I think you聮re off to a good start with those two Wilderness Systems boats. The Pungo 120 ($700; www.wildernesssystems.com) is a rotomolded 聯recreational” kayak designed for most of the things you intend to do聴paddle on lakes and calm rivers, do some fishing, enjoy yourself. It聮s 12 feet long and weighs 49 pounds, manageable for one person. However, it doesn聮t have a lot of storage space, so taking camping gear might be problematic. The Tarpon 120 ($700) is the same length but a little heavier. While the Pungo has a shallow cockpit, the Tarpon is a sit-on-top design, which some people find more comfortable and easier to manage. The Tarpon has adequate storage for overnight gear and fishing rods. Look into the Tarpon 140 ($775) for a slightly larger boat that tracks better, has better speed, and can easily handle gear for three or four days out on the water.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
I聮d also encourage you to look at two other boats. One is the Perception Carolina 13.5 ($800; www.kayaker.com). It聮s sort of a miniature touring boat聴a very appealing little craft that聮s versatile, comfortable, and easy to paddle. It has two hatches for gear and will take an optional Yakima rudder for better directional control. Finally, Dagger聮s Blackwater 12 ($700; www.dagger.com) has attributes similar to the Wilderness Systems boats; it聮s comfortable and can handle a wide variety of tasks from fishing to photography to camping. Kayaks are kind of like shoes聴one size doesn聮t fit all聴so try several to see what聮s best for you.
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