Pungo 120 Angler

This boat tracks well compared to other similar sized rec kayaks I tried. Wind and recreational fishing kayaks don't tend to mix well in the first place, and I found the bow was tending to ride low into waves. I never got wet from over-wash, but it came close a few times. I found that by shifting my weight over my back pockets instead of hunching forward, it helped the bow pop up, ride higher, and take waves better. It is not especially fond of whitecaps, neither am I. This kayak is not overly heavy, yet does not have a thin walled hull like some other manufacturer's boats I tried.

Since fishing is a gear intensive pursuit, I have come love the storage hatches behind the seat and in the dash, where I keep rod holders, topo maps, a plug knocker, marker buoys, and boxes of lures. Everything in the back storage compartment can be reached from the cockpit. The Pungo Angler came with two RAM screwball mounts and a zookatube rod holder. I added another zookatube immediately, but quickly discovered that the right hand threads on the screwball mount will allow a port-mounted rod to spin towards the stern when a big enough fish hits (this flaw cost me fish). I realize that problem does not belong to Wilderness Systems. RAM, (the mount manufacturer) does not offer a screwball with left-hand threads, so I was forced to mount permanent 1.5 inch RAM mounts on the left side of my boat so the zookatubes on that side would function as designed. Those original mounts on the Pungo Angler are installed through the deck with rivets and no support underneath the deck. This makes the rods in the holders bounce whenever waves are just a few inches high. I replaced the rivets with stainless screws, nuts, and fender washers under the deck for support. This boat is primarily a fishing kayak and it needs to be able to hold up to the task correctly.

I also added a Lowrance Hook4X depth finder with a RAM quick release mount on top of the hatch on the dash. The battery is stored in a low profile watertight box behind the seat and is held in place with plastic speed buckles & nylon straps. The transducer for the depth finder is mounted in a water tight box that I cut the bottom out of, contoured to match the floor, and sealed it to the floor under the seat with silicone sealant. All the cables between battery, transducer, and depth finder are secure in plastic wire loom, though it can all be removed in a matter of minutes if necessary. It works great with zero possibility of damaging the cables.

I've added 2 more zookatubes aft of the cockpit as storage for other rods, so I can increase or decrease the size of my tackle as necessary without having to paddle all the way back to the truck.

The few changes I'd make to this boat would be:
1. A lower profile carry handle on the stern
2. A higher bow, and
3. A paddle clip on the dash.
Fishing line will sometimes slide between the rear carry strap and deck, which makes it tricky to remove at times, especially considering it is behind where it can't easily be seen. A slightly taller bow would take bigger waves better, and a paddle clip would be handy when fighting and releasing fish.

I'm happy I bought the Pungo 120 and it continues to serve me well. I am tempted to move up to a Pungo 140 for extra space and bigger water capability, though I may just stick with what I've got. My best fish so far from that boat have been a 20 inch largemouth bass, a 14 inch crappie, and a 26 inch channel cat. I know there's bigger fish from that boat in my future.

Great recreational kayak, seat is very comfortable, knee padding on sides is welcome, foot peddles can be adjusted fairly easily. Dry hatch in back can be opened while on water, after several years seal on bulkhead inside leaks a bit into the dry area, will apply sealant to prevent this.

Overall a great starter sit inside, paddles easily, tracks great and is light weight.