Newbie looking for first kayak!

charlessyverson

I am brand new to the kayak fishing game and am starting the process of picking out a kayak.  I am looking for the most stable pedal drive made.  I want something that will be easy to handle and I will be transporting it in the back of a pickup.  It will just be used for fishing inshore, which could take me fairly shallow.  I am looking for what everyone is currently using and the strengths and weaknesses of each one.

I really appreciate any information from the experts to help me with this decision!

jawray

You’re gonna get the homie mirage drive guys vs the peddle guys. When I tried each, I liked the pushing of the mirage drive vs regular peddling like a bicycle. If you fish shallow a lot the mirage drive fins can hug the bottom of the kayak. But peddle has reverse. Although the new mirage can be reversed.

Spineyman

Here is my suggestion to you. I tried a Native Slayer 13 propel, and didn't feel comfortable in it. I tried a Hobie Compass and the pedal just going back and forth absolutely killed my knees, and then I tried the Old Town Predator PDL. The rest is history. I bought the PDL. I fish with 2 other people and they use the two I didn't like. The funniest part about the whole thing is they say you can't tip a Hobie PA 14, but out of the three of us the only one in the drink is the one with the PA 14. It was 38 degrees out and 48 degree water temp.He stayed in waist deep water until he fished out his 4 rods, 3 tackle boxes, a new I phone , and a net . Needless to say when he got out we headed home. So I tell you to try before you buy. The shops around here let you demo them before you buy, so that is my advice to you. DO NOT just buy on someones advice.

charlessyverson

Thank you for the suggestions.  The other component I am looking for an answer to is a kayak that is easy to handle by 1 person, no trailer.  Also, what are the practical application differences between the push pedal and the rotational pedal systems?

Spineyman

charlessyverson said:

Thank you for the suggestions.  The other component I am looking for an answer to is a kayak that is easy to handle by 1 person, no trailer.  Also, what are the practical application differences between the push pedal and the rotational pedal systems?

I am 62 and can throw mine up in the bed of my pickup with a bed extender no problem. The push pedal is used by Hobie and soon to be a lot more others as well, because their patent is up. The push basically operates a set of fins just like you sculling through the water. The rotary operates a drive which attaches to a propeller. All I know is this old fart could barely walk after 20 minutes in a Hobie. The rotary also has instant reverse which I have used many times to pull a big red away from a dock. The Hobie 180 drive has a reverse but you have to line up your feet and then pull a cable to reverse. By that time the red has you seven ways from Sunday. Which computes to about three wraps around the piling with barnacles all over it. Hobie will operate in a shallower environment for sure, but when I am in tight like that I prop the drive up and use wind and rudder to coast me down the shoreline.

dcr

Weight was a big consideration for me.  Hobie Sport about 55# hull weight.  I have a pickup and just toss it into the back.  I'm 68 and have tendinitis in my elbows and shoulders, so the Mirage Drive is perfect for me.  I usually take an advil before I go since I also have a knee that will act up a bit after about 2-3 hours.  Had no trouble walking the other night after pedaling 4 hrs.

The Sport isn't the most stable boat out there mostly due to its short length and I wouldn't take it offshore, but I have had it out in the Gulf and Atlantic on several occasions.  It's great for lakes and highly maneuverable and yes, without the 180 drive I have been pulled into the mangroves on several occasions.

shamrock1188

I have a Hobie sport it was the best choice for me. I wanted easy to transport and handle, getting a kayak to the water can be a PITA if you get a kayak that is to big and heavy. I am a small guy (145 lbs) the Hobie sport fits my needs well. If you are a bigger guy you may look at the Hobie outback. The Hobie sport is very stable for me I think it would be very hard to flip. A kayak cart is a must have item. The sail is nice to have to you can cover a lot of water with little effort. The only down side to a Hobie is the up front cost but they hold there resale value.