Fishing Kayak Review : Viking Kayaks Profish Reload

[@hikinguphigh]

Just wanted to say thanks. Bought one a year ago based on your review and love it to bits. Even bought a second one this year for my partner which also gets used by my friends when we go out and they also love it.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks so much for the reply and really happy to hear that!

[@3000KTM]

one of the best presented reviews ive seen

[@PaddleGuy1]

That's a mighty fine standard to be compared to - thanks a bunch..took me a long time to put together so very happy its got the tick...this one is the best tick though thanks

[@danieleealessandra]

I really believe it is the best review of the Reload by today!!

[@gw6797]

I've been looking to change fishing Kayaks and this has been one of the most informative and well put together reviews I've seen for any product Thanks Graeme

[@PaddleGuy1]

Awesome ! thanks for the feedback and glad to hear it helped .. let me know of you get one and what you think of it

[@gw6797]

@@PaddleGuy1 I will but will have to work a lot of overtime lol

[@alanreynolds8843]

Great review as usual . Just bought a profish reload 6 weeks ago. Kayak No 4 . The review confirms ive got the right yak this time .

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate - so good to hear

[@eduardosanchez7827]

I’m sold! great review! I’ve been looking for a nice fast/stable kayak with no pedals/motors . Nowdays it’s hard because the market moves towards motorized:pedal kayaks

[@samnoon8728]

Awesome review. Thanks for sharing.

[@PaddleGuy1]

your welcome - thanks for the comment

[@gaycha6589]

Great review. Very informative thanks. Thinking of one of these for UK summer coastal fishing.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thank you - you will love it

[@stephenjackson1828]

Mine is winging its way from NZ now pick it up at the end of the month! Can’t flippin wait!

[@PaddleGuy1]

Congrats 👌 sure you will be a very happy angler and paddler

[@stephenjackson1828]

Paddle Guy I’m sure I will be! I live 300 yards from the river Teign in Devon UK 4 mile paddle down river and I’m out to sea!! These review vids are priceless! Keep it up fella!

[@PaddleGuy1]

@@stephenjackson1828that's a journey worth taking ..thanks for the feedback

[@sean19]

Definitely thinking of upgrading to one of these . They look the nuts .

[@martymonsterfishing]

Great review Jason. Can you make a video of what they are like to car top/load and whether they are suited to upright or upside down transporting. My old prowler was a pain to load upright onto cradles. Thanks.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate / yeh I can do that - I transport mine upside down. Here's a video that may also help kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2SQoouhbZ57jMU

[@maldrury8313]

I have the Profish GT which is transported on a Toyota Camry sedan. The GT has a very flat bottom so I find it OK to transport right side up. I just place a large drop sheet on the boot and rear windscreen, lift the front onto the boot then slide the hull on the drop sheet on to the roof rack. Very easy with the light weight of the GT which was one reason I wanted this kayak. Easy to load with the Rack N Roll side load rack too.

[@paultaylor3856]

Ive had fibre glass kayaks but plastic is so care free, awesome review.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate - yes and I am pretty rough with my yaks so need that bombproof factor...a little less weight would be ideal as the bones and muscles get a little older but for now its perfect for the needs

[@sean19]

Looks a great all rounder.

[@frankmolina9407]

Awesome review mate. Would be handy to get a in depth review on the profish 400 as a comparison.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate - good idea - I will look into doing just that for you soon

[@samshepherd3959]

Awesome review I have and love the 440 platform but yourv covered details very well nice setup

[@jualmad21]

Excellent Jason. Greetings from Florida!

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks bud...Great to meet 💪

[@NautiFish1]

Such an ideal kayak!! I will buy one by next year!!

[@PaddleGuy1]

You will love it 👌

[@grunter1389]

Waiting for the vid on the carbon fibre model ... With baited breath !!

[@PaddleGuy1]

Me too ! They launched it in NZ with little notice to me here in AU. Early days so I doubt I will see one for a few months. 21kgs is very very appealing

[@perryjohnson1701]

Love your surf launch & landing footage

[@PaddleGuy1]

Perry Johnson Thanks mate

[@oncewerejedi]

Great Review Jason!

