Stealth 525 Fishing Kayak - Good or Bad ?

First proper full session in a Stealth 525 -are all my assumptions about this fishing kayak correct or not...after a full session on the ocean trolling I give you some insights into what I did and did not like.. thanks for watching
#kayakfishing #stealthkayaks #review

[@blackflag_fishing]

The nylon flexible rod covers are great for keeping rods separate in the stealth hatch. Nice review!

[@Jake-ky9ed]

Love my 525, I do use the rod ”sleeves” as it keeps the separated in the hatch, one thing is you HAVE to learn to be a minimalist with gear carried?! I’ve never been good at that and always carry an entire tackle shop with me? Working on it as I only ever need a couple trolling rigs and a couple soft plastics as that’s all I ever use or throw? Maybe a hard bait or two - yet still try carry it all. I know you’ve run some stealths! Remember your old vid on the 575? I think it was years ago?? Cheers man! Hope all has been good!

[@nev7734]

Hey mate love your videos. Looking to get my first offshore kayak and originally was interested in the reload (lots of good condition used late models for sale for under 1.5k). However recently learned about the profisha and really like the front hatch on the stealth for securing your gear when going through surf/ease of storing fish. Only issue is not many used models available, and looking at around 5k by the time you get a decent sounder, paddle etc. Do you think the stealth is really worh the 3.5k premium in this circumstance?

[@portesslee6016]

So, are you tempted to get one then? If so, how long before you add thigh braces. I've got some on my fisha 555, not tried rolling it yet as my local water is just hovering above freezing point and my drysuit leaked badly, just recently repaired. Ill let you know how i get on soon, should be easier than the reload though

[@PaddleGuy1]

I would add them straight away - no brainer that one 😀

[@Jake-ky9ed]

I had forgot about the thigh braces! That is a good idea - stealth is easy recovery too -

[@maldrury8313]

Off subject but do you have any suggestions for a nice kayak paddle for a Viking Espri? Would like something better than the standard Viking paddle. I note that Viking have their own carbon paddle but looks like it is only for sale across the ditch. Thanks.

[@PaddleGuy1]

anything is better than the standard viking paddle, find a local dealer who sells anything in glass blade/carbon blend shaft or go full carbon if your budget allows - I dont have a brand to suggest but a local retailer will have options for you - Glass blade or carbon either you will be winning compared to that shitter the Viking comes with - only use for that is as a spare paddle in the hatch IMHO

[@Pedro285]

Looks like a weapon. How waterproof is that centre hatch?

[@PaddleGuy1]

From what I understand from feedback from other owners is straight out of the factory the hatch is dry with waves coming over etc but not so much if you get rolled in the surf, then it can take a bit on - I would be adding some extra protection in the way of a bigger rubber seal around the hatch rim and lid much like I do on the Viking central hatchs