I sold my Wilderness ride about a year ago when I moved to East Texas and I�m ready to get back to fishing. Debating between a bass boat and a Hobie Outback. Not sure if I will love the pedal yak. Just wondering if any Hobie owners have buyers regret? Are the lakes in the Longview area better for yaks or are you better off with a bass boat? Loved fishing my ride 135, in north Texas, so much that I sold my last bass boat. Decisions,decisions???

I have owned a boat most of my adult life... Small jon boat, Bass Raider, 16' Cajun and 21' Skeeter. Most recently I found my skeeter sitting on the lift under a cover most of the time. I would take it out a few times a year, but it became more of a chore than joy. I wanted to get back on small water and did not want the hassle of boat ownership (maintenance, trailering, cleaning, licensing, etc...). So, I sold my skeeter and bought a Hobie PA for myself and a Hobie Outback for my son.

Honestly, I have not regretted it at all. There are times when I miss running 60mph at sunset, but all and all I don't miss owning a power boat. I have fished more in the past two years than I did the previous two. I kept my slip and still like to hang out at the marina. However, I also really like fishing small water again and have enjoyed rigging the kayaks to fit our individual wants.

So, if you are anything like me, you will love the Hobie. The Outback is a great choice if you also want to go off shore or fish real skinny water. However, if you are going to fish lakes and ponds, you might want to consider the PA. The PA is more comfortable, has more storage and is easier to stand. You can stand in the Outback, but its easier to stand in the PA

The only draw back to the PA is the weight... Its very heavy! My sons hauls his Outback on top of his Jeep with no problems. My PA is hauled in the bed of my bed of my truck. I've see PA's hauled on rooftop... But I would not attempt it myself.

I am on my second Hobie Outback and also own a Hobie Oasis tandem. I thoroughly enjoy my Hobie(s). I live in Dallas and take it to local lakes and to the coast. You can cover a lot of water with the Mirage drive and it is a very stable platform. The PA has a lot of bells and whistles but it takes a man to move it on land. There are times that I miss having my boat but the great thing about a kayak is that if it sits up all winter, it will always start on the first pull. Guaranteed. In short, I am a firm believer in and proponent of the Hobie Mirage series of kayaks.

Nothing beats eating a sandwich and having something cold to drink when changing locations.

I've owned and Outback, Revo 13 and an Adventure Island and I've used a friend's PA 14. Of all these I believe the Outback is the best all around Hobie. It is a good balance of speed and stability. You really can cover a lot of water pedaling but you can always add a trolling motor if you're looking for some sustained speed.

Pulled the trigger on a 2019 outback today. Thanks for the feedback guys, I can't wait to get it on the water

Good choice. I'm quite certain you will enjoy it

Congrats on your new kayak!
Give us some feedback on how it performs after you've had her on the water.
It's the new redesigned Outback if I'm not mistaken, and it looks really sharp.

I have 5 Hobies ( a very old tandem, 3 outbacks and a PA 14 ) right now and am about to do a major upgrade the fleet. The new 2019 outback will definitely be in my smaller newer fleet. I think you are going to love your new Hobie.

I am thinking about starting guiding (kayak/crappie and stripers) again and If I do, the 2019 outback will be the mainstay of my stable.

Congrats !

What lake would you guide on?

I would be very interested in a guided striper trip. I know very little about striper fishing and would like to learn. Please let me know if you start guiding. Thanks!

I have gotten to the point were I am going to sell my PA-12 and just fish out of our Ranger.

I can no longer "fight" loading and unloading the bigger yaks that I have needed because of my size.

Sorry to hear that.

You should have no problems selling it this time of year. Your location is such that you can market it all the way to Dallas, Houston and Shreveport. Folks will drive a few hours to pick up a reasonably priced used Hobie.

No regrets
Mirage drive vs stumpy East Texas lakes will at minimum result in restraightening the fin shafts/masts

If you are like me it may also result in spindle bending and cracked pulverized sprocket bearings�->DIY bearing manufacture and bearing replacement

Anything mechanical like a pedal or mirage drive vs East Texas stained water stumpy lakes will require at minimum some maintenance skills and likely some mechanical repair skills


I�m happiest exploring and fishing new waters; but if you fish the same lakes over and over you will mark and learn where to be extra cautious.

I don't have any issues with stumps on my Propel 10. The trick is to not fasten down the drive single point nearer the kayaker, just the two on the short thwart bar. What happens is my drive kicks up if I run into a stump just under the water.

And, I generally don't sprint around, take my time in stump fields.

For a Hobie, it'll be different owing to how its drive is locked in. What I am doing is not transferable. But, I suspect there are tricks to be learned, going slow being one of them on new water, stumpy lakes.

Brad