My Tarpon 120 Fishing Setup (2012)

Updated version of my kayak setup here: • Kayak Setup 2014
Here's a video showing how I rigged my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 kayak for fishing and getting that big catch on camera.
For those interested in some pictures of the camera mount disassembled: www.flickr.com/photos/66547886...

[@MsKindaSorta]

Oh wow! 11 years ago! Way to go Matt. You’re a pro at this. ✌️😁

[@tonyheimkes]

I think I have to stop watching your videos. Your creativity on your kayak rig, and your fishing prowess blows my mind.

[@brucesheehe6305]

The McGuyver of kayak fisherman. The fish should be afraid - very afraid! Matt is a catch and release fisherman! This is the best channel on KZbin.

[@ndyakangler]

Thank you! I think its mostly our long winters here, it leaves me with plenty of time to plan and build new things. I was a legomaniac as a kid lol and I always enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked, I think that's where a lot of my building skills come from.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks, I'm glad you found this helpful! I had my choice narrowed down to the same two kayaks when I was shopping for mine. I'm glad I went with the tarpon, a friend of mine got a trident 11 and as far as performance and quality the tarpon is definitely superior. I've got two years of use out of mine so far and with a little 303 protectant the thing still looks brand new.

[@ndyakangler]

All my summer gear is in storage for a few more months, but I can explain it. The 303 is a uv protectant, it will prevent any drying, cracking, and fading caused by the sun. I first wash the kayak, then spray the 303 onto a towel or directly onto the kayak and wipe it down. It's pretty much just like putting armor all on a car dash. It has a similar effect too, making everything look shiny and new. It also repels water and dirt and resists stains.

[@mooresinar]

you are like a fabricating, electric, kayak genius. I wish I lived near you so you could help me set mine up. Incredible!!!!!!!!!

[@robertbuchanan4378]

You are one incredibly intelligent person and definitely need to invent your own fishing kayak.

[@cbftoan01]

You've done a fantastic job with this, well thought out and nice workmanship. It's great to see people taking the time to do things properly.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! I have a more recent setup video from earlier this year too. I ended up picking up another Tarpon last winter in the camo color and rebuilt everything with all black plastic and carbon fiber for the camera poles. It all turned out great and I don't think I'll have to change a thing this winter!

[@cbftoan01]

NDYakAngler That's great, I'll have a look for the video. I'm thinking of a Tarpon for my first kayak, storage is a problem though as I live in an apartment - on the fifth floor. I did some sea kayaking years ago in rented boats, but now am really keen to try kayak fishing. Just been watching some reviews on the Thresher kayaks, they look soooo nice.

[@ndyakangler]

The wg-2 comes with a snap on macro stand that has threads you can screw a 46mm lens to. The lens I use was a bit heavy so I used some marine goop to glue the macro stand to the camera so I don't lose it and the lens if I bump into something or rotate the camera too fast. That also sealed up any gaps there so no water can get between the camera and the lens.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! I'm working on a crate mount for my hero3 right now, can't wait to try it out this summer! Winter's almost over here, if the weather cooperates I'll be hitting some rivers in 4-6 weeks.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! The stake out pole is made by hobie. I used marine goop to glue in the transducer. It works great shooting through the hull, you won't notice any difference as long as you don't get any air bubbles between the hull and the transducer. You can always test your transducer before installing it, just put a few drops of water on your hull and press the transducer against it while your on the water and you should get a reading.

[@yellerseller]

Excellent job. Highly useful and creative solutions. Really nice.i think you have the nicest trolley system i have seen, better than any commercial kits. Kudos. May you be blessed with an abundance of fish and your own Kayak customization show.

[@ndyakangler]

I think it was marine goop I used. I just glued the macro stand to the camera, you can still remove the lens. Not sure if it voids the warranty since you aren't opening the camera, you'd probably have to read all the fine print to find that one out. You might be able to use silly putty or something like that to seal it up, I think thats what I'm gonna try to seal the hole around the plug on my gopro housing.

[@ndyakangler]

Yes, you can glue the transducer to the bottom inside the hull and they still work. I used marine goop to glue mine in. You just have to make sure there aren't any air bubbles in the glue. You want to press the transducer into place too, you want as little glue between it and the hull as possible. I put mine right under the cup holder and wedged a piece of foam in there to hold it in place while it dried.

[@MrOffshore]

Great video...well thought out layout. Wold love to see it in action! Thanks for posting.

[@ndyakangler]

Thats the one I use. It works really well with the wg-2, no vignetting in photo or video mode unless you try to add another filter such as a polarizer between them. I had a little blurring in the corners with the polarizer on. My video "nice day for a paddle/new camera test" I had the extra filter on so you can notice some corner distortion there. I also found the "mountain" focus mode on the wg-2 worked best with this lens, everything over 18" from the camera was focused pretty well.

