Hobie vs. Ocean Kayak (or any paddle kayak for that matter)

[22Tango]

Before the emotions start to run, this is not a which is better post!! I have been all over this site and the internet in general, and I see that is an apparently very sore subject for some.

Anyway, I just got the OK Trident 13 this spring. Love it. I have only done the Patuxent River and some close to the shore Bay fishing so far. My goal, though, is to get to the BB. Truthfully, I may not even really need to get there either, I just hear so much about drop offs and rock pilings, etc, for big fish, that it just seems the BB is where I need to be for the big striper catches, and channel edges, etc that people seem to talk about.

I notice, though, that the people talking about the BB seem to always be in Hobie's. And I understand the paddling advantage and why Hobies are great boats. My question ... is taking a paddle kayak to the BB unreasonable/ unnecessary expectation? Does this seem the case just because most of the BB posters happen to just have Hobies? I swim just fine and always wear my PFD, but I don't want to take any unreasonable safety risks. I would appreciate any insights.

[RavensDfense]

Many paddlers take their kayak to the bay bridge, the CBBT, and other locations far from shore. Heck, I once paddled my Hobie Outback to the 1st island of the CBBT because I forgot my peddles. The BB is a relatively calm place if the wind is not blowing a gale. It can also be a rough SOB if the wind is blowing. I suggest you pick a calm day (>10 mph) for your first time. The current can be strong at times, but if you are in relatively good shape it won't be a problem. Going around the new moon will result in less current, also. Go with a partner and you'll have nothing to worry about.

[FRED driver]

Bottom line: you will fish 20% less (generous) in a paddled vessel in high current areas regardless of wind, and windy days will just increase that number. Has nothing to do with paddling ability, god only gave us 2 arms. So of course, yes you can do it (ive done it out there a couple times when pedals broke). Your fishing time, however, will be less commensurate with current/wind levels.

Couple hints for ya...To be successful at the BB you must be disciplined at mobility and casting to tight spots on structure. The people that troll around the BB generally do not do nearly as well, and often the fishing reports will be quite telling to that end: the lures are typically not presented naturally, not at the correct depth, and, most alarmingly, just nowhere near the fish. To increase your chances in a paddle yak, some guys will liveline after anchoring on a pier. Much more effective as you've now located yourself properly over structure but you've limited your mobility.

It's a very challenging fishery, but very rewarding if fished with precision. You can certainly manage in a paddled boat, but just accept there will be a lot of repositioning required to be effective...Eat your wheaties beforehand. Good luck!

[FRED driver]

Going around the new moon will result in less current, also. Go with a partner and you'll have nothing to worry about.

Full/new moons actually have the strongest tidal currents, quarter moons are the weakest...slack tides make for easy paddling but, the weaker the tide, the weaker the bite

[Shield]

Not unreasonable at all. That OK will take you wherever you want to go. As stated above, keep an eye on the wind, go out with a buddy and have a blast.