Paddle vs Peddle

Start with the type of fishing you'll be doing most...not just location/type but also distance, conditions, portage from parking, surf launches, transportation or storage, etc. Because certain kayaks are better suited for specific applications. Almost all kayaks have traits that make them good at one thing or another...you just gotta find the one that's good at whatever type of fishing/paddling you do!

It'll be easier to find a paddle kayak that suits your needs, because the market's flush with them. And if you decide to get a Hobie later, you can just trade up by selling your other kayak. Don't feel like this first kayak will be your only kayak--you're not getting married. And all the options out there can be paralyzing haha! So I'd say just demo a few then make a decision and pull the trigger. Definitely research prices online and call local shops to see if they have any sales.

Based on your first post, kayaks I'd reccomend...and have owned...include OK Prowler, Trident, Ultra; WS Tarpon or Ride; Jackson Cuda; Malibu X-factor; Hobie Revo or Ouback.

Peddle if u want to paddle to buy a revo

I just started kayaking this summer. After much deliberation, I went with the Hobie Outback since my primary use will be ocean fishing/crabbing. I am very pleased with the stability and I feel very safe. Pedaling is great for trolling and fishing in general. You can be on the move hands free.

Having said that, I find pedaling to and from the fishing grounds is pretty boring. At least for me. Often times I will pull the mirage drive and paddle. I enjoy that a lot as I feel at one with the kayak and it just feels more natural. But even using the rudder, the Outback leaves something to be desired in the paddling mode. It feels like paddling a tank compared to some of the others I tried.

You just have to weigh everything you want and decide for yourself. Good luck!

NotaSeal

Ok yes demo demo. But if you fish and can afford it buy a hobie with mirage. You won't regret it. If you buy a paddler, you will watch guys pedaling by and regret it. I paddledef for ten years before getting a pedal yak and have never looked back.

I don't give a crap about guys pedaling by. That's ridiculous.

What?
You were whining like a baby when we went out to krigador. Are we almost there? It's too far...
Luckily the red sailboat could dust the yellow hulk even in pedal only mode, so I didn't have to listen to your complaining.

Just kidding of course.

I have a T13. I have moderately bad shoulder issues, several surgeries etc. My shoulders bother me lifting overhead and reaching around behind me. I have found that paddling is NOT an issue for me but the reaching to the back for equip is. So I turn sideways to get my stuff. This is the same problem in any Yak, but a wide stable Yak allows me to do this without tipping.

 I went with a friend on his two Outbacks. I have minor knee issues. I found that if I tried to move out quickly my kness would burn with each pedal stroke. If I eased up and did short strokes then it was better and tolerable. At the end of the day my knees were slightly sore, but by the next morning it was gone and no soreness.

Ok yes demo demo. But if you fish and can afford it buy a hobie with mirage. You won't regret it. If you buy a paddler, you will watch guys pedaling by and regret it. I paddledef for ten years before getting a pedal yak and have never looked back.

I don't give a crap about guys pedaling by. That's ridiculous.

What?
You were whining like a baby when we went out to krigador. Are we almost there? It's too far...
Luckily the red sailboat could dust the yellow hulk even in pedal only mode, so I didn't have to listen to your complaining.

Just kidding of course.

Bwahahaha

Just like a bi- cyclist Steve-o. I've been to the pump house when you were still crapping mothers milk. 

Ok yes demo demo. But if you fish and can afford it buy a hobie with mirage. You won't regret it. If you buy a paddler, you will watch guys pedaling by and regret it. I paddledef for ten years before getting a pedal yak and have never looked back.

I don't give a crap about guys pedaling by. That's ridiculous.

What?
You were whining like a baby when we went out to krigador. Are we almost there? It's too far...
Luckily the red sailboat could dust the yellow hulk even in pedal only mode, so I didn't have to listen to your complaining.

Just kidding of course.


And when these guys are in their late 70's and leaving you behind does suck. If you can't admit that your lying! 

Paddler till death!

"Paddle to the People"
"A yak under every but"
Great catch phraises
As long as you personally propel your self, it's all good ;0)


See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

I'm still undecided. I loved the Hobie revolution when I tried it out, the outback may be a better choice for me. Make sure you try out the OB first. They are very different yaks. I loved my Revos but you do get more space & stability with the OB if you need it.

I also liked the control of paddling, I think I have better control of the Kayak when I paddle. I might be leaning that way because of cost. This is only your initial impression. A few more times out & you will pedal & operate the rudder at the same time without thinking about these tasks. Which frees up your brain to enjoy the hands free fishing advantage of the Hobie.

I live in Sebastopol, I have a varied area where I want to kayak, The Russian, Napa, Petaluma Rivers, the bays and ocean. I've fished the Napa /Petaluma & the Mirage Drive isn't an issue in those rivers. O2B dominates on the Russian in his Revo so it is doable. 


As most of you know already, I'm 6' 4'' 230 pounds and that does make some difference.

Thanks in advance

Richard

Due to your height & weight you might be initially more comfortable in a wider more stable kayak of any brand. But with enough time on the water I think people with a good sense of balance could fish from any SOT fishing kayak made today. It's just the narrower models that are slightly less stable will be harder to get used to. But the wider big boats will ALWAYS be slower overall & harder to paddle, pedal, row, etc. This seems to be the current trend in fishing kayaks where many of the new models are being built for stability & then they sacrifice speed & increase user effort in motion. I do miss my shorter kayaks ease in loading/unloading aka slide in back of pickup bed......but the speed & ease to pedal, OR PADDLE, of the Adventure is too great to deny. It seems to take the same amount of EASY effort to do either in the Adventure. People that comment upon "how Hobie's paddle" need to try the Adventure. Might be worth a demo especially if you're going to demo an Outback before you make your final decision. But then again I'm only 5'10" & 200lbs,  so best to demo demo demo.  Revo is a great all around kayak between the three Revo, OB, & Addy.  Someday I hope Hobie will have an Adventure "Hardcore Fishing" model available which will come stock with one ama, it's akas, & one tramp. A lot of guys here on NCKA are running that set-up & enjoying all of the speed of the Adventure, with the stability of the single ama [this combo is more stable than ANY OTHER fishing kayak made], & all of the extra room you get with a tramp. There's nothing else like that......but currently you gotta buy the whole AI cause it's not cost effective to try & buy just one ama/etc separately.   

All of the above being said......until you know if this sport is right for you, it's not a bad idea to pick up a used SOT kayak in decent shape, get some time on the water, and then upgrade to your dream boat after you have more feedback. If you get a good enough deal you can probably buy a used one & sell it in 6 months for the same price. Just don't spend a ton of $$$ outfitting it until you know you're going to keep it.

Great advice Jim. ^^^^^^^^^

Great advice Jim. ^^^^^^^^^

Thanks Rob. You are one of those guys that has always known the advantages of having the longer & narrower kayak in utilizing the T-160.

Re: the tendency for us all to recommend the kayaks we own & use......that's always gonna happen, but it's good for prospective buyers to have as much feedback as possible from people using all of the major brands & most popular models so they can make the best choice for themselves. It's up to them to weed thru that feedback & identify the 'best reviews' & give those the most weight. Maybe somebody can write an unbiased    kayak buying 101 article for our club. good luck with that gentlemen!   

Very well said, I'm one who likes all kinds of feedback and advice. Thank you all, I do appreciate all replies.

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Re: the tendency for us all to recommend the kayaks we own & use......that's always gonna happen, but it's good for prospective buyers to have as much feedback as possible from people using all of the major brands & most popular models so they can make the best choice for themselves. It's up to them to weed thru that feedback & identify the 'best reviews' & give those the most weight. Maybe somebody can write an unbiased    kayak buying 101 article for our club. good luck with that gentlemen!   
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I think if someone reads the whole thread, the group as a whole. Just did write an unbiased guide, to buying a fishing Kayak.