Hobie Forums
http://www.hobie.com/forums/

Really new at kayaking Have more ?'s than answers
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=4006
Page 1 of 1

Author:  Charles Grossman [ Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:51 am ]
Post subject:  Really new at kayaking Have more ?'s than answers

I'm 6'3" and live along the gulf of Mexico in Florida, Due to my size about 230 lbs I thought the outback would be better then the adventure but each has advantages. Any suggestion based on fishing over speed? The Problem is we have a lot of hammerhead sharks that patrol along the coast and with its size how do you get away as they seek the smaller fish that is seeking cover below boats without having them try and tip you over? I think this is my biggest worry and everything else will fall into place.
Should I get a larger rudder for the outback if sped isn't the issue then how is a larger rudder of value.
I want a fishlocator and GPS system mounted near the seat so I can gaze at it quickly while i/m paddling or peddling, as I also want one that broadcast to the side any suggestion?
I heard a lot about color 1 being seen more then the others, as I maybe in a high traffic area and these yak's sit so close to the water what do member think as I maybe out by myself more than with someone.
Due to the shallow rod holder what options are there?
What extra gear do you carry? What's the best way for you to carry the extra equiptment? With the fish you catch whats the best way to bring them aboard/ store them? a net? or gill hook?/ cooler or over the side?
I'm open to all suggestions as I'm planning to purchase A Hobie soon but have no idea what I'm getting in for. I did a lot of canoeing in rivers and streams so I don't think this would be much different.
Should I not responsed to all answer THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Anyhting I left off or forgot please you are the experts even if you only been out on the water once in a yak that's one more then me so I will accept your comments or suggestion. Those that post about a fishfinder I would be grateful if you could show picture of mounting the transducer and locater. I'm so green You could barely see me sitting on the grass.
Thank you again for all who answer.

Charles (Chuck)

Author:  AlohaDan [ Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:27 am ]
Post subject: 

There are several sites that not only have forums such as this one, but articles that address your specific questions. I would read all articles on the below sites. Then do seaches on their forums by subject.

Checkout:


http://forum.kayak4fish.com/

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/

http://www.plasticnavy.com/forum/index. ... ae72f5e3a9

Author:  DrWilki [ Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:40 am ]
Post subject: 

Chuck...Welcome to the site and kayak fishing.

You do have a lot of questions!

Quick background...we got a Hobie Outback and a Sport a year ago and couldn't be happier with them. We fish primarily in Long Island Sound and some in fresh water lakes. The Hobies have performed flawlessly. I drive the Outback (I'm 5'10" and 215#).

As for OB vs. the BigA, here's my perspective which I posted on another site:

Our local yak/canoe shop had demo day event yesterday and I had my first opportunity to try out the Big A. Very nice, but bottom line - I would definitely NOT swap my Outback for one.

Took the GPS along to get an idea of various speed aspects, both paddling and pedaling. At my normal pedaling rate (one I could maintain for hours), I cruised between 3 and 3.5 mph...about the same as in the Outback. With the Paddle, I cruised about 3 mph...again pretty close to the OB, though the narrower width of the BigA definitely made paddling easier.

BigA initially felt tippier, but that cleared up in a couple of minutes. I did feel more restricted in the A (subjective comparison).

Even though I wasn't fishing, I felt the loss of the OBs tackle trays, up front rod holders, up front cup holders, up front tackle box bungees (2005 OB and earlier). I especially missed the roomy feel of the OB.

The new design on the paddle/rod holders on the side didn't seem to work as well as the older design...didn't have a rod along, but they didn't look like they would hold a rod as secure as the old design. When I'm out trolling for Stripers in Long Island Sound, I like to have a fly rod rigged and quickly accessible (for bluefish blitz or False Albacore in season). The side mount bungees are perfect in the 2005 model OB.

I didn't like the new front hatch design (on BigA and new OB). It takes away the bungees that are perfect for lashing down 20# Stripers (Betty's unfortunately) or the KFS fish bag.

Conclusion: The OB is the perfect yak for the fishing we do in CT...fresh water lakes and Long Island Sound, round trips of 5 to 7 miles.

I'll keep my OB, thank you, and love it even more now that any desire for the BigA is gone.

Obviously, I prefer the OB for fishing. I'll attempt to answer some of your other questions:

1. Can't help you on the sharks...haven't seen any up here (though they are here).

2. I see no need for a bigger rudder.

3. I don't use a FF, but had one mounted once on the gunwale in front of the starboard tray.

4. I put a leash on my GPS and lay it in the starboard tray.

5. My OB is red, her Sport is yellow...the new orange is good too. Best to be seen on the water...the fish don't care.

6. Rod holders: The stock holders work for me for spinning rods. I have transported the rods and trolled from the stock holders with no problems. I have a milk crate with 2 Scotty fly rod holders that are attached via aluminum bar stock for the fly rods. I bungee the crate in back of the seat.

