Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Angler Kayak Review

Reviewed By Owen Clarke / Kayaks Editor

November 5, 2022

THE TARPON 100 REVIEW

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayaks

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Summary

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 is a versatile fishing kayak designed to give the angler a good balance between size and performance. At 10ft long, you won’t have trouble transporting it, but it still has plenty of space for all the accessories you need for a comfortable day of fishing. The Tarpon 100 is so easy to use that many people buy it solely for recreational purposes too.

One of the best thing about this kayak is how comfortable it is. Equipped with the Phase 3 AirPro seat, it gives you the option of adjusting your position however you like it and spend many hours on the water without feeling cramped. Many people agree that this is one of the best seats on the market, which says a lot. The kayak also has adjustable foot braces and plenty of space in the cockpit even if you’re very tall.

You won’t have problems fitting all the equipment you want inside this kayak, thanks to the many storage options – two storage hatches, spacious tankwell, several pockets, and bungee holders. It also comes with gear tracks, which are convenient for quickly mounting any gear you need.

This is an exceptionally well-made kayak that won’t let you down no matter how you choose to use it. It feels very stable and safe while sitting in it, while the hull design allows it to be fast on the water too. It works best in flat and calm water, but it can handle headwinds and larger waves without trouble too, which is a huge plus. If you like how all of this sounds, be sure to read the rest of the review and find out more.

What Makes This Angler Kayak Stand Out
Phase 3 AirPro adjustable seat for ultimate comfort
Two Orbix dry hatches
Adjustable foot braces
Four gear rails for quick gear mounting
Excellent balance between length and maneuverability

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Size: 10ft (L) x 30.5in (W) x 15.25in (H)
Weight: 55lbs
Capacity: 325lbs
Material: Polyethylene

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Features

When it comes to features, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 offers significantly more than many other fishing kayaks. And it’s not only about the quantity – the quality of the included features and accessories is top of the line. Take a quick look at a list of things you get with this kayak:

Phase 3 AirPro seat allows full backrest and thigh support adjustability for top-level comfort
Two Orbix storage hatches (bow and center) for storing and keeping your gear fully dry
Four SlideTrax gear tracks for quick and easy mounting of a GoPro holder or rod holders
Rubber storage pockets in front of the seat for stashing smaller gear
Paddle holders on both sides and a slider on the front for quickly securing your kayak paddle
KeepersXL foot brace system is easy to adjust and comfortable even for taller kayakers
Spacious bungee-corded tankwell for all the bulky gear you’re bringing
Four rubberized carry handles for easy transportation
Plenty of beautiful color combinations to choose from

Specifications

Length: 10 feet

Width: 30.5 inches

Height: 15.25 inches

Weight: 55 pounds

Capacity: 325 pounds

Material: High-density polyethylene, rotomolded

Use: Kayak fishing, flatwater kayaking

Colors: Borealis, Galaxy, Mango, Midnight, Atomic, Neutron

Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty for material and manufacturing defects

Included accessories: Phase 3 AirPro seat, SlideTrax accessory rail system, KeepersXL sliding foot brace system, two Orbix hatches, rubber storage pockets, two paddle holders

User Experience

Performance: Paddlers say that this kayak handles surprisingly well and that it’s incredibly easy to control. On top of this, the tracking is also very satisfactory. Compared to its longer version, the Wilderness Tarpon 120, this one is not as fast but it feels more maneuverable.

This is why it’s an excellent choice for all the beginners who want to start kayak fishing. As we mentioned earlier, the Tarpon 100 kayaks work best in calmer water, but people have used it for ocean fishing too and it easily stood to the task.

Stability: The hull is fairly wide and gives you excellent stability, which is really important for a fishing kayak. It’s easy to get in and out, and it stays stable even when loaded with gear. Besides, the kayak comes with 6 scupper holes that help get water out of the kayak, so it doesn’t sink too low when some splash gets inside.