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate

[@turboduckhead6179]

I definitely want a Viking Kayak

[@NautiFish1]

Would be cool to see a pedal option for it

[@BarefootAngler]

Fantastic review mate and can’t wait for the surf guide 🍻🎣😁

[@PaddleGuy1]

Barefoot Angler thanks mate

[@Jake-ky9ed]

Great review, love the pod

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks - yeh that’s such a clever system 👌

[@PaddleGuy1]

bloody good idea isn't it ! thanks

[@fatchili7424]

Just bought a used Viking Reload, where can I get the "little grey toggles" mentioned at 8.40 ? Chuurs Bro 😜

[@archiebob11]

Fantastic review, thank you. Could quite well be my next kayak 👍

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate -- hope you get one you'll love it

[@jerrykrobby]

Great video!

[@PaddleGuy1]

thanks mate

[@fishnbits2226]

Solid review, but what's one thing you'd change on the reload? I've got 800km on my GT and all I'd love is an extra few cm behind the seat to fit a couple of starports. I've got them in there, but it's a reeeaaal squeeze.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks mate: For me it would be weight, the launch of the carbon reload at 21kgs could just sort that out. I have a GT also and I have the same issue, work around was some star ports fitted on the rear sides, not perfect but good work around.

[@Bloomerist85]

What material did you line the inside of your tackle pod with, to keep it waterproof?

[@PaddleGuy1]

Just some foam strips from local hardware - stuff people use to seal off drafts in doors and windows. Used a contact adhesive to stick it.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Excellent review. Did you ever paddle an Ocean kayak Scupper pro or an RTM Tempo kayak? Would you know how a Viking Reload would compare to them?

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks and yes I certainly have paddled the scupper pro / dive pro back when it was the original rec kayak modified into a fishing kayak, I worked for ocean kayak at the time for 3 years when they introduced the prowler 13 & 4.5 ... Reload has some similarities to the scupper pro as it’s design was influenced heavily by Stephen Tapp who was the pioneer for ocean kayak and kayak fishing, he started in the scupper dive pro after the Perception swing. A lot of those features have crossed over into the Reload however the scupper pro whilst a very sleek and stable yak for up to 90kg paddler it was not ideal for bigger paddlers so the Reload is a compromise by comparison - at 80kgs the scupper pro was perfect for me, loved the width for less drag and the deep snug seat for responsiveness. Hope that answers the question in a round about way

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

@@PaddleGuy1 That answers it perfectly! I have an RTM Tempo which is a clone of the Scupper pro and I was looking at the Reload wondering if I should treat myself and wondering if it would be better or worse. Thanks for replying

[@MrKnuckles8978]

Awesome vid, subbed!

[@paultaylor3856]

Great review. But a bit of a hassle stripping your reels from your rods. What about using a sealed reel like the Penn spinfisher series? Regards, PT.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Not such an issue only takes 10mins and all pretty easy to reach as reels are on the pod or behind me- leave 10mins earlier if it’s cutting into the bite time. Other alternative is to leave reels on and cover them with plastic bags sealed (99%) using rubber bands. Then if you have run the line through the guides prior you just add your tackle once out back.

[@WildLifeWale]

Great video and information. You all really do make great Yaks down there. I'm looking for a new offshore yak currently. I'm torn between Viking and Stealth. How do they compare in your experiences?

[@jettonogbanua]

Have you got a tandem/double kayak that unwould recommend? I want an entry level kayak that i could later upgrade to fit in gears

[@PaddleGuy1]

I see you found my review of the 2+1 - that is the one or similar I would have recommended -

[@Timmature]

Love this review! I'm looking at a viking kayak (not sure which model yet but mostly fishing around Moreton Bay). How would you say the style of seat in Viking kayaks compares to the 'stadium' style seating. Asking as a few of the kayak stores I've been to say stadium is way more comfy - although I'm conscious they usually try and push the cheaper kayaks at the same time.

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks Tim. In the right kayak the non stadium seat is as comfy. Many things to point out here that those sales people are not taking into account if that comment is related to the Viking Reload. The reload is designed in every way for comfort and stability offshore no matter the conditions. The low set moulded cockpit and seat area is designed to enhance and support the seat when added. Kayaks that come with a high stadium style seat need to be wider to accommodate the higher centre of gravity and for that you lose performance. If you a break or bass fisherman who’s spending hours casting and doing far less padding then a wider kayak with a stadium seat is going to be comfortable- if your padding and exploring bigger ground then a kayak with more performance is of greater benefit and the seat position will complement that paddling movement. It’s all compromise at the end of the day no kayak is perfect for all so find the least compromise for your needs. I don’t use a seat at all, just the foam cushion as there is enough support in the moulded seat

[@PelagicChaser]

Hey Jason, when we are getting the new 21kg Profish Reload in Australia?

