Quote:
Originally Posted by esdees
The main deterrent from the pedal boats is the price, but each person is different. It's been said many times on this board: "Try before you buy"
Most people can go further with the pedal system, but you lose deck space. Do you have any injuries (knee, shoulder, etc) that would affect your decision?
I would talk to the guys at OEX. They sell all the main brands of kayaks and will let you try them out. I believe the Oceanside store is the only one that has hobies. If that's out of the way for you, Fastlane Sailing (Mission Bay area) sells hobies and will let you try them out.
Give them a call and see what they say.
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Patrick pretty much said it all, and he's a non-bias guy giving you his honest opinion, sound advice. I'm not sure if Patrick has ever fished off a mirage drive system though, I never asked him. I fished off of three different kinds of paddle kayaks before making the switch, and you can't sum up the difference by price alone. I developed nerve damage from chasing bird schools like a maniac for years, but I know a few hardcore fisherman that don't have this problem, I think. The feel, speed, and maneuverability, are completely different from a standard paddle kayak. I'm not bias either, pros and cons to both, and it remains to be determined which one is right for you. I'm not a salesman in anyway, just a hardcore fisherman, but without you telling me about your desired specific use (lakes, bays, 3mile-40mile range), in conjunction with your experience level, and target species from tiny to giant, plenty of variables. I will also point out that you don't neccisarily lose deck space with a Hobie. The deck of the Hobie Outback is wide open, with plenty of flat spots for customized options, not to mention it comes pretty tricked out. Another thing to think about since you're not paddling, your deck space doubles in size already, and obviously your hands are free to do as you wish. Adjust your rods, cast the iron in hot pursuit of breaking fish while chasing them down, tie knots, read a book, the list is endless. With a paddle kayak, you will be constantly picking up your paddle (a few hundred times a day), to alter your position, whether a great distance or micro adjustments. when ocean kayak fishing the variables are current, wind, multiple lines that can tangle, other kayak anglers, drunk power boaters, big hungry sea lions, whales etc. The point is, you are almost constantly having to make adjustments, and I quit cursing when I got the pedal kayak. When ever I have a possible tangle situation (100 times a day), floating rubbish that needs to be avoided, or the need to move slightly, it's awesome to make a few twinkle toe effortless kicks with my feet, instead of many strokes with the paddle. For the first few weeks on the Hobie, I almost found something new I loved about them everyday, and this is still going on after almost six months. From pulling giant fish away from structure, and stopping the nightmare from unfolding, to increasing my range by leaps and bounds without the fear of fatigue, to simply picking up my rod as the bait get's nervous right before that Yellowtail or White Seabass quits staring him down and commits. I don't know of any fisherman that would argue "that when the fish slams your bait or iron, and starts ripping line is the best part," atleast it's my favorite part.
All this said, for years when someone on the beach asked me how to get started, I simply told them "find something that floats, and take advantage of the worldclass sportfishing that is right off our coast". I have three paddles that seem to lose their value to me everyday, and forgot to bring one on three out of my last five trips. So feel free to barrow one, try out what you have, listen to the salesman about your "specific questions", and the kayak that is right for you "will sell itself". Maybe you will end up fishing on the one you have this season, or buying a better paddle kayak soon, your choice to make. Reguardless, all this will do is make you appreciate the pedal kayak more if you ever decide to make the switch, "like moving from Montana to Southern California, you will appreciate what you have more than the locals that take paradise for granted".