[@NaveganteBOG]

Nice work! Congrats. I wish you good fishing and waiting to watch more of your videos.

[@ndyakangler]

I really like the seat on the tarpon. I can paddle around all day and stay comfortable sitting in it. I have the old phase 3 seat in mine, the new tarpons come with the air pro seat which looks about the same but you can also adjust the height. I don't have any experience with the cuda but its seat looks pretty nice. It probably has the better back support of the two. I think I'd like the cuda seat once I'm at the fishing spot, but I prefer the lower seat in the tarpon for the paddle there.

[@TikiMoN5Ta]

You are so pleasant to listen to haha Great lookin' kayak by the way, working on mine at the moment too!

[@ndyakangler]

If streams are where you'll be fishing the most then you probably don't need the fish finder. Usually on the shallow rivers I fish the only time I turn mine on is to check the water temp or mark a boulder on the gps map. I'm almost always targeting smallies so mostly what I do is sight fish and work rocky areas, trees, weedlines and current breaks. If I'm after walleye or catfish it does come in handy sometimes for finding those deeper areas when I can't see the bottom. Hope this helps!

[@ndyakangler]

I have everything in storage for the winter, but all I did was get a couple 2x4" ram bases (RAM-202U-24) and drilled my own holes just big enough for the bolts to fit through along the middle about 5/8" from each end. I used the wilderness systems slidetrax nuts I already had and found some allen head bolts of the same size and a couple washers at the hardware store. Try to find stainless bolts if you can. It installed just like the universal plate would. The tube I used is ram part #RAM-119B

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! I always knew that metal shop class I took in high school would come in handy somewhere down the road.

[@encru062471]

Great job on your kayak, I love the camera mount.

[@MOfishyaker]

Outstanding Job on your set up! I love your camera swivel. Carl

[@Deadleg]

You're voice is very soothing, like velvet honey laced with lsd.

[@ndyakangler]

Also this should work with all sonar transducers, but if you want to test yours before gluing it in you should be able to put a few drops of water down in your hull and press the transducer against it. As long as there isn't air between them it should work. I use this method to check depths through a foot of ice with my humminbird.

[@montauk6682]

Just purchased a Tarpon 140 and intend to get a 120 for my wife. Your video gives us many ideas - thanks

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks Lewis, I'm glad the video was helpful! I have a more recent setup video from earlier this summer too that shows how I currently have my kayak rigged.

[@ndyakangler]

I have a DMW-LW46 .75x 46mm lens, it screws right onto the macro stand that comes with the camera. It's a great lens, almost no distortion at all but it is a little heavy so I ended up gluing the macro stand to the camera so it wouldn't fall apart on the water. Any 46mm lens should screw onto the adapter although you might get vignetting or distortion with some lower quality or wider angle lenses.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! I've never had a problem with the rod holders moving. The ball has a rubber coating so as long as you tighten the handle enough it shouldn't ever move.

[@ndyakangler]

Hey thanks! KZbin is where I came for ideas and inspiration when I was shopping for a kayak so I thought I should return the favor with a few vids of my own. They're getting better too as I'm getting better with the video editing software. I live in Fargo, ND but there are quite a few kayak anglers here from the metro area. We might have a kayak fishing get together for bass opener next summer, probably on a metro area lake. I'll add you to the list to contact once we get a plan together.

[@ndyakangler]

The DMW-LW46 is the only lens I've bought. I was looking at some .5x ones for a wider angle but I ended up getting a gopro hero3 black edition instead since its also supposed to do really well in low light.

[@ndyakangler]

I have a second pentax wg-2 I used to shoot this video. The same as the one mounted on the front just without the added wide lens and external power.

[@ndyakangler]

I used 3/16" HDPE "cutting board" plastic and some 1/8" x 1" aluminum strips. The aluminum strips run along the top and bottom and have a 90° bend at each end where I drilled holes and tapped 8-32 threads so I could grind the screws flush with the inside. Using a nut would work fine as well, just make sure all your hardware is stainless steel so it doesn't rust. I also cut a piece of styrofoam and added a piece of HDPE on top to put under the boxes so they sit level with the top of the crate.

[@TropicalZooms]

Thankyou for putting this video up. I have the same kayak but no gadgets. After seeing this I`m going to throw a few gadgets on. Should make things easier. Love your video.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! You'll have to check the rules in the state you live in or plan to use your kayak in. A lot don't require registration for non motorized boats under a certain length. I live in ND, which requires no registration for my kayak. I fish in MN a lot though so I have to register it in order to put it in the water there, even though I live out of state. They gave me the stickers and a card I have to keep with me when I registered at the DMV. You'll probably also have to have a life jacket.

