Kayakless Fisherman

In the process of trying to find myself a good yak to get me into the game, Some of you guys may or may not know me from Hunt-Wa but I was pointed over here for information and advice on the topic.
Was kinda looking at getting one of the Hobie brand kayak's but the price is alittle steep for my liking, In reality - If its worth It... Ill probably wind up getting one of the Hobie Pro Angler's. Ill post more about it in my own thread later.

Names Smossy
I live in the good ol' state of Washington, Roy area.
27 Years old and just trying to venture out alittle further from shore. Kayak's seem the way to go these days. 

The Hobie PA is more of a bass boat than a kayak.  More $$$$, heavier, and not as ocean going as the Hobie Outback/Revo/Adventure models.  Not saying the PA isn't ocean going, just not as nimble and probably more top heavy. 

Depends on what you are looking to target, and what waters. 

The Hobie PA is more of a bass boat than a kayak.  More $$$$, heavier, and not as ocean going as the Hobie Outback/Revo/Adventure models.  Not saying the PA isn't ocean going, just not as nimble and probably more top heavy. 

Depends on what you are looking to target, and what waters.

More than likely it will be 80% fresh water 20% salt. Trout, kokanee, panfish, etc - then stuff like lingcod, halibut, and salmon in the salt. Thats bascially all Im interested in at the moment.

That is most certainly both ends of the spectrum as far a fish species go. 

In the salt, do you have a bay/harbor/bar to get out through, or plan to do surf launches?

The Outback/Revo/Adventure can go after all those species AND be very suitable for surf launches.

The PA can go after all those species and might be surf launched on REALLY low surf. 

Other things to consider between the PA and the other Hobie models, is loading and paddling. 
Do you plan to haul it with a trailer, roof rack, or truck bed?
Do you plan to load and unload solo, or have a buddy with you? 
Do you plan to "paddle" or just "pedal"?  The PA would be tougher to efficiently paddle any long distances, as does the Outback.  The Revo and Addy paddle a lot easier over longer distances due to the narrower width and hull design.

Just some things to consider between the different Hobie models.

Now, if you are not dead set on Hobie then there a bunch of other brands and models that paddle better than Hobies, but lack the foot power.  Ocean Kayak make several models that really move in the water, and have great layouts for fishing.  Wilderness Systems, and Jackson make some great fishing kayaks as well.

I fish from a Jackson big tuna it's heavy but I'm a big guy paddle only, but it is tandem with a 500 lb capacity. If your in the Garibaldi are let me know if I'm free and you want to try it out we got a couple of lakes and the bay in my front yard.

I have a emotion angler i got cheap from cabelas and have taken it on  severallakes and out in the sound. Handles great i live in yelm and try to stay close to fish

That is most certainly both ends of the spectrum as far a fish species go. 

In the salt, do you have a bay/harbor/bar to get out through, or plan to do surf launches?

The Outback/Revo/Adventure can go after all those species AND be very suitable for surf launches.

The PA can go after all those species and might be surf launched on REALLY low surf. 

Other things to consider between the PA and the other Hobie models, is loading and paddling. 
Do you plan to haul it with a trailer, roof rack, or truck bed?
Do you plan to load and unload solo, or have a buddy with you? 
Do you plan to "paddle" or just "pedal"?  The PA would be tougher to efficiently paddle any long distances, as does the Outback.  The Revo and Addy paddle a lot easier over longer distances due to the narrower width and hull design.

Just some things to consider between the different Hobie models.

Now, if you are not dead set on Hobie then there a bunch of other brands and models that paddle better than Hobies, but lack the foot power.  Ocean Kayak make several models that really move in the water, and have great layouts for fishing.  Wilderness Systems, and Jackson make some great fishing kayaks as well.

As far as the salt goes, It would more than likely be inside the bay and maybe some parts of the straight, Otherwise it would be beach launching from somewhere in Westport.

As far as loading, It would probably be on top of our SUV unless it is just utterly to large to get up and down by myself. Mostly solo unload/load.
If it came to actually being able to afford a hobie, It could be a combo of peddle / paddle for launching.. No idea how technicaly challenging that may be though, I like the idea of kicking my feet back and paddleling around and I like the idea of holding my fishing rod while still getting around.
Im not DEAD set on hobie I just like to get the best I can if I can.
I was also checking out the ELIE GULF 120 XE yesterday at the local sporting store. It ran about $799 but no kind of financing avialable.
Id really like to find some way to finance one because $800-1200 is alot of money to drop at once.

