Tarpon has been built long and lanky to make short work of long endurance trips, and while we love getting out into the ocean with our Tarpon kayak, this 12-foot beast is no stranger to paddling estuaries, lagoons, lakes, and rivers either.

Vanhunks Tarpon is a single sit-on-top fishing kayak suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers, We’ve taken the original vessel and given it several deluxe upgrades.

We’ve kept all the favourites from the original Tarpon, and added definite creature comforts. The first changes you’d notice when comparing the two is that, where the first Tarpon had two small round storage hatches, as well as the 50cmx25cm oval hatch at the bow, the new Tarpon now sports more significant rectangle storage hatches measuring 35cmx25cm in the round hatches’ places.

The center console hatch houses dry lining for you to keep your electronics and valuables (within the added care of a dry bag in case of capsizing), while the hatch behind the seat is where you can drop your fish once you’ve caught them.

We adjusted the original Tarpon’s 5mm rotomolded high-density Polyethylene mold pattern and made a place for our much loved deluxe aluminum, removable, padded mesh seat. Great for reclining while you wait for the fish to bite, or position it forward for a more comfortable paddle stance as you make your way over vast stretches of water. We are especially fond of our deluxe seat as it doubles up well around the campfire at night, and also makes an excellent choice as a beach chair if you decide to take a break from the water. Once you’re ready to hit the water again for another round, clip the seat back in the four-point seat locks.

Where the original Tarpon fishing kayak offered two accessory tracks at the bow’s bungee storage, our all-new Tarpon sports five accessory tracks, including two tracks with adjustable bungee slider latches at the stern’s bungee storage area. The Tarpon’s swivel rod holder is no longer fitted to the kayak via inserts but rather slides onto any of the five accessory tracks flanking this boat’s edges. Aside from the included swivel rod holder, you’ve also got two molded-in rod holders so you can have more than one reel on the go at a time.

Our new Tarpon fishing kayak is as stable and buoyant as the original model with its 30-inch width, weighs in at 61lbs, and has a max weight capacity of 550lbs.

Let’s talk about the rudder system on the Tarpon fishing kayak for a moment. Aside from the cable launch-and-retrieve system to control the rudder blade with, the foot pedals are now adjustable. Tracking a straight course is a breeze now. We guess you also spotted the extra inserts at the tip of the stern. These are where you have the option to mount an electric propeller with a motor size of up to 46lbs, should you choose to give your kayak a propulsion boost. Of course, the motor can be purchased as an added extra.

So, who would be of benefit to the Tarpon’s tremendous fighting spirit against the elements? Anyone. From weekend warriors, daily paddlers and anglers, commercial touring and adventure companies, as well as hotels, lodges, and rental shops wanting to give their guests a great outdoors experience.