Advice needed: Malibu Mini X for kelp fishing?

[igotswansons]

Looking at getting my first kayak and eventually use this to do some kelp/inshore fishing in La Jolla. I have heard getting a >12' kayak is needed for this type of fishing. The Malibu Mini X is under 10' and would be easy to load and store. I'm also 5'7" so I'm not a big guy. I've heard I will probably have issues with speed and tracking with this size kayak so this wouldn't be ideal for ocean fishing. Does anyone have any experience with this kayak?

[drillsar]

The speed and tracking will definitely be comprimised, I just sold the one I had, and got a Tarpon 120, The size is convenient on a mini x to load and store, but i quickly grew out of mine, on real windy and choppy days after a long day of fishing you will be spent paddling in.. and I only used mine in the bays. but really it's up to personal preference. But all the guys I spoke with that said I would grow out of my mini x were right. Good luck.

[vortex]

I had X factor, then I had Stealth 12. Now I have Mini X. I like mini x for La Jolla fishing. Stealth 12 is a little faster, X Factor about the same. But with Mini X it is much easier to turn, in windy weather it is important. I ma 210 pounds and it is good for me.

[igotswansons]

thanks for the input guys. I understand tracking and speed are compromised but how dramatic is this compared to a 12' (a Cobra FnD for example). I've heard those are pretty slow as well. I've read the Mini X is pretty stable too. If one was to compare the speed of Mini X vs. a Stealth 12 or a FnD, what would the speeds be with the same amount of energy exerted? If the difference were significant, I would be convinced to go with a larger yak since I want to be able to cover the amount of water associated with inshore/kelp fishing.

[FlyFishinYakr]

I sold my Mini-X a few weeks ago, after testing out for a few months on "the goon" @ Castaic. I found it was not speed and tracking but, the storage was too small to carry many of the items that I use just for Bass fishing. Since my saltwater gear (with the exception of my Fly Gear) is more extensive and heavier, I figured I needed to upgrade to a larger yak.

Fortunately I found a Pro Explorer listed shortly after I made my decision to upgrade. (btw: if you want a Pro Explorer FnD almost new send me a PM I think I can get you one like mine only in Mango @ the same price as mine).

I also have storage/transport issues but I won't have to worry about not being able to carry my Saltwater gear.

My only regret is that I didn't notice that the tank area on the Pro Explorer is also not that much larger than the Mini-X, but it's still an improvement over the Mini. I admit I will miss the manueverability of my Mini however and there is no rudder system made for the Pro Explorer.

My next yak X-Factor, Trident 13 or an Outback (regardless of home storage issues).

My best suggestion would be to take your Mini out to the lake/harbor with all/most of what you'd use out on LJ and see if you can carry everything you'd need.

Best of luck on your decision,

FFY

[maui jim]

First time ever no one mentions Hobie......wow.. you guys are slippin'

Go Cobra's...