Hi all, I'm a newbie. Looking forward to connecting with fellow yack fishers.

Birthday is coming up and looking forward to my first dedicated fishing yak. Any input on a boat for Puget Sound and larger rivers in the area?

Hobie Revo13

Birthday is coming up and looking forward to my first dedicated fishing yak. Any input on a boat for Puget Sound and larger rivers in the area?

Budget??  New/used?  Level of experience with a kayak?

Budget is kind of open but wouldn't mind finding something used. Also, have a messed up shoulder, think that puts me into one of the pedal power jobs?

Guess I've been looking into one of the Hobie Kayaks. Don't know if I can get away with the 12' ones but think that might be a little easier to haul around.

You're on the right track. Sounds like a revo or an outback would be good for you (as long as you're not super tall)

You're on the right track. Sounds like a revo or an outback would be good for you (as long as you're not super tall)

Yeah, those 6'5"+ guys have a real hard time in Outbacks.   

Welcome to the group.  You didn't state your size which might make a big difference when it comes to which options you should consider. There are plenty of choices and most of what you will get is personal preference suggestions.  I'd try out as many different models and sizes as you can before making you final decision.  Borrow, rent, take a demo paddle.  Don't get in a hurry.   

Thanks for the feedback, I haven't checked out either the revo or outback.

I'm 5'8" and a 150# and can handle a Revo13 solo.  But, I'm not dead lifting it onto my truck's lumber rack. The key is having a loading/unloading method that allows one to lift one end at a time.

Small roller works awesome .

Thanks for all the input, I'm 5'11" and weigh in at 200. I am leaning towards the Pro Angler 12. I hope it isn't too much boat for me to manhandle on the rivers, but want a stable platform on the sound. The weather can kick up pretty quickly out here, so I want something that would allow me a chance if the waves picked up.

Hello and welcome!

How do you plan to transport the PA12?...I came very close to buying a PA12 but since it's significantly heavier than the Outback (98 lbs vs 75 lbs hull weight) and I normally transport my boats atop my jeep, I opted for the Outback and am very happy. I can easily snatch my Outback up over my head, but I'm not sure I could if it was 23 lbs heavier...Of course if you plan to trailer your boat, that's not an issue.

Do you plan to surf launch? I have zero experience doing so in a PA but the Revo and Outback perform well in the Surf...the Revo is easier to handle here as the Outback tends to want to turn while surfing, but proper bracing remedies this...A couple hulis and you'll figure it right out. I've been in some pretty big swells in excess of 10' and never felt uncomfortable in the Outback.

Both the Revo and the Outback are great boats and I doubt you'd be unhappy with either...the Revo is a bit faster but the Outback is a bit more stable and has more deck space. If you plan to paddle your Hobie, the Revo paddles well while the Outback is a tank that refuses to track straight. Of course, I have a dedicated, Paddle-style, river Kayak so that's a non-issue for me.

I'd recommend test driving them all before making your final decision...or do like me and keep buying boats until you find a couple you like.

Oh yeah, I'm 6'2" and 210lbs...Outback fits me fine but my pedals are adjusted all the way forward.

Good Luck!

You may find that an Outback actually handles rough water better as the PA12's high seating position will raise the C.G. enough to overcome higher stability of the hull.

Thanks for all the input, I'm 5'11" and weigh in at 200. I am leaning towards the Pro Angler 12. I hope it isn't too much boat for me to manhandle on the rivers, but want a stable platform on the sound. The weather can kick up pretty quickly out here, so I want something that would allow me a chance if the waves picked up.

I use my Revo13 almost exclusively on Puget Sound and would not want any more of a tub than it is.  It is plenty stable.  When the weather kicks up you want a platform you can pedal/paddle through the whitecaps with a headwind and make headway back to your launch.  I've been in a couple situations where I was pedaling hard and making 1kt against the waves and wind.  A more "stable" boat and I may have been making negative progress.

On the other hand your first kayak will be replaced in a year or two anyway once you figure out what you really need/want.

I may be selling a one of my Pro Angler 14's.  PM me if interested.  It's a 2010 hull style which means it has the old style seat and raised cutting board tackle hatch.  The hull is brand new (warranty issue exchanged through Hobie) and has been on the water about 5 times.  Looks just like this http://leisuremarine-me.com/media/Image/cache/R800600-Pro_Angler_Action_1.jpg