undecided - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FISHIONADO · 08-22-2008, 12:49 PM

I found that while pedaling the Outback requires constant adjustments to the rudder to prevent drifting off course. One hand is always on the rudder control, or off just long enough to drink from my beer and then I need to make a correction. I would call it one-hand fishing not hands-free. I adjusted my rudder cables so there is no slack. I can see why some people love the pedal drives, but I still prefer paddling. After having a mirage drive fail on me two miles out I would never go further than that on an Outback and would always have a paddle with me. The Revolution and Adventure would make me more comfortable because I could paddle those longer distances, the Outback is too wide and tall to paddle efficiently, maybe a 260cm paddle would help. Not arguing, just adding another opinion.

THE DARKHORSE · 08-22-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

I found that while pedaling the Outback requires constant adjustments to the rudder to prevent drifting off course. One hand is always on the rudder control, or off just long enough to drink from my beer and then I need to make a correction. I would call it one-hand fishing not hands-free. I adjusted my rudder cables so there is no slack. I can see why some people love the pedal drives, but I still prefer paddling. After having a mirage drive fail on me two miles out I would never go further than that on an Outback and would always have a paddle with me. The Revolution and Adventure would make me more comfortable because I could paddle those longer distances, the Outback is too wide and tall to paddle efficiently, maybe a 260cm paddle would help. Not arguing, just adding another opinion.

I agree that with the Outback you can't just cruise as if on auto-pilot, more near constant micro adjustment like 1/8" to the left and then back right, just like when driving straight on the freeway in a car. After I learned to not "over adjust", I loved the handling (2008 model). The other Hobie models are another story, as the pointed bow acts like a forward rudder or a fin on a surfboard, and requires much less adjusting, almost built in auto-pilot. In my own opinion after trying all the options, the Outback would be my choice for La Jolla, and other areas where you are never more than a couple miles offshore. If I remember correctly, Dave had a pin slip out, that would of required to simply have an allen wrench (I keep one on my key chain and have never had to use it after over a hundred miles now). Dave, please correct me if I'm wrong. I think the Outback is the most versatile, with so much stability you never have to think about it fighting giant fish, or throwing a 9' jig-stick as hard as you can, not to mention it's the best option for sight fishing (my favorite), and allows you to move about the cockpit without fear. Changing clothes, or getting on your knees to urinate, and getting a higher perspective to see fish that you can't see sitting down. I think opinions from as many people as possible, are nothing but a good thing in helping a fellow angler make his decision, so thanks Dave.

trob · 08-22-2008, 01:35 PM

josh that was a pretty damn good response......

pchen911 · 08-22-2008, 03:11 PM

I bought 2 hobie outbacks over the years on 2 different occassions, and I ended up selling them both. Went from paddle to pedal, now back to paddle again. I really tried to give it a fair shot.

Older hobies have a problem with drivewell cracking and leaking on you and the fix they give you is pretty much useless... and has horrible primary stability.

Newer hobies are better with stability, but still, more gadgets to keep track of, things to go wrong, to complicate the whole process..especialy on launching and landings. Heavy as a pig on land and water. Plus alot less deck space to play with.

I am now back on and OK P15 and really much happier with it than with the Hobies. I still own 2 Cobras, 2 Ok kayaks, and a couple of other brands, but got rid of the Hobie Outbacks.

There really is something to be said for paddles... it feels alot better and lets you do alot more fine tune adjustments on positioning.

And yea, I had the same problem as FISHIONADO.... My Hobies tracked horribly with the rudder. As "hands free" as trying to drive a car hands free.

Rusty · 08-22-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pchen911

I bought 2 hobie outbacks over the years on 2 different occassions, and I ended up selling them both. Went from paddle to pedal, now back to paddle again. I really tried to give it a fair shot.

Has anyone else done this? Personally I couldn't imagine it.

pchen911 · 08-22-2008, 03:51 PM

That reminded me of one thing.

One good thing about the Hobie that I really did like is that they hold their resale value extremely well. Probably better than any other kayak I have ever owned and sold.

dgax65 · 08-22-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Has anyone else done this? Personally I couldn't imagine it.

I guess it's a lifestyle choice. Once you go Hobie you never go back.

I keeed, I keeed.

I know of a few people who have found religion and given up the Hobie. Not many, but a few.

I'd be the first to admit that Hobies provide some advantages for fishing. I would even be willing to get one if I had a career-ending shoulder injury. Maybe I'm just a purist, but I love paddling. I don't think I'd give that up unless I had to.

Rusty · 08-22-2008, 09:41 PM

Doug -

For you vets I can understand the 'purist' aspect, and for some that may not be as great a factor as just fishing and making ground. I guess what it really comes down to is that, preference of upper or lower body workout, and factoring in any injuries one may have.

Mike McFann · 08-23-2008, 08:09 AM

I have to say that the acceptance of Hobie's on this board has improved over the last 2 years that I have owned one.

I am impressed with the thoughtfull discussion that this thread has produced so far. Great opinions.

Thank you all for the respectfulness of each other.

trob · 08-23-2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Has anyone else done this? Personally I couldn't imagine it.

I Did
i went from: sptw ,prowler15, tarpon160, outback for 2.5 years, Marauder (was a second boat, paddled it for 2 weeks, uggh it sucked), back to prowler 15.

i liked it, they're amazing boats. but it just wasnt what i wanted anymore. I got a great deal on it (traded the tarpon straight up) and thats why i think i paddled it for so long. i am VERY happy now to be back in a P15, it was a relief to get back to paddling. They're not for everyone.

pm me for any more.

Billy V · 08-23-2008, 09:50 AM

The best 2 models for ocean fishing are the Adventure, and Revolution. They both are narrow enough to paddle, and are fast under Mirage Power.

