Maiden Voyage in New Outback-WOW! And Willamette Report

I bought a new Hobie Mirage Outback last month at the PNW Sportsmans Show from Next Adventure, upgrading from my basic, Old Town, "angler" sit in kayak.

I took it out on the Willamette this morning, in between rain showers, and WOW, I may never paddle again!  I love this kayak!  A few quick adjustments to the seat and mirage pedals, and I was golden.

With all of the gear and additions I have put on it, there are only a few adjustments that I need to make, after the first water launch.  I also have to figure out how a more efficient gear storage.

As for the fishing, not too many boats today, and no other kayakers.  No one catching any fish at all, but I did manage to mark several passing through.  I know I was in the right spot, had my gear at the right depth, and fresh from the Springer Clinic, I was ready for action.  However, the time on the water was good enough for a few hours of fun.

Next time, hopefully a Springer will get the wood shampoo.

Congrats ,CD. The outback is a lot of fun. I know a lot of guys like their Revos,Addys and paddle kayaks over the Outback,but for me,ignorance is bliss. I've never been in any other kayak (except a blow up Sevylor..Ugh). I get that the stability effects performance...their ain't a whole lot of glide there. But people are always amazed how quicky it gets around and how I can hang with the power boaters in a lot of situations. That being said..I do have a bad case of "Revo envy".
Good luck on your springer quest! Perseverence will pay off!

You're going to find that you love that boat more and more. Especially when you start maxing out the weight capacity with fish!

Keep Trying Cosmo, it'll happen...and until it does, you'll have a blast.  And take some pictures of that fancy kayak all tricked out.

I bought a new Hobie Mirage Outback last month at the PNW Sportsmans Show from Next Adventure, upgrading from my basic, Old Town, "angler" sit in kayak.

I took it out on the Willamette this morning, in between rain showers, and WOW, I may never paddle again!  I love this kayak!  A few quick adjustments to the seat and mirage pedals, and I was golden.

With all of the gear and additions I have put on it, there are only a few adjustments that I need to make, after the first water launch.  I also have to figure out how a more efficient gear storage.

As for the fishing, not too many boats today, and no other kayakers.  No one catching any fish at all, but I did manage to mark several passing through.  I know I was in the right spot, had my gear at the right depth, and fresh from the Springer Clinic, I was ready for action.  However, the time on the water was good enough for a few hours of fun.

Next time, hopefully a Springer will get the wood shampoo.

Welcome to the dark side!

CD its just going to get better and better....welcome

You think you love that kayak now?  Wait until you slam a nice king!!!  It'll happen, its just a matter of time!

That was my reaction when I switched from the mini-x to the outback.  But in defense of the mini-x, I have used on many occasions after I bought the Outback.  It does have its place.  But in larger rivers and saltwater, the Outback is hard to beat!  I can't wait to fish a proxy this fall and see how it handles a dozen cohos on the deck.  6 was no problem!

Welcome to the addiction!!!!

I love my Outback.  Have you tried standing up in it yet? 

I was practicing my paddling in it (just in case) the other day.  I don't know why people give it such a hard time.  As long as the rudder is down I can paddle easy and maintain at about 4mph.

I love my Outback.  Have you tried standing up in it yet? 

I was practicing my paddling in it (just in case) the other day.  I don't know why people give it such a hard time.  As long as the rudder is down I can paddle easy and maintain at about 4mph.

Yeah...as I said ,ignorance is bliss...having only had an Outback...it paddles like a dream (compared to a Sevylor inflatable)
I've stood up in mine,but only in summer when swimming is in the plan anyway. Plenty stable,but hard to find good footholds.