feedback from Hobie peddlers please - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

reel fishy · 11-25-2007, 06:02 AM

How about kayatank compatability? I have one of Jim Sammons bait tanks for my Prowler and it has worked great, but those that have the kayatank have said it is the best.

So the Hobie doesn't have in-hull storage for rods, game bag, etc? I guess the pedal drive pretty much nixes the storage and kayatank ideas...

Just as in boating, it's a matter of trade-offs.

steveooo · 11-25-2007, 06:53 AM

Kayatank works. Big fish can go in the front hatch with a little gymnastic work. Other than that, internal storage is a no go.

Adam · 11-25-2007, 08:22 AM

Yes, the storage does stink. I can't put my rods in the hull. Launching through heavy surf I put my reels in a dry bag, tie the rods to the kayak and assemble everything on the water. I hate this. Also, the kayak is a beast out of the water. I have a station wagon and I can barely lift the kayak onto the roof rack. These are drawbacks.

bjoseph · 11-25-2007, 11:16 AM

The kayatank fits really well in the well right in front of the seat on the mirages. I use a fish blanket behind the seat for fish holding. Loading the adventure on top of a Dodge caravan is a girl dog, but I don't have the roof wheelie things. The roof wheelie things would probably make loading it way easier.

dorf · 11-25-2007, 09:43 PM

I have 2 outbacks. I have no problem loading them on top of each other on the top of my Explorer. I am 6'-3" 220 pounds
I have chronic low back pain and have no problems moving this yak.
I take my 2 boys out with me (talk about stability).
Storage: If you watch the Hobie video they store their rods in the front hatch, These are small fresh water rods. I use a home made bait tube that rides along the side out of the way.
The Outback comes with 4 rod holders molded (very handy). The Mirage drive came in very hand yesterday when we were coming back to Shelter Island from the Bait Barge. The current was ripping. If I was using a paddle with kids I would not have made it back. In fact I saw a guy with his kid on a Malibu turn back because he knew hew would not make it against the current.

Take one for a spin.

Hobie-Pedaller · 11-25-2007, 10:09 PM

for BAY FISHING (or freshwater) the Hobie Mirage drive (pedal) kayaks are the best thing ever !!!

FOR ALL THE ADVANTAGES MENTIONED ABOVE.

AND TO ME, THE MAIN 2 ATTRIBUTES OF A HOBIE ARE:

1. STRENGTH & DURABILITY OF LEGS COMPLETELY DOMINATES THAT OF ARMS.
2. "HANDS-FREE" ASPECT ALLOWS FOR EASIER AND BETTER FISHING.

for OCEAN FISHING (requires launching/landing thru surf) the Hobies have pros & cons....

the "pros" are all the same as above.

however, surf "LANDING" is the big issue with a Mirage Drive Hobie kayak.

impossible to store rods inside hull. impossible to store large fish inside hull.

and it is best to NOT use pedal drive during surf landing. but the Hobie yaks are ABSOLUTE TANKS to paddle, so it makes landing in surf a challenge. they paddle so slow, waves always catch you from behind during landing, and the threat of rolling is always there.

for med to small surf, it can be managed in a Hobie, but requires more experience and burst paddle strength to quickly get in thru bigger surf.

for frequently tackling larger surf, a typical PADDLE kayak such as an Ocean Kayak Prowler or Extreme, or the Cobra FnD is likely a more capable kayak.
.

peguinpower · 11-25-2007, 10:44 PM

I have a Hobie Revolution. Owned it for a year. I love the boat, but I will try to give you an un-biased review.

First, they are not all that fast. I fish with people with folks who paddle Prowler 15s and Malibu Xtremes. You'll blow them away in sprints, but for long hauls, its like a regular kayak. It has the potential for speed, but as with anything, it dont come for free. Start doing some squats and pack some power bars

Second, leg power gives you a lot more range and will let you plow thru those windy days. This is probably the best quality of a mirage drive kayak for me. I live where the Santa Ana winds blow big time. The mirage drive is my insurance.

Third, all other kayaks HAVE virtually NO MOVING PARTS. That means NO MAINTENANCE. Mirage drive kayaks have the rudder and the drive. And just like anything else, these will break every now and then. Nothing major, but you will experience the occasional rudder line fraying or stripped drive sprocket. Personally, I havent needed to fix anything save for torn flippers, but know of people who have.

Fourth, is fishing HANDs FREE the shitz? Its ok. I miss it when I leave my pedals at home and try to get an upper body work out.

Lastly, if you are already a strong paddler, you may not want to spend 1500 for a mirage drive kayak.

The Revolution will take four 7 foot rods with reels into the front hatch. Access is ok, not super easy, but ok. You'll need rod socks when storing rod in there as the hull will scratch up the rods bad after a few go's.

Surf launching and landing, no problem. The Revo paddles pretty good. Not too different from a Prowler 13 or a Tarpon 140. It aint a surfski

I'm a middle aged 160 pound desk jockey. I needed it

AYS · 11-27-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reel fishy

How about kayatank compatability? I have one of Jim Sammons bait tanks for my Prowler and it has worked great, but those that have the kayatank have said it is the best.

We make Kayatanks for the Outback, Adventure, Revolution, and Outfitter. As long as its a new outback we have a tank, if you buy used there is a chance that it may be a model that We do not have a KayaTank for.

