hobie vs tarpon

[no problem]

Ok guys, need some expert opinion...just tried hobie mirage w/pedal drive and a Tarpon for comparison....goal? chase stripers and blues (#$119) around the haba.

took me about two second to come away thinking...wow, this pedal drive is the way to go...look mom..no hands...which can be used for casting, fish handling, gear finding, beer cans, or obscene gestures to others...

Mirage is not the right platform, but drive system is a hoot....so what am I missing. Seems like a no brainer,

before I do something stupid....guidance please!!!! any recommeded dealers??

[Dumpcast]

The reputable, friendly, and well-stocked New England Small Craft, on Route 1 in Rowley, sells Hobie boats. I have had nothing but good dealings with NESC since the 1990s, when I bought my first two kayaks. I'm heading there today, actually, to look at the Hobie Quest.

[KayakerStan]

If your going to get a Hobie get the Adventure.

[no problem]

why adventure model vs outback...mirage I tried had an enclosed bow with zero storage so immediate DQ...new model looks like it has a place for everything in 13 ft frame. I'm a newbie to the saltwater adventure..

[averagejoe]

I sold my tarpon and purchased adventure this year. It is a really unique kayak, very fast by paddle or pedal. You can it up to 6-7 mph in spurts, and it also cruises at a leisurely pedal as fast or faster than most of the SOT kayakers out there. You can also hold your position in current if you need to. I find it very stable. Only drawback is that there isn't much room to mount mstuff on side and the paddle holder sucks. (not that you will eve need it)

[KayakerStan]

why adventure model vs outback...

You will be able to cover a lot more territory with the Adventure as compared to the Outback.

[fly]

I bought an Outback from NESC at Rowley (above) last year and can recc. them as well. I am a total novice but it was easy to get going and be out and about. I took it very easy and made sure it was FAC and the boat was extremely stable. At one pint the wind came up and I felt very comfortable in moderate chop and dealing with wakes etc. The Adventurer looks sleeker and faster but I would guess form the pictures that you would find the Outback more stable. If you are limiting yourself to relatively close (Haba, Joppa etc) type fishing then the distances will not be a problem in the Outback.

It is heavy and unwieldy to get on and off your car, but like everything else it can be done with care and practice.

Overall I think the thing I appreciate most about its water going capabilities (things like fishing access and pedals being "equal") is the stability.

[jvest77]

Hey guys, I live in Chicago and I'm interested in buying my first kayak to take out onto Lake Michigan. The water remains pretty cold throughout the summer so I need something relatively stable. I'd like to be able to take it a couple of miles offshore and do a fair amount of fishing. Should I spend the extra money for a rudder? I've been looking at the Old Town Dirigio, but I've seen a lot of references to Pungo and Perception on this site. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, anyone know where I could test some of the options out here in or around Chicago. Thanks.

[RJ]

There has to be some local yaker clubs with fishing connection in your area. Go the the nearest dealer and check it out. Or goggle kayak fishing, IL.

Great lakes fishing in a yak has to have it's own group of madmen and they being mad have developed fishing techniques and perfer kayaks that meld with the environment. You should spend some time paddling different yaks before you buy one. Pungos don't come with rudders, but track nicely, Tarpons come with rudders and they will help you handle tricky water and fish. steering with your feet and using your yak paddle is a better route in my opinion. I own a P-140 pungo and a T-160 Tarpon. Like them both, but like the Tarpon more.

I've paddled Pungoes for about 7 years and amy Tarpon for a full year. Both are by widerness systems.

Good luck and find other anglers to fish with. Great Lakes weather can kill you if you don't pay attention.