Need help picking a Hobie for launching in Pacifica

Hey all, new to the forum... Looks like this is a really great community.

Some background, moved to Pacifica a few years ago and have been surf fishing pretty regularly,and I'm starting to get a bit jealous of seeing all the kayakers out here pulling up massive Lings, Halibut, salmon, and crab! Just seems way more productive than shore fishing (I usually get skunked).

I've never owned a kayak and have only rented one a couple times in my life... once in a lake and another just paddling around pillar point harbor. I'd love to launch out of Linda Mar since it's close to where I live.

I'm pretty fit so I don't think I'd have much of an issue with a kayak. I've set aside about $700 to take training courses (basics, ocean kayaking, self rescue) and will definitely do all that before buying a Hobie. Once purchased, I'd take it out on the lake a few times before hitting the ocean.

I think I'm pretty set on a Hobie because of the peddle propolsion. Can anyone recommend a model, year, and configuration for primarily fishing out of Pacifica beaches, such as Linda Mar, Rockaway, Sharp Park? Although I'm sure when I get into it, I'll be trying to go everywhere.

I've done some reading, and it looks like the flip up peddle propolsion would be key for this type of fishing, but it seems like it only works on the new 2020 models which take on more water in the front? I've also been told by a friend that he's heard the peddle propolsion mimics seals and attracts great whites... any truth to that?

I'm sure there's lots of nuances to choosing a Hobie, and I'm trying to get the quick lowdown on models/configurations I should be considering.

Thanks in advance! Hope to be an active part of this community!

Some background, moved to Pacifica a few years ago and have been surf fishing ... (I usually get skunked).

I can relate to that, as I followed exactly the same route (including getting skunked) into kayak fishing in the saltwater.

You'll probably want to consider a Revo or Outback. IMHO, the kickup fins are not at all essential in the ocean. When beach launching or landing, I think you'll want to pull the pedal (not peddle...) drive regardless.

If you can live without the lawn chair style seat, you can save a lot of moolah with a pre-2015 used model.

Revo (more tippy, but faster) or an Outback (more stable but doesnt cut through the chop as good as a Revo). You don't need the kickup fins for Pacfica. Honestly I think the older style GTT Mirage drive is built to last longer as it uses one long shaft as an axis for the fins instead of plastic components in the newer style drives.

If I were you, get a used Hobie to start with. Also, keep it as simple as possible. No need for fancy yak gear...just the essentials and that will enhance your kayak fishing experience.

Revo (more tippy, but faster) or an Outback (more stable but doesnt cut through the chop as good as a Revo). You don't need the kickup fins for Pacfica. Honestly I think the older style GTT Mirage drive is built to last longer as it uses one long shaft as an axis for the fins instead of plastic components in the newer style drives.

If I were you, get a used Hobie to start with. Also, keep it as simple as possible. No need for fancy yak gear...just the essentials and that will enhance your kayak fishing experience.

^^^ This ^^^.  Most people end up wanting more speed, so I would go with the hull that can go faster, especially for the ocean.  That means the Revo over the Outback.  Demo both to get a better idea.  I also agree the kickup fin is not necessary, same with reverse.  The vantage seat is a plus though.  If you are on a budget and handy, you can replace the old style seat with a bass boat type seat, way more comfortable.

I think I'm pretty set on a Hobie because of the peddle propolsion. Can anyone recommend a model, year, and configuration for primarily fishing out of Pacifica beaches, such as Linda Mar, Rockaway, Sharp Park? Although I'm sure when I get into it, I'll be trying to go everywhere.

Have you ruled out an Adventure Island? The AI is amazing, and you can get used ones for $2k-$3k.

I think I'm pretty set on a Hobie because of the peddle propolsion. Can anyone recommend a model, year, and configuration for primarily fishing out of Pacifica beaches, such as Linda Mar, Rockaway, Sharp Park? Although I'm sure when I get into it, I'll be trying to go everywhere.

Have you ruled out an Adventure Island? The AI is amazing, and you can get used ones for $2k-$3k.

Not at all! I always imagined having sort of a minimal setup for easy deployment, I don't need a ton of gear to fish, so I guess I hadn't really considered the AI. But started watching some youtube vids of them... And I see your point. Might be an awesome tool to have for all of the bay area!

I had my eyes on the outback initially, but open to anything that makes it easy to fish. I also have a huge fear of white sharks and, nothing but a guess, but I'd imagine a shark would be less curious about the AI. But I'll have to get over that eventually either way.

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Yea I'd go straight for the AI knowing what I know now...I would get one if i had the space 

Check for unsold 2019 Hobies with the local dealers. You should get a nice discount. Revo 13  works best for me for my style of fishing.

I also have a huge fear of white sharks and, nothing but a guess, but I'd imagine a shark would be less curious about the AI. But I'll have to get over that eventually either way.
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I don't know about that. My TI has generated some interest from the local great whites, but they've always been respectful! But it gives you so much more stability. Take one ama with you for salmon fishing and you're set. It's easy to set up and not much heavier than other Hobies.

If it fits the bill, look no further in my opinion.

I like the Revo.  Going on a lake is really nothing like the ocean so it's hard to test on a lake.  1700 thereabouts for a Revo 13 demo.  Nothing else you can add outriggers for 200 or so.