[@Alexxx---101]

Wait you said it comes with a back rest?? I just bought one of these and they charged me extra for a seat.

[@dalestephenson8769]

Is the reload available in south africa?

[@PaddleGuy1]

not that I am aware of - freight from NZ to SA prob prohibitive for a retailer

[@dalestephenson8769]

@@PaddleGuy1 such a brilliant kayak, I love the storage. Wondering if I can take one back from NZ in my hand luggage 😂

[@PaddleGuy1]

@@dalestephenson8769

[@justinhayes7]

I fish in the Florida Keys. Can the interior of these boats be accessed to add things like rails and anchor trollies? Stationary fishing is still high on the list.

[@PaddleGuy1]

They have brass inserts on both sides bow and stern for the running rig so no need to drill into it. as far as Rails (assume you mean track?) the surface on this yak makes it tricky to fit track..what would you need the track for? answering your first question - yes internal access through front hatch - no other internal access other then that - way around that is use rubber well nuts if you think 14g self tappers into 4mm ish plastic wont be strong enough for the task... I would be surprised if your using it in more extreme conditions then the guys in NZ where self tapping screws suffice.

[@luischavez2595]

What are the grey toggles you use in the front bungee? I would like to add some to my reload as well! Thank you!

[@PaddleGuy1]

its called a Deck Line Ball - can buy from here if in NZ otherwise search your local kayak shops - www.vikingkayaks.co.nz/shop/accessories/parts+%26+hardware/deck+line+ball+7762

[@teheitiliauzun2416]

Hey thanks for that awesome review!! Ive been using the RTM disco but im looking for an upgrade. Ive been using the RTM Disco wish is nice for speed and long distances and downwind as i troll a lot but its not very stable. Do you have any idea how it would compare for speed? Would you have any paddle to recommend for long distances and power/speed?

[@PaddleGuy1]

Thanks for watching and happy to help - I know the Disco and its a fun boat to play in the surf but not so much a fishing kayak for the reason you are already aware. The Profish Reload is much more suited and you will be surprised to note that it is fairly comparable to the disco by way of performance, poss not as agile given the disco has a lot of rocker bow and stern but near enough that you can still have some fun in it without feeling like your in a barge. Log distance and downwind you will still enjoy. as far as a paddle goes that's really a personal preference which is often motivated by budget and availability - these days to conserve energy I prefer a lower angle blade with bent shaft - carbon or glass. the reload is heavy so over powering with bigger blade is not ness an advantage over bigger distances unless of course you are trying to increase power more then increase endurance. whence I prefer a low angle blade which has enough bite when I need it but allows me to drop back a gear or 2 when covering bigger distances - hope that makes sense

[@teheitiliauzun2416]

@@PaddleGuy1 thanks for your answer! I will save up and upgrade as soon as i can :)

[@robertopellegrini5309]

I bought profish reload a year ago...still trying to figure out how to install side scan transducer....if it s really worthy ....and if it s going to be difficult to Lounch the kayak in and out of the water...thanx from Italy, Florence

[@PaddleGuy1]

Yes launching and landing you will have to take a little more care. Just step out of the kayak prior to landing on the beach and lift the front handle of the kayak and it will be protected. I have the Lowrance Total scan transducer which has to be fitted in backwards to allow the pod to drop in and out ( just change left and right settings to make it read normal) hope that helps

[@robertopellegrini5309]

@@PaddleGuy1 Thank u...

[@allenyoung3483]

Is putting the FF& transducer on the tackle pod easy?

[@PaddleGuy1]

very easy when using the transducer kit from Viking

[@allenyoung3483]

@@PaddleGuy1 Thanks!

