Picking a new kayak - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Kaleb · 03-15-2015, 01:54 PM

Kind of torn in my decisions right now. I primarily want to do kelp and YT fishing in La Jolla although I do a lot of bay fishing now. My previous kayak was a Native watercraft Mantaray 12 I liked it, only problems were weight capacity and stability. I'm really looking into the x factor because it easily solves both of those problems + it's cheap and I can get a fully rigged, paddle, seat, anchor, bait tank and fish finder ETC. For about 1k with. I have also tried the wilderness systems ride 135 and liked that one a lot. A little more expensive then the x factor. The last option is save up about 400-500 more and get an out back? What do you guys recommend?

corpsmanusn2001 · 03-15-2015, 02:01 PM

Outback. You won't regret saving/spending the extra cheese. I am really impressed with mine after switching from an Ocean Kayak. Most will get the job done but the convenience, capacity, maneuverability, and the rest of the Hobie features can't be beat in my opinion.

YakDout · 03-15-2015, 02:07 PM

If you have never used a mirage drive, you probably should before you make your decision. I have a good feeling this test drive will alter your decision.

solyluna · 03-15-2015, 02:20 PM

Xfactor great rig just really heavy and slow

Kaleb · 03-15-2015, 02:23 PM

Haha, ok im gonna head down to hobie right now, I tested the others at OEX Yesterday. I'm sure test paddling a kayak is different once you load it up with gear though. I've heard they sometimes paddle better.

TJones · 03-15-2015, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solyluna

Xfactor great rig just really heavy and slow

FISH11 · 03-15-2015, 03:30 PM

The X Factor might seem like it paddles slow but heavy, that is a big laugh. Especially coming from a Hobie owner. The X Factor only weighs 62lb. For a super stable kayak with 33" in width and 525 to 600 lb weight capacity depending on the year model, that can't be beat. I have paddled out there with a lot of other different kayaks and even hobies. I haven't had any problem staying up with most, except some longer sleeker hulls being paddled by guys half my age. Also you could buy two for the price of one of those others. Try going through the kelp forest in a hobie when it grows back now that lobster season ended. First you'll need to buy a quality paddle because that piece of shit paddle that hobie gives you is guaranteed to break and the mirage drive is useless in the kelp.

ctfphoto · 03-15-2015, 03:37 PM

I paddled and fished a wildnerness systems for almost 4 years until a few days ago and absolutely loved it.

I checked out the new 2015 Outback a week ago.

I now own one and think it is the perfect upgrade for me.

YakDout · 03-15-2015, 02:45 PM

Not sure if hobie will have a place for you to test ride. They are a couple miles inland in a business park area. You may have to go back to an OEX. But I could be wrong.

spyakker · 03-15-2015, 02:51 PM

I got an hobie revo and don't regret it one bit. Went a little over my budget, but worth getting it because I love that I am able to fish and cover ground at the same time. There are guys who love paddling and nothing against that, but I prefer the mirage drive.

easyday · 03-15-2015, 03:00 PM

Wilderness systems thresher such an awesome setup

monstahfish · 03-15-2015, 03:04 PM

I hurt my shoulder yesterday but depending on what the doc says I might be able to get you out on an outback sometime soon.

Pinhead · 03-15-2015, 09:41 PM

In my opinion, consider your physical ability and strength. I'm roughly 5'10, 165lbs, and my upper body strength is not what it used to be, back in the day ;-)

I have a near new X-Factor, 14'L x 33W. Stable kayak, lots of storage etc... but tough for me to gain much distance when fighting the wind and/or current, especially both at the same time. I should not have bought this big of a kayak. Rookie mistake. Should have purchased a 12' model and done a bit more homework before purchasing.

I just bought a 2014 Hobie PA, 14' and used it for the 1st time in MB yesterday. Awesome. Wind was 10mph and current was not bad. I was easily able to fish, adjust boat position and fight fish easily.

Kaleb · 03-15-2015, 11:58 PM

Yeah im 220lbs 5'10" My upper body strength is actually pretty good. But exactly what you are mentioning is what I'm worried about. fighting current and wind and still being able to fish.

easyday · 03-16-2015, 12:26 AM

I do it all the time in a paddle kayak......you don't need peddles to fish.

momo fish · 03-16-2015, 01:06 AM

Come over and join the cult....

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyday

I do it all the time in a paddle kayak......you don't need peddles to fish.

easyday · 03-16-2015, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momo fish

Come over and join the cult....

It's going to be a VERRRRRRRRRRRYYYYY long time before anyone sees me in anything but a paddle kayak. And Jim no i wouldn't, but imagine if that fish you were trying to chase down dragged you over some kelp and your mirage drive all of a sudden doesn't work.......hahaha. This debate is never ending. Both sides are pretty hardcore loyal to their preferred method is propulsion. Bottom line for the OP get what you like the best and don't settle for less if you don't have to.

Deamon · 03-16-2015, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyday

I do it all the time in a paddle kayak......you don't need peddles to fish.

