Is pedal drive necessary

[Hillbillymad]

I’m about to buy my first kayak and I tried another guys top water pdl while I was trying it I stoped using the pedals and only used the paddle. I was going so slow I feel like I would need pedal just to manage out in lajolla

[FoodGeekFish]

Lots of folks fish offshore saltwater in paddle style kayaks. Are pedals convenient? 100%, right up until they fail.

So, more maintenance investment off the water to reduce the risk of on the water failure, in exchange for hands free fishing.

[cris]

With a peddle system you can follow a hooked fish, cast at fish while moving towards them or hold the rod while you slow troll a live air and feel for bites. Ultimately big fish are caught every day on paddle kayaks though!

[surfshotmoto]

I have both. If your fishing get pedal. Paddle is a big pain fishing. Also pedal uses your legs which are much stronger so you can overcome wind and current easier.


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[Mahigeer]

Yes and yes.

I am selling my 14' paddle and maybe later my 13' Outback.

I am keeping my 11" Hobie inflatable with pedal.

[hiramehunter]

just skip to getting a bixpy! Haha
it's a viscous cycle!
paddle > pedal$ > electric $$ > boston whaler$$$ > parker$$$$ > paddle
rinse and repeat!!

[skrilla]

Solo Skiff

[FullFlavorPike]

Order a Malibu Express and get a good paddle and seat and you'll be the swiftest thing on the water lol.

[FISH11]

Originally Posted by skrilla

Solo Skiff

X2, save time and money just order one now. After you see us out there moving from spot to spot or distant bird action in a couple of minutes instead of 20 minutes, you'll know why. I have owned both and caught more Yellowtail on my paddle kayaks then on my 2016 Hobie Revo 13. Every time I use my Solo Skiff, I get more impressed at it's ability in surf launching and landing, rough water, wind, current and stability. Neither paddle or pedals can even come close to the power of the 6 hp outboard while using about $2 of gas in 6-8 hours in La Jolla. I think I've launched at La Jolla about 12 times since July 23rd. The Solo Skiff isn't just a game changer, it's on another planet! Here's a couple picts, 1st is at the La Jolla Shores launch and the 2nd a Yellowtail release.

[Pocoloco]

Originally Posted by hiramehunter

just skip to getting a bixpy! Haha
it's a viscous cycle!
paddle > pedal$ > electric $$ > boston whaler$$$ > parker$$$$ > paddle
rinse and repeat!!

been there done that

[surfshotmoto]

I have a Newport Bessel 36 LB trolling motor with 80 amp/hr lithium ion battery. Works great for LaJolla. You get the pedal and the motor.


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[the dude]

my favorite kayak ever (and I've owned a few) was a wilderness systems 16. Paired with a carbon fiber paddle the thing was a rocket. I could glide over the kelp beds without worrying about getting my drive stuck. I also had a hobie outback. The pedals are nice, but I'd take that WS16 over anything. Loved it.

[Flounder]

Originally Posted by Hillbillymad

IÂ’m about to buy my first kayak and I tried another guys top water pdl while I was trying it I stoped using the pedals and only used the paddle. I was going so slow I feel like I would need pedal just to manage out in lajolla

Lets drop some lj real experience from a paddler turned peddler.
Reasons I switched to Peddle.
1. Size of boat and thrust required.
I am a bigger guy reasonable shape 220-240 over the last few years and with that to get a good comfortable seat and fit all the gear, bait tank, extra rods etc I was looking at a large yak. Large yaks do not traditionally paddle well and at testing in waves and wind "Floundering" was the best way to put how I felt against elements in a paddle yak, paddling in weather took 90% of my energy and effort. Left nothing for fishing and left me wore out and limited my range.
Bottom line Legs are huge efficient muscles compared to arms and you will get 2-3x the range.

2. LJ Currents.
In my old paddle yak I found myself being pushed off spots. I would mark good fish that I would want to drop to but proper presentation was very difficult fighting just a 1mph current and a little wind was enough to make you move on frustrated.
I also found myself pinned against the south preserve on several occasions and had to end the day with a miserable 3mile paddle against heavy current and NW winds, watched peddlers fly by no issues....ugh.

3. Bay currents.
See above multiply x3.

4. Boat positioning.
Critical factor in fishing structure. I can stay on the structure 100% peddle,
Paddle im drifting off or my paddles in my hands not my rod.
To hit my zones and tend poles in bays and LJ I would have to anchor with the paddle yak, peddles allow me to be in control of rods in the zone and control the craft for big bay wakes.

5. BAD Weather Fishing
IT SUCKS DONT DO IT.
If you do keeping the bow into the waves or on your desired course is key and in big white caps for safety and stability. This is the only area that paddle and peddle are even in my book I like paddling super rough weather because I can use the paddle to help stay upright, but with the peddle I end up in less of those situations that I feel uneasy in. After fishing Michigan and Texas, our weather here is truly blessed.

6. My back and shoulders.
Peddle

Paddle
Barely move after a 6 hour trip.