7. I don't carry much extra beyond safety stuff (pfd, whistle, air horn, signal mirror, rope) and fishing tackle (fly boxes, some spinning lures) which I bungee down in front of the seat or carry in the hobie seatback pack. Anything else I carry in the milk crate.

8. Best fish storage is in the Kayak Fishing Stuff fish bag. We use 30# Boga Grips for landing...the Bogas are without a doubt the best. At $120 a pop, make sure it is leashed.

We also did a lot of canoeing BK (before kayaks). I really wish we had discovered kayaking a lot sooner...far superior to canoes, especially on big water such as Long Island Sound. And much more versatile, especially with the Mirage Drive. Sailing is a hoot, too...try it.

I hope this helps a little. I know you will enjoy your Hobie.

Author:  dueitt2s [ Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:33 pm ]
Post subject: 

If you get the Outback and plan to sail get the larger rudder.

Author:  AlohaDan [ Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

The larger rudder would also apply to the Adventure whether you sail or not.

Cheapest most effective upgrade in the Adventure options department.

BTW if you cover substantial distnces and encounter any winds the Adventure would be a better choice IMHO.

Author:  DrWilki [ Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:50 am ]
Post subject: 

Question for the guys with large rudders:

I do sail my OB, but not too much. Could you explain the benefits of the larger rudder...I don't seem to have any problems with the stock rudder, but I just don't know what the larger one would do for me.

Author:  ronbo613 [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well, I don't have either(Outback or Adventure), but for open water, I always want a bigger boat.
Quote:
The Problem is we have a lot of hammerhead sharks that patrol along the coast and with its size how do you get away as they seek the smaller fish that is seeking cover below boats without having them try and tip you over?
We have hammerheads here as well, but the big ones are in really deep water, beyond kayak range. I've seen 18-20' hammerheads. Never liked to see a shark as big as the boat you're in. I've seen threshers, blues, makos and great whites while kayaking within five miles of the coast. Great whites concern me the most, you never know what they will do. Makos would eat you, but most of the big ones have been fished out. The biggest mako I've seen kayaking is about 100lbs., the biggest white pointer, about 8-9 feet. My belief is that since I'm 6'3", it will take a six foot shark to hurt me. That's when I'm surfing. In the kayak, a ten footer would get my attention. I paddle out when it's still dark and hear splashing around and can see stuff under the boat during red tides. That is a little unnerving. When I was surfing in Costa Rica, I saw 6-8' black-tipped reef sharks every day. The local fishermen told me(and I believe them), is when the 8' sharks clear out, the big boys are there, so when you see nothing is when you worry. Don't drag dead fish around and I think you'll be OK with the sharks, at least 95% of the time. You're in the ocean with everything else, there will always be a chance something will come along.
Quote:
I want a fishlocator and GPS system mounted near the seat so I can gaze at it quickly while i/m paddling or peddling, as I also want one that broadcast to the side any suggestion?
I prefer a handheld GPS and a separate fishfinder. If you go on another watercraft, you've got the GPS. The $100 fishfinder I've got works great, no need to spend more.
Quote:
I heard a lot about color 1 being seen more then the others, as I maybe in a high traffic area and these yak's sit so close to the water what do member think as I maybe out by myself more than with someone.
I don't think kayak color has anything to do with safety. I had a bright yellow one, now I have a sand color, I've found no difference as far as idiots nearly running you over. Waving your paddle helps.
Quote:
What extra gear do you carry?
For long solo ocean trips; GPS, handheld VHF, water, Clif Bars, if you can't swim back to shore; a PFD.
Quote:
What's the best way for you to carry the extra equiptment?
Below deck.
Quote:
With the fish you catch whats the best way to bring them aboard/ store them? a net? or gill hook?/ cooler or over the side?
With your shark situation, if you get a trophy and you want to keep it, stick it below deck and head home. Better yet, take a picture and throw all dem fish back.
Quote:
I did a lot of canoeing in rivers and streams so I don't think this would be much different.
I spent many summer days canoeing around Ontario and Quebec. If you get a Mirage, it will be a little different. A Quest will bring back your voyager spirit.
Click on the link in my sig to see how I installed the fishfinder on my Quest, maybe that will give you some ideas.

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/