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks! That one's main purpose was to make myself visible to other boaters at night, although I did come in handy a few times for tying on a new lure. I'm making another one using an olight s-10 flashlight that will be around 300 lumens on full blast to use as a video light for night fishing with the gopro. I used it in my ice fishing hut and it was like having a 60w light bulb in there. I just hope it doesn't attract too many mosquitoes!

[@rendezvous5784]

The 360 camera mount is pretty cool! Nice setup!

[@ndyakangler]

Thanks bro! Long winters = lots of time to mod the yak!

[@ndyakangler]

I have the same problem, there's usually a tangled mess of anchor line and torn up plastic bait all over in mine at the end of the day. I spent a few minutes organizing it so it looked all neat for the video lol

[@ndyakangler]

There's no audio in on the camera so I do it manually when I edit the video together. I extract a copy of the audio from the video file and sync it with the audio from the H1 in an editing program then trim the H1 file to the exact length of the audio from the video clip, then just replace it in the video editor. It's tough to go into detail with the limited space here, your best bet would be to search youtube for a tutorial for whatever editing program you're using.

[@TJPisano151]

Great video!! You gave me several ideas i will use on my kayak.

[@ndyakangler]

They're plano 3601 and 3620 boxes. I built a new crate this year and needed room for the gopro mount so now I only bring one 3640 waterproof box.

[@ndyakangler]

Yeah I wasn't very happy with the audio from the wg-2, it seems to have an odd buzzing sound every couple seconds. The h1 does great though, especially with the windscreen on. Its a little more of a pain when it comes to editing but I'm pretty happy with the results so far.

[@DubMasterFish]

Some really nice engineering there!

[@ndyakangler]

I don't think I could sell it, I spent way too much time out in the garage getting it to actually work. I'll still get some use out of it this summer too. It was made mostly of junk I had lying around so I don't know if I could make another one quite the same. I'll put a link in the video description to some pics of it disassembled though. It could be simplified for the gopro, for one you wont need the extra top plate since you dont have to screw the camera in from underneath.

[@fishthedayaway97]

you, my friend, are a genius!!

[@AndyDepwe]

Great work. Thank you for this video.

[@trollmastergj100]

Great / awesome videos! Excellent work on your kayak and great ideas. Question on your rod holders .... Have you had any problems with the ram ball and clamp not holding tight. Like if you were trolling and you snagged. Would the rod tube swivel on the ball from being pulled to hard? Very clean yak set up!! Thanks!

[@SpartanFishing]

Could you describe me or make video how to mount the rodholder on the track ?

[@ndyakangler]

There's still the issue though of having a $100+ lens held onto by two little plastic tabs. Thats another reason I glued on the macro stand.

[@McSoappy]

Wow didn't realized you did a separate mic as well. That's great.

[@621Clay]

So the fish "finders" can be glued to the hull and still read through the plastic?? I have a hummingbird 210 portable

[@TheDivino21]

Wow that's a nice setup

[@Greggsvlog]

Wow you did a great job on that yak.

[@bentleyallin]

I just got a wg2 Pentax. What exactly kind of Panasonic lens did you get that was compatible? Thanks

[@jell-oputin8036]

Wow! that’s impressive . Geeze louise, does it fly too! Pretty freakin cool🚀✌🏻🎣

[@jtlpe156]

Do you have the Panasonic DMW-LW46 46mm 0.75x wide angle conversion lens on your wg2?

[@guittadabe5214]

Ridiculous creativity and skill! Wow!

[@ndyakangler]

And this setup is from 5 years ago! This video here is still the current setup I use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3fMdquJeNOnnZI&lc=z13ghd3aez3yfx2ij04ccdqbupakyzui2kg0k

[@dianarackow7803]

I love the GOPRO system. I am looking at a 120 and would love to put that video system on it. Do you make them?

[@rsverv]

What materials did you use to build the storage compartment for the tackle boxes?

[@nickbarker6995]

Can you make a video on how you made the stuff on the kayak, because I really like how all of it works and I want to know how to do it

[@bentleyallin]

Also how did you sync the audio to the zoom h1? Is there an audio out or mic outlet on the camera?

[@661EASTON89]

That's a serious setup.

[@DENMONKEY]

Nice work

[@jtlpe156]

That's exactly what I was thinking. I'll probably marine goop it, thanks. Have you tried other lens that you can recommend?

[@bentleyallin]

Thanks for the help!

[@chriscastillo6299]

I like that fish finder mount, is it still available

[@alanjohnson8396]

I recently purchased a Tarpon 120 myself and have a question. Have the side tracks held up well where they are attached to the kayak or do they work loose from the rod holder being attached to them? This is an excellent video and definitely you have a very well thought out and rigged kayak.

