Looking for a Yak - Need Help

[Platypus]

I really want a Hobie...That being said, is it necessary/worth it? I do a lot of fresh water fishing but I am looking into getting out in the bay for some stripers and other even bigger fish. I feel like a hobie would be the best for that, but I also know that you can do it without the mirage drive, I just think it would be easoer with it...I also think it would make it easier to go long distances if I was able to pedal as well as paddle (not at the same time of course)

Therefore,
How do I get ahold of a mirage drive hobie without breaking my bank? I have been trolling craigslist, with no success yet. I am also not sure which to get. The Pro Angler is so wide and I like that a lot. The outback is usually MUCH cheaper but is 3 inches narrower...Help please!

[Cowpokey]

Scratch that itch, get the Hobie. If you don't, you'll just keep wondering what could have been, and eventually you'll end up getting one anyway. Saves money in the long run to just take the plunge.

[buzz]

I like your honesty.

I really want a Hobie...

However, it doesn't sound like you need one. All you are talking about is tackling bigger water. You certainly don't need a Hobie to hit the Bay. Bigger water... bigger fish... don't justify the need. For the Bay, the size of your boat is more important than the method of propulsion.

So what does justify the need?
Fishing. That's what.

The way I see it, if it was just about paddling around in a kayak I wouldn't be out there. I'm out there because I want to fish. So for me, buying the Ocean Kayak Torque was a no-brainer. I can troll, rig-lines, fiddle with the depthfinder, snack, and drink... all while steering with my feet.

So whether its an Ocean Kayak Torque, Native Watercraft Propel, or Hobie Mirage... for me its about holding the paddle less and holding the fishing rod more.

Keep an eye on the Tackle Shop category and good luck.

[Jambone]

I couldn't agree with buzz more on the necessity of a leg powered kayak for fishing. Freeing up your hands for fishing was a primary requirement for me when deciding to purchase my boat. I purchased the Pro Angler 14 for the unparalleled stability in big water and out of the box capabilities. It is extremely versatile but heavy. If you can deal with the higher that average weight, and maybe a little less speed, I would argue that nothing is more fun to fish out of than the Pro Angler. I have a good buddy that is a very experienced kayak angler and he recently purchased his first mirage drive Hobie, the Outback. He had told me that he still plans on getting the Pro Angler and is very envious when we fish together and I stand up casting and jigging in moderate sea conditions.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition

[Cowpokey]

Buzz summed it up well, maximizing time with a rod in hand makes it worth it.

[Platypus]

Less time with the paddle in my hands is what I was leaning toward...

If you put a motor on any of your vessels, doesn't it require you to register said vessel with MD...?

[Jambone]

Yes, you need to register it but it's free if you prove the sales taxes were paid, as far as I know.

Sent from my Galaxy Note II

[MetroMan]

Yeah, registration is free for vessels under 7.5hp & 16ft in length. The title fee is $2. If you purchased the boat in state and have proof of sales tax being paid, then you're good to go. Otherwise, you have to pay excise tax...6% I believe.

[BassMoore]

I do the same fishing.. mostly freshwater and venture out into the bay

I did purchase a Pro Angler 12.

That being said... im leaning towards trading it in for a slayer propel..
PA has better seat, better storage, better open water boat... for how i fish, i feel its terrible for bass fishing.. Its huge, and has no reverse.. im constantly being blown ontop the laydowns, into the trees. and having fish pull me into my spot..
And its very hard to grab half a paddle and move back wards wihtout making ALOT of noise..

This is why i want the slayer.. bc i have the ability to move backwards... i dont carry alot of gear at all.. so the slayer is fine, its lighter.. and you can paddle it with ease if you want to go around the lilly pads or thro grass on the potomac.

Take a closer look into everything before you choose.. what works best for you

[Platypus]

i feel its terrible for bass fishing.. Its huge, and has no reverse.. im constantly being blown ontop the laydowns, into the trees. and having fish pull me into my spot..
And its very hard to grab half a paddle and move back wards wihtout making ALOT of noise..

This is why i want the slayer.. bc i have the ability to move backwards... i dont carry alot of gear at all.. so the slayer is fine, its lighter.. and you can paddle it with ease if you want to go around the lilly pads or thro grass on the potomac.

Take a closer look into everything before you choose.. what works best for you

I appreciate all that advice. I am set up to bass fish more than I am to do anything else and I really enjoy doing it and I have had similar issues on my current Yak (Ascend FS12t). If there is any wind it becomes a real pain to stay in the position that I want. My conundrum, is that I will be going into the bay as well...I think I will have to look into the propels more now. Thanks!

[Romo]

Yesterday I jigged flounder for hours in a 3-4 kt current in 20 feet of water with a 1 oz bucktail keeping the jig completely vertical. You just can't do that in a non-pedal yak. You can't even do it in a boat unless you have a trolling motor! I have no experience with the native but the hobie has opened up all new opportunities for me. Watching the boats whizz by on their drifts not catching any flounder while you almost effortlessly hover and slowly back troll and get bites is just awesome.

I use my hobie in super shallow, stumpy freshwater also and have bent some masts but its not a big deal you just hammer them back straight. The slayer needs more clearance so this might be an issue. I also have no use for reverse since I am in full control of my drifts except on some very rare occasions when fighting a fish but since I upgraded my rudder it turns on a dime. With a hobie you're fishing 99% of the time. They're worth every penny.