Hi Smossy - I have the Elie Gulf 120XL and it has handled great in the Sound (my first boat and have not taken it further than that).  I don't know how it compares against other boats for ease of paddling, but I haven't had any problems in it.  Been nice and stable.  So far I've only had a fishing rod out in it once, but that was enough to convince me that a rod holder of some sort would REALLY make it easier to paddle and fish.  Overall I like it, but it might take more work or $ to make it into a 'fishing machine' sort of vessel :-)

(I will be out of town after tomorrow so you may not see anything more from me for another week)

Jim

That is most certainly both ends of the spectrum as far a fish species go. 

In the salt, do you have a bay/harbor/bar to get out through, or plan to do surf launches?

The Outback/Revo/Adventure can go after all those species AND be very suitable for surf launches.

The PA can go after all those species and might be surf launched on REALLY low surf. 

Other things to consider between the PA and the other Hobie models, is loading and paddling. 
Do you plan to haul it with a trailer, roof rack, or truck bed?
Do you plan to load and unload solo, or have a buddy with you? 
Do you plan to "paddle" or just "pedal"?  The PA would be tougher to efficiently paddle any long distances, as does the Outback.  The Revo and Addy paddle a lot easier over longer distances due to the narrower width and hull design.

Just some things to consider between the different Hobie models.

Now, if you are not dead set on Hobie then there a bunch of other brands and models that paddle better than Hobies, but lack the foot power.  Ocean Kayak make several models that really move in the water, and have great layouts for fishing.  Wilderness Systems, and Jackson make some great fishing kayaks as well.

As far as the salt goes, It would more than likely be inside the bay and maybe some parts of the straight, Otherwise it would be beach launching from somewhere in Westport.

As far as loading, It would probably be on top of our SUV unless it is just utterly to large to get up and down by myself. Mostly solo unload/load.
If it came to actually being able to afford a hobie, It could be a combo of peddle / paddle for launching.. No idea how technicaly challenging that may be though, I like the idea of kicking my feet back and paddleling around and I like the idea of holding my fishing rod while still getting around.
Im not DEAD set on hobie I just like to get the best I can if I can.
I was also checking out the ELIE GULF 120 XE yesterday at the local sporting store. It ran about $799 but no kind of financing avialable.
Id really like to find some way to finance one because $800-1200 is alot of money to drop at once.

Not going to preach at you over debt, but I'll point out that Hobie's, brand new, start at $2000 for an Outback or Revo.  Adventures are around $2200, and PA's are IIRC around $2800-3000.  The PA's come with turbo fins and sailing rudders, but the other 3 don't and if you get one you'll want to make that upgrade.  Some dealers will give a good deal on those, but before any sales tax you're looking at $2200+ for any new Hobie.  Used, I know there's a 2013 Outback listed in our for sale section for $1650 with turbo fins and sailing rudder and some gear tracks.

Personally I paddle an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13'.  It's an older model no longer in production.  I paid $400 for it.  The new version (Trident 13) is around $1000 new, and it has a number of cool features I'd sure find desirable.

Keep in mind too that the boat is just the start of the expenses.  If you don't get a Hobie you'll have to buy a paddle (used starting at maybe $25, new can be $100-400).  Not all kayaks come with seats, so depending on what you get that will need to be factored in ($30-200, strictly speaking you don't need a seat, but out for more than an hour or so you'll wish you had one if you don't).  You'll want to get a high quality PFD for sure ($80-150).  If you'll be fishing saltwater seriously consider a dry-suit ($500-1500, you'll also need booties if you get a drysuit).  A VHF is highly recommended when out on the salt.  Plus all the actual fishing gear.  Then there's more optional things like fish finders and all kinds of doo-dads.

That is most certainly both ends of the spectrum as far a fish species go. 

In the salt, do you have a bay/harbor/bar to get out through, or plan to do surf launches?

The Outback/Revo/Adventure can go after all those species AND be very suitable for surf launches.

The PA can go after all those species and might be surf launched on REALLY low surf. 

Other things to consider between the PA and the other Hobie models, is loading and paddling. 
Do you plan to haul it with a trailer, roof rack, or truck bed?
Do you plan to load and unload solo, or have a buddy with you? 
Do you plan to "paddle" or just "pedal"?  The PA would be tougher to efficiently paddle any long distances, as does the Outback.  The Revo and Addy paddle a lot easier over longer distances due to the narrower width and hull design.

Just some things to consider between the different Hobie models.

Now, if you are not dead set on Hobie then there a bunch of other brands and models that paddle better than Hobies, but lack the foot power.  Ocean Kayak make several models that really move in the water, and have great layouts for fishing.  Wilderness Systems, and Jackson make some great fishing kayaks as well.

As far as the salt goes, It would more than likely be inside the bay and maybe some parts of the straight, Otherwise it would be beach launching from somewhere in Westport.

