New yak

Looking for opinions on a fishing yak.  I’m in South SJ and primarily hit the local lakes for bass and sometimes trout but like to hit the coast a few times a year for rock fish.
I’ve been eyeing the Bonified SS line of boats right now.  They seem to have a nice layout and good primary stability so I can stand up in calm water.  That primary stability has me a bit concerned about those few times a year I hit the coast though.  Any input on how these boats with high primary handle in coast waters?

If there’s any interest, I have a 17’ CLC Chesapeake I might consider swapping for a fishing yak. 
Also getting rid of a Crestliner CL1700 bass boat for you greedy folks. Cresliner is overkill for my solo needs/wants. 

I’ve been eyeing the Bonified SS line of boats right now.  They seem to have a nice layout and good primary stability so I can stand up in calm water.  That primary stability has me a bit concerned about those few times a year I hit the coast though.  Any input on how these boats with high primary handle in coast waters?

I don’t know anything about that brand, but according to this video, it seems that secondary stability is their main claim to fame:

It may be a little far for you but I would look up headwater kayak in Lodi.  Great shop with people that know what they are talking about.  They will definitely help you and make sure you get the kayak that is right for you.

It may be a little far for you but I would look up headwater kayak in Lodi.  Great shop with people that know what they are talking about.  They will definitely help you and make sure you get the kayak that is right for you.

 Agreed!!  They also have a boat house down the street where you can go test out the kayaks and compare them to see what one your most comfortable with. You never know, the one you had thought is exactly what you need isnt at all.  Better to test first so you dont throw $ away later! Those guys will deffently help you find what fits you best.  There are a lot of good shops around so go talk to a few and come up with your own opinion and then pull the trigger.   Best of luck!

Bonafide donated a RS 117 kayak to Crabfest this year. They are solid kayaks. I am tempted to get one myself. They are made in the USA, and the quality is some of the best. I Second what everyone else has mentioned, Headwaters has different models you demo right on the water.

Thanks folks.  Headwater is on my list to hit as they are one of the few shops that carries the Bonified.  I'll need to drive out in a few weeks when the whether is nicer to paddle a few boats.

I have noticed that people who are fairly new to kayaking tend to gravitate to wide boats with a lot of primary stability. Makes sense,They are, and do feel, stable. Then, as they start to spend more time on the water, they recognize that they are sacrificing a lot speed and some maneuverability. They often end up buying something else later. Which is probably good for the retail industry. I recommend getting something that is approximately 14' long and 28" wide at the beam.Something with a shallow arch shaped hull, sharp bow and a bit of keel. I feel it gives me the best balance of speed, stability,tracking and maneuverability for any situation. Ocean,river or lake. I paddle a Widerness systems Tarpon 140 but also like the Ocean kayak Trident series amongst others such as Jackson kayaks. That said, a boat of theses proportions is not for standing.

Slow reply but, thanks Kayakjack.
I'm not new to kayaking and not very concerned about speed.  I know anything I pick will be slower than my CLC. 

My concern is how these stable fishing yaks handle in rough water on the coast.

I'm in San Jose and have a Wilderness Systems ATAK 140 if you ever want to check it out and paddle it around. It's what I've been using for bass and have taken it all over and it's been really great.

Thanks for that offer dwong.  I'll shoot you a PM.