Are the Hobie pedal Yaks just marketing or do they really work. Does anyone own one and if so are they dry? New to yakking how bad does the wind affect one in a yak? I fly fish and think this would be the perfect way to putt around Purtis, Holbrook and some of the other small lakes that I fish. Thanks in advance.

Polithawk,

I have a Hobie Outback Fisherman... Have only been out with it three time so far... The flippers really work very well... I first thought that it was just some hype... But you can go very fast and you can fish as you just pedal along...

The wind will not be a problem as the rudder will keep you on course unless you are out in a gale...

The foot wells will be a little wet and if you don't want wet heels/feet you should wear some sort of waterproof foot wear... The seat is high enough that I don't think you will be setting in any water...

The storage hatches are a little small if you plan to store very large items..

The problem I have had with the rudder is, It is controlled by a leaver on the left side of the Yak and there need to be some sort of indexing systen to keep the rudder in position... It will move while you are peddling and trying to cast... I plan to install something under the leaver that will keep it in place so I can peddle and cast at the same time...

Hope this helps you decide... I bought at Bass Pro in Grapevine, Jerry

I own the Hobie Outback Mirage & the Mirage Classic. Both are solid fishing platforms. If you want more info go to this website the pro's and con's have been covered extensivly on these Yak's. If you decide to buy one you will not regret it. Other than the initial purchase price you will spend nothing to operate it (that does not include the inevitable Fish Finder that you will want to install or the limitless possibilities of other gadgets you will want to add).
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/