As far as loading, It would probably be on top of our SUV unless it is just utterly to large to get up and down by myself. Mostly solo unload/load.
If it came to actually being able to afford a hobie, It could be a combo of peddle / paddle for launching.. No idea how technicaly challenging that may be though, I like the idea of kicking my feet back and paddleling around and I like the idea of holding my fishing rod while still getting around.
Im not DEAD set on hobie I just like to get the best I can if I can.
I was also checking out the ELIE GULF 120 XE yesterday at the local sporting store. It ran about $799 but no kind of financing avialable.
Id really like to find some way to finance one because $800-1200 is alot of money to drop at once.

Not going to preach at you over debt, but I'll point out that Hobie's, brand new, start at $2000 for an Outback or Revo.  Adventures are around $2200, and PA's are IIRC around $2800-3000.  The PA's come with turbo fins and sailing rudders, but the other 3 don't and if you get one you'll want to make that upgrade.  Some dealers will give a good deal on those, but before any sales tax you're looking at $2200+ for any new Hobie.  Used, I know there's a 2013 Outback listed in our for sale section for $1650 with turbo fins and sailing rudder and some gear tracks.

Personally I paddle an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13'.  It's an older model no longer in production.  I paid $400 for it.  The new version (Trident 13) is around $1000 new, and it has a number of cool features I'd sure find desirable.

Keep in mind too that the boat is just the start of the expenses.  If you don't get a Hobie you'll have to buy a paddle (used starting at maybe $25, new can be $100-400).  Not all kayaks come with seats, so depending on what you get that will need to be factored in ($30-200, strictly speaking you don't need a seat, but out for more than an hour or so you'll wish you had one if you don't).  You'll want to get a high quality PFD for sure ($80-150).  If you'll be fishing saltwater seriously consider a dry-suit ($500-1500, you'll also need booties if you get a drysuit).  A VHF is highly recommended when out on the salt.  Plus all the actual fishing gear.  Then there's more optional things like fish finders and all kinds of doo-dads.

+1 on that I have had my Big Tuna a little over a month and $2100 right out the gate for the yak and the Thule rack and all to get started. I'm still looking at another $1000 or so for all the quality gear for the open ocean , and fish Tillamook bay as often as posible to build upper arm strength and endurance.

As far as loading, It would probably be on top of our SUV unless it is just utterly to large to get up and down by myself. Mostly solo unload/load.
If it came to actually being able to afford a hobie, It could be a combo of peddle / paddle for launching.. No idea how technicaly challenging that may be though, I like the idea of kicking my feet back and paddleling around and I like the idea of holding my fishing rod while still getting around.

I don't know of anyone that makes a habit of peddaling and paddling a Hobie at the same time.  The mechanics would make that quite difficult.  Surf launching most guys keep the drive out until past the breakers and just paddle that short distance.  Some will pull the drive before landing through the surf, some will just pin the fins against the hull.  But regardless most guys still don't peddal and paddle at the same time coming in.

Unless you're Mr Universe you'll find solo car-topping a PA to be very difficult.  There's guys that do it, but they also use some tools that give them better leverage.  But that's still another item to buy.  Even the non-PA Hobies are heavy enough that getting them on the roof of an SUV might be challenging solo.

The hands free aspect of fishing is probably the single best reason to get a Hobie.  If I could afford one (or win one at ORC) I'd have one.  Beyond that, though, there's other kayaks that handle the ocean swells as well or better, and some of the paddle kayaks are much better for deck layout and ergonomics. 

Before you drop the scratch on anything it would be a great to get out and demo several different boats.  Try the Ocean Kayak lines, various Hobies, Wilderness Ride and Tarpon series, Jackson Cuda Coosa and Big Tuna, and probably others that I'm not thinking of right now.  That will give you a much better idea of what it is that will really be what you want.

 
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More than likely it will be 80% fresh water 20% salt. Trout, kokanee, panfish, etc - then stuff like lingcod, halibut, and salmon in the salt. Thats bascially all Im interested in at the moment.
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  Stick around the forum long enough....that'll change 

I was working with a very limited budget, I would skip the Hobie for now and just find a good use Ocean Kayak T13, Prowler 13, Wilderness Systems Ride 135, or similar Jackson model.  Hope it comes with a decent paddle, seat and maybe a rod holder or two. 

This would get in the game and last you for years easy.  Later as money starts flowing out of places you've been stashing it, you could change up kayaks and get something else and keep your current yak as a backup.

Believe me in a lot of cases, these kayaks breed like rabbits in your garage/backyard if you don't pay attention!   

Pm sent