Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler Kayak Review

There are a lot of different types of kayaks on the market these days. However, if you’re looking for something to take out fishing, then you’ll want a sit-on-top kayak. You can often find these designed specifically for anglers.

One of the best kayaks for fishing is the Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler Kayak.

If you’re looking for a good kayak to cast your rod from, you can do so without emptying your wallet. So we decided to break down the many excellent features provided in this Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler Kayak Review.

So, let’s go through them and find out if this is the perfect kayak for you…

Product Description

First things first, it’s best to know exactly what you are purchasing. The Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler Kayak is a 10 ft long sit-on-top style kayak. As the name suggests, it has been custom designed for anglers.

This kayak has a number of features, and we get to those in further detail below. The Tamarack™ Angler is designed for top-notch safety and stability. There are features to improve your stability and tracking, and a comfortable seat. With cargo storage and other extras, your day paddling around and fishing will be more enjoyable.

Ohh, and it is available in olive green…

Specifications

Top Features Of The Angler 120 Sit-On-Top Kayak

One of the most important aspects of any kayak is its stability. This is especially important when you’re looking for an angler’s kayak. You’ll need to keep yourself stable when you’re paddling around, of course. You will also need stability in those wonderful moments when you’re fighting your catch on the end of the line.

The 120 Angler Kayak is so stable you can stand up in it on the water…

The kayak not only has a flat bottom, but it is equipped with both tracking channels and chine rails. Deep center channels, combined with the built-in rear skeg, help you to keep the kayak running straight. We found that the kayak tracks true.

We also like the multi-chine hull. It offers supreme stability on both flat water and in those choppy conditions. The primary and secondary stability work so well you can cast or sight fish while standing up.

Take control…

Stability is furthered by the multiple footrest positions, which keep you in control. All in all, we found this to be a very stable kayak. It tracks well for a lightweight watercraft and keeps you in control. For fighting fish, casting, or getting to the right spot, this is one of the best angler kayaks.

Comfort Is Another Vital Aspect Of The 120 Angler Kayak

This kayak has a padded seat and an adjustable seat back, which is also padded. This is important if you’re planning to spend long hours on the water, enjoying a beautiful day outside. The more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll be able to stay out on the water.

For those without extra natural padding, this seat might need an extra pillow. At least, if you’re going to be on the water for several hours at a time. It’s comfortable, but we’d prefer it to be a touch softer.

Splish splash…

Because this is a sit-on-top kayak, you may get a bit wet. This tends to happen most often from paddle splash. However, you can also experience some leakage from the scupper holes. This is easy to avoid with scupper plugs. To find out more, check out our article on What are Scupper Plugs?

The multiple molded footrests make this kayak usable to people of any size. This keeps you comfortable and allows you to change your sitting or leg positions throughout the day. This plus the top-notch stability helps to keep you comfortable for longer periods. Plus, these have no parts to break, being molded into the hull.

This brings us to durability, which is another important aspect of any kayak.

Lifetime Tamarack makes the 10 ft Angler Kayak out of a blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material is UV-Protected, meaning that it won’t quickly breakdown from sun exposure. It also offers a solid degree of impact resistance. So durable the manufacturer offers a 5-Year Limited Warranty.

We really like that you get such a tough kayak, in a frame that isn’t going to break your back. It’s not the lightest kayak on the market, but it isn’t heavy either.

Transportability is our fourth major concern when purchasing an angler kayak

It’s all good being out on the water in your new kayak. First though, you need to get it to the waterfront. Luckily, the 120-inch Angler Kayak from Lifetime Tamarack will easily fit in most pickup trucks.

And the 120 Angler Kayak is light enough to load-up on your own. At only 52 pounds, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting this kayak on your trailer. It comes complete with a couple of carry handles as well. This is a great kayak to those solo anglers.

Don’t Forget Your Cargo Storage Concerns

One of the annoyances of sit-on-top kayaks is how everything is open to the water. If you want to keep your gear secure, you’ll need to have specific places for everything. With the 120 Angler Kayak, you have just that. This kayak comes with a number of storage options for when you’re out on the water.

You’ll have a place for your tackle, lures, snacks, and everything else you might need. We wouldn’t want you paddling away from your favorite spot just to grab that extra piece of gear. Luckily, with a maximum weight of 275 pounds, you can bring everything you might need.

Safe and secure…

There are two flush-mounted fishing rod holders, plus one top-mounted, adjustable rod holder. And the shock cords web over the front and rear of the kayak for added storage. There are even two paddle cradles to keep them secure and at hand.

If you’re looking to keep even more things within arms reach, you’re in luck. There are also two 6 inch storage hatches. They are a great place to keep your valuables. One is located directly in front of the seat, the other right behind it. Not only that, but the space behind the seat is perfect for holding a cooler or a crate.

This kayak is obviously purpose-built with anglers in mind. We like how there is a spot for everything we need for a day fishing.

The Final Thing To Consider Is Where You Will Use This Kayak

Not all kayaks are designed the same. Some are built for the waves, others are intended for use on calmer waters. The 120 Angler Kayak from Lifetime Tamarack belongs in the latter category.

As a sit-on-top kayak, this is best used in warmer climates. This is due to the fact that you are likely going to get a touch wet. You can plug the scupper holes, but there still might be a bit of splash back from paddling. None of this will ruin your day unless you’re in colder locations.

The design of this kayak makes it the perfect kayak for calm lakes and rivers. Ideally, with narrow inlets, as this kayak maneuvers quite well.

Well, Actually. There Is One More Thing To Consider… The Price

As far as angler kayaks go, the 120-inch option from Lifetime Tamarack is a reasonably priced kayak. There are cheaper models, but none with these features and stability.

We think you’ll be highly satisfied with your new watercraft. As long as you have the right fishing line, fishing lures, and the rest, you’ll be reeling them in all day long.

Further Reading

If you’ve enjoyed this review, you may also like our reviews of the Best Fishing Kayaks under 500 Dollars, our Best Sit On Top Kayak reviews, our Best Kayak Trailer reviews, our Best Kayak Seat reviews, and our Best Trolling Motor for Kayaks reviews.

You may also be interested in our articles on How to Transport a Kayak without a Roof Rack, Canoe vs Kayak, and Sit on Top vs Sit In Kayak.

Pros and Cons Of Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler Kayak

Conclusion

There are a lot of angler kayaks to choose from these days. The Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler Kayak we’ve reviewed above is one of our favorites. It has a great deal to offer anyone looking to spend all day on the water fishing.

We’ve looked at the stability, comfort, durability, transportability, and cargo storage features. Plus, we have also discussed why you’ll have a better day in a kayak designed for anglers. So, what’s keeping you here? Go buy one and have some fun.

Happy Kayaking!