Yeah but come on Josh, let's be real for one minute...if you're hooked up on two fish...one's a burner about to spool you...the other is straight down heavy...are you Wilderness boys able to chase down the screamer steering with your knee, catching up on line while managing the other fish??? Wait a minute, that was last night's dream. Umm, never mind. Jim

jruiz · 03-16-2015, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deamon

Yeah but come on Josh, let's be real for one minute...if you're hooked up on two fish...one's a burner about to spool you...the other is straight down heavy...are you Wilderness boys able to chase down the screamer steering with your knee, catching up on line while managing the other fish??? Wait a minute, that was last night's dream. Umm, never mind. Jim

You radio John over and hand over one rod. Remember fishing etiquette, no take backs. If you get broken off your fish, be the bigger guy and cheer him on and take pictures.

cell128 · 03-16-2015, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deamon

Yeah but come on Josh, let's be real for one minute...if you're hooked up on two fish...one's a burner about to spool you...the other is straight down heavy...are you Wilderness boys able to chase down the screamer steering with your knee, catching up on line while managing the other fish??? Wait a minute, that was last night's dream. Umm, never mind. Jim

I wish I had 2 fish on me

03-15-2015, 01:54 PM	#1
Kaleb Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 96	Picking a new kayak Kind of torn in my decisions right now. I primarily want to do kelp and YT fishing in La Jolla although I do a lot of bay fishing now. My previous kayak was a Native watercraft Mantaray 12 I liked it, only problems were weight capacity and stability. I'm really looking into the x factor because it easily solves both of those problems + it's cheap and I can get a fully rigged, paddle, seat, anchor, bait tank and fish finder ETC. For about 1k with. I have also tried the wilderness systems ride 135 and liked that one a lot. A little more expensive then the x factor. The last option is save up about 400-500 more and get an out back? What do you guys recommend?

03-15-2015, 03:30 PM	#7
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	The X Factor might seem like it paddles slow but heavy, that is a big laugh. Especially coming from a Hobie owner. The X Factor only weighs 62lb. For a super stable kayak with 33" in width and 525 to 600 lb weight capacity depending on the year model, that can't be beat. I have paddled out there with a lot of other different kayaks and even hobies. I haven't had any problem staying up with most, except some longer sleeker hulls being paddled by guys half my age. Also you could buy two for the price of one of those others. Try going through the kelp forest in a hobie when it grows back now that lobster season ended. First you'll need to buy a quality paddle because that piece of shit paddle that hobie gives you is guaranteed to break and the mirage drive is useless in the kelp. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

03-15-2015, 03:00 PM	#11
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,470	Wilderness systems thresher such an awesome setup __________________

03-16-2015, 12:26 AM	#15
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,470	I do it all the time in a paddle kayak......you don't need peddles to fish. __________________

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03-15-2015, 02:01 PM	#2
corpsmanusn2001 Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 65	Outback. You won't regret saving/spending the extra cheese. I am really impressed with mine after switching from an Ocean Kayak. Most will get the job done but the convenience, capacity, maneuverability, and the rest of the Hobie features can't be beat in my opinion.

03-15-2015, 02:07 PM	#3
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	If you have never used a mirage drive, you probably should before you make your decision. I have a good feeling this test drive will alter your decision.

03-15-2015, 02:20 PM	#4
solyluna Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 73	Xfactor great rig just really heavy and slow

03-15-2015, 02:23 PM	#5
Kaleb Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 96	Haha, ok im gonna head down to hobie right now, I tested the others at OEX Yesterday. I'm sure test paddling a kayak is different once you load it up with gear though. I've heard they sometimes paddle better.

03-15-2015, 03:37 PM	#8
ctfphoto Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 901	I paddled and fished a wildnerness systems for almost 4 years until a few days ago and absolutely loved it. I checked out the new 2015 Outback a week ago. I now own one and think it is the perfect upgrade for me.

03-15-2015, 02:45 PM	#9
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Not sure if hobie will have a place for you to test ride. They are a couple miles inland in a business park area. You may have to go back to an OEX. But I could be wrong.

03-15-2015, 02:51 PM	#10
spyakker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Cypress Posts: 110	I got an hobie revo and don't regret it one bit. Went a little over my budget, but worth getting it because I love that I am able to fish and cover ground at the same time. There are guys who love paddling and nothing against that, but I prefer the mirage drive.

03-15-2015, 03:04 PM	#12
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 421	I hurt my shoulder yesterday but depending on what the doc says I might be able to get you out on an outback sometime soon.

03-15-2015, 09:41 PM	#13
Pinhead We all Stink Sometimes! Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 171	In my opinion, consider your physical ability and strength. I'm roughly 5'10, 165lbs, and my upper body strength is not what it used to be, back in the day ;-) I have a near new X-Factor, 14'L x 33W. Stable kayak, lots of storage etc... but tough for me to gain much distance when fighting the wind and/or current, especially both at the same time. I should not have bought this big of a kayak. Rookie mistake. Should have purchased a 12' model and done a bit more homework before purchasing. I just bought a 2014 Hobie PA, 14' and used it for the 1st time in MB yesterday. Awesome. Wind was 10mph and current was not bad. I was easily able to fish, adjust boat position and fight fish easily.

03-15-2015, 11:58 PM	#14
Kaleb Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 96	Yeah im 220lbs 5'10" My upper body strength is actually pretty good. But exactly what you are mentioning is what I'm worried about. fighting current and wind and still being able to fish.