Pedal VS Paddle

  I know I am asking for it with this one, but generally speaking it seems that the pedal kayaks seem like a natural fishing choice, but most folks here seem to be paddling?  Are the Ocean kayaks etc considered more ocean worthy the the hobies? 

Most of us troll for fish rather than controversy, but okay why not?  

It depends what waters you intend to fish, how much flexibility you want, and your fitness/willingness to paddle versus pedal. There is no right or wrong based on the catching I've seen with both kinds of kayaks. I don't think you'll settle the question for your own needs by asking others--you need to decide what works for you. But here are some things to consider.

A kayak's seaworthiness has more to do with its shape, width, and length--but that depends on the waters you'll fish--only the roughest of conditions require paddles versus pedals. If you want a versatile boat for fresh and salt including open ocean--15 or 16 feet is the rule if you'll be in big water a lot. Less width if you want speed but more width if you need stability (for diving, lack of experience, etc.). The diver/fishers tend to prefer the wider kayaks, the pure fishers like thinner ones. Speed is comfort and safety to a point but other needs weigh in as well such as getting on and off while diving or the roughness of the seas--but if you are inexperienced you should not be out there in tough conditions then anyway.

Hobie makes long boats and I have never heard of the Hobie guys not being able to keep up with the pure paddlers but that's just my experience. Certain conditions require a paddle: if you surf launch with a Hobie, you won't be using those pedals--you pull them out and you'll be paddling like the rest of us. I haven't one myself, but pedal trolling sure seems nice and easy in the Hobie compared to paddle trolling. However, paddling has speed as well maneuverability and wave countering advantages (like bracing for instance) but you can always pull the pedals and paddle although the Hobies are a bit wider than paddle kayaks making them a bit more to handle.

In the end I don't think there is a clear answer except for each person to find for themselves. i've fished alongside Hobie kayakers and while their easy trolling seemed an advantage, I really never found it compelling enough when balanced out (additional weight, etc.). I fish my Prowler 15 just fine and I paddle a closed-deck 16-foot sea kayak (fiberglas Nigel Dennis Romany) and  actually enjoy paddling. Your mileage may (no-will definitely) vary.

 You might find some value in talking with people who fish Hobie kayaks, those who switched to them, and those who did pedal but no longer do. but again, I'll bet everyone's reasoning pertains to their individual tastes and needs.

  Thanks for your thoughts, especially the advice on longer kayaks in rougher conditions etc.  My Hobie Outback is my first kayak, so I only have 4 or 5 months under my belt so far!  I understand the advantages on using the paddle as leverage and for quicker turns when the conditions call for that, it makes perfect sense.  I do not see myself out on the open ocean until I gain more experience.  I have been on big waters in the bay and up near Rio Vista on the Sac., but nothing compares to a confused sea out on the big blue!  I have fished the ocean for decades and understand the dangers associated with it.  I am thinking of going out of Bodega harbor soon and fishing along Doran beach, as it seems like easy access and on a day when the wind and swell are blocked by the head provides great ocean water conditions for a rook like myself!

I love the Hobie for these 2 main reasons:

1) Hand free while pedalling so I can take OTW pictures or hold the rod in my hand.

2) I alternate between pedalling and paddling so I can exercise both my upper torso and my legs.

Won't be long before this is moved....

 One of the koolest things about a non-pedal yak is having your deck back...

 not having those pedals in front of you is liberating...

until ya have to put down your rod to get moving....

For a lot of us, it's pure dollars and cents. Hobies cost twice as much.

Hands free fishing with boat control....nuff said 

i think the hobie is a better choice. it offers you the choice to pedal or paddle. i think mirage-drive is a much more efficient means of propelling a yak. imo, there are only 2 downsides to the hobies. one is the price and two is the lack of forward deckspace. i have always been a paddler but now that i have seen and tasted the mirage-drive, i am looking to cross over to the darkside.

I'll start by saying that I've been a Hobie pedaler from the beginning and still prefer it but this last weekend at Albion I played around on Sean's (SBD) P15 in the surf and found that I actually enjoyed it.  I definitely liked the fact that the deck in front of me was cludder free.  And granted it was just a kayak with a seat, but it was also VERY light weight, something my Adventure and definitely my Outback are not.  Guess what I'm trying to say is that there was a time when I would have never considered owning a non-pedal boat but that is no longer the case.

Michael

Ditto... what Surfing Marmot said. 

Never underestimate having a clear deck free of peddles. Also never underestimate having hands free to fish in freespool (especially while butt huntin, i have serious Hobie envy).   . so as you can see i haven't helped your decision one bit  .
another thing to consider with the Hobie it that you need a rudder in the water as well as having the mag drive deployed. That's a bunch of gear to get a fish hung up on and loose it...ask Jedmo  . Mad fightin skillz can negate this risk. Apparently the drives don't like kelp, and break from time to time.
I have a WS T140 and want a Hobie Revo or Adventure as well.........

    Lots to consider, sounds like each has it's advantages for sure.  I have bent the my mirage drive bars twice already!  Nothing like being on the cell phone and running aground when you are 250 pound plus yak doing 4 knots on the troll!  I have put the turbo fins on my mirage drive now and can rip through the water!  I can't wait for baja!

this ain't no fish report!  
Please put things where they belong and thank you  
i thought it was a comparison of fish caught using the same method, but from a pedal and/or paddle yak.......now that would be some GOOD STUFF!!

All things considered Hobies rule as a fishing platform. Almost bought one last year to fish the bay and lakes. The only downsides are cost, weight, limited room for dogs and mechanical complexity. I will say I have grown quite fond of paddling and can keep up with the Hobie guys. I guess when I am really old and can't paddle I will get one. For now I am really happy with my P15 and Malibu 2XL.

Scott

  nice civil debate!  Sorry if I posted in the wrong category, I for some reason never even look at the other ones!  My main concern is beach launchs in the hobie at this point!  I know I would not go out unless it was calm!