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I also have a huge fear of white sharks and, nothing but a guess, but I'd imagine a shark would be less curious about the AI. But I'll have to get over that eventually either way.
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I don't know about that. My TI has generated some interest from the local great whites, but they've always been respectful! But it gives you so much more stability. Take one ama with you for salmon fishing and you're set. It's easy to set up and not much heavier than other Hobies.

If it fits the bill, look no further in my opinion.

What's the TI? Sorry, getting up to speed on my acronyms here. Tandem Island... thanks Google

Just curious, can the AI be optionally ran as just a kayak (without outriggers and sail)? If so, how does it perform there? And, with that thought in mind, can something like an Outback or Revo be fitted with outriggers rather painlessly?

I'm giving the AI a much closer eye now... can it be deployed solo, without help from a friend? Most youtube vids I've seen show two people getting it to the water.

I think Revo 13 would be the best all around for you based on your descriptions of what you wanted it for. Great for surf launch, crabbing doable, and easy to cartop. I had a 2012 Revo 13 that has served me well over the years, until one day I decided I wanted that extra speed, so I upgraded to Revo 16. You should buy a kayak based on YOUR OWN needs and capacity. Every kayak has pros and cons. In the future, you might even buy a separate kayak for a different purpose.

Anyways, here are my take on different Hobie models I own/owned which might help with your decision making.
Revo 13: Great all around, easy to cartop. If you go this route, look for the one with Vantage seat. I believe they start 2015 and up. Not much has changed in the design up to now. Maybe some changes with the mirage drive which doesnt make much of a difference in the ocean.

Revo 16: My main ocean kayak. Very fast kayak. Narrower and more tippy than 13. Longer also (16ft) so think of storage. I wouldn't load my heavy crab gears on this one, unless the ocean is flat. Also, easy to cartop. I don't have a lot of stamina, so the extra speed makes up for it when trolling and or fighting the current.

2015 Outback: Very stable, but sluggish. Not a fan of the older hull design (up till 2018) because of the Hull Slap issue. Okay for surf launch, but not great. It's wide and heavy so cartopping would be a little tricky.

2020 Outback: The new hull design is so much worth it, but I really hate the rudder being affixed underneath. So much can go wrong and makes loading more complicated.  Cuts through water with ease. Great platform for bass fishing in which I primarily use this for, and crabbing or Bay fishing. Due to my bad back, I dont car top this kayak unless necessary.

Hope that helps. People also suggest AI which sounds fun, but of course more expensive, extra set up, more weight, and storage. You need to apply what works with your situation. Good luck with your future purchase

 
Herb

I also have a huge fear of white sharks and, nothing but a guess, but I'd imagine a shark would be less curious about the AI. But I'll have to get over that eventually either way.
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I don't know about that. My TI has generated some interest from the local great whites, but they've always been respectful! But it gives you so much more stability. Take one ama with you for salmon fishing and you're set. It's easy to set up and not much heavier than other Hobies.

If it fits the bill, look no further in my opinion.

What's the TI? Sorry, getting up to speed on my acronyms here. Tandem Island... thanks Google

Just curious, can the AI be optionally ran as just a kayak (without outriggers and sail)? If so, how does it perform there? And, with that thought in mind, can something like an Outback or Revo be fitted with outriggers rather painlessly?

I'm giving the AI a much closer eye now... can it be deployed solo, without help from a friend? Most youtube vids I've seen show two people getting it to the water.

Yes, you can.  However, the AI is heavier by itself and more weight with the amas.    But once you cart it, you should be fairly OK.  However, it is relatives and tt all depends on your physical fitness though.

Just curious, can the AI be optionally ran as just a kayak (without outriggers and sail)? If so, how does it perform there?

Yes, and the pre-2015 AI without amas is essentially the same as the current Revo 16. And that's what I had for a couple of seasons before upgrading to the full AI. It works great in kayak mode. But the modern AI  (2015 or newer) in kayak mode would seem to be a bit unwieldy...

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I feel a bit like I walked into a fishing shop to buy bait, and end up buying a boat, because now I'm leaning heavily towards the AI/TI after spending last night watching YouTube vids, lol. If anyone sees anything interesting in the classifieds, send me a PM... If I can't find anything I'll just buy new, but man they're pricey.

It seems like there's largely two configurations, pre-2015 and post-2015?

I'd love a tandem island, but it does seem to fly against my whole initial desire to get on the water minimally. I just see so much value in being able to fish and take a friend, and being able to take my wife to Angel Island, etc.

While I just wanted fish, it seems sailing adds a whole new dimension to things.

I think I have storage / transport good to go... own an F150 and have a large backyard where I could keep it covered. It just seems the TI would be too much on the days I'd want to go out solo, which I'd imagine would be 90% of the time.

Has anyone tried having a guest sit on the tramps of an AI and pulled it off? Probably wouldn't be recommended...

So yeah... I think it's now between AI and TI for me. If anyone has one and is unloading/deploying in HMB, Pacifica, or really anywhere in the Peninsula soon I'd be really interested to come watch and see how it's done and lend a hand if needed. Call ot text me 209-752-7775



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