Hi Fishcreek,

No doubt the WS Tarpon 120 Angler will
do the job. It is a good quality yak. But
it was NOT designed as a "small stream and
pond" kayak which you state is your intended
usuage. There are a host of kayaks that
were designed for these smaller waters and
some of them are half the price and somewhat
lighter. The Tarpon is a great open waters
boat for paddling coastal waters and open
bays. Depending on your body weight and
anticipated gear requirements, you may find
a boat as small as 8 foot and 20 pounds
lighter will fill the bill. It can be a big
deal when it comes to transport and ease of
handling. Obviously you can use the larger
kayak in smaller waters, but it may be a bit
more cumbersome and difficult to handle in
the tighter areas. Kayaks in my opinion are
a great way to get on the water and well
suited for a lot of fishing conditions.
Just that the better you match the craft to
the intended usuage, I think the better
satisfied you'll be over the long haul.
Good luck and welcome to the sport of
"Yak Fishing". Warm regards, Jim