Anyone thinking of picking up a wilderness tarpon, don't hesitate they are awesome boats from the 100-160. I fished out of one for over 3 yrs and close to 60-80 days each year. Look at the other companies using the older wilderness molds like perception and evoke. The wilderness thresher is also built off of this platform. You will appreciate the speed and stability plus how comfortable the boat is.
I have had a Tarpon 100 for 6 years and can’t fault it here in Australia. Taken it through some rugged country with little damage. Caught heaps of fish in it. Love it.
Thank you for this review! After going blind from looking for the right kayak (needing one that can hold my dog on the deck), I decided today to get this one. I’ll be picking it up tomorrow, now with more confidence than before. Thx!
Hey Laurie, Hope you enjoy your new kayak as much as I do. My wife has ventured out in this boat with our 44 lb. poodle sitting in front of her on many occasions.
@@lauriefrazier5670 We use a 240cm paddle, for the same reason you suggested...the longer paddle gives me more thrust due to the width of the boat. I also have a shorter paddle, but with that particular kayak, i much prefer the longer paddle. Check out my review of a 240cm Aqua-Bound kayak paddle: ua-cam.com/video/IkRtm4ptsoU/v-deo.html
TheOneCanoe Thank you for directing me to this paddle. Yesterday, when going to purchase the Tarpon 100, I was convinced to get the Tarpon 105 due to the size of my dog-65-70#. (Hope this wasn’t a mistake). They also sold me a 230cm paddle...that said, on dry land, with dog, self and 230cm paddle in the kayak, the 230cm seemed almost too short. I will return the 230 for a 240cm and hoping they carry the Aqua-Bound. I really appreciate your reviews and advice! Many thanks!
Thanks for the review. Looking for a kayak to take out on overnighters (lakes and rivers). Thoughts?. The local REI has the 105 in stock currently. I might have to take a closer look at it.
I love the Tarpon 100, and find it to be the perfect size for an overnight trip with plenty of storage for all my gear. Unfortunately they discontinued the 100 model, but they have replaced it with the 105. Major difference being the 100 had 2 hatches, the 105 has one hatch in the bow, but the midship hatch has been replaced by a 'dry-box' for storing wallets, phones, keys etc. Both boats have a large storage well at the stern. The 100 is a super stable craft, and I'm sure the 105 is too.
Is this to small for someone who is 6'4" 220# or would you go with the 120? Cannot wait for this lock down to end so I can check them out in person ;-)
The Tarpon 100 has a capacity of 325 lb. so you should be OK. I like it because it only weighs 55 lb. so easy for me to carry. The Tarpon 120 probably handles a bit better. It has a capacity of 350 lb. but it weight in at 63 lb. You might also want to check out their now offering, the Tarpon 105, an updated version of the Tarpon 100.
thanks for the video.... lots of great info..... how to chose the right length on a kayak? how manouverable are these? Any particular model for a beginer?
So many variables... a lot comes down to personal preferences. Starting out you probably want something that's not too big and easy enough to carry/transport by yourself, so weight may be more of an issue than length. I find the 'sit-on-top' style of kayak to be a lot more stable and very hard to tip than a 'sit-in' style. This particular boat (TARPON 100) is very maneuverable, but at only 10 feet in length it's not as fast as a longer, narrower kayak might be.
Hey Colin, Great to hear you just ordered one. Hope you enjoy yours, I really love mine! The camera mount is made by a company called Scotty. It is the #135 camera/compass mount. I did a review on that item, you'll find it on my UA-cam channel. Its called "Scotty Camera Mount Review" Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/3Chvz5d7stY/v-deo.html
Fab thanks. I'll get one of those and the #438 base unit. Good to go exploring the Gower coast then (Wales UK). Always sailed but want to get in closer :)
Good, those Scotty mounts are really useful, reasonably priced and very well made. If you can't find one at a dealer, there is a link to Amazon(U.S.) under my review video. Cheers and happy paddling -Wayne
Anyone thinking of picking up a wilderness tarpon, don't hesitate they are awesome boats from the 100-160. I fished out of one for over 3 yrs and close to 60-80 days each year. Look at the other companies using the older wilderness molds like perception and evoke. The wilderness thresher is also built off of this platform. You will appreciate the speed and stability plus how comfortable the boat is.
I have had a Tarpon 100 for 6 years and can’t fault it here in Australia. Taken it through some rugged country with little damage. Caught heaps of fish in it. Love it.
Do you use it in the ocean? I'm moving to Kailua-Kona and I'm debating about selling it.
