayak, the Tarpon benefits from a rudder. Turning is much easi- er, but far from the only advantage. When drift fishing, a rudder allows pinpoint maneuverability. The boat is laid out very well; its hatches are very accessible and easy to use, and the tankwell is huge. The front shock cord strap allows for quickly securing the paddle when a snap cast is needed. —Jason Stock


16’ L • 28” W • 83 LBS • $1,239 www.wildernesssystems.com


Look for large milling mullet or nervous baitfish, good signs that game fish are nearby. • JASON STOCK •


WIRE WALKER—STOCK SHOWS STANDING TALL IS POSSIBLE EVEN IN HIS TORPEDO OF A TARPON. INSET: THE AGILE EXPERT’S REWARD.


36 …KAYAK ANGLER EARLY SUMMER 2012


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