Newb from Walnut Creek

Hi all,

I'm really new to kayak fishing and am here to learn from all youz experts! I love ocean fishing and moved up here to NorCal from SoCal about 3 years ago. I use to fish out of San Diego (just on charter boats) chasing Albacore, Yellowfin, and Bluefin. Also love the island yellowtail, white seabass! In fact, I'm heading back to SoCal in a couple of weeks to try to land some of those yellowfin.

But I haven't done any fishing up here yet, and would love to try some local spots fishing from a kayak. I'll be picking up a kayak soon... deciding between a Hobie Outback and a Pro Angler 14. I demoed both, but still on the fence. Hope to see some of you out on the water!

Mike

Welcome!  What type of fishing will you primarily be doing?  Pro Angler is nice, but a Revo13 or 16 might be better for the ocean (faster in the chop).

Welcome!  What type of fishing will you primarily be doing?  Pro Angler is nice, but a Revo13 or 16 might be better for the ocean (faster in the chop).

Hi eelkram!

Well, I primarily plan on fishing ocean. Hmm, yeah I didn't even consider the Revos. The reason why I was thinking the Pro Angler or Outback is because of their big platforms/stability. Also, my gf and I will occasionally use them for camp/kayaking trips where we would need to haul supplies. But that's why I'm here, to learn from all of you. Thanks, I will look into the Revos too.

Welcome, Mike. 

Welcome Mike!   I grew up in the Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, before moving up to Mendocino County.  I'm a Hobie dealer up in Ukiah and if you need anything, let me know.  Always looking for new people to fish with!

Welcome Mike!   I grew up in the Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, before moving up to Mendocino County.  I'm a Hobie dealer up in Ukiah and if you need anything, let me know.  Always looking for new people to fish with!

Thanks One F. I will definitely keep you in mind when I'm ready to buy, which will be soon! Mendo is great. I spent some time up there recently visiting both Mendo and Fort Bragg. We rented some kayaks and played around near the sea caves, sooo nice! The water was super clear and lots of sea life out there. Bet there's some great fishing spots too.

Mike

Stability seems to be the #1 thing on everyone's mind when they think of entering into the world of Kayak Fishing. But in the case of ocean fishing, stability is only one factor to consider.  Consider the weight of the kayak, and the ways your going to transport it.  Consider where your primarily going to fish, and how to best get to the water.  IE if your going to trailer your kayak and use launch ramps, you will be limited to launching in places where you can do that.  But if you want to try launching from surf, or other spots where you can only hand carry, it's a whole different story.  A heavy but stable kayak will get you out on the water in may spots, but a lighter and easier to carry kayak will get you to many more spots to fish and a lot easier.

Stability seems to be the #1 thing on everyone's mind when they think of entering into the world of Kayak Fishing. But in the case of ocean fishing, stability is only one factor to consider.  Consider the weight of the kayak, and the ways your going to transport it.  Consider where your primarily going to fish, and how to best get to the water.  IE if your going to trailer your kayak and use launch ramps, you will be limited to launching in places where you can do that.  But if you want to try launching from surf, or other spots where you can only hand carry, it's a whole different story.  A heavy but stable kayak will get you out on the water in may spots, but a lighter and easier to carry kayak will get you to many more spots to fish and a lot easier.

Well said Al!
kayaks have two types of stability 1st or initial stability, and secondary stability.

when folks refer to stability they usually mean initial stability. This is how stable the kayak feels at rest, sitting in the water.
Secondary stability is how far the yak will lay over before capsizing. To me this is much more important.

when test paddling kayaks, it is important to try and tip them over. Rock 'em side to side, sit sidesaddle, wring them out. You'll know the model that works for you.

Proangler is overkill in my opinion.  Try hobie revo 13 or 16.  Faster, lighter, and not too tippy.  Great lake and ocean yak.

Welcome.

Stability seems to be the #1 thing on everyone's mind when they think of entering into the world of Kayak Fishing. But in the case of ocean fishing, stability is only one factor to consider.  Consider the weight of the kayak, and the ways your going to transport it.  Consider where your primarily going to fish, and how to best get to the water.  IE if your going to trailer your kayak and use launch ramps, you will be limited to launching in places where you can do that.  But if you want to try launching from surf, or other spots where you can only hand carry, it's a whole different story.  A heavy but stable kayak will get you out on the water in may spots, but a lighter and easier to carry kayak will get you to many more spots to fish and a lot easier.

Well said Al!
kayaks have two types of stability 1st or initial stability, and secondary stability.

when folks refer to stability they usually mean initial stability. This is how stable the kayak feels at rest, sitting in the water.
Secondary stability is how far the yak will lay over before capsizing. To me this is much more important.

when test paddling kayaks, it is important to try and tip them over. Rock 'em side to side, sit sidesaddle, wring them out. You'll know the model that works for you.

Yeah, you guys are absolutely right. Stability was the first thing I was considering and was sitting at the top of my list. I see a lot of guys hanging their legs over each side when they are landing a fish. THAT to me is nutz! You're reeling in a struggling fish towards your kayak, and an opportunist shark just lurking.  I'm sure you've all seen this vid (attack happens at 0:55) 



When I demoed the Outback and Pro Angler, those things are very hard to tip over (and with all appendages in the boat!). I love the pro angler, BUT it is a very heavy kayak. The cart accessory does look pretty handy though. And looks like you could even pull them through sand with some effort.

Thanks again for the input... more things for me to consider and I will definitely be demo'ing the Revos.

if you chose the PA.....you'll most likely be fishing alone alot, because no one will want to help you/buddy up, 'cus it's such a heavy beast.
and if you aint throwing your legs out when fishing, then you're doing it all wrong.

if you chose the PA.....you'll most likely be fishing alone alot, because no one will want to help you/buddy up, 'cus it's such a heavy beast.
and if you aint throwing your legs out when fishing, then you're doing it all wrong.

Haha! Good to know!

Welcome to the madness Mike 

Hah, no I had not seen that video before.  But you see that they are both hanging their legs over the side right?  It's to add additional stability while fighting the fish.  He sure jerked his leg back into his boat as soon as that shark came for his fish though    But consider this, do you know where he was fishing?  Could be the Farallones for all I know, where yes, you might be crazy to throw your legs over the side. That stuff just doesn't happen up here, but you would want to keep your eyes out for furbags doing the same thing. 

Could be the Farallones for all I know, where yes, ... That stuff just doesn't happen up here, but you would want to keep your eyes out for furbags doing the same thing.

That looks like the Channels or Catalina.  They've got tuna too.