Tarpon 100 too small?

[Steve Bussell]

Is a Tarpon 100 too small for bass fishing?  Looking to add a SOT to the fleet (currently have a Pungo 120) and wondering if the 10 footer is too small.  Thanks.

[Chris LeMessurier]

It really depends on what you're going to do with it...where and how you're going to fish.  There is no 1 kayak that does everything.  Just like automobiles, some work better than others in certain applications.

 

I just returned from a saltwater trip where I paddled a Tarpon 100.  It was nice and comfortable to fish out of, and since we weren't paddling long distances, the length was a non-issue.  Shorter boats do not have the same tracking as a longer boat.  Longer boats also paddle easier/faster, so are better suited when covering long distances.  A shorter boat, like a Tarpon 100, can "pivot" on a dime...bad when your trying to paddle a long/straight line, but good when you are trying to turn/stear on moving water like a river or stream.

 

Does that make sense and help a little?

[Steve Bussell]

Thanks Chris.  I appreciate the info. I mostly fish lakes and small ponds, no saltwater.  Is the 100 stable enough to stand-up fish?  I know that is one of the selling points of the new Ride models.

[Parrish Henderson]

Hi Steve,

   I have a Tarpon 140...love my boat...but I did look at the Ride 115 before getting this boat. I probably would have gone with the Ride if I didn't live in South Florida and paddle long distances out into Biscayne Bay and around the different Keys. I bought my boat from an outdoor store where I worked as a kid and my old boss said If you were going to get a boat where you are planning on standing to fish, the Ride would be best because it is wider than the Tarpons. Hope this helps...

[Steve Bussell]

Thanks Parrish.  The Ride 115 may be the best compromise. A little long for better tracking and a liitle wider for

more stability.  Appreciate the help with the decision.

[Joe Poole]

There are really 3 boats in the Wildy line-up that would fit your needs. The Tarpon 100 and 120, and the Ride115. If standing is your thing, the Ride115 is your boat. If you intend to sit side-saddle and fish, look at the Tarpons. Really small waters and short paddles, the Tarpon 100 would be my choice. However, at 12 feet, the Tarpon 120 is great compromise tracking fairly well, yet still manueverable, and you get 2 foot more room for fishing gear.

And if you intend to fish mostly calm waters, the Commander120 may be good for you. You need to visit your nearest dealer and check them all out. Paddling all of them at a demo day would be ideal.

good luck and tight lines,

joe

[Chad Hoover]

Not really. But, I would have to say a little bigger boat, like the Ride 115, will be much more comfortable and has a lot higher capacity and many more fishing features. That said, I have caught quite a few bass from the Tarpon 100 and I am not a little guy..lol. 

Tight lines,

Chad

[Bill Schultz]

I've paddled the Tarpon 100 a half dozen days for bass and, no it's not too small.

 

BUT, it depends what types of water you're fishing.  Small Lakes, I like the Tarpon 120 or 140.  Actually I use the 140 and Commander 140 for all my fishing, which doesn't include many rivers. 

 

I will be seeing the Ride 115 for the first time working Canoecopia in Madison and will likely get one.

 

Bill

[Chris Hill]

I purchased the Tarpon 100 3 years ago and use it on smaller lakes and the Back Bay in Virginia Beach and love it.  I've had it in the Ocean as well, but would probably prefer a 120 or the Ride 115 or 135 if that was my main fishing area.  It's a great boat and I've gone Bass fishing most weekends without any issues.  The lakes I typically fish are 1 - 2 miles in lenght and I'll typically work my way down and back on each fishing trip.

Comments from other are all relevent, it comes down to where you're going to fish, how big you are and how much gear you want to take with you.  If you're going to stand for sight fishing, I would probably lean towards the Ride or the Commander boats.

 

Good Fishing, Chris

 

[Steve Bussell]

Thanks Chris. Appreciate the comments.  Saving my pennies for a Tarpon 120 or a Ride 115.