Mainstream KingFish

I got started in kayak fishing last year after I took one of Allen B's clinics at MBK. I wanted something I could take the kids out in and fish also. I bought the WS Tarpon 130T, but could not bring myself to start drilling into it and adding fishing accessories. I was at the West Marine Express on Del Monte and saw the Kingfish. It was on sale for 450 and I thought it would be good for fishing and I did not mind drilling some holes into it. Since that time I have slayed many rockfish and drilled numerous holes to add far more deck loops than I will ever use. This is a great beginner kayak and weighs less than 50lbs so it is easy to handle by yourself until I load it down with all the fishing gear. The poly is a lot thinner than the Tarpon, but then again it costs about half the price. I have numerous scratches, but none that need repair yet. Now that I have mastered drilling and riveting I might add some things to the Tarpon 130T so the kids can enjoy fishing and paddling.

The first hole you drill is always the hardest!  LOL

I'm getting ready to pull out the hole saw this week to mount a Ritchey Compass in my prowler. 

Same deal.  I've had the compass for weeks, just can't summon the gumption to put a 3" hole in my yak.

God bless Marine Goop.

Allen

IMO: for $450.00 you can pick up a better used kayak (Wilderness Systems,Cobra,Ocean Kayak,Malibu) from craigslist. It seems like Sacramento has been the hot spot for some really good used kayaks. You may even get lucky and get one that's already set-up and ready for fishing  

Coincidentally, I bought Allen B's used scupper pro for $400.00 - it came with a fish finder  

Funny.  Pat and I were at West Marine Express yesterday and I dragged her over to point out a couple of features on the Kingfish I wish were common on the pricier boats (like molded in fish ruler and molded rod holders to hold your rods horizontally against the boat for landing)  I had one a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it - except that it's so slooooooowwwwwwwwwwww.  What I really did appreciate is that it's only about 45 lbs.  Great beginner boat for nearshore.

Ed has an orange Tarpon 13 that's nicely fitted out for fishing.  Maybe he'll post some pics.

Oh yeah.  Welcome to the list!


Randy

I thought I was the only one in the world using a Kingfish. It was all I could afford. Works great and I'm still using it. I mounted a scotty rod holder on the center of the bow and a Matrix15 next to it to the left. I am finally upgrading a year later to a much bigger faster boat (p15) but I don't know if I wanna let this one go or keep it for the summer for friends, and if I can convince her that Jaws isn't lurking out there for her, my girlfriend.

Keep it.  always better to fish with a friend, even if you have to provide the boat!

Allen

Somehow I missed reading this thread, as I'm an owner of a Mainstream Kingfish.  I really love this boat!  It was a move up for me from a float tube.  It's a very light and stable boat, allowing me to cover more water than my float tube ever did,  but I realize it's limitations when going really farther out.  It is really best for near shore fishing.  At least now,  I know what I want for my next kayak and that is the Hobie with the pedals but I'll keep my Mainstream as a backup or loaner boat.