Pacemaker Fishing Forum

I use an OK 13' Prowler because it's what I have. I do not run Class III rapids but can do just fine on the others. It does take more work to turn than George's (Hook Up) 10 or 11 footers. But I can paddle faaaast should the need arise (like on a reservoir). It is a versatile yak.

OK has a 12' model that looks great and would be very versatile.

If you are going to just fish the rivers, then get one like Hook Up's. If you are going to use it in the bay or bigger waters, get a 12 or 13 footer.

If you are close to a kayak rental place, you can try renting some boats to see what fits you before buying a boat.  Pre-rigged boats are nice...but after a season or so of fishing, you'll probably find that you don't like the placement of some of those accessories and either re-rig or sell it to get a new kayak .

I know Eastern Mountain Sports rents out Wilderness Systems kayaks, which are nice boats that can do rivers lakes and the bay very well.  They have a 20% off sale on Wilderness Systems boats right now (I don't work for them...but I do have a Tarpon 100 on order from them).

There are places that rent out Hobies as well if you want to try them out. if $1k is your limit, i'd avoid trying one out, because it'll force you to stretch your budget just enough to get one .

If you want to go the used boat route, do the rental thing to figure out what kind of boat you want (sit-in, sit-on-top, length, etc), and then scour craigslist for a used one.  There are some phone apps that can help.  I use craigslist notifications for android that updates several times an hour to get the latest postings on kayaks.  There are plenty out there within your price range.

Thanks for the advice Sun. I can totally see the point of not wanting something that was set up for someone else....so that's something I definitely need to think about.. Do you know of a location that rents Hobies?

Thanks for the welcome GregF! Yes it definitely helps to get a little more information about the different types of yaks and the advantages/disadvantages of the different sizes. There is a lot I need to consider...

Funny that Sun mentioned craig's list and Hobie... they look really nice, especially that it gives you the option to peddle or paddle...

I found one that I wanted to get input on... to get an idea of whether or not it is a good price... I don't have a lot of space, so I'd like to get something that I really like and can use for different bodies of water... and I really like the mirage drive... or at least the idea of it

I was just looking at craig's list and found this 2008 Hobie Revolution (13 foot) for $1850
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ … 03381.html

Along with the stated cart, seats and sail, the guy said the package also includes fish finder,battery,fishing rod holder,anchor,and transducer. I found out it was a 13ft from his email to me. He also sent me a couple of pictures and it looks pretty nice....






Question is... is this a reasonable price? Any Hobie owners have any thoughts?
I'm not saying I'm going to get it... I'm just trying to understand what's worth it and what's not...

RedFish gave me a great suggestion earlier of contacting Appomattox River Company and chatting with them about what they have in stock.

Last edited by AbuMasgouf (Oct-01-12 7:47PM)

But aren't the foot peddles (and blades underneath) removeable as a unit from the top of the kayak for shallow water (rivers or heavy weeds)?

I have friends with Hobie's and the pedals are removable...

I started with my Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 13.  This boat worked great for the freshwater I did on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.  Did not have to much of a problem positioning it.  And it was pretty fast since it was longer and tracks better so you can cover more water.  It takes waves over the top very well if you want to do salt.  I have done surf launches and nasty days under the HRBT in it with no scare in turtleing.  It handles the rapids I've been on as well fine.  You can stand, but it is a little bit of work.

I recently got a Commander 140.  Which I love.  It has turned into my freshwater boat.  It is a hybrid yak.  The unique bottom allows you to track well with great speed.  I can stand with ease while taking boat wakes from any direction.  Lots of room to keep stuff.  I now only use my Ocean Kayak for strictly salt.  I have never used the Commander on a river yet though and do not know how it goes.

@redskinsfan360
Thanks for the info on the OK Prowler 13 and WS Commander 140.

I like the idea of checking out a demo day... When and where do they usually have those?

Almost forgot, welcome to the group. You might enjoy snaggedline.com  a strictly kayak site. Look under the Tackle Shop header for some kayaks for sale. There's also a post there from a dealer on the eastern shore with some 2012 demos left. I can vouch for his service.

I'll chime in with more once I catch up on the thread, but backyard boats does free demo's of the hobie fleet and they are getting ready to sell this year's demo boat at a discount. It's a good deal and still comes with the 2 yr warranty. They have shops in Annapolis and Woodbridge.

I have 2 Hobie Revolutions but I have owned a lot of different kayaks over the years, I'll try to give some more info when I have a free minute.

