The search is on!

Well stopped by Next Adventure today to look at the Hobie yaks. When I walked through the door there sat a Mirage Pro Angler fully loaded with everything and the kitchen sink. At first I thought wow that’s one cool yak then it hit me, that thing must weigh a ton. You would definitely need a trailer for that baby. I looked around a while and as I was getting ready to leave a sales person asked if I needed help. I told him I was planning on getting together with Jammer next week and wanted to check out the Hobie yaks before we met up. I checked out the Adventure but it is to long a yak for some of the tight spots I want to fish. I came off of a Seaward Chlico touring yak so the narrow profile did not bother me much. Then he showed me the Outback and I still thought that it was too heavy. Until he told me that the drive and some of the extras on the showroom model would be taken off before you placed it on the roof of your car. He also stated that it weighed no more than other sot of the same length. As he went over all the options I was thinking man someone really though about this yak before it was built. I loved the side pockets, the storage hatch between your knees that take the tackle boxes. I liked the idea that the drive came out if you did not want to use it. Great placement of the fish finder and good rod holders, you can even put a sail on it if you wish, not that I would. I am really tempted to stop looking and pull the trigger. One thing that I forgot to as was when I fish the Clackamas for steelhead I like to back troll with a diver and a wiggle wart or eggs. I don’t want to sound dumb but can you back peddle this yak to hold station while you drop back with your line in the water? In other words can you use the drive in reverse? Also how comfy is that seat after an extended day of paddling? If you can this might just push me over the top. I still want to go on a test paddle before I buy but I don’t think that should be a problem. I will keep everyone up on my choice. The other 2 boats are the Native Watercraft Manta Ray 12 and Wilderness Tarpon 12. But I think that the Hobie might just have them out classed.
Paul

You most certainly can back troll with the help of the mirage drive, however, you'll do it while pointed up-stream.  Jammer has it down to a science so if you take a trip on the water with him you'll get it. 

The seat is great and will keep you comfortable for several hours, but I put a self-inflating seat pad on top of that and I'm comfortable all the way past 8 or 9 hours.  Of course, it all depends on how good your back is at sitting in that position for extended periods of time. 

The side trays and pockets are what sold me as well.  Mine should be in tomorrow or Wednesday.  Unfortunately, I am being sent to Klamath Falls for work for a couple days tomorrow morning, so I will probably not get it til Thursday or Friday.  

Also, I sat in one for about 5 hours straight while crabbing with Jammer a couple weeks back with no problems and I suffer from lower back problems stemming from college drinking injuries.  I also found I was able to stand in it fairly easily, at least on smooth water.

I pulled the trigger on an Outback 2 weeks ago. I am extremely pleased with it.  The trays and Mirage Drive make it a nice Fishing platform. It rivals the stability of my Freedom Hawk.  Can't wait to get it all set up.

I fished the high lakes and have had it on the Columbia.  I can't wait to go after Springers next year.  Trolling is going to be a snap.  By the way, Fish Lake in the Steens was a rain barrel.  Got tired of catching trout.

Stevehawk

By the way, Fish Lake in the Steens was a rain barrel.  Got tired of catching trout.

I will remember that. I need to get my kids into some fish.

You've been Hobitized!!...

Pro Angler is just awesome! and way too much yak for every day use...

I love my Outback!!I love the trays! I guess the newer seat is much better then the oldy like mine had, but I got a nice seat from a member here and it's changed my kayak life completely...6-7 hours easy.If you have back problems at all spend the $150+ on a dyno seat and you will be happy for it.. For a person with a decent back the stock seat is more then adequate.

enjoy your new Hobie FB23 

You can't go wrong with the Outback. This has been my first season and I have over 165 miles of paddling in on mine according to my GPS on my fish finder. I can paddle all day long with only a stretch break or two along the way. My legs never seem to get fatigued and only my butt sometimes after 3 or 4 hours without a stretch. I have caught a bunch of fish and am a rabid fan of my Hobie. This is my favorite way of spending a day on the water.

By the way, Fish Lake in the Steens was a rain barrel.  Got tired of catching trout.

Stevehawk

I'll be hitting up Fish Lake in the Steens late this August. 
Hoping that the upper Steens loop will open by then!

Any tips on lures/gear for that lake? 

Thanks!