If I take my Adventure out in Mission Bay without the Mirage Drive and install the cassette plug in the well area it paddles good.
At 27.5" wide and 16 ft long it goes along good, and tracks well.
----------------------
The Outback makes a good all around yak, but it is not a good paddle boat because of its width and height at the water line.
But if you want a stable boat its hard to beat in that area.
-------------------
There will always be some type of compromise between fast, and stability.

On the plus side I launch at LJ without ever removing my paddle. The Mirage Drive lets me peddle straight from shore and blast through big waves at times.
-I really tested the hell out of it this week with a BIG Wave over my head.

It was a holy shit moment.lol

dorado50 · 08-23-2008, 10:24 AM

The hobie rudder system allows you to keep the fish to one side at all times just by adjusting the rudder as to which direction the fish is heading or going, no need to swing rod from side to side. The worst part about a hobie is that there is no fish storage!!

dsafety · 08-25-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy V

On the plus side I launch at LJ without ever removing my paddle. The Mirage Drive lets me peddle straight from shore and blast through big waves at times.
-I really tested the hell out of it this week with a BIG Wave over my head.

It was a holy shit moment.lol

Like most Hobie owners I am more than pleased with my choice. The peddle system effortlessly gobbles up the miles and even after a full day of trolling, I am not tired. With a paddle boat, I suspect that it takes a long time to get into the kind of shape needed to spend a day on the water.

That said, Billy's comment about using the peddles for launching, (and I assume landing), interests me. I have always used the paddles and as a result, launching and landing is usually the lowpoint of the trip.

Last week my stock Hobie paddle broke while paddling in at the shores. Ron from Fastlane replaced it under warranty but gave me a puzzled look when I told him the I did not use the mirage drive while launching and landing. I think he thought I was nuts.

I thought that using the peddles in shallow water was a big NO-NO that could seriously damage the drive so I have never done it. Am I the only one who did not get the memo that this is OK?

Bob

08-22-2008, 01:35 PM	#3
trob Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Marcos (now idaho) Posts: 231	josh that was a pretty damn good response...... __________________

08-22-2008, 12:49 PM	#1
FISHIONADO Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 698	I found that while pedaling the Outback requires constant adjustments to the rudder to prevent drifting off course. One hand is always on the rudder control, or off just long enough to drink from my beer and then I need to make a correction. I would call it one-hand fishing not hands-free. I adjusted my rudder cables so there is no slack. I can see why some people love the pedal drives, but I still prefer paddling. After having a mirage drive fail on me two miles out I would never go further than that on an Outback and would always have a paddle with me. The Revolution and Adventure would make me more comfortable because I could paddle those longer distances, the Outback is too wide and tall to paddle efficiently, maybe a 260cm paddle would help. Not arguing, just adding another opinion.

08-22-2008, 03:11 PM	#4
pchen911 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 218	I bought 2 hobie outbacks over the years on 2 different occassions, and I ended up selling them both. Went from paddle to pedal, now back to paddle again. I really tried to give it a fair shot. Older hobies have a problem with drivewell cracking and leaking on you and the fix they give you is pretty much useless... and has horrible primary stability. Newer hobies are better with stability, but still, more gadgets to keep track of, things to go wrong, to complicate the whole process..especialy on launching and landings. Heavy as a pig on land and water. Plus alot less deck space to play with. I am now back on and OK P15 and really much happier with it than with the Hobies. I still own 2 Cobras, 2 Ok kayaks, and a couple of other brands, but got rid of the Hobie Outbacks. There really is something to be said for paddles... it feels alot better and lets you do alot more fine tune adjustments on positioning. And yea, I had the same problem as FISHIONADO.... My Hobies tracked horribly with the rudder. As "hands free" as trying to drive a car hands free.

08-22-2008, 03:51 PM	#6
pchen911 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 218	That reminded me of one thing. One good thing about the Hobie that I really did like is that they hold their resale value extremely well. Probably better than any other kayak I have ever owned and sold.

08-22-2008, 09:41 PM	#8
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: LJ Posts: 201	Doug - For you vets I can understand the 'purist' aspect, and for some that may not be as great a factor as just fishing and making ground. I guess what it really comes down to is that, preference of upper or lower body workout, and factoring in any injuries one may have.

08-23-2008, 08:09 AM	#9
Mike McFann Junior Join Date: May 2007 Location: Orange Posts: 24	I have to say that the acceptance of Hobie's on this board has improved over the last 2 years that I have owned one. I am impressed with the thoughtfull discussion that this thread has produced so far. Great opinions. Thank you all for the respectfulness of each other.

08-23-2008, 09:50 AM	#11
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	The best 2 models for ocean fishing are the Adventure, and Revolution. They both are narrow enough to paddle, and are fast under Mirage Power. If I take my Adventure out in Mission Bay without the Mirage Drive and install the cassette plug in the well area it paddles good. At 27.5" wide and 16 ft long it goes along good, and tracks well. ---------------------- The Outback makes a good all around yak, but it is not a good paddle boat because of its width and height at the water line. But if you want a stable boat its hard to beat in that area. ------------------- There will always be some type of compromise between fast, and stability. On the plus side I launch at LJ without ever removing my paddle. The Mirage Drive lets me peddle straight from shore and blast through big waves at times. -I really tested the hell out of it this week with a BIG Wave over my head. It was a holy shit moment.lol

08-23-2008, 10:24 AM	#12
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	The hobie rudder system allows you to keep the fish to one side at all times just by adjusting the rudder as to which direction the fish is heading or going, no need to swing rod from side to side. The worst part about a hobie is that there is no fish storage!!