Ok, reading through looks like you guys were wondering about Hobies in shallow water? Definitely not a problem to either pop the fins out or just push one foot forward and the fins tuck up against the hull. The boat comes with a plug if you want to strictly paddle it, otherwise water comes in the drive slot. For the most part they paddle just fine, although my first Revo must have some sort of hull issue because it turns right all the time. Not my favorite thing to paddle long distances, but peddling? It's smoking fast! I used to be able to keep up with Joe (ComeOnFish) in his adventure and that made me pretty happy since he it's three feet longer and more narrow (it's like a rocket).

It sounds like you're looking for an all around kind of kayak right? Rivers, lakes, bay, etc? It's hard to find a kayak that excels at all of those things, that's why there are so many choices out there! Generally the rule is the longer and skinnier the boat, the faster it paddles and trade-off is it is harder to turn and less stable. Conversely, the shorter the boat the slower it paddles and faster it is to turn. Make the boat wider and you get more stability, slower paddling, and a heavier hull...

The options these guys outlined are spot on. Tarpon 100 or 120 (I think 12ft is minimum for the bay but Greg and his son disproved that and I spent 6 days paddling a tarpon 100 in MA and found it to be very capable), Prowler 13 or Trident 13, or the Trident 11, Coosa, or the Hobie Revolution. I know there are other boats out there but these are very popular so we'll stick with them for now.

How tall are you? How much to you weigh? Are you a bring the kitchen sink kind of guy or more minimal? How much time do you think you'll have to kayak fish?

How'd you like it Ernie? Did you take it out on your lake?

Redfish12 wrote:

Ok, reading through looks like you guys were wondering about Hobies in shallow water? Definitely not a problem to either pop the fins out or just push one foot forward and the fins tuck up against the hull. The boat comes with a plug if you want to strictly paddle it, otherwise water comes in the drive slot. For the most part they paddle just fine, although my first Revo must have some sort of hull issue because it turns right all the time. Not my favorite thing to paddle long distances, but peddling? It's smoking fast! I used to be able to keep up with Joe (ComeOnFish) in his adventure and that made me pretty happy since he it's three feet longer and more narrow (it's like a rocket).

It sounds like you're looking for an all around kind of kayak right? Rivers, lakes, bay, etc? It's hard to find a kayak that excels at all of those things, that's why there are so many choices out there! Generally the rule is the longer and skinnier the boat, the faster it paddles and trade-off is it is harder to turn and less stable. Conversely, the shorter the boat the slower it paddles and faster it is to turn. Make the boat wider and you get more stability, slower paddling, and a heavier hull...

The options these guys outlined are spot on. Tarpon 100 or 120 (I think 12ft is minimum for the bay but Greg and his son disproved that and I spent 6 days paddling a tarpon 100 in MA and found it to be very capable), Prowler 13 or Trident 13, or the Trident 11, Coosa, or the Hobie Revolution. I know there are other boats out there but these are very popular so we'll stick with them for now.

How tall are you? How much to you weigh? Are you a bring the kitchen sink kind of guy or more minimal? How much time do you think you'll have to kayak fish?

Thanks Michael for the information.
I am 5'11'' and about 190lbs... I am the guy in the green shirt and tan hat holding the red drum in this post:
http://www.pacemakerfishing.com/forum/v … hp?id=5055

I prefer to be a minimalist. That being said when I'm learning or doing something for the first time I have a tendency to bring a lot because I have no idea what I would need. As I understand and learn more, I much prefer to bring the bare minimum.

As for time, I can have plenty. My loving wife has embraced my new found hobby and is very supportive of it. Plus we both believe that this is a good activity to eventually get my sons into.... so my ability to learn and become proficient will mean a better role model/teacher for them ....So I can be out on the water for hours... I just need to find a place to pray at midday and I'm good till the sun goes down

Truthfully, I'm leaning towards a Hobie because it gives me the option of peddling and I really want to start getting out there on the bay as much as I can... like I said before, my second inspiration/hook into fishing was watching Joe's (comeonefish) videos... I know that's past my $1K budget, but if I'm going to get something, I might as well get something I really would want!

I'll check out Backyard boats on Monday to get up close to a Hobie. I would like to try one out before I jump in with both feet though... If anyone is going out sometime, I would be really be interested in coming along and trying one out.

Thanks for all the information guys! I really appreciate all the time and effort each one of you put to help me out

Last edited by AbuMasgouf (Oct-09-12 4:50AM)

Easton Cycle Sport just put a new post on snaggedline.com  Ryan still has 1 2012 revo 13 demonstrator left for sale. He's asking $1294.00, that's more than $600 off new price