Advice sought...

[wxman1]

Hi my name is Ken. I live in Ashburn and have been fishing from my tarpon 120 for nearly a year. Caught a lot of small fish... Couple 3-4 pound bass and cats. I'm finding the paddle kayaks to be a real hassle. Are Hobie kayaks worth the money... Revolution, outback or pro angler or is buying a bass boat the way to go? Storage is a definite issue but looking for comfort ability.

Any advice?

Thanks Ken W

[Mark]

Ken,

Welcome to Snaggedline.

I used to own a 14 foot V-hull fishing boat and now I have a Hobie Revolution 13. In terms of comfort there’s no comparison between a bass boat and a kayak. The boat wins. My boat also had more storage, more stability and more range and my feet and legs stayed dry. But the boat also had annual operating expenses in insurance and Maryland registration plus I needed a trailer and tags from the MVA to transport it. Then I had to find a public ramp to launch it – no small problem here in Anne Arundel County if I wanted to make quick visit to the water. I wasn’t taking it out enough to justify the annual expenses of keeping it. When it comes to these latter issues (operating expenses and access to the water) the kayak wins easily.

I got the kayak for different purposes than my boat. I wanted something for quick trips to the water. I wanted something simple to operate. The Hobie has certainly done that for me.

The Mirage Drive is an excellent feature. It moves the boat easily and frees my hands to fish. I’ve been on the water 4 hours at a time and have yet to feel exhausted. I can cruise shorelines and cast to structure just I did with my boat and Minn Kota trolling motor. I can push forward into the wind and choppy water steadily and easily. In fact on my last trip I inadvertently left my kayak paddle in my garage. I don’t advise that because the paddle is especially useful during launches and landing with a Hobie. But I did quite well at Jonas Green without it. And it reinforces my point that the Mirage Drive is a wonderfully efficient propulsion system.

My kayak is no substitute for a nicely outfitted fishing boat. But its purpose is different. I enjoy the freedom the kayak gives me. No motor noise, no smell of oil and more places to launch locally.

When I’m too old to lift the kayak to my roof rack (I’m 59 now) I may buy another boat. But right now, I thoroughly enjoy the Hobie experience.

Good luck in your decision.

Mark

[sparky1423]

Hey Ken...I also have been fishing out of a tarpon 120, great kayak. Recently I sold the Tarpon and purchased an Outback. YES, they are worth the money!!!! I was stubborn for a while and refused to consider a Hobie because I wanted the "traditional kayak experience." But soon it came appearent I wanted a fishing vessel and not a paddler.

I am glad I used the Tarpon first, it gave me nothing but respect for the paddle fisherman/woman. I wish I still had it for certain bodies of water, but I never second guessed my decision to purchase a Hobie.

[FishAholic929]

I'm finding the paddle kayaks to be a real hassle

What are you finding a hassle? The paddle in your way? The effort it takes to get from one place to another. No hands free movement? I paddle an X-factor, and would love a peddle yak, but right now it isn't in my budget. There may be some things you can do to reduce the hassle of paddling if the hobie isn't in your budget right now.

[wxman1]

Thanks for the quick replies.

This far I have fished Beaverdam Resevior in Ashburn most frequently. I have also branched out into the upper portions of the potomac river and once ventured to the chesapeake bay bridge. I want to catch schoolies stripers and blue fish and am willing to make the drive a couple times a month to get there.
The biggest hassles with the tarpon is trying to point the boat into the wind and parallel the shore for trolling or sweep casting along the weeds/vegetation as the boat constantly sways to one direction and the other. It's a royal pain to try rely on the paddle to turn and move while trying to fish etc. it is a good boat overall but it is definitely not fishing friendly unless you start working on it.

I'm also looking to build community and fish with people. Haven't been able to do so just yet. What is the best way to do this?

Ken W

[Mark]

Ken,

Stay tuned and respond to invitations for outings when your schedule allows.

You've found the community you are looking for.

Mark

[wxman1]

Thanks that is great. I joined a meetup group a few months ago and had a bad experience. Someone setup a meetup at sandy point state park at 7 am back in late April on a Saturday. It is a 90 minute drive. The web page said 15 or more were going and said meet at 7. I left my place at 530 am and drove all the way out there. One person showed up and was inexperienced. Some of the other guys arrived at 1230! It was not good! That doesn't happen here does it?
The group organizer led me to this web page following the incident.

[Capt C-Hawk]

Ken, check your b-mail

[Sun]

Hi ken,

I live near beaverdam reservoir too! I think this forum is great for building community and also learning. The meet and greets are great ways to meet others, and barring any bad weather conditions, the meetups are usually pretty good. There is actually a meet and greet in ocean city md next Saturday that I plan to attend. We can caravan there if you plan on going. I also prefer saltwater fishing, and wouldn't mind joining ya for some outings in the bay.

Another good forum for the ashburn area is pacemakerfishing.com. The guys there are helpful and friendly as well.

I own a tarpon 100, which I really like for it's size and stability. I've taken it to lakes, creeks, and the bay. I'm sure the tarpon 120 has all the same advantages... But I will admit that I have a deep inner longing for a leg powered fishing boat. The paddle thing is just fine for me right now though. Haha. Hope that encourages you a little regarding your kayak.

Sun