Susan Anderson I haven’t but I have seen the Tarpon 120 out in the ocean off Sydney.
I have this and the Aspire 105. Love them both!
Thank you for this review! After going blind from looking for the right kayak (needing one that can hold my dog on the deck), I decided today to get this one. I’ll be picking it up tomorrow, now with more confidence than before. Thx!
Hey Laurie, Hope you enjoy your new kayak as much as I do. My wife has ventured out in this boat with our 44 lb. poodle sitting in front of her on many occasions.
TheOneCanoe That is so good to hear about your dog. I’m hopeful mine will be happy cruising along in it.
I have a question: what length paddle do you recommend? 230cm or 240cm (I’m wondering if the 240 as the kayak is pretty wide and sits high)
@@lauriefrazier5670 We use a 240cm paddle, for the same reason you suggested...the longer paddle gives me more thrust due to the width of the boat. I also have a shorter paddle, but with that particular kayak, i much prefer the longer paddle. Check out my review of a 240cm Aqua-Bound kayak paddle: ua-cam.com/video/IkRtm4ptsoU/v-deo.html
TheOneCanoe Thank you for directing me to this paddle. Yesterday, when going to purchase the Tarpon 100, I was convinced to get the Tarpon 105 due to the size of my dog-65-70#. (Hope this wasn’t a mistake). They also sold me a 230cm paddle...that said, on dry land, with dog, self and 230cm paddle in the kayak, the 230cm seemed almost too short. I will return the 230 for a 240cm and hoping they carry the Aqua-Bound. I really appreciate your reviews and advice! Many thanks!
Thank you.Our local REI store had one stacked on top of 3 other Kayaks.Pretty hard to even look at when they do that.
Your welcome. Thanks for checking out this review.
Thanks for the review. Looking for a kayak to take out on overnighters (lakes and rivers). Thoughts?. The local REI has the 105 in stock currently. I might have to take a closer look at it.
I love the Tarpon 100, and find it to be the perfect size for an overnight trip with plenty of storage for all my gear. Unfortunately they discontinued the 100 model, but they have replaced it with the 105. Major difference being the 100 had 2 hatches, the 105 has one hatch in the bow, but the midship hatch has been replaced by a 'dry-box' for storing wallets, phones, keys etc. Both boats have a large storage well at the stern. The 100 is a super stable craft, and I'm sure the 105 is too.
@@TheOneCanoe thanks for the info. Much appreciated. I’m assuming I could use a dry sack to make up the loss on one hatch.
Thanks for the overview!
Is this to small for someone who is 6'4" 220# or would you go with the 120? Cannot wait for this lock down to end so I can check them out in person ;-)
The Tarpon 100 has a capacity of 325 lb. so you should be OK. I like it because it only weighs 55 lb. so easy for me to carry. The Tarpon 120 probably handles a bit better. It has a capacity of 350 lb. but it weight in at 63 lb. You might also want to check out their now offering, the Tarpon 105, an updated version of the Tarpon 100.
Wonderfull, complete clip , Thank You.
Thank you.
thanks for the video.... lots of great info.....
how to chose the right length on a kayak? how manouverable are these? Any particular model for a beginer?
So many variables... a lot comes down to personal preferences. Starting out you probably want something that's not too big and easy enough to carry/transport by yourself, so weight may be more of an issue than length. I find the 'sit-on-top' style of kayak to be a lot more stable and very hard to tip than a 'sit-in' style. This particular boat (TARPON 100) is very maneuverable, but at only 10 feet in length it's not as fast as a longer, narrower kayak might be.
What life jacket is that?
Thanks. Just ordered one :) Can you point me at the gimbal (?) camera mount you had attached; thanks.
Hey Colin, Great to hear you just ordered one. Hope you enjoy yours, I really love mine! The camera mount is made by a company called Scotty. It is the #135 camera/compass mount. I did a review on that item, you'll find it on my UA-cam channel. Its called "Scotty Camera Mount Review" Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/3Chvz5d7stY/v-deo.html
Fab thanks. I'll get one of those and the #438 base unit. Good to go exploring the Gower coast then (Wales UK). Always sailed but want to get in closer :)
Good, those Scotty mounts are really useful, reasonably priced and very well made. If you can't find one at a dealer, there is a link to Amazon(U.S.) under my review video. Cheers and happy paddling -Wayne
What type of mount do I need to attach to the aserary rails?
It’s called a “Gear Head Track Adapter” made by Scotty. I think it costs around $20.
TheOneCanoe thx I will look it up!
:)