I haven't seen any prices on the Hobies at New Adventures website.I know kardinal_84 paid something lke $2300 for his outback recently.but that incliuded shipping it to Alaska.Next month I'll be moving to Raymond Wa-----so Portland isn't that far away.Can anyone throw out some dollar numbers,please ?
I have already told Jammer that we need to get together and he's all  for it.As much as I love Alaska....I need water that is liquid not solid for more than 1/2 the year.So I'm coming back to Washington.Be seeing some of you all soon..........


actually I don't care what the price is on the Hobies--they are nice kayaks.......gotta try one out.

Hey Paul---be sure to check out the Revolution too!!  Faster than the POutback, wqually stable, but a lot shorted than the Adventure.  Great boat.

I haven't seen any prices on the Hobies at New Adventures website.I know kardinal_84 paid something lke $2300 for his outback recently.but that incliuded shipping it to Alaska.Next month I'll be moving to Raymond Wa-----so Portland isn't that far away.Can anyone throw out some dollar numbers,please ?
I have already told Jammer that we need to get together and he's all  for it.As much as I love Alaska....I need water that is liquid not solid for more than 1/2 the year.So I'm coming back to Washington.Be seeing some of you all soon..........


actually I don't care what the price is on the Hobies--they are nice kayaks.......gotta try one out.

Mark maybe we can work a 2 fer deal with Next Adventure. You never know they just might go for it.
Paul

I haven't seen any prices on the Hobies at New Adventures website.I know kardinal_84 paid something lke $2300 for his outback recently.but that incliuded shipping it to Alaska.Next month I'll be moving to Raymond Wa-----so Portland isn't that far away.Can anyone throw out some dollar numbers,please ?
I have already told Jammer that we need to get together and he's all  for it.As much as I love Alaska....I need water that is liquid not solid for more than 1/2 the year.So I'm coming back to Washington.Be seeing some of you all soon..........


actually I don't care what the price is on the Hobies--they are nice kayaks.......gotta try one out.

Mark maybe we can work a 2 fer deal with Next Adventure. You never know they just might go for it.
Paul

Always ask for Nate(Ndogg) when you go into the NA's Paddle Center. He's our best NWKA connection inside. If not, get Rawk or myself involved and we will do whatever we can for you. I think Craig also worked a sweet deal recently. NA's recieving their largest shipment of Hobie's ever this week, so should be stocked on most colors and models.
FB23.... do want to meet up tomorrow (wed) afternoon/evening for your 1st Outback demo? I'll put you in my personal outback so you can "feel the love". Lets target some SMB's/Wallies??
jmr

Outback is the way to go. I bought one last month, wife took it for a ride. Now she wants one. Friend took mine for a ride now he wants one, so does his wife. So NA just got 4 outbacks ordered from me this last month. Hoping to pickup the rest of the outbacks this week or next. Pull the trigger. You will love it.....

I haven't seen any prices on the Hobies at New Adventures website.I know kardinal_84 paid something lke $2300 for his outback recently.but that incliuded shipping it to Alaska.Next month I'll be moving to Raymond Wa-----so Portland isn't that far away.Can anyone throw out some dollar numbers,please ?
I have already told Jammer that we need to get together and he's all  for it.As much as I love Alaska....I need water that is liquid not solid for more than 1/2 the year.So I'm coming back to Washington.Be seeing some of you all soon..........


actually I don't care what the price is on the Hobies--they are nice kayaks.......gotta try one out.

Jammer sounds good to me how about Wed evening. Where do you want me to meet you? Meldrum bar park might be a good place unless you already have somewere picked out. I am open to anything. I have your phone number so if I dont hear from you I will give you a call tomorrow morning some time. One again thanks for the freindly offer.
Paul

Mark maybe we can work a 2 fer deal with Next Adventure. You never know they just might go for it.
Paul

Always ask for Nate(Ndogg) when you go into the NA's Paddle Center. He's our best NWKA connection inside. If not, get Rawk or myself involved and we will do whatever we can for you. I think Craig also worked a sweet deal recently. NA's recieving their largest shipment of Hobie's ever this week, so should be stocked on most colors and models.
FB23.... do want to meet up tomorrow (wed) afternoon/evening for your 1st Outback demo? I'll put you in my personal outback so you can "feel the love". Lets target some SMB's/Wallies??
jmr

Hey, if we're doing a group buy on Outbacks, then I'm in if I can get a green one!