[@dylanlockhart4530]

Hey mate, love the video. I'm currently looking at buying a kayak and this one is very tempting. I want a kayak that's good for fishing, but also is able to go on some longer expeditions/touring. I'm also living on the Sunshine Coast, so while I'm here I will be looking to take it out to Moreton and Stradbroke or Fraser for anywhere between 3 days - 1 week/2 week trips and hopefully one day much more extended trips somewhere around Australia. My question: how do you think this kayak would hold up for longer trips with days of 40km+? Do I need to be getting a sit in- touring kayak? Thanks!

[@dylanlockhart4530]

Though, 40kms would certainly be an oddity. Probably 20-30 would be the more likely when taking on expeditions

[@PaddleGuy1]

@@dylanlockhart4530 Hi mate thanks for the message - not going to lie as an avid sea kayaker and ex sea kayak guide a sit inside will certainly be a more enjoyable experience for you in the touring aspect and you can certainly fish from the right hull without too much compromise. Fishing from a sea kayak, is another conversation all together but I will leave it at it can be done with some compromise and a good amount of experience. Now for this kayaking that application Yes it can certainly do all you are thinking. Has the payload to carry all the gear you could need for such a trip without compromising its stability. As far as those distances of up to 40km again yes sure if you fit for it and the weather and currents are favourable I cannot see a problem - On a good day trolling for Spanish and chasing tuna over a 6hr ish period I can easily get to 20kms overall...if I were pacing it at a rising speed of say 5km hr and starting very early id be comfortable doing multi day trips of up to 30kms ... would poss even consider a sail for a trip like that and plan it around afternoon tail winds. Hope that helps - take one for a paddle sometime - welcome to loan mine as with my shoulder I am presently only using the Hobie till surgery is done and I have recovered so the reload is just sitting out in the yard and in need of some watertime - message or call anytime 0424997727

[@dylanlockhart4530]

@@PaddleGuy1 This is such an awesome reply. Thanks so much. I ended up getting the reload. See you out there sometime hopefully. Keep an eye out for a blue and black reload

[@PaddleGuy1]

Dylan Lockhart awesome great to hear mate - I missed a call from you and apologies for not calling back straight away - days turned into over a week so fast!! Text me again so I have your number - keen to join you soon (i am off the water for the next couple of weeks with a big backlog of work)

[@zloi-vlad4234]

Supper kayak

[@jetapneiste]

le meilleur kayak de pêche.

[@coryjkerr]

I find the cutout for attachment of a backrest digs into me if I paddle without a backrest. Does this bother you? Or have you got a bit of foam or something to fill that cut out?

[@PaddleGuy1]

Don’t even notice it - perhaps you fill the seat area more then me (i am 80kgs, 5’10) so packing it out with foam might help. I simply only use the foam seat pad.

[@coryjkerr]

I’m 95kgs and 6 foot definitely fill the seat out a bit more 🤣 I’ll try packing it out with a piece of foam because I really like the idea of keeping it simple. Love the videos mate. Learnt a lot from them!

[@Alexxx---101]

I want one!

[@darrylwoodward415]

You made the tackle box water sealed ?

[@PaddleGuy1]

yes as per the video using rubber around the lid - also adding straps to pull it down onto the rubber seal

[@darrylwoodward415]

@@PaddleGuy1 thanks mate

[@mellowfellow100]

Hi bud just waiting on my Viking reload being delivered I’m currently looking for a fish finder with triple shot transducer but the lowrance transducer seems very big for the tackle pod do you have any recommendations ?

[@PaddleGuy1]

I have the triple shot in mone you just need to put it in reverse otherwise it won't fit (flip left and right in the settings so it reads accurately) - the risk is the transducer is always exposed that's all so take care on beach landings where there are rocks, I just step out and take the pod pin out before dragging it up the beach

[@mellowfellow100]

@@PaddleGuy1 ok appreciate the feed back think I might just order the Garmin striker plus 7 Sv .love yer videos man watching from Scotland 👍👍

[@gw6797]

And subscribed!

[@Alexxx---101]

I want to buy one of these but I've heard that the Viking kayaks are made from thin plastic compared to the Ocean Kayaks and Wilderness ect. Plus the 30 year warranty is only valid if you live in New Zealand so no use to me in the UK. In reality I would get a 12 month warranty. Are Viking kayaks easily repairable ? Can you plastic weld these with HDPE plastic?????

