New to kayak fishing and the site

[Cliff]

Hi everyone, my name is Cliff Williams and I just moved to Maryland. Also, I have never fished from a kayak before. Growing up in Texas I did a lot of fishing on local lakes and rivers. I am excited about fishing in Maryland and have started researching on what kayak to buy. I'm looking into buying a Hobie Pro Angler, REVO or Outback. Without previous experience, I do not know what to base my decision on. I am leaning towards the Pro Angler but fear that its size and bulk could limit me. Also, I don't know how well the Pro Angler performs in larger rivers with heavier currents, such as the Potomac. I would appreciate any feedback, tips or opinions.

Thanks for reading the post and have a good one!

[chex]

Welcome to MD! This area is really great for fishing with lots of rivers, lakes and ponds, and of course, the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic ocean.

I have a revo 11. I think it's biggest advantage is its light weight.

[Cliff]

Thanks for the welcome and the input! I guess a follow up question would be, how often do you find yourself unable to launch your kayak from a ramp or a cleared area? I would not mind investing in the better wheels to compensate for the weight of the PA but unlike the REVO it would be hard for me to lift it over and obstruction or something on a trail.

[chex]

I've never been unable to launch, as of yet. I do use the wheels from time to time because it prefer to load the yak and wheel it to the launch rather than make several trips to load it up. Definitely recommend good wheels regardless of which yak you get.

[OBX_RAT]

Hey Cliff06 where at in MD are you located?

[Yak Fish]

I'm not sure how I'd get by without a cart. Even if there is a parking lot close to the ramp, I load everything next to my truck and wheel right into the water. I also fish a few places where the launch is more obscure where I may wheel the kayak a few hundred yards down a trail. The cool thing about a kayak is that if you can find a place nearby to park, you can probably launch there.

If you get a pro angler, make sure you have a way to load and unload it. It's a bear, but once you get it in the water it looks pretty sweet. Personally I'm an Outback owner. I like the extra stability, cargo area and rod holders. It's slightly heavier than the revo. The revo is marginally faster, but imo, nothing noticable enough to base your decision.

[Cliff]

I'm in Towson. A friend suggested I tryout the reservoirs but I do not want to restrict my boat to only three places to fish unless it really is worth doing so. I have heard about the bass in the Potomac for years and have been dying to see if the stories are true

[ronaultmtd]

If you are looking at versitility consider the SUV of kayaks, the Outback...carries a lot of gear, roomy and is very stable. For speed, consider the 11 foot Revo - it is fast...the tank is the Pro Angler, big, stable, somewhat heavier...carries a lot of gear and has the most room.

[Cliff]

@Yak Fish
I have thought about using a trailer or a Rhino Rack T-loader. However, I am afraid of having clearance issues in the parking lot at my apartment and also low bridges, such as the one photographed for the April meet and greet. Thanks for the help!

[Yak Fish]

Cliff, You're very close to me. I'm in White Marsh.
There are lots of great fishing areas nearby, my favorite is the susquehanna flats. Also check out the Dundee creek, Wilson point, or Mariner Point.

[Cliff]

Awesome, thanks for passing on the information. I really don't know too many areas to fish, so I will check out those spots.

[CB kayak 02]

You won't be disappointed with any of the Hobie choices. they each fill their own niche and each offer pros and cons. I had an outback and loved it, and I have a Pro Angler now.

Love the PA, can't really beat it in any situation other than maybe a skinny river w/ rapids and rocks.

[Memory Maker]

Cliff ........ welcome aboard and I'm glad you are in Towson ........ Yak fish and I are very close ......... I'm in Carney ...... between Towson and Parkville ........

I have 2 PA's and I love em ........... they are great for big rivers ....... we even use them in the bay and ocean .......... really a stable platform ........

[Cliff]

PA

You won't be disappointed with any of the Hobie choices. they each fill their own niche and each offer pros and cons. I had an outback and loved it, and I have a Pro Angler now.

Love the PA, can't really beat it in any situation other than maybe a skinny river w/ rapids and rocks.

I think I have my heart set on a PA. Thanks for the advice, after coming to this site I really have a lot of confidence in buying a Hobie.

[Cliff]

thanks for the welcome

Cliff ........ welcome aboard and I'm glad you are in Towson ........ Yak fish and I are very close ......... I'm in Carney ...... between Towson and Parkville ........

I have 2 PA's and I love em ........... they are great for big rivers ....... we even use them in the bay and ocean .......... really a stable platform ........

I'm going to Backyard Boats this week to make my final decision and purchase one. I'm going to dive in head first and get the Pro Angler. I hope to fish three-four times a week at least this year, so i can't wait to get out there with you guys sometime and learn more about the local waters.