11-25-2007, 06:02 AM	#1
reel fishy Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 42	kayatank? How about kayatank compatability? I have one of Jim Sammons bait tanks for my Prowler and it has worked great, but those that have the kayatank have said it is the best. So the Hobie doesn't have in-hull storage for rods, game bag, etc? I guess the pedal drive pretty much nixes the storage and kayatank ideas... Just as in boating, it's a matter of trade-offs.

11-25-2007, 11:16 AM	#4
bjoseph Junior Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: escondido Posts: 13	kayatank and loading The kayatank fits really well in the well right in front of the seat on the mirages. I use a fish blanket behind the seat for fish holding. Loading the adventure on top of a Dodge caravan is a girl dog, but I don't have the roof wheelie things. The roof wheelie things would probably make loading it way easier.

11-25-2007, 10:09 PM	#6
Hobie-Pedaller Fish On !!! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 194	for BAY FISHING (or freshwater) the Hobie Mirage drive (pedal) kayaks are the best thing ever !!! FOR ALL THE ADVANTAGES MENTIONED ABOVE. AND TO ME, THE MAIN 2 ATTRIBUTES OF A HOBIE ARE: 1. STRENGTH & DURABILITY OF LEGS COMPLETELY DOMINATES THAT OF ARMS. 2. "HANDS-FREE" ASPECT ALLOWS FOR EASIER AND BETTER FISHING. for OCEAN FISHING (requires launching/landing thru surf) the Hobies have pros & cons.... the "pros" are all the same as above. however, surf "LANDING" is the big issue with a Mirage Drive Hobie kayak. impossible to store rods inside hull. impossible to store large fish inside hull. and it is best to NOT use pedal drive during surf landing. but the Hobie yaks are ABSOLUTE TANKS to paddle, so it makes landing in surf a challenge. they paddle so slow, waves always catch you from behind during landing, and the threat of rolling is always there. for med to small surf, it can be managed in a Hobie, but requires more experience and burst paddle strength to quickly get in thru bigger surf. for frequently tackling larger surf, a typical PADDLE kayak such as an Ocean Kayak Prowler or Extreme, or the Cobra FnD is likely a more capable kayak. . __________________ Hobie Kayaks: Use Your Legs to Pedal.... Use Your Arms to Fish !! Kayak Fishing is a DRUG.... and I'm addicted !! Last edited by Hobie-Pedaller; 11-25-2007 at 10:24 PM.

11-25-2007, 06:53 AM	#2
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,922	Kayatank works. Big fish can go in the front hatch with a little gymnastic work. Other than that, internal storage is a no go.

11-25-2007, 08:22 AM	#3
Adam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 27	Yes, the storage does stink. I can't put my rods in the hull. Launching through heavy surf I put my reels in a dry bag, tie the rods to the kayak and assemble everything on the water. I hate this. Also, the kayak is a beast out of the water. I have a station wagon and I can barely lift the kayak onto the roof rack. These are drawbacks.

11-25-2007, 09:43 PM	#5
dorf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 279	I have 2 outbacks. I have no problem loading them on top of each other on the top of my Explorer. I am 6'-3" 220 pounds I have chronic low back pain and have no problems moving this yak. I take my 2 boys out with me (talk about stability). Storage: If you watch the Hobie video they store their rods in the front hatch, These are small fresh water rods. I use a home made bait tube that rides along the side out of the way. The Outback comes with 4 rod holders molded (very handy). The Mirage drive came in very hand yesterday when we were coming back to Shelter Island from the Bait Barge. The current was ripping. If I was using a paddle with kids I would not have made it back. In fact I saw a guy with his kid on a Malibu turn back because he knew hew would not make it against the current. Take one for a spin.

11-25-2007, 10:44 PM	#7
peguinpower bing! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: socal Posts: 246	I have a Hobie Revolution. Owned it for a year. I love the boat, but I will try to give you an un-biased review. First, they are not all that fast. I fish with people with folks who paddle Prowler 15s and Malibu Xtremes. You'll blow them away in sprints, but for long hauls, its like a regular kayak. It has the potential for speed, but as with anything, it dont come for free. Start doing some squats and pack some power bars Second, leg power gives you a lot more range and will let you plow thru those windy days. This is probably the best quality of a mirage drive kayak for me. I live where the Santa Ana winds blow big time. The mirage drive is my insurance. Third, all other kayaks HAVE virtually NO MOVING PARTS. That means NO MAINTENANCE. Mirage drive kayaks have the rudder and the drive. And just like anything else, these will break every now and then. Nothing major, but you will experience the occasional rudder line fraying or stripped drive sprocket. Personally, I havent needed to fix anything save for torn flippers, but know of people who have. Fourth, is fishing HANDs FREE the shitz? Its ok. I miss it when I leave my pedals at home and try to get an upper body work out. Lastly, if you are already a strong paddler, you may not want to spend 1500 for a mirage drive kayak. The Revolution will take four 7 foot rods with reels into the front hatch. Access is ok, not super easy, but ok. You'll need rod socks when storing rod in there as the hull will scratch up the rods bad after a few go's. Surf launching and landing, no problem. The Revo paddles pretty good. Not too different from a Prowler 13 or a Tarpon 140. It aint a surfski I'm a middle aged 160 pound desk jockey. I needed it