Hello everyone,

I have been doing research for a few weeks and wanting to try kayak fishing for a change. I have been bank fishing for more than a decade and had been limited to fishing spots that I can walk to.

Through my weeks of reading and watching youtube videos, I concluded that my "ideal" kayak must be stable should I need to stand up and stretch my legs. Next and most important of all, I want the option of being able to paddle with my legs.

There are a quite a few kayaks that fit my criteria but they are pricey and they are what I have in mind.

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler
Hobie Mirage Outback
Native Ultimate With Propel
Ocean Kayak Torque (Hands free motorized)

Hopefully, I don't give you guys an impression that I am trying to splurge on my first kayak. I would rather save up for a nice kayak then "settle" for one now and upgrade later. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Any comments? Thanks in advance.


Lee

Wow, If you are fortunate enough to get Hobie, lucky u. I have a 12 year old Dagger Bayou 2 and it is not made for fishing like those are. You might also want to look at a Jackson cuda and Coosa. I demoed one a couple of weeks ago from Pavolik and loved it, but those Hobies are awesome.

I was in the same boat (no pun intended) that you are back in September when I started looking. I looked at a ton of boats before I decided on the Jackson Coosa. I am coming from 20 plus years of fishing out of a bass boat so I had the same criteria you do.

Although its not a leg propelled boat, the Coosa is wide, stable with a lot of storage space. The seat was the biggest seller for me. It's a high/low adjustable and removable seat that feels more like a lawn chair than a traditional sit on top...now...I am speaking purely from a brand new kayker perspective so I KNOW that there are folks on here with much more seat time in a kayak than me.

Put the Coosa on your list and call Dave Koll (214-629-4794) for a test drive. Hes the Jackson rep for this area.

Welcome to our addiction...

Trying to get one of those new fangled whiz bang peddling contraptions cheap is a tall order. They don't often come up on the used market.

I have a Hobie PA and absolutely love it! Its a bear out of the water but it sure is nice in the water! There is a used PA on the TKF right now for $2000 fully rigged.

"I would rather save up for a nice kayak then "settle" for one now and upgrade later."

Lee I'm so happy to see this statement. A smart thing to do is to shop around see the different features the different kayaks offer and make a educated decision.
I have had the Hobie Outback and it is a awesome Kayak. I sold it last December and got a Hobie Pro Angler. It is a VERY awesome kayak/boat. Some call the PA a boat because of it's size. I've looked all over the Pa and can't find a label that says boat yet.
The PA weighs a lot but offers tremendous stability. I have found it to be just a little bit slower then the Outback the first 10yrds or so. But after that it feels about like Outback as far as the speed.
I live north of Denton about 20minutes. If you ever want to take my PA out for a peddle just give me a shout.
Also Mariner Sales will let you take both the PA and the Outback out at the same time so that you can pick the right one for you.

I did the same thing. I had never owned a kayak and started out with a used Native Ultimate 14.5 Propel. I think it's like any other sport: if you want to really give it a serious go, and can afford more than the minimum, research seriously to learn what will fit your fishing best, then buy nice equipment. It's worked out well for me, I've had it two years and the Ultimate with Propel is pretty spectacular to fish out of. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

I am a Outback man myself, love the boat and I have had mine for 6+ years now, Bought it brand new and have never looked back, you will enjoy it if you ever get a chance to find one on the used market that does not sell in less than 30 minutes. Best of luck to you. Also where are you from, might be able to arrange a test ride sometime?

Thank you very much for everyone's advice.

The Jackson Cuda and Coosa were on my research list too! Saw quite a few Youtube videos and they were quite impressive. BUT there is no option to paddle with my legs, hence I left that out.

Just to clarify to everyone, I am a working class blue collar man and do work hard for my money. If I set my sight on something, I would save up for it. Even if I have to munch on ramen noodles for a few months.

It will be another 2-3 months before I can spring up the cash for one maybe earlier depending on how much I owe uncle Sam.

Either way, I am heading out to the Dallas Boat Show tomorrow and hopefully I will finalize my decision by tomorrow.

Hopefully, by mid April/May I will get to fish with some of you guys.

BTW, I am located in Plano..


Lee

Lee,
I'll be at the at the Mariners Sales booth tomorrow at the boat show. Please come by and visit with us if you get a chance.
Oh by the way I'm a blue collar worker just like you. I saved a long time before I could afford the kayak I wanted. I'm glad I did because it gave me time to do the research and pick the right kayak for me. Looking forward to fishing with ya.

You guys are on the top of my list. Booth 374!


Lee

I went to the Dallas Boat Show this afternoon and stop by the Mariner Sails booth and immediately fell in love with the Pro Angler! The seat was comfortable and layout of everything was very well thought out.

Big shout out to Lisa from Mariner Sails whom patiently went through everything on the Pro Angler. Here is the Pro Angler at the show :



Here is the Outback



Now if anyone is shopping for one they are selling the Pro Angler for $2,139!!! Argh, wish I have the cash now but if they are willing to do layaway and wait for 2 months I will definitely buy that in a heart beat!

The Outback is also on sale at the event for $1,577

I have been searching all over the net and a brand new Pro Angler always hover at $2,549!

Lisa was wanting me to meet Shaun but he was busy with another customer. Either way, it was a great event and turn out at the Dallas Boat Show!


Lee

Now that is a great deal for either one. Do you have to go to the Boat show to get this deal?

You do not have to attend the show for that price. From what Lisa told me they have 3-4 pro anglers at that price. Once sold they will be back to the normal price. Not sure how many outbacks they have at that price though.

Really wish I have the cash now. Argh!


Lee

Thanks for the great info on the Hobies...patience is a good thing, and soon you guys will be yakking in style.

If we don't have your particular choice of color in stock we will be more than happy to order one for you at the Boat Show special pricing. All we will need is a deposit to confirm your purchase. BTW, if you cannot get out to the show, we will honor the same pricing at the store.

Every kayak line that we carry has very similar markdown Boat Show specials. These deals are not limited to Hobies. Just remember . . . these deals will expire next Sunday at the close of the show.

If it was the one listed by rhawk it is now in my garage I have wanted a hobie PA for a long time and settled on a native ultimate because I didn't want to spend the $$. Lesson learned, try out several to find out what suits you personally and then get what you want. It wasn't until I borrowed a buddy's PA for a few weeks that I figured out it was the one.

RE: Layaways

Lee,

Please call the store and talk with either Aris or myself at 972/241-1498. We should be able to work out a 60 day layaway so you can take advantage of the Dallas Boat Show pricing.

BTW...these great discounts apply to EVERY new boat in stock. This is NOT limited to Hobies. Previous years boats and a very few demos are even discounted heavier than the Boat Show pricing.

i've been doing my homework too and im in the same situation as yourself. I don't want to just settle also, but im really anxious to put a line and yak in the water. I've been looking at the pescador 12 from academy cuz in reality it fits my budget. Now my dilemma is The Hobie Pro Angler love it got to have it but pricey. Anyone else have this problem haha

My wife gave me a Pro Angler for Christmas. I love it for my first yak. It's 38" wide. I can stand in it and throw a 7' cast net. It cruises through the rough stuff with ease and can carry a ton of gear. I'd looked at many yaks and didn't want to settle. Low and behold christmas morning I got it and still pinch myself when I see it in the garage. I have bad shoulders and the mirage drive was a must. I've paddled it some but really like the foot drive.

I need to introduce my wife to yours...

So how is the hobie in shallow water?