To Pedal Or To Paddle ? That Is The ? I Ask All Of You ...

Just want some input from kayak fisherman .Thanks

I do both with my Hobie Sport.  I love to take OTW pictures so by peddling it give me the hand-free advantage!

Pedal or paddle? 
Fight! Fight! Fight! 

I run with a Hobie and I love the option. It really depends on what the conditions are like.

I guess I'm old school, and dislike moving parts on my kayak. I came into kayak fishing from kayak touring, and what drew me in was the time proven simplicity. It took me 5 years to get a portable fishfinder!

So I just never got into the peddle thing.
I'd say try all types of boats, and determine for yourself. This discussion is never-ending, kind of like

"tastes great!" "less filling!"

Try both, see which one you like better.  I come from a cycling background so the Hobie Revolution was a natural fit for me.

i plan to have both..

i am going to get a hobie revo next year for deep water downrigger trolling and long distance trolling adventures.  i've trolled with downriggers on my trident and its plain a lot of work and not very efficient at all.

going to keep my trident for ocean and surf due to the stowing capability, drifting and anchoring the bay for
its stability, and when i'm fishing shallow rivers and need a little more stealth (although i might use the hobie sport for that in paddle mode)

After fishing along side my buddys Hobie "mirage drive" the hands free for fishing in the wind rules...I haven't tried one yet and have had major knee operations...I'm thinking my next kayak will be a Hobie pro angler...will have to test ride and see if my knees will allow!!!

Oh BTW he caught 10 fish to my 1...

The best answer I can give is YES.
Each has it's unique benefits.
Peddling is easier for trolling where as Paddling will get you through the kelp.
I say get what works best for you and join the fun.
If anyone doesn't like your choice tell them to pay for their choice and you'll be glad to use it and keep them happy.
Good luck,
Eric

i am going to get a hobie revo next year for deep water downrigger trolling and long distance trolling adventures.  i've trolled with downriggers on my trident and its plain a lot of work and not very efficient at all.

I just starting using a downrigger with my Revo this year.  After the initial setup, it's fairly easy to do. I've got a second downrigger that I'm going to hook up.  It'll probably end up being more of a pain but I want to at least give it a try.

Peddling is easier for trolling where as Paddling will get you through the kelp.

I can attest to the fact that you can not pedal through the kelp.  I have to remove the mirage drive and paddle through the kelp then insert the drive.

I paddle and always have, but i can see the advantage to being able to stay in position on a windy day by pedaling.  If I had the money I'd get a hobie.  Really though, that's what's kept me away from pedal boats - the price.  They are a lot more expensive.

Pedal is definitely better when you have free hand to fight the fish!

I just starting using a downrigger with my Revo this year.  After the initial setup, it's fairly easy to do. I've got a second downrigger that I'm going to hook up.  It'll probably end up being more of a pain but I want to at least give it a try.

i will probably just stick with one downrigger and topline floating/diving plugs on the other side to try to even out the drag. that way if i have to pop the rigger i wont snag my other line.

if i was smart enough to motorize a downrigger like marmite, then it may be a different story. but its a real PITA to try to drop 40+ feet with a manual rigger while trying to paddle and also release line from your rod.  its the same amount of cranking up and down, but if you dont keep your speed up you may tangle.

Depends on where you plan to fish really!  Like others have said, the pedal power is great for trolling and pushing through the wind.  But I like others have opted for a standard yak for the salt.  Less to worry about while launching, landing, in kelp, stowage, etc.  But hard to beat the comfort of my Outback