Welcome to our Mainstream Kayak reviews. We hope that you are able to browse through all the kayak reviews and see what fellow anglers liked and not liked about certain mainstream kayak models from the reviewed models. After browsing through the reviews, please consider taking a few minutes and leaving your kayak review with us.
This Mainstream Kayak review is by A Guest, who reviewed the 10' Twist model kayak on 02-24-2006. It was given an overall rating of 9, where 1 is low...10 is high.
Comments: I am fairly new to kayak fishing.I started with an SOB (Sit On Bottom).The SOB is like a Canoe,but even less stable,especially when fishing,too tippy for me..The SOT is like fishing from a lounge chair and is self bailing.I wear neopreme snug fitting waders in the cool/cold season to keep dry.A little bit of water gets in but only a little.You can get in & out of it easily by just throwing a leg over the center and sit down.You can even sit on it sideways with your feet dangling in the water without flipping.That said,the Twist is light weight 40#,making it easy to transport.The wt.capacity is 300#.It's short length makes it easy to just throw in the back of my 6ft.bed pickup, caddy corner,with the tailgate up,tie it down and away you go.I'm adding a suitcase type carrrying handle & shoulder strap for easier carrying alone.The finger grips along the sides aren't deep enough to get a good enough grip for carrying it this way.I also added paddle holders to it that I use while fishing at anchor and secure the paddle while transporting & launching.I've had good paddleing results with an 8ft.,16in.x6in.flat bladed paddle .I tried a shorter,cupped paddle but the results were more power needed to achieve the same speed.I usually only paddle a mile or less to the fishing grounds and don't believe this kak is the tool of the trade for long distance paddleing.I travel lite and don't bring alot of gear.There's a drink holder ,a small easy to get to hatch and you can fasten a milk crate aft for added storage.This is a good,stable,lightweight,kayak for fishing,especially if yo go it alone.
Suggested Changes:  A carrying handle with shoulder harness.
This Mainstream Kayak review is by Cruzwata, who reviewed the Patriot model kayak on 10-01-2005. It was given an overall rating of 9, where 1 is low...10 is high.
Comments: I looked at many kayaks before choosing the Mainstream Patriot. I'm glad this is the choice I made. All I want to do is fish and cruise around the lake. The patriot is the perfect way I found to do this. I have room for a cd player and tackle. I even made a dash board with a fish finder and extra pole holders. I read about tracking problems, but I have no problem with tracking on the patriot. This is everything I want it to be.
Suggested Changes: Maybe a bungie strap on the front.
This Mainstream Kayak review is by DuhHuh, who reviewed the Illusion model kayak on 07-21-2005. It was given an overall rating of 9, where 1 is low...10 is high.
Comments: I purchased my mainstream yak last year. After looking around I found this one for $395.00 with harmony paddle and seat. The storage is OK with the front hatch and molded rear area for a fishing crate or cooler. The cargo netting is good on the bow. I am 6'3" and 245lbs. I am very pleased with this versatile boat. My boat is 12' x 32". Very stabile. I am not sure what model it is because I added a hummingbird 100 depth finder right on top of the name. Great deal for fishing. It also has a tip up bow design.
Suggested Changes: Doesn't track straight as I would like. The tie down rings are a little small to clip the seat that came with it on. Mine does take on a little water ( about a quart during a trip) but I am looking for the leak.
This Mainstream Kayak review is by ms@satx, who reviewed the Sportsman Series Jon Buoy model kayak on 07-13-2004. It was given an overall rating of 8, where 1 is low...10 is high.
Comments: Great budget fishing rig. As such,it comes with nothing. Out-fitting mine with a 36lb trolling motor,battery,charger,oars,life vests,rope,rod holders, swivel seat,hardware and a 2X12X10 to make seats added $400. The cutouts on top are great for wooden bench seats. Movement w/two people must be well planned. The stern seat is useless w/a trolling motor--a bench seat is almost a must. Exceeding the gross weight with two adult males is a concern. Doesn't like choppy water. Easy to paddle. Tracks well. Very light,the wife and I have no trouble hoisting it atop our Chevy Blazer. Fits our luggage rack, easy tie down. You can put two 6'6" poles inside the storage compartment. My rig works great,scoots along and is alot of fun. Best way to boat fish for under $800!
Suggested Changes: Built in rod holders would be nice. More accessory deck loops (ADL) inside to tie gear down. Add a big tie down ring in the back for tying it to your car. The ADLs are too small to get any decent sized rope through. Make storage hatch opening bigger. State the max HP size somewhere. Mold in gear storage areas instead of the middle seat. Make it 12' long vice 11'4'.
This Mainstream Kayak review is by baybuzzards, who reviewed the Twist 2003 model kayak on 05-29-2004. It was given an overall rating of 9, where 1 is low...10 is high.
Comments: This is my first boat, after trying a sit in this is the way to go. Wet exits and remounts are easy. The width makes it stable and the 10' length makes storage easier. The space is limited and it came with no hatches. I was on a tight budget and was able to find for under $300 with Harmony paddle and seat. The Kingfish is worth a look too, not much more and bigger boat with a front hatch.
Suggested Changes: Some deck netting would be a nice touch.
This Mainstream Kayak review is by holstonangler, who reviewed the patriot model kayak on 05-27-2004. It was given an overall rating of 8, where 1 is low...10 is high.
Comments: great fishing kayak, but i frequent shallow water with fast rapids and the only downfall to this boat is the soft thin plastic. best boat for the money!
Suggested Changes: take out the rod holders. better ones should be used