Hello from Redding

Hi everyone. My name is Dan and live in Redding. I am looking to buy my first ever fishing kayak. I am looking at a Hobie PA 12 foot. They look very stable, and I will need the H-Bar as my knees are not in good shape. I will make appt with local dealer for a test run soon. Anyway, I am glad to be aboard and if anyone has advise, please feel free to add your thoughts.

Welcome to NCKA Dan.  Check out the "Safety First" link in the forum section.  Some good information to help you prioritize your gear purchases.   

Howdy Dan! Welcome to the NCKA community!   

Welcome Dan 

Welcome, Dan

Make sure you test-ride the kayak prior to purchase and evaluate how to plan load/unload and transport your kayak.

Paul

Welcome to NCKA Dan 

Once you're geared up I can show you around the local area. We don't have many active members this far north. PM me anytime.

Dan, welcome.  Curious however.  If your knees are not in the best shape, is the Hobie PA a good choice for your major investment?  Of course perhaps the pedaling could be therapy for the issue.

Getting up from the seat is what I am most concerned about. I have a bass boat that the seats are low (11-12" approx.) and it is a push pull process. I ride a recumbent bike every day which helps my knees. I will find out if I am able to before I purchase for sure. Thank you all.

Dan, 

Be mindful of the weight. I have the PA14 and roof top mount it on my SUV. Doable, but dreadful after fishing all day. PA14 120Lbs lifting over head. Truck bed would be perfect. Very stable.

I have issues getting up as well (hip Replacement). My solution is to get out of the boat before dry land. About 1 foot deep, then swing legs over and slide out.

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum!  Good folks here, with lots of good advice about kayaking and fishing.  As mentioned, check out the safety section.  PA12 is a sweet ride, hope it works out for you!

Redding is a cool area - lots of fun stuff to do around there.  I spent a lot of summers at Shasta, boating and jet-skiing, and more recently with my kids at Lake Siskiyou.  Plenty of snowboarding days at Mt. Shasta too.  Some very fond memories there; would be a cool place to explore via kayak too.