If you’re curious about the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 and want to know whether it fits your paddling style, you’re in the right place.

I’ve used this kayak in real conditions, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the parts that actually matter when you’re on the water.

You’ll get a simple look at its comfort, stability, features, and who it’s best suited for, without any jargon or sales talk.

You’ll finish this guide with a clear sense of what the Tarpon 105 offers and whether it matches the way you like to paddle, while still keeping some details for you to explore as you read.

What Is the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105?

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 is a sit-on-top kayak made for stable, comfortable paddling. It works well on lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal water.

It suits recreational paddlers, casual anglers, beginners, and anyone who wants steady handling with simple storage.

Its main strength is balance. It tracks straight, feels stable, and has a comfortable adjustable seat. The deck layout offers easy access to small gear for short trips.

Key Specifications

These are the main specifications for the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105. They give you a simple overview of its overall build and setup:

The details give you a clear sense of what the Tarpon 105 offers on the water. Together, they show how this kayak fits everyday paddling needs with a steady, practical design.

Key Features of The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105

These features shape how the Tarpon 105 feels on the water. They also help you understand what it’s like to use this kayak in real conditions, not just on paper:

1. Comfort & Seating System

The Tarpon 105 uses an adjustable seat with mesh fabric and padded support. It feels comfortable even on longer trips because the seat keeps you cool and doesn’t trap heat.

I found the back support steady and easy to adjust while paddling. The seating sits low, which helps with balance, but still feels soft enough for longer outings.

2. Stability & Performance

This kayak offers solid primary stability, so it feels steady when you sit down or shift your weight. Its secondary stability also holds well when the water gets choppy.

It’s not the fastest kayak, but it balances speed and control nicely. You get enough maneuverability for tight spots, while still feeling stable on calmer lakes and slow-moving rivers.

3. Tracking & Handling

The Tarpon 105 tracks straight without much effort, which makes paddling feel smoother over longer distances. Its turning radius is easy to manage, even for beginners.

I noticed it handles light wind well, with only minor correction needed. It feels predictable, which helps a lot when you’re learning or paddling in mixed conditions.

4. Storage & Deck Layout

The kayak includes a large rear tank well, a front hatch for small gear, and built-in rail mounts for accessories. The layout keeps everything easy to reach without feeling cluttered.

I liked how open the deck felt because it gives you room to move without tripping over gear. It’s simple, practical, and made for day-trip setups.

5. Fishing-Friendly Features

The Tarpon 105 gives you space to add rod holders, anchor systems, and small tackle accessories using the rail mounts.

While it’s not a stand-up fishing kayak, it still feels stable enough for simple fishing setups. It’s best for casual anglers who want comfort and storage without carrying a lot of extra equipment.

These features come together to give the Tarpon 105 a steady, comfortable feel on the water. They also show how well it fits everyday paddling needs, whether you’re learning or just relaxing outside.

Price & Value for Money

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 typically costs $899 to $1,119, depending on the retailer and color.

In this range, you get a durable sit-on-top kayak with steady performance and good comfort. It isn’t a budget option, but the build quality and reliability make the price reasonable for most paddlers.

Where to Buy

• REI Co-op: Offers online ordering and shipping; sometimes lists the Tarpon 105 at a discounted price.
• West Marine: Sells the Tarpon 105 for around $1,119 with standard shipping options.
• Confluence Outdoor: Lists the Tarpon 105 for about $899 with online shipping available.
• Blain’s Farm & Fleet: Offers online purchasing with shipping or in-store pickup.

These options make it easy to compare prices and find the best deal for your area. Checking shipping costs and stock levels can help you save a bit more when you order.

Real-World Performance Review

This part gives you a clear idea of how the Tarpon 105 performs in everyday conditions. It helps you understand what the kayak actually feels like on the water, not just on paper.

Flatwater: The Tarpon 105 feels steady and easy to control on calm lakes. It tracks straight with little effort, and the speed is decent for a kayak of this size.

Rivers: It handles slow-moving rivers well and turns smoothly in tighter spots. The stability holds up when you shift your weight or adjust your seating position.

Coastal / Ocean: The kayak stays stable in light chop and small waves. It needs a bit more correction in stronger winds, but it works well for short coastal outings.

Long-Distance Comfort: The seat remains supportive during longer paddles, and the footrests help you stay comfortable. The deck layout keeps your gear close without feeling crowded.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Buy the Tarpon 105

These points help you see if the Tarpon 105 matches the way you like to paddle. It makes the choice easier by showing who will get the most value from this kayak.

Who Should Buy the Tarpon 105

• Recreational paddlers
• Occasional anglers
• People who paddle on lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal water
• Beginners and intermediate paddlers who want stability and comfort

Who Should Avoid the Tarpon 105

• Large anglers who need maximum stability
• People who want a kayak that they can stand on comfortably
• Serious multi-day expedition paddlers
• Anyone needing extra storage for long or gear-heavy trips

This gives you a clear idea of who the Tarpon 105 is designed for. Keep it in mind as you decide whether its features fit the way you like to paddle.

Final Thoughts

After going through this guide, you should have a solid sense of what the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 brings to the table and how it fits different paddling styles.

I wanted to share it in a way that feels easy to follow, so you can decide without second-guessing or digging through scattered info.

I hope this helped you feel more confident about whether the Tarpon 105 fits your style and your plans on the water.

If you’re looking for a stable, comfortable kayak that handles everyday water conditions well, this one is definitely worth considering!