Hello Hobie Fins,
I mean Fans,

Do you use the storage bin under the bow hatch to keep bait, keepers or ice/beverages in? Pros and Cons of this?

Can you stand comfortably/safely/confidently in your Hobie and if so which model (model & length). PA owners need not apply, I know you could break dance on your deck.

Can you comfortably/safely/confidently throw your cast net from the yak? Again which model, length and size net are you chunking? From standing or sitting?

Accepting that you're standing, have you tried push poling/push paddling your Hobie and how did it perform?

I'm on the brink and your answers would really help me take the dive.
Thanks Hobie Hounds,

Hey Salsa! I've only used the bow hatch for equipment storage like dry bags, FF batteries....etc. Hobie-wise, your best option then would be the Outback for stability if the PA is not an option for you. I stand and fish comfortably from my Outback when I want to stretch my legs. Paddling/push polling while stand was also relatively easy once I got the hang of it. Mind you all this is done during calm waters and fishing in creeks. I haven't tried throw a cast net standing from my yak yet, but have done it in the sit position. With a little practice, I think I can throw a cast net from my yak. My outback is 12'1".

I've got a PA. Stand? Yes. Throw a 7' cast net?No problem. Push pole. Haven't tried it yet but think I could. I've had it out in some pretty rough lake stuff which I stay seated. I really like the seat that the PA has. As far as the hatch in front I keep stuff in there like lunch, some extra clothes, a lawn chair, and firewood. I've got a buddy that works for Cabela's and have been trying to get them to start carrying the hobies again like they used to. Would be really nice if we had a good kayak supply house on the west side of the metromess.

I have a 2005 Outback and I keep a cooler in the back for that. I just put dry goods in the kayak for no reason other than thats just the way I've done it. I have trouble standing in mine. I'm a 6'3" and when I'm standing it is real unstable. I took it out this summer with no gear to see if I could stand and fish. I would not recommend it. They hull has changed some so maybe they are better for it now.

I have only fished standing in creeks. It wasn't the most stable but was nice to be able to stretch the legs. This was done in my outback. My back hatch I use to put first aid kit, coffee can with toilet paper. Middle hatch I keep 2 bass pro bags with all my soft baits in and an extra jacket or pull over in. Front hatch anything extra I might take for the day.

How big a boy are ya?

Get with mike at mariner sails. They have demo days on Thursday's.

Atta boy, Salsa. I knew you'd come back around...

Salsa,
I can throw me net sitting in my front yard on my rear. This time of year all I catch is leaves! Stop by & ill net u a 55 gallon bag full. HOBIE bro!!! Really?

I am a big boy and 61 years old. I do good to stand when not in a kayak. I only have a few hours on my Outback and would be afraid stand. It is more stable compared to everything else I tried except the PA. I did not try the Franklins.

One of the main reasons I bought the Mirage is so I would not have to have anything in my hands but a fishing rod. I use my paddle to shove off from shore and put it up for the day. But were all different.

And hey, later this summer you may see me standing or diving off mine. lol

Fo Sho my ninja!

"HOBIE bro!!! Really?"

Ninja, please!

Its in the possible candidate category. Play in the coastal bays and the range afforded by a pedal system really becomes a shining asset. And we all like Shiney Assets.

BUT I am otherwise looking at the Cuda for standing and pushpoling the flats or even mid lake casting. Just dang fun to stand on water. Outtie gives me the stability I probably had with my Trident 11 but nearly the same paddling issues, just not a fast paddling boat. The revo would get me back in the game (I refuse to rely soley on pedal power and want something I can paddle) but lacks the stand and fishability.

I take online time for lunch and dinner, rest is scripty. I hope to emerge in MArch, just in time for full scale crawfish season!

Salsa both the Pro Angler and the Outback are great fishing/standing platforms. However the PA is made for, and really shines when being used for standing.
The Outback is no slouch when it comes for stability. I had the Outback before I bought my PA in December. I loved it and am thinking about getting another in 2013. It's lighter weight and smaller frame make for a kayak that is easy and comfortable to use. But of course with being as wide as the PA it's not as stable.
There is a liner that mounts in under the front hatch, that you can get for the Outback that will allow you to store anything that you want in there.
With the PA it comes standard with a 17 gallon liner that I keep life jacket,ice,drinks,food,tool,lures,maps,..ETC.......
If you want to try out the Outback Give Mike at Mariner Sales a call. He will be happy to take you out to let you demo what ever kayak they have.

Never thought youd put the training wheels back on
but since your thinkin about it ... How about an AI !!!?


It's slim like a revo for speed. Breaks down for easy transport unlike the Outy & PA.
Great for getting ya to the rigs in minutes.

Still paddle if you like, with 1-no outriggers.
Built to sail, you can stand & fish it or hurl a net with easy with only 1 outrigger do the lambada with 2 outriggers. Recently saw RC doing the cast net throw from his with only 1 rigger. Sail, Paddle or Peddle. They look like fun for a small fortune!

RC in his AI recently with 1 out rigger. Sucker can scoot!

I saw Ryan out with us the last time with the Hobie Adventure Island. He had it set up like the picture with one rigger. He was standing up and jumping up and down. We were in PA's and Outbacks when he started to peddle harder. He walked of and left us like he was sitting on a rocket. That thing is fast REAL fast!! I've yet to be able to try a AI but I'll be trying one soon. I was very impressed.