Newbie Help

[Enceladus]

Hey guys, after decades of fishing from a camp chair I've decided start fishing from a kayak. I'm a pretty big guy (6 ft 240 lbs) and am considering a used 2010 Hobie Outback.

Questions:
1. Is there much difference from a 2012 vs 2010 Outback?
2. What are some other options you'd recommend?
3. How much $$ would you consider is necessary for an initial investment.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[bus kid]

Welcome to the addication. I can't say how much the initial investment should be because we all have different ideas about what you need. mine was close to 2K, kayak PFD, fishfinder, bait tank, paddled Etc... It's the long run you gotta ready for.

[mtnbykr2]

welcome to the crew,
I don't think there are aq whole lot of differences between the two, so go for it, the investment should be the basic safety equipment, before you venture out, be comfortable and confident in your boat, then come on out and fish

[jorluivil]

I purchased a new 2011 Outback earlier this year, I'm already into it over $2500 and that's with a $169 FF, had purchased the HDS5(the creme de le creme) I'd be well over the $3k mark. Regardless of what brand or model year you purchase be prepared to invest. I paid $700 for my first used kayak and in less than two months I had already invested over $500. The only advise I can give is pay cash, hide the receipts and don't buy something just because its cheap.

[mazilla]

There are some nice Fish n Dives for sale here...


http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=12112

[Enceladus]

Thanks for the input. I was just about to pull the trigger on a 2007 Outback with a bunch of accessories for $1200, but someone beat me to it. Thanks for the welcome and advice. Hopefully, it won't be long before I'm out there on the water with you guys -- at least by spring and the WSB.

[-scallywag-]

Originally Posted by Enceladus

Questions:
1. Is there much difference from a 2012 vs 2010 Outback?
2. What are some other options you'd recommend?
3. How much $$ would you consider is necessary for an initial investment.

1. 2012 vs. 2010 Hobies....YES there is a HUGE difference. While the hulls are still almost identical to the 2010's, all of Hobie's 2012 hulls have significant structural upgrades to the drivewell area, and the mirage drive itself.
Also, its nice to buy new for the awesome factory warranty and support you'll receive from your local hobie dealer (even though you'd get that if you bought used).
2. PFD, breathable waders, bait tank... buy a "reconditioned" bait tank from hobie or make one your self...really easy and cheap, but if you are gonna fish alot the hobie tanks are nice.
3. for the basics, new hobie 1900, pfd 100, waders 200, do it your self bait tank 80-120, hobie super bad ass bait tank 250....electronics are a how other animal but I always liked the black and white single beam's with GPS...usually run around 170-200...dual beam color with gps=500-750.

of course once you have the seaworthy boat, pfd, fishing permit and a rod your golden....everything else can be aquired slowly as you learn exactly what YOU need for you style fishing....which reminds me of three more required items, a soft 12pack cooler, ice and beer!

[TCS]

For about a 5% increase in the stuff scally listed above, you could also hire a guide for a day and save yourself a couple of years on the learning curve. Easy for us to say you should go all-in, but a lot of us, including myself would start with all the right stuff and coaching if we had the chance to do it over again.

[Enceladus]

Good info! Thanks! I'll post when I finally get something. Once I get the kayak, I'll be asking for gear advice since all I have is ultralight freshwater gear.

[Willy]

You don't need to go baller status on your first yak.
I started on a piece of crap, and worked my way up. What good is a Caddie if you didn't drive a Monte Carlo first to learn to appreciate it?

If and when you do go get a yak (whatever type you choose), take the time to get the feel of it.
Trust me I know, you'll want to paddle out to La Jolla right away, but go down to Mission Bay first.
Drop it in at the boat launch or a calm beach (Mariners Point) and get used to it with no gear. Spend a whole day on it, just you the boat and a paddle (and a PFD).

Make turns.
Go to a shallow calm spot and tip it on purpose.
Go a little deeper and try to get on it in water where you cant touch the bottom.
This seems stupid and remedial, but in a tight spot this stuff should be second nature, especially if you're not a sprite, quick youth.
Could be life or death, or it could just mean saving some gear in a tight spot.
Then take it to LA Jolla, with no gear, and get your ass kicked in the waves for a bit. Fall off. Learn to steer it in a wave. Learn to get embarrassed by the sea. Then go back to the truck and get your stuff.

Then go out and slay 'em.
Welcome to the club.

Willy

[Enceladus]

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm picking up a 2010 outback tomorrow with a ton of extras (FF, outriggers, turbofins, bait tank, tackleboxes, etc). I was thinking about getting a brand spanking new one, but I'm okay with this one for now. I'll start with the private lakes to get used to it, but I'll be seeing you guys in LJ by spring!