[@part270579]

All I can say...is NICE!

[@SpartanFishing]

Thanks man, which camera did you use for this videos ?

[@catch262]

OMG ... I purchaced a used kayak with an achor trolley and after seeing this video I have learned my trolley is set up all wrong... It has no ring and the anchor rope goes through the pully... It has allways felt really wrong... thanks for the vid... loads of great ideas!

[@MrSchmidt601]

Hey I asked you a question in one of your other videos... I appreciate the quick response. I ended up getting a Ride 115 and I am working on getting it rigged up. I've got to say that your videos inspired me to go the Kayak fishing route!!! Now I have another question... do you feel that your fish finder is absolutely necessary? I will primarily be fishing the streams in SE MN so I am just trying to get some idea of if I will need one or not. Keep up the good videos!!!

[@ndyakangler]

Yeah pretty much the same deal as a motorboat. It doesn't cost as much for a kayak or canoe though. It was around $15 for three years, although the first time they also made me pay sales tax on the price of the kayak since I ordered it online and didn't get taxed. Just another way for the state to put more money in its pockets.

[@bears17synd4]

how did you attach the net in the front area of the hull behind the battery pack?

[@ndyakangler]

On the bottom I attached it to the scrupper hole tubes by wrapping a piece of mounting tape and then a zip tie around them. The top attached to the bottom side of a few of the hatch screws. The newer Tarpons might be difficult to do this without some modifications, instead of a washer/nut on the bottom they have a plastic "stalactite" molded into the hull that the screw threads into. I didn't bother adding that net in my new kayak, the battery box prevents anything in the front hatch from sliding back.

[@YakFishMN]

Classic!

[@pjmisley]

I just was gifted that exact kayak! It's been sitting out for quite a bit, no bells or whistles, I really want to make sure everything is structurally sound and do any necessary repairs. Suggestions? Greats videos!

[@ndyakangler]

There’s not a whole lot of maintenance to do on them. Some 303 protectant will make it look new again if the plastic is starting to fade. Other than that just make sure there’s no really deep gouges on the bottom that need smoothing out or repair.

[@sansan1337]

My crate always looks all organized when i leave, but when i come back, its so messy!

[@PipestoneKayaking]

Very Cool

[@bclendenen1]

You are one clever guy.

[@taekwondo450]

Awesome

[@russelljambers7311]

Just recommended today

[@tommygarza82]

What type of Mount do you use for your hummingbird fishfinder?

[@ndyakangler]

Tommy Garza I make my own mounts using ABS plastic, 3/8" thick for the top plate which gets attached to the kayak and the Humminbird base screws directly into the ABS plate. I also used a piece of 1/8" ABS to make a 2x4" spacer to compensate for the raised edge around the mounting location.

[@MrSchmidt601]

would you ever consider selling me your swivel mount for your camera? Or making another one that I could buy from you? Or somehow give me some instructions and a materials list. I have tried to make one like yours and I can't seem to get it right. I have a hero 3 black edition and I think that I would like your swivel mount set up better than the standard over the shoulder angle. Thanks.

[@fishthedayaway97]

lol this is true. im probably gonna try to buy another kayak this winter :D

[@a292929a]

you know what you are doing

[@agentworth3401]

The video quality is amazing what camera did you use

[@ndyakangler]

I used a Pentax WG-2 to shoot this video.

[@josephsaeteurn9158]

is this kayak worthy in rough ocean?

[@ndyakangler]

Joseph Saeteurn I live about as far as possible from any saltwater so I'm probably not the best person to answer that question. I have seen Tarpon 120's being used on the ocean in other videos though. One thing I noticed with my new 2015 T120 compared to this one that's a few years old is the hatch design has changed. The new ones have a lip on the lid that fits tightly into a groove when closed, a little more effort to pry it open but I'd imagine it would do a better job of keeping out water in rough conditions. That seemed to be the main complaint I'd see from people using them in rough water was that the front hatch would leak.

[@Javaslinger7730]

I've got a Tarpon 100 and just started fishing.. I have much work to do...

[@dickhead5294]

Sounds totally unfair to tax somebody for using a kayak. But I guess I would not mind too much if I knew that tax was going towards something worthwhile, like keeping river banks and what not clean from unnecessary rubbish etc. BTW, you have a good talking voice - you don't sound too stressed. Reminding me of the narrator on the Dick Proenneke documentary - Alone in the Wilderness. Cheers.

[@dickhead5294]

Really? Do you have to register your kayaks where you live like you would a car or motorbike or motorboat? That's nuts! Why would anybody have to pay registration for something that doesn't go fast enough to case fatal crashes and gives zero gas emissions etc?

[@robwillemversteeg]

Handymen :)

[@mattjwatson4295]

100th comment!!!