Hobie vs. Paddle for fly fishing?

I've been fly fishing for trout out of a float tube for a long time, and want to buy a kayak. It seems like it would be difficult handling the rod and paddle at the same time. Has anyone used a Hobie, and is it true that you can reverse the peddles so that you go backwards similar to a float tube?
I also want to use this Kayak to fish the kelp/inshore areas around Santa Cruz.
Any ideas/suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks, Jim

Buy the Hobie Revolution good all around boat .. You might test out other models also .Good luck ... WTTM!

You can always paddle a Hobie. You can't pedal an Ocean Kayak.

I love fly fishing feom my kayak, i REALLY wish i had peddles, they would bw so nice.  However i use kayak stabalizers and am mostly standing up and some what at the mercy of the wind.  I fished out of a float tube and dont really like fly fishing sitting down. depending how much you want to spend those new hobies look SICK, the extremely wide ones where you can easily stand, might consider that.

My 2 cents,
Mike

I've been flyfishing out of a Hobie Quest (no pedals, paddle only) for several years now. Very happy with it. Lots of times you're drifting anyway - and a lot of where I fish (delta for stripers, ocean for rockies & lings) I have to anchor or hook up to the kelp anyway, even if I had pedals.

Also the lack of pedals makes it more flexible for shallow water or over heavy kelp.

I've been very happy with it & would buy the closest thing to it now if I needed to replace or upgrade.

Not to mention what happened at Bean Hollow a few years ago to a guy pedaling...I was there & it was scary!
Bill

I have a Hobie Pro Angler, wide and stable enough to stand in  (although I don't and won't stand in it).  I have fly fished a few times from it, it is a bit harder to cast from since you are sitting down.  you cannot reverse the pedals, all Hobies will only pedal in a foward direction.  I also have a Hobie Outback, next to the PA it is probably the second most stable kayak they make.  I would suggest finding a dealer and trying them out.  We tried the Sport (too short and unstable), Revolution  (not as stable as the Outback but the Revo is faster), and Outback.  We did not try a Adventure as they are 16' and too long for me to transport.  the only things I don't like about the PA so far is the cost and the weight (120 lbs +)  but on the water you don't notice the weight at all.  I did buy the PA without trying it out after reading all the great reports from other PA owners.  I would not recommend the PA for salt.

 you cannot reverse the pedals, all Hobies will only pedal in a foward direction.

Not true, ask Dillbeck   

Also the lack of pedals makes it more flexible for shallow water or over heavy kelp.

This is true, however if you have the Turbo Fins, they seem to get less hung up on kelp since they cling to the hull a bit better.  Also, the new design for the peddle locks makes it SUPER easy to pull the drive if you want too.  Just make sure you build a leash for it!

Not to mention what happened at Bean Hollow a few years ago to a guy pedaling...I was there & it was scary!
Bill

What happened?  I've done three successful launches and landings with my OB at the Bean.  The last time I did use the peddals to land, and glad I did!  But it was still all about the timing!

Hey Al
I think hes talking about the Landlord ...

Yep, that's the guy!
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=Kayak_Fisherman_Survives_Great_White_Shark_Attack!

I love my Hobie outback. I sit sideways and can cast well. The pedals also help so you really can not go wrong. You can also turn the pedals backwards and go backwards if you want.

Go for a Hobie!

J

Hi Jay,
Thanks for the response. I ended up buying a T-13 angler, partly because I was undecided(peddle vs. paddle) and I also want to do a lot of fishing in the salt/kelp, and I got smokin' deal($699). I like it, still oufitting it.
Haven't given up on the Hobie though. It's going to be my next yak, especially for the freshwater. Glad to hear about swapping the drive unit to go backwards. I asked a lot of questions about this, and there's a lot of disagreement. Just looking to position the yak in reverse, not actually cover water.
Hope to see you out there, Jim

FYI, the Hobie dealer in Livermore has some smoking deals on demo Hobies................

get the hobie, you wont be sorry

while everyone say's "get a hobie", be open minded and I suggest you demo all other kayaks before you spend your hard earned dollars. Comfort and stability in a kayak differs for everyone and that's why it's wise to take your time and demo, demo and demo.....and bring your fly rod with ya  

....Just my 2 cents.
 
Welcome to the madness! 

Ever considered getting one of these down the line?

http://www.northforkoutdoors.com/2010webcatalog/2010catalogpage7.html

I have a Hobie Outback rigged with all the bells and whistles...but still would like to add the pontoon boat to the stable to really cover my Bass/River Backtrolling addiction.  It's like a 1 man driftboat, very river worthy plus you can stand on it.  I can stand on my Outback (5'11" 173) except when the wind is blowing, waves are rockin, there's a current, etc. then it becomes a hassle.