Even though it handles waves and winds pretty well, it’s smart that you inform yourself about kayak safety before going out, so that something unexpected doesn’t ruin your day.

Storage: People are very happy with the amount of storage in this kayak since you get many options. The two Orbix hatches are waterproof and spacious so you can put plenty of gear inside the hull. Thanks to the lever lock, these are easy to open and close. Anglers say that the molded-in storage tankwell is large enough for a milk crate with all your gear and that you can also fit a larger tackle box or a dry bag in there.

In front of the seat, you’ll find two small storage pockets with rubber covering them. These are incredibly convenient for smaller items like sunglasses or a kayak knife, or anything else you need close to hand. There is also a water bottle holder in the middle, and additional bungee cords to secure other smaller gear.

Fishing: As we mentioned when we discussed the features, this kayak comes equipped with the SlideTrax gear rail system. Kayakers say that it’s a convenient and smart solution. There is a total of four rails (two in the cockpit and two in the tankwell), and you can easily mount any type of holder you need – for a fishing rod, your GoPro camera, or other fishing accessories. Additionally, there is a flat rectangular area on the center console, designed for mounting a fish finder if you need one.

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Comfort: Anglers agree that you can sit in this one comfortably during the whole day, which is important while waiting for the fish to bite. The main reason is certainly the Phase 3 AirPro kayak seat. The backrest can be moved forward and back, and can also be folded when transporting the kayak. The seat also allows you to adjust the thigh support by simply pulling on a lever.

In addition to the seat, the kayak has a fully adjustable foot brace system for finding the most comfortable and stable leg position. People also like that the Tarpon 100 comes with paddle holders allowing your hands to remain free. There is a bungee cord with a wheel on the front for quickly sliding the blade underneath, as well as two bungee-corded holders on the sides.

Pros:

The included seat feels great even after many hours of sitting
Storage hatches and a spacious tankwell give you plenty of storage options for your gear
Gear tracks are convenient for quickly mounting holders instead of drilling the kayak
Pockets and bungee cords in the cockpit are handy for small items
Very fast and maneuverable for a 10ft kayak
Excellent durability and a generous warranty

Cons:

Hatch opening may be too narrow to fit some gear
Kayak is heavy for some people to carry on their own

Overall Rating

Price: 100% – We think that the asking price for this kayak is well justified. Sure, it’s more expensive than many other fishing kayaks, but it also gives you much more. In terms of build quality and the number of accessories, it easily blows away the competition in this price range. We think that quality is worth investing in since it will last for a much longer time.
Material: 95% – The high-density polyethylene used in making the Tarpon 100 kayaks has become a standard in the kayak industry since it gives the vessel exceptional toughness and durability. We like that you don’t have to worry about dents or punctures if you happen to hit a rock or a branch when in the water. Also, beautiful colors don’t fade from UV exposure, which is a bonus.
Design: 95% – We are really impressed with the overall design of this sit-on-top kayak. It’s made to give you the ultimate comfort and the possibility to set up the kayak for fishing however you like it. Everything seems to be in its place and the high level of adjustability makes it a great choice for all paddlers.
Overall: 97% – This is a high-quality kayak that you buy if you want to improve your fishing experience. As we mentioned earlier, it’s probably the best choice in this price range. It’s a really smart purchase – you get everything you need for fishing and having a good time on the water, without spending thousands of dollars on gear.

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The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 is versatile, durable, and a complete pleasure to use. As you had the chance to see, it’s really well-designed, and the manufacturer has paid attention to every detail of this kayak. Unlike some other larger kayaks, this one is perfectly sized for when you want to go on the water alone.

Most people can carry the kayak on their own, and it has plenty of room for all the fishing gear you want to bring. Many fishing enthusiasts claim that this is one of the best 10ft angler kayaks you’ll come across. So, if you want to take your fishing game to a higher level, be sure to check this one out.

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayaks

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Last Updated: May 22, 2019 Last Updated: May 22, 2019

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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak