hobies

I am looking for a kayak that I can go out of bodega bay. I am a noob and don't know what to get.but love the mirage drive so think I'm going to get a hobie. But which one?

Check out the Revolution 13.

I would start out with the Outback then later on move up to the Revo.

I would say go out and test drive both the outback and the Revo to see witch YOU like best I would vote for the Revo I think is a bit faster.

PatR

I have an Adventure (no Island, yet) and love it. I've never pedaled any of the other models, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

demo, demo, demo.

If this is your first fishing kayak, consider buying a used paddle kayak. You can resell it later or have it as a backup. Work on your paddling skills , surf landings etc. Hobie drives and rudder systems, while great, do sometimes fail and then it's you and the paddle.
The lack of deck space on Hobies can be challenging for even experienced anglers. Having space to tie up riggs or to land an angry toothy Ling or Halibut or pinching crabs is a plus
If you have the $1,900 bucks and really  are set on a Hobie, they are good boats. I have the Revo.  The Outback would give you a little more work space and is more stable

I think you will hear a commn theme for the experienced group of angles on here .... demo, demo, demo.  The reason there are so many different kayak makers, models & features is because no two anglers are the same.  Your needs, wants, fit & feel will be different than mine & so on.  I went thru 4-5 kayaks before finally landing with a Hobie.  Wasn't a money issue.  Takes a bit of time, sometimes, to find what is right for your fishing desires.  Consider where you will kayak and start there.  You'll also find that very few of us are still "on" our first kayak.  Even with a Hobie, I'm always on the hunt for a different model, brand, features for different uses, etc...

There are a few kayak dealerships who greatly support NCKA so don't be shy ... go visit one & DEMO!  Kayak Connection in Santa Cruz, Headwaters in Lodi/Redding & Santa Cruz Kayaks just to name a few.

Lastly, consider attending a large event.  You'll get a chance to see just about every brand/model represented at an event & most folks on here would let you test drive theirs.  Just ask!

Bill

I have an Adventure (no Island, yet) and love it. I've never pedaled any of the other models, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

X2

The Adventure is a sweet fast boat and the one you want when it gets real ugly on the outside. I've had one mechanical breakdown in 10 years, where I was forced to simply paddle in. You know, like a regular yak. Deck space is a non-issue for me. I don't represent any brand or company and I pay full retail for my yaks. Go big or go home......

As others have said, demo them all before you pull the trigger.  For me stability, storage, and cargo capacity (I often take my kids out on the yak) were huge factors, so I went with the Outback and have zero regrets.  If you'll be doing more traveling, something a bit sleeker/quicker might be better (Revo, Adventurer/AI).  We'll be having a demo day on May 3rd at Whiskeytown Lake, just west of Redding.  A long haul for you, but all the Hobie's (and Jacksons) will be available to play with so it might be worth the trip up.  Attending one of the bigger events (Berryessa would be perfect) will also be helpful to check out all the rigged boats in person.

Thanks for the info guys.