fly fishing-kayak question

[bobfishgerald]

I am thinking of getting a Hobie kayak to fish from. I want a small craft to fish the rocks around Marblehead. I am wondering what the mechanics of casting and stripping are like from the seated position. Also do people have any experience fly fishing in a Hobie? I am trying to figure out how the pedals and line work together.

[averagejoe]

After fishing Jbay last weekend -- and seeing the Pro angler model--- I am fairly certain it it the best kayak for a fly fisherman-- the deck offers ample room to strip a fly line- lots of flat space-- and on those nice flat days you can easliy stand up in it--

I fly fish out of a Hobie revo and an adventure it have done so without any issues- i strip line to the side of the kayak into water as well--

Check out these pics--from last week- this is the new pro angler

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f200/adsbyjoe/DSC_0131.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f200/adsbyjoe/DSC_0159.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f200/adsbyjoe/DSC_0161.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f200/adsbyjoe/DSC_0211.jpg

[averagejoe]

And for FWIFW we jsut started a membership program at NEKF that will save you money on kayaks, paddle gear etc...-10-15% at 5 dealers around New England- just not on Hobies:)

[Onshore]

Of course, they originated just south of here but, Hobies are very popular here in IRL and the smaller lagoons

[Slappy]

My fly casting skills are below average, but I can cast well enough from my hobie to get bit. there are plenty of things to get tangled on in a yak, but you can minimize tangles through rigging.

Another thing to use a yak for is to reach hard to get to places to get out and wade.

[lowwall]

I have a Hobie and FF 99% of the time . I have found when FF fishing out of small boats a striping Basket makes a big difference. In The hobie I use one that came with my scandon pontoon it is much bigger than most , I actually use it as a net in fresh water. The new Hobie Pro angler model is pretty big for car toping, I would think hard about a Yak that needed a trailer to haul around.

[averagejoe]

I have a Hobie and FF 99% of the time . I have found when FF fishing out of small boats a striping Basket makes a big difference. In The hobie I use one that came with my scandon pontoon it is much bigger than most , I actually use it as a net in fresh water. The new Hobie Pro angler model is pretty big for car toping, I would think hard about a Yak that needed a trailer to haul around.

You're correct is it very heavy and not for open water ff--but iif i lived in area where i could quickly launch-- it's also not really a kayak but a pedal driven jonboat-

Hobies are still relatively easy to ff out of

[bobfishgerald]

I have a Hobie and FF 99% of the time . I have found when FF fishing out of small boats a striping Basket makes a big difference. In The hobie I use one that came with my scandon pontoon it is much bigger than most , I actually use it as a net in fresh water. The new Hobie Pro angler model is pretty big for car toping, I would think hard about a Yak that needed a trailer to haul around.

I read a story about a pro angler swamping which really made me think it is not the model for the waters around here. I am leaning towards pulling the trigger on the Outback.

[Slappy]

Bob, that is one story about the hobie angler. Someone who owns the same car as you crashed and died, but I bet you are not selling your car. The event caused quite a bit of internet hoopla, but mostly generated by hobie haters.

After seeing the pro angler in action, I can't imagine that it is more likely to go over than any of the other hobies. I could never lift it though and unless you will trailer it, I would move to another model.

I would consider the outback a short distance/small water boat. You should test one against the revolution or adventure.

If your primary concern is stability there are some paddle yaks that are extremely stable, but they can be a beast to paddle.

[Dumpcast]

My paddle-powered Hobie Quest is quick for its category but still a barge (if not a beast). Fly-fishing from it, however, is a cinch. I lay the stripped-in line between my legs, and most casts go off well, as long as I keep the distances reasonable: the more line on the deck, the greater the potential for tangles. No strongman and only 5 foot 5, I can solo-load the 57-pound, 13-foot Quest on my compact car with the aid of an additional grab-strap (the Quest's molded "handles" are a joke) and a square of carpeting on the trunk on which to slide the kayak onto the saddles. If my car were higher, I'd probably be out of luck. As for stability, the Quest is as safe a kayak as I've ever tried. The only way I've ever flipped it is on purpose, just to see how that would go. In calm water, I couldn't tip it from the sitting position no matter how violently I rocked; finally succeeded by standing up. A pretty good boat, though, if I were buying a fishing kayak today, it would have pedal power.

[strip-set]

For those of you that have experience with a few of Hobie's models (Outback, Revolution, Sport) - which one is the most stable? Which one would you be most comfortable standing up in?

I like the looks of the Pro Angler but it's just too heavy. I'll be launching in a salt marsh that's 200-300 yards from my house and although I have a kayak/canoe 'dolly', 90 lbs is a bit much for me.

Thanks for your input!

Going to pick one of these up this weekend...maybe tomorrow.

[Slappy]

strip--
I wouldn't focus on stability unless you are an experienced yakker. Any sit on top will feel a bit jittery your first few times out, then as you get used to it, it will feel solid and stable.

The outback is a heavy wide yak and probably a bit more stable. The revo is faster and better in wind and current. I use the revo in some very interesting conditions and haven't had any problems. In any yak there are tradeoffs and by looking at one measure, you might not get the best yak for your money. Find somewhere you can test them out.

[miken07]

The outback is a barge. Its much slower. If you ever have a problem with the drive and have to paddle.... well good luck with that. If you're really concerned about stability and standing up in your kayak, you can get the outriggers for it (or build your own). That way you'll have the speed when you want it and the stablity when you fish.

[MoonRunX]

I have two kayaks for sale. One is a Walden Scout Kayak, with a rod holder and other fishing stuff. And a Old town loon, for sale or trade...

[Trarajaks]

This is a question for Hank, relating to me more for Fly Fishing but, also for any type of Spring Fishing On the Bay Side of IBSP.
Hank, when do I start, where do I go, what flies will produce, do I need a Kayak or Canoe? Can you give us a general feeling for what you do in the Spring back there to,,,,,catch? Thanks, Joe