2 Months on Gulf Coast - Need Some Guidance

Hi all,

I just landed a job where I'll be working in Port Aransas Texas from June 1st to August 1st. I plan on fishing a lot and I could really use some pointers on getting started.

Let me preface by saying I am 6'6" and 180 lbs. I have about 15 hours of kayak experience, and about 15 hours of surf fishing experience.

First and foremost, will I have enough good weather between those dates to justify buying a kayak? Would I be better off just surf fishing?

Secondly, is the mirage drive worth the extra dollar? Do you angler's feel like the mirage drive allows you to troll effectively? Do you feel like you can still launch from the surf effectively with the fins protruding from the hull?

And lastly, how much money do you spend on accessories after buying a kayak? Would you consider anything mandatory?

Thanks!
bdc69

I don't know that area, so I can't help you there, but the second part of your question I'll weigh in on:

The mirage drive is the best thing since sliced bread. No, seriously, trolling is so easy when you are using your legs for propulsion because you have your hands free to tie knots, and set up your rods and trolling lines. Here on the Atlantic side in south Florida I troll small spoons and feathers for Mackerel on occasion and I also slow troll live bait for Kingfish. You can easily troll two artificials (feathers/spoons/plugs) but I find that more than one live bait out at a time results in tangled lines. The pedal power also allows you to fight the current with your legs, leaving your hands free to cast your lines and control the rudder.

The drive is removable, so if you are launching in less than a foot of water, you can lay the drive down in the cockpit while you paddle out a bit deeper, but leash that sucker cause if you lose it you will regret the expense of replacing it. You can punch through the waves under pedal or paddle power. For your size, I recommend a Revolution 13 or an Outback. I'm curious, any hobie sounds a bit expensive to be buying for less than 3 months, do you plan to keep the kayak after this stint is done?

As for gear, you can be as minimalist as you want, or throw the whole kitchen sink in there, but a PFD (life jacket) is a MUST.
Also strongly suggest to have:
Pliers
knife
first aid kit
Flag (you would be surprised how invisible we are to boaters)
Whistle or air horn to warn boats who get too close for comfort.

Things that are nice to have, but technically not a necessity:
a fishing partner (try not to go alone)
a marine radio
Fishfinder/GPS
Gaff or landing net (depending on the size of fish you expect to catch)

Good luck.

Well that transitions into my next question. How is the resale value of Hobie yaks? If I find a used one and take care of it, will I get my money back out of it when I am done?

I'm actually a student, so when the school year starts back up cash will be tight again.

-bdc69

Hmm ouch. The resale value is good but it is still a steep investment. Try to find a used Outback to keep your initial investment low.

Great place to fish. Hobies are expensive but worth every penny if you fish often. Port A is close to Rockport Aransas Pass and other areas within a 30 min drive. There are some offshore rigs close by which people do fish in yaks. Look up texaskayakfisherman.com for more information. There are some places to rent Hobies down there.

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