Mainstream Kingfisher Kayak

I'm interested in getting a sit on top kayak for fishing.  I would be considered a "newbie" to this endeavor.  Anyway, my question is how do you guys rate this kayak?  Westmarine and some selected Costco's carries this yak.

I posted a similar question on another board, so excuse me for the redundancy.  I want to get as many feedback as possible before making a dent on the credit card.  I have a limited budget, so this (yak) was one option....the other would have been to get a used yak.

TACOBEN - welcome to the madness.

IMO: looked for a used one at craigs list - you may even luck out and find a kayak that's already rigged for fishing. In the mean time, I suggest you go to the nearest rental shop and try a few kayaks before making a  decision. Good luck!

A few of us in the board have extra kayaks (including myself) - so keep checking the hook-up section and feel free to join and paddle out with the group - until you get your own ride  

IMO: looked for a used one at craigs list

I agree.  I personally would rather buy a good used kayak than a new one you're not sure of.  There's a good chance you'll spend less for a better kayak.

Take a look at Malibu Kayaks, Cobra, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, and Hobie.  These brands have good history in kayak fishing.

Bottom line --- Try as many as you can before you buy.

I also agree, unless you buy the Kingfisher knowing it will be your first yak, and that you'll be spending more money to get another one after you get into it.  Hey, we all dated girls we had no intention of marrying right?  The Kingfisher would make a great second boat to have kicking around for your friends and family after you upgrade.

Hey, we all dated girls we had no intention of marrying right?

Now that made me spit up my coffee!!!

Some of us even married girls we had no intention of marrying ...

-Allen

Thanks all for your feedback.  I've tried a few used boats out already in Jack London Square.  If I could only afford it I would get the Hobie with he pedal thingy thing, now that is one awesome fishing boat!  The other ones I tried were an Emotions Fishermen (14ft) which was a bit too heavy and would be a bit cumbersome to load, a Necky (forgot which model) which was fast, could turn on a dime, but way too tippy for this neophyte.  I'll make up my mind sooner or later....

I really really like the $1500 Hobie...but it's...$1500.

It's really wide...but if you're paddling who gives a hoot. I like the Sail option too.

Being able to fish and push-paddle at the same time is pretty nice I must admit.

If I get a 2nd yak (giving wife the first)...I may up 2nd yak to Hobie SUV model...

those guys at jack london are not really into kayak fishing.  before you buy anything check out some more stores like sean's GWKC. also lots of us have extra boats, try some i have a rigged nekke cruiser you can try.

Hey Chris,

This is Tony (Tacoben) who you met once behind the Golden Gate Fields racetrack.  I was the one fly fishing for stripers on my float tube.  You're the one that peaked my interest in getting a kayak after seeing you cover so much water, whereas I was limited to a small area using a floattube. 

Thanks again for the advice, however, about 2 weeks ago I went ahead and purchased the Maintstream Kinfish from Westmarine,with all things considered.  I've taken it out a few time already behind the racetrack and am quite happy with it.  This is my first yak and wanted to go with something very stable for this rookie.  I know if my interest persist, then I'll probably look into upgrading next year, probably the Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro 15 footer and keep the Kingfish as a backup or loaner.  Seems all kayakers have 2 or more yaks anyways?!  Hey, I even got a milkcrate for it already!  Will try to post a picture when I'm able.

Look forward to seeing you on the water along with the other kayakers on this site!

Tony

Hi Tony,

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.  I bought a Kingfisher a couple of years ago.  I had just broken a finger loading my Tarpon 160 with a rudder kit and decided I needed a really light kayak for a change.  I found the Kingfisher to be totally pleasant - light, dry, comfortable and very stable.  It was easy to outfit, and I appreciated some of the features like molded - in ruler, factory installed rod holders, etc.

The only thing I didn't like about it was that it was comparatively slow and challenging to keep on track in a quartering breeze.  This became a problem when I began fishing with folks in skinnier, 15' yaks.  I sold it a year later for close to what I paid for it and sometimes I wish I'd kept it.  For the money, I consider it to be a good starter boat for near shore fishing.  Next time you're down in the Monterey Bay area, give me a shout. We can fish together, and  I'll swap you kayaks for a day

Randy

Randy,

Thanks for the input and offer.

I understood the trade off between speed vs. stability going with the latter since I'm fairly new at this sport. 

I also like to tinker, so for $450 it allows me some lattitude to do things with it without feeling bad case I messed up doing it on a higher end boat.  I have already thought of putting a modified keel that would be positioned through the big scupper hole where the milk crate/5gallon bucket flush mounts.  This should give it more track.  These are just future plans of course, one of many, but right now I just want to get my feet wet so to speak.  There are local resevoirs in my area and protected bay waters where it is pretty calm, where I am going practice, so until then you will not likely see me out in open waters such as Monterey or Pacifica.

Tight lines to ya!

Tony

hey ben, how did your striper season end up? when was the last one caught at ggf?

Chris,

Thanks for asking....season end on a positive note....not the best year, but on the positive side!!  Through this forum I was able to find out about other areas that I'll work next year.  I'm really looking forward to the new season come February/March, especially now that I have a Kayak! I'll now be able to cover more water!

Tony