Decisions - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

aeverett152 · 05-10-2022, 02:38 PM

Hello all. New to the forum. Long time angler but relatively new to yak fishing. Some years back I rigged up a 10 foot paddle yak for local socal lake fishing. I am at a point where I am ready to upgrade and get a yak for offshore fishing for yellowtail, halibut, sheepshead, and rockfish but can still use it in local lakes. Trying to keep the budget around 2k.

I have my eyes on the hobie passport 12. This looks like a pretty versatile vessel, in my budget, and I like the customization factor of it. Anyone have any experience with this hobie in offshore fishing conditions?

I am also looking at the Old Town Salty PDL 120, and the Pelican Catch 130 Hydryve

Any input on these is greatly appreciated.

Also what is everyones input on prop vs fin drives?

Thank you all very much

JohnMckroidJr · 05-10-2022, 04:46 PM

Welcome to the forum. I have never used any of the kayaks you are considering, but have years of experience with Hobie kayaks. Have you considered a used Outback over a new Passport? Used kayaks typically come with extra gear for even bigger savings. The Turbo Glide mirage drive that comes with the Passport and earlier model Outbacks is more durable and cheaper to repair than the newer MD180 mirage drives. If you do get a used md180 it would be wise to upgrade it to a kickup version. The mirage drives that come with Pelican, Vibe, and other imitators are cheaper and rust and break faster.

The mirage propulsion can operate in shallower water. One can scissor kick for in a few inches of water while the prop kayaks require a deeper depth to be operational. Some people love paddle and prop kayaks, maybe one of them will chime in?

Good luck with your decision.

aeverett152 · 05-10-2022, 08:58 PM

I have only checked Offerup for used kayaks but have not seen much. Is there a better platform to check out for used kayaks? I am not opposed to used.

JohnMckroidJr · 05-11-2022, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeverett152

I have only checked Offerup for used kayaks but have not seen much. Is there a better platform to check out for used kayaks? I am not opposed to used.

Sometimes a good deal will go up on the classifieds on here. In my area, Offerup and Facebook Marketplace have the most volume of kayaks for sale. If willing to drive to find the right deal, One can search different regions on Facebook Marketplace. There was a time when Craigslist was big, but not so much anymore. Try the classifieds of different fishing forums. Happy hunting.

aeverett152 · 05-11-2022, 07:49 AM

Sounds good. Thank you so much.

f'nsabiki · 05-11-2022, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeverett152

I have only checked Offerup for used kayaks but have not seen much. Is there a better platform to check out for used kayaks? I am not opposed to used.

Craig's list

monstahfish · 05-12-2022, 07:37 AM

The passport 12 is very similar to the old outback hull design which can and will handle just about anything. If anything, I'd say it's better for a beginner because the design intent was for mass market which requires simplicity and durability. If you look on the main passport page, there's guys getting yellows and sea bass locally on them. You do lose some storage and bells and whistles vs an outback but it's upgradeable to a certain extent and if you've been paddling a simple 10 footer, I doubt you'll miss them.

Saba Slayer · 05-12-2022, 08:11 AM

Opinions are like assholes...everyone has one...

But...your's is the only important one...

IMHO...go to your closest on the water kayak dealer...we have three Hobie dealers that are on the water in So Cal...OEX is the sponsoring store for this site and their Sunset Beach store has rentals and demos available...Andy the owner is a really good fisherman and knows his boats too...They also have other brands besides Hobie.
Hobie also has OTW dealers in Dana Point and San Diego...get to know your local dealer and pose your questions to them and try their different kayaks..."kayaks are like shoes" there isn't a perfect fit for everyone...storage, fishing style, and transportation all need to be taken into account...once you've found your perfect fit, then see who's got it available and look on-line at craigslist and the various sales apps and especially on the kayak boards...BWE has boats for sale occasionally but also try the various clubs or groups like Fresh and Salty, they've got lots of traffic on their facebook page and stuff for sale all the time...

Good luck

05-10-2022, 02:38 PM	#1
aeverett152 Junior Join Date: May 2022 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 6	Decisions Hello all. New to the forum. Long time angler but relatively new to yak fishing. Some years back I rigged up a 10 foot paddle yak for local socal lake fishing. I am at a point where I am ready to upgrade and get a yak for offshore fishing for yellowtail, halibut, sheepshead, and rockfish but can still use it in local lakes. Trying to keep the budget around 2k. I have my eyes on the hobie passport 12. This looks like a pretty versatile vessel, in my budget, and I like the customization factor of it. Anyone have any experience with this hobie in offshore fishing conditions? I am also looking at the Old Town Salty PDL 120, and the Pelican Catch 130 Hydryve Any input on these is greatly appreciated. Also what is everyones input on prop vs fin drives? Thank you all very much Last edited by aeverett152; 05-10-2022 at 02:49 PM.

05-10-2022, 04:46 PM	#2
JohnMckroidJr Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,945	Welcome to the forum. I have never used any of the kayaks you are considering, but have years of experience with Hobie kayaks. Have you considered a used Outback over a new Passport? Used kayaks typically come with extra gear for even bigger savings. The Turbo Glide mirage drive that comes with the Passport and earlier model Outbacks is more durable and cheaper to repair than the newer MD180 mirage drives. If you do get a used md180 it would be wise to upgrade it to a kickup version. The mirage drives that come with Pelican, Vibe, and other imitators are cheaper and rust and break faster. The mirage propulsion can operate in shallower water. One can scissor kick for in a few inches of water while the prop kayaks require a deeper depth to be operational. Some people love paddle and prop kayaks, maybe one of them will chime in? Good luck with your decision.

05-10-2022, 08:58 PM	#3
aeverett152 Junior Join Date: May 2022 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 6	I have only checked Offerup for used kayaks but have not seen much. Is there a better platform to check out for used kayaks? I am not opposed to used.

05-11-2022, 07:49 AM	#5
aeverett152 Junior Join Date: May 2022 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 6	Sounds good. Thank you so much.

05-12-2022, 07:37 AM	#7
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 420	The passport 12 is very similar to the old outback hull design which can and will handle just about anything. If anything, I'd say it's better for a beginner because the design intent was for mass market which requires simplicity and durability. If you look on the main passport page, there's guys getting yellows and sea bass locally on them. You do lose some storage and bells and whistles vs an outback but it's upgradeable to a certain extent and if you've been paddling a simple 10 footer, I doubt you'll miss them.