What Kayak to Buy
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Yak Yak Yak
Forum Description: The forum for Kayak enthusiasts
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=126823
Printed Date: 28 Jan 2026 at 2:23am
Topic: What Kayak to Buy
Posted By: Grantt
Subject: What Kayak to Buy
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 2:34pm
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I'm based in Takapuna and if I'm honest will only travel 2-3 times a year to go elsewhere. I plan to paddle and fish (softbait) to the edge of the channel and the lighthouse and around Rangi more often than not. I am currently looking for the best kayak to suit these needs and have got it down to two types. A Viking Profish 440 or Reload OR a Hobie of some sort. The idea of the fins and using your legs appeals to me and I'd be interested in any feedback positive or negative or opinions anyone has found to work best. Thanks Grant
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Replies:
Posted By: MichaelK
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 3:36pm
| Hi Grant...I am currently using a reload and its a good kayak....very stable in the water and comfortable to paddle....but with any kayak make sure it has a rudder as this makes it easier to maintain heading when a breeze is blowing....I would probably suggest the Profish if all you are looking to is the fishing above. |
Posted By: Grantt
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 3:44pm
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Thanks for the comment. Several people have suggested the same thing. Cheers
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Posted By: JT Yakker
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 4:41pm
| Hi Grant, was there anything in particular about the Stealth range that excluded it from your top two? |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 7:25pm
| I would say that is a serious kayak JT for a guy who likes to paddle far and wide. The thought of owning a stealth even daunts me and i have looked at it more than once. The main thing you want in the Rangi channel is stability it gets very rocky out there some days. |
Posted By: JT Yakker
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 10:00pm
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The Reload and Hobie are pretty serious kayaks as well. You need to be pretty careful around the rocks with the Hobie. We were fishing with a gentlemen last year up in Whangarei who damaged his motor on a unseen rock there. I think it was an expensive mistake. As far as stability, you can stand up in a Fisha 500 so not too many issues there. All three a very good kayaks. If you are going to be adventurous and go out in conditions with a bit of chop and/or current, I'd stick with something that has a bit more speed and will get you back to your launch spot so you do not have to do an impromptu camping trip on Rangitoto. Extreme I know, but you need to consider these things in your safety plan each time you launch. I'll say it again, all three are very good kayaks and you would be buying quality with any of the platforms mentioned
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Posted By: MB
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2018 at 12:09am
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I'm a retired kayak fisho, so feel free to ignore me, but any of the yaks mentioned would be good. If I was going to buy another kayak, I would look seriously at the Predator PDL, but would want a trailer to transport it. Pedals/fins aren't a problem in themselves, but yes, you do have to avoid rocks. Most boaties seem to manage it and a serious fishing yak will have a sounder/GPS. As far as I know, all of the drive systems on the pedal kayaks are retractable/removable for shallow water work and you can paddle them too if you really want to. As for Stealth, bloody good kayaks and their offshore record is proven. However, I'm not sure a glass yak is suitable for a beginner. Perhaps with the right advice/mentoring/mindset it could work out OK, but plastic is more forgiving of the cock ups we all make when we start out.
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Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2018 at 5:42am
Yeah there is that too MB fibreglass is not as forgiving as plastic that is for sure I know BMY is precious about his "precious".  Great kayaks and really fast but I did feel tippy when I tried one but I would not think it would take long to compensate balance in one but I doubt I would feel as comfortable in one. I would not fish at anchor in a stealth though.Also think of the $$$ you can get a fully loaded PF400 with tackle pod, rudder, fish storage, FF etc for not too much more than a basic ruddered Reload for example and less than a basic Hobie. Plus the FF install is very easy and anchor fishing is easy too.
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Posted By: Grantt
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2018 at 3:25pm
| Great advice guys thanks. |
Posted By: southee
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 7:07pm
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