Malibu Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem Fishing Kayak Review

Answers provided by Allen AKA ( Dadcalkins )

1. How long have been fishing the Pro2 Tandem?

I have been paddling/fishing a Pro 2 Tandem for close to three years now.

2. Why did you choose this boat?

I actually have two Pro 2 Tandems for my family of four so we can go kayaking as a family. I chose these because I live in Huntington Beach and Malibu Oceans Sports is on Huntington Harbor. So we rented several times and decided to buy what we where comfortable with from renting.

3. Have you owned other boats? Which? In what order? Discuss your
progression.

No other kayaks yet.

4. What are the tradeoffs of this kayak?

Heavy but it is a tandem. Difficult to use solo and I end up going solo as much as tandem. I sit on the rectangular hatch solo and I have no good place to put my feet. Deck is layed out for diving more than fishing so my square tackle box and milk crate don’t nest into the dive tank recess well.

5. What are the strengths of this kayak?

Stable have yet to flip by accident. I have fallen off in the surf but the kayak stayed right side up and I was trying to find the point of no return. Goes right out through the surf and in Huntington we have 2 to 3 foot most days with bigger waves common. Paddles well with two paddlers even with one paddling and the other not. I think it may paddle better with my 80 lbs. son up front and me in back than me solo in the center. I have considered getting a 50 lbs. bag of sand and putting it up front and sitting in the back position to go solo. However a bag of sand is a hassle and I like to go as light as possible to and from the water. Nice big rectangular hatch to put gear in easy to get to between my legs. Round hatch up front for paddler in front to put tackle.

6. What is the one thing that keeps it above the rest in your mind?

Malibu's life time warranty!! I had trouble with one of my kayaks hulls distorting when I drove to June Lake in the heat of summer. I was able to pop it back to shape for my vacation. When I got back Malibu replaced it with a new kayak no questions.

7. Anything else?

These kayaks are FUN!!! I have done some of the most exciting fishing in the most in accessible waters around. I have seen the most interesting and beautiful things with my family in these kayaks. I highly recommend the Pro 2 tandem for a family with young children.
Before you get a tandem consider the age of you kids. I have gotten 3 great years out of my pro 2 tandems, but now my youngest is 10 and he wants to paddle his own direction at times. So I'm in the market for a couple of singles. I will keep one tandem for outings with the extended family.