Why reinvent the wheel? Wilderness Systems’ Tarpon has been a proven fish killer since the early days of kayak fishing. Early adopters loved the seaworthy and sporty hull along with a comfortable, low-profile seat and smart layout. Now, Wilderness Systems take fishing to the next level with their Tarpon 130X.

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130X Specs
Length: 13’
Width: 32”
Deck Height: 16”
Weight: 78 lbs
MSRP: $1,469 USD
wildernesssystems.com

[ Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide: See the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 135T ]

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130X is One for the Ages

Wilderness Systems has given their long-time favorite a modern re-fit to include some of the most popular features available. Fans of the Tarpon should not worry—classic features like the locking bow and cockpit hatches are still there. And the hull retains the soft chines that improve handling in rough seas.

The cockpit is updated to include Wilderness’ most popular inventions. First, the FlexPod OS, which offers more options for storage or an easy way to install and remove electronics. Exchange the FlexPod OS for Wilderness’ new Helix MD motor for reliable, compact power.

Wilderness Systems
Tarpon 130X combines the best ideas in kayak fishing. | Image: Courtesy of Wilderness Systems

Helix Drive Takes You Forward—and Back

Of all the motor-boater kayaks we’ve tested, the Helix drive is the most efficient and easy to use. The lower unit and Torqeedo battery fit together for a non-obtrusive motor that is shaved for size and weight without cutting power. The motor connects to a remote throttle through a single cable. A single lever controls speed and direction; this boat has reverse! At full speed, we were able to zip along faster than anyone could paddle. According to Wilderness, the battery will run for eight hours, plenty to fish all day.

YakPak lithium ion battery on a kayak The Best Battery Setup For Your Fishing Kayak

The throttle also displays battery life, range and GPS speed. The whole package weighs less than 20 pounds and hardly takes any space in the cockpit.

In addition to the FlexPod OS, Wilderness replaced the low-profile seat with their famous AirPro Lite seat. The frame seat is both tough and comfortable. Mesh backing keeps the rider cool, and multiple adjustments make it comfortable. The seat slides fore and aft on a track system to balance weight and trim the kayak.

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130X fishing kayak
Tarpon 130X is the boat we love with a topside design we love more. | Feature photo: Courtesy Wilderness Systems

As expected from Wildy, the rest of the boat is peppered with smart fishing features: gear tracks, cargo cubbies, skid plate, sturdy foot braces, molded carry handles and solid construction. My favorite is the simple but brilliant bungee and ball on the bow that holds my paddle when my hands are busy.

UPDATED DESIGN AND ADDED FEATURES MAKE THE CLASSIC TARPON A MODERN FISHING MACHINE. | PHOTO: KEVIN WHITLEY

Get Motoring with the Tarpon 130X

On the water, the new Tarpon 130X retains the same great handling features as its predecessor. Although the AirPro Lite seat does change the geometry, stealing some performance for added comfort, the modern upgrades give this classic new life. Coupled with the Helix motor, smart features like deck storage and gear tracks make the Tarpon 130X a serious contender in the performance fishing market.

Below water view of person on fishing kayak Best Fishing Kayaks With Motors

Fish Friendly Features:

  • FlexPod OS
  • AirPro Lite seat
  • SlideTrax accessory system
  • Latching bow and cockpit hatch
  • Skid plate
  • Rigid carry handles
  • Gear cubbies in deck

Video Review of the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130X With Helix Drive:


This article was first published in the Winter 2016 issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.

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Ric Burnley
Kayak Angler editor Ric Burnley has been kayak fishing since the dawn of the sport. In 2007, Burnley wrote The Complete Kayak Fisherman, with chapters on how-to make a PVC rod holder and glue a fish finder transducer to the hull. In 2013, he landed his dream job as editor of Kayak Angler magazine. Burnley is a regular contributor to Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Outdoor Life, In the Bite and other print and online publications. Burnley lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, adult daughter, daughter’s boyfriend and daughter’s two cats. Experience In 2004, Ric Burnley stole his first milk crate from behind a 7-Eleven and fashioned it into a gear crate for his Ocean Kayak Prowler 15. Many years and many milk crates later, Burnley has witnessed the rise of kayak fishing from a bastardized fringe element to a legitimate industry with millions of devotees. The journey to becoming an angler started early in Burnley’s life. His father, Eric Burnley, is a renowned outdoor writer and former fishing guide, so the boy grew up in the cockpit of a charter boat and in the pages of national magazines. After college, Burnley lost easy access to his father’s boat, but not his passion for fishing. Once he had exhausted the limits of land-based angling, Burnley decided to try out a new thing called kayak fishing. About the same time, Burnley was looking for extra work to pay for his expensive addiction. His father, editor of the Mid-Atlantic Fisherman Magazine, offered him freelance assignments for the weekly publication. That led to a position as regional editor at Salt Water Sportsman, publication of The Complete Kayak Fisherman and editorship of Kayak Angler. Meanwhile, Burnley and his partner-in-crime, “Kayak Kevin” Whitley were exploring the boundaries of kayak fishing. With the bountiful Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean as their playground, the two anglers were the first to target big red drum, cobia, trophy striped bass, monster black drum, sheepshead and many other species. Once inshore species were exhausted, Burnley loaded his kayak onto motorboats and fished for bluefin tuna, blackfin tuna, king mackerel and amberjack. All the while, Burnley shared his experiences and knowledge with anglers through print, photos, video, radio, seminars and online. Almost 20 years later, Burnley continues to fish obsessively and share the stories. His recent projects for Kayak Angler cover the latest trends in forward-facing sonar and remote-controlled electric motors. Over the past two decades, kayak fishing and Ric Burnley have come a long way from PVC rod holders and stolen milkcrates. Education ● Radford University: BA English; Virginia Teacher’s License. Highlights ● Other Interests: Mountain biking, traveling, hiking, surfing and skateboarding ● Day Job: High School English teacher at an alternative school for at-risk students Fun Fact Ric’s name is a contraction of Eric. Ric is named after his father, Eric Sr. To differentiate between the two Erics, Mrs. Burnley removed her son’s E. To this day, she writes the boy’s name ‘Ric, with an apostrophe replacing the E.

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