About 8 or 9 years ago, I purchase an Ocean Kayak Scrambler, mostly to play around on at the local reservoir (Marsh Creek here in Chester County, PA) and ride the waves at the beach in Southern NJ. Since then, I have tried to fish off of it with limited success. It seems tipped to me and there doesn’t seem like a lot of room. I have started to add a few fishing accessories, a paddle holder, rod holder, and last year an anchor and trolley (though I haven’t fished with it since I added the trolley). I really find paddling to be a challenge when fishing. The paddle holder helps, but the rod holder is another thing. I didn’t want to put it in back of me, because every time I turn around, I almost tip over. If I put it close enough in front of me, I hit it with the paddle when paddling. The compromise was to put it as far forward as I can reach without having to get completely out of my seat, yet it is still in the way when paddling. In the end, I am just not too happy with the set up and have been yearning for a Hobie Mirage.
My wife has been interested in getting a Kayak and since she doesn’t have a great deal of upper body strength, I figure the Hobie Mirage would be perfect. We went and looked at them over the weekend and she was pretty well sold on it. The reason we are looking at the Outfitter is so we can go together or she can take our toddler (2.5 years) and I can paddle the Scrambler. Then, when we are not out as a family, I can use it as my fishing Kayak. I have read a few posts over at Kayak Fishing Stuff and it sounds like the Outfitter does pretty well as a solo fishing vehicle. Ideally, I hope to eventually get my own Outback, but in the mean time the Outfitter seems to be a multipurpose craft that will meet several of my needs.
My Questions are:
Am I asking too much from the Outfitter or will it meet all my needs?
Will the Outfitter work well for my wife alone or with our toddler?
Will the Outfitter be too big or heavy of a boat for my wife to peddle alone?
Anyone else take their toddlers on their Kayak?
Will I be happy fishing solo in the Outfitter?
As far as my size, I am about 5’10â€