[@PaddleGuy1]

Not sure what the warranty is overseas but I do know the owner stands by the product 100% so if its a manufacturing issue then you have nothing to worry about. Regarding the plastic I have worked with Ocean kayak when made in NZ and can tell you its the same plastic as they used and made just as thick. I can only assume your source of intel is from the earlier profish 400 lite models which were made lighter using a higher grade of polyethlene which yes had a little more flex but was far stronger then the un educated gave it a chance for as they were so used to heavy chunks of plastic they could not see past the point of lighter and flex...ABS plastic has far more flex then this version ever had. Anyway due to mis information they just got sick of trying to educate and went back to heavy version. I personally loved the vacuum formed kayaks I used for years and you simply just take a little more care with transport and storage. Hope that has helped and good you asked for more clarification as its sounds like your sources of info have not done alot of research. The plastic issue I can assure you is false...the warranty one in your part of the world would be best to double check with Viking or a dealer as I am not 100% on that one.

[@Alexxx---101]

@@PaddleGuy1 Hi, thanks for the reply. I read it in a discussion about Viking Kayaks on a fishing forum. I will copy and paste your answer and add it if that's ok. What about repairing the Viking kayaks ? You say its the same plastic as Ocean Kayaks - Does that mean you can plastic weld any damage/scratches you get? 100%? Cheers

[@PaddleGuy1]

Alex Doe yes any plastic welder can work with the material as its nothing different other then perhaps the better UV stabilisers... same as most other plastic kayaks, dealers might even have some offcuts from viking that you can use for repairs. I personally don't bother welding scratches but if you run it up on sharp rocks or shells like oysters and gouge it deep then certainly patch it if concerned - In 15 years with plastic kayaks I have seldom needed to weld them, if I want to make the scratches look better when selling a kayak I generally just run a flame torch over the scratches which cleans up the look and feel of the edges of each scratch...same for any brand of polyethlene kayak (would not do this with ABS unless you know what your doing as they melt ! Learnt that the hard way 😁) - as far as sharing it in the forum thats entirely up to you, i suspect it wont help change their opinions but will waste more of your time in replies - opinions and egos can be fragile things to mess with in a written forum, if someone with a little bit too much ego feels their opinion is being challenged they will go all out to stay on top even if they are wrong...my experience with forums suggests that is what you will come up against...anglers afloat in years gone by was prob one of the worst for egos and time wasters. I just have better things to do with my time then try and prove a point with words...whence video is a better way to express and show what can be done...go get your hands on a reload for a demo, you will make your own opinion from there.

[@Alexxx---101]

@@PaddleGuy1 Thanks for clearing that up for me - I'm selling my Ocean Kayak Big Game which is a absolute tank but its really old now. Its time to upgrade but there's no distributor in the UK for Ocean Kayaks anymore. I'm a bit hesitant in trying another brand but I do like the look of the Viking profish Reload Railblaza. I'm probably going to buy one soon but will wait until the winter and get a deal. Thanks for your help.

[@PaddleGuy1]

@@Alexxx---101 If you have had any experience with the kayak the was called the Ocean Kayak Prowler 4.5 then you can safely say the reload is much the same feel but with a better cockpit layout. Big Game, by comparison, is a chunky un responsive kayak much like the kayak that superseded the prowlers call the trident.. they changed the seat position to sit higher which made it a totally different feel which I never liked in the rougher water..at least with the Big game them also made it wider which made more sense when your sitting higher and it gets rough. Ocean Kayak NZ and France shut down factories much the same time and all manufacturing went back to USA...shame the did not pick up a distributor in the UK as the Old Town range, in particular, has some models that would have suited your market. Oh well leaves more sales for the others. Good luck

[@sebastianrafiq4107]

Muito bom 👍

[@kevinstorm2167]

World Wide except in the USA!

[@PaddleGuy1]

you will find the USA distributors info here www.vikingkayaksusa.com/

[@gavinnz6169]

Gonna get me one chur

[@erikfri898]

nice kaysk but this is not ta fishing kayak. kayak without a place to store the fish. the zipper bag behind your back is a bad design hardly reachable almost impossible to store midium fish. large fish is impossible. why not a hatch in the cocpit betwin your legs that you can throw in the catch??

[@damkayaker]

Too bad the global warming freaks have declared war on petroleum products. I read about the fire in Matamata. A big retailer (ACK) in the U.S. closed this past new years, the main store in Austin, TX and 5 others. Hold on to your kayaks if you got 'em!