Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - View Single Post

Mongo Johnson · 09-02-2012, 06:34 AM

All the boats mentioned are better purpose-built boats, as opposed to cheapy "fun" fun yaks from Big 5. They're all a step up with more load capacity and better, stable designs.

The best advice is to try 'em and take the little bit of time it takes to learn about 'em.

It IS worth trying a Hobie with a Mirage drive, though it adds about 400 to cost. Try a Revolution and the Outback.

You can cover a lot of miles with them and do well in current and wind. Both are very stable. The Revo is faster. The Outback is more an SUV. Both are very fishable.

I have a Hobie Revolution and it fits "my" needs. Since we run offshore, covering some miles is great and the Hobie is a good fit. Kelp isn't a "problem" as we just clip up the flippers and paddle. For us, getting to the kelp is more the goal and longer tours. The drive is great for that as you can crank for an hour at a comfortable pace and be doing 4 mph the whole time. Heck, two hours is fine too.

And, try the others. All the boats mentioned are good boats.

Beware bias of a dealer "selling what he carries" and guys that are all "Ford v Chevy' on one brand or style of boat. I've got two pals who snagged a pair of Malibus at a sale and love 'em.

Think more ergonomics, and think hard about tandem v single. My wife and I have singles and are glad we did.

We've more latitude on the water and they're lighter loading/unloading. 'Nice to have two boats when takin' out friends or having a lighter option when out on our own.

I was just in Florida in Mosquito Lagoon and did a rental of a tradional yak. The overall area was pretty shallow and reedy near shore.

I "felt" limited in range on a normal yak. But, we still got around and had a good time.

We really did miss our Hobies coming back into the wind. It was more work and slower to get back. But, we did get back and still had fun on the water. Our experience with Hobies may have spoiled us, but if you're on the water, you're fine -- drive or otherwise.

The hands-free nature of a Hobie is kinda nice and may more relevant than "speed" or perceived speed. Once you're on the water with a good boat, drive or not, you'll be doing something you like.

It was a pain shooting pix and wrangling the paddle, something not an issue on our Hobies. But, it's not the end of the world. Fishing is the same.

Price point, ergonomics, the backing of a good mfg/dealer network ...

09-02-2012, 06:34 AM	#19
Mongo Johnson Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Long Beach Posts: 192	All the boats mentioned are better purpose-built boats, as opposed to cheapy "fun" fun yaks from Big 5. They're all a step up with more load capacity and better, stable designs. The best advice is to try 'em and take the little bit of time it takes to learn about 'em. It IS worth trying a Hobie with a Mirage drive, though it adds about 400 to cost. Try a Revolution and the Outback. You can cover a lot of miles with them and do well in current and wind. Both are very stable. The Revo is faster. The Outback is more an SUV. Both are very fishable. I have a Hobie Revolution and it fits "my" needs. Since we run offshore, covering some miles is great and the Hobie is a good fit. Kelp isn't a "problem" as we just clip up the flippers and paddle. For us, getting to the kelp is more the goal and longer tours. The drive is great for that as you can crank for an hour at a comfortable pace and be doing 4 mph the whole time. Heck, two hours is fine too. And, try the others. All the boats mentioned are good boats. Beware bias of a dealer "selling what he carries" and guys that are all "Ford v Chevy' on one brand or style of boat. I've got two pals who snagged a pair of Malibus at a sale and love 'em. Think more ergonomics, and think hard about tandem v single. My wife and I have singles and are glad we did. We've more latitude on the water and they're lighter loading/unloading. 'Nice to have two boats when takin' out friends or having a lighter option when out on our own. I was just in Florida in Mosquito Lagoon and did a rental of a tradional yak. The overall area was pretty shallow and reedy near shore. I "felt" limited in range on a normal yak. But, we still got around and had a good time. We really did miss our Hobies coming back into the wind. It was more work and slower to get back. But, we did get back and still had fun on the water. Our experience with Hobies may have spoiled us, but if you're on the water, you're fine -- drive or otherwise. The hands-free nature of a Hobie is kinda nice and may more relevant than "speed" or perceived speed. Once you're on the water with a good boat, drive or not, you'll be doing something you like. It was a pain shooting pix and wrangling the paddle, something not an issue on our Hobies. But, it's not the end of the world. Fishing is the same. Price point, ergonomics, the backing of a good mfg/dealer network ... __________________ A day on the water . . . priceless. Last edited by Mongo Johnson; 09-02-2012 at 06:40 AM.