First kayak...Outback or PA12???

I am new to kayak fishing, after several years of fishing from a bass boat. I live in Sonoma County and will be using a kayak for both fresh and saltwater fishing, but mostly saltwater.

There is a Hobie kayak dealer in Santa Rosa that carries both the Outback as well as the Pro Angler. I've heard that the PA12 is a great set-up but can be a challenge when used offshore, due to higher center of gravity, wind issues, flooding etc. Cost isn't really an issue, just want to get the best set up for both fresh and saltwater fishing.

Anyone with advice or experience using both offshore is greatly appreciated.

Unless you plan to launch from a ramp, get the Outback. The PA12 is a beast to carry around and slow as shit offshore.

Weight is huge consideration.I have a Native 70# and could be happier.

Another for the Outback!
I Love mine, Mostly in the salt and has many bells and whistles built in!
Yea the PA is a heavy one!
Scotty

For primarily salt water, consider the Revo. Fastest in the fleet, it gives a ton of confidence in the ocean that you can cut through swells and wind and get home. Deck space is the main draw back.

For primarily salt water, consider the Revo. Fastest in the fleet, it gives a ton of confidence in the ocean that you can cut through swells and wind and get home. Deck space is the main draw back.

I second the Revo. I pedaled the Revo 16 (then known as the Adventure) for a couple of years before getting my AI. The deck space issue requires a little creativity, but I never found it to be a serious drawback.

Errrrr....uhhhh....why would you suggest a discontinued model...

Errrrr....uhhhh....why would you suggest a discontinued model...

This is fake news from the right paddle conspiracy theorists  the Revo 16 is discontinued but the Revo 13 is what I was talking about and is still one of Hobie’s mainstay platforms (although it is due for a refresh).

I have a PA14, it's big hog to get into and out of the water.  that said, I carry it on top of my Prius, so it's not that bad.  In the water, it's a great boat.  I've had good success with shore (La Jolla, Monterery, ...) and ramp launches. The outback is also a great boat, lighter and easier to launch, most my friends have outbacks.

both are excellent boats.

Errrrr....uhhhh....why would you suggest a discontinued model...

This is fake news from the right paddle conspiracy theorists  the Revo 16 is discontinued but the Revo 13 is what I was talking about and is still one of Hobie’s mainstay platforms (although it is due for a refresh).

Busted...gotta check my sources, go Stealth or go home!

I had an Outback for saltwater and I sold it before the first year was over. It’s really good for deck space, but it’s heavier and slower than the Revo, and is more challenging for surf launch and landing.

If you are mainly going to launch from Marinas, and don’t plan to cover distance, it’s a good choice. Otherwise I’d say Revo 13. I lucked out and got one of the last Revo 16 out there.

I would say though, the Revo is more for minimalists and clutter free folks. It’s not that you can’t have lots of stuff on it. You can. But it’ll be a mess and you’ll probably loose things.

I guide and have taken lots of guests out who were on either Outback's or PA's.  On the ocean you want the flexibility to respond to escalating/deteriorating conditions, and I feel that the PA (12 or 14) is too big to figure that you could paddle it to shore if your drive broke.  I've actually had a guest in a PA whose drive broke, and luckily he had his backup (GF's) drive, so it was fine.  Other than that safety factor and the accompanying risks that come with handling a big and heavy item, the PA's are really sound and super stable for most users.  The Outback, on the other hand, is what I consider to be the state of the art for our sport.   

Go do test drives.  Good luck.   

Outback, very versatile. Good luck.

Outback hands down

My Outback is the best grown-up toy I have ever owned. Use in both salt and fresh water. Mine is several years older and has the upgraded sailing rudder at the rear (the new ones have the rudder underneath) and the best feature is the new seat design. You and kick all day and not screw your back up. Buy the turbo fin upgrade approx 3 inches longer. This will give you extra speed and enough power to troll much easier. Lastly, being on the water at the level of the birds, seals, and other wild life is a great experience.