Hunting & Fishing Shopping Fishing Kayaks

[Ric O'shay]

I am shopping fishing kayaks. I want a tandem with pedal propulsion. Finding the two seater options pretty limited.
Anyone have any advice on options. The Brooklyn Kayak Company has a decent looking offering. The Hobie's look nice but extra pricey.
Thanks in advance.

 

[021411]

Hobie all the way. I saltwater fish out of an Outback and it was well worth the expense. I think their Mirage Drive patent expired recently so I'm sure you'll start to see copies of it.
Check out the Compass Duo. I demoed a standard Compass and thought it was great. It's not an Outback but it was fine.

 

[WoobieJ]

+1. Hobie is the buy once cry once option. Anything else you’ll wish you had got a hobie. But I would advise against a tandem. Two kayaks are much better for fishing than one.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Hobie again.

I found this while considering a pedal propelled kayak.

https://freedomelectricmarine.com

Price is nice and easier to haul. Protected dual trolling motors does 360º turns. You can add the Honda gas motor and trailer. Under $6K delivered to your house.

 

[One1Bravo]

You won't find a better boat that the Hobie. I have quite a few hours in an Outback and Pro Angler 14.

 

[Ric O'shay]

That twin troller looks interesting. The options for a single are far more available, but I was thinking If I could involve my wife an a passenger, she could sip a wine while I fish, I do not think she would want her own. Old Town has a cool single that has a peddle or a drop in Minn-Kota unit for electric propulsion.
Has Hobie figured out reverse?, some I saw did not have a reverse option.
I will need a trailer either way as my Jag is more sport than utility and not as versitile as a pick-up truck, and a roof rack seems difficult.

 

[021411]

Yeah not all Mirage drives have the 180 feature. With that said, I did retrofit my older drive with the 180 parts. Works like it should and I saved quite a bit of cash doing so. I have a 2015 Outback. The current model seems much better.
I tow my kayak.

 

[021411]

Your best bet is finding a dealer that has demo days. Honestly it’s like test driving a vehicle. Some like more stability at the trade off of speed and vice versa.

 

[Ric O'shay]

That trailer set up is nice. I like the upright position, rather than the side stack. There is a outfitter in town, I am going to call about demo days schedule this spring. If spring ever arrives. Thanks much for the advice.

 

[George P. Burdell]

I would ditch the tandem idea. There is a reason there are not many of them around. Is your wife really going to want to go fishing with you every time you want to go?

 

[Ozarkcop]

I bought a cheap lifetime tandem kayak. The kayak itself is ok but the whole tandem thing sucks. I would rather have two singles. I have figured out the best way to see if a relationship is going to work or not is put two people in a kayak or a canoe and send them on a six hour float, if both of them are still alive at the end, it will work out, either way there will be a hell of fight. The Hobies are awesome but are very high. I have had good luck out of the cheap lifetimes and the Ascends from Bass pro. I would like to buy a Jackson Flint next time. I also have tried the pedal thing and I am not sold on it for my type of fishing.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Hobie again.

I found this while considering a pedal propelled kayak.

https://freedomelectricmarine.com

Price is nice and easier to haul. Protected dual trolling motors does 360º turns. You can add the Honda gas motor and trailer. Under $6K delivered to your house.

View attachment 7032362

For six grand, I'd have Bobby build me the 14' and add a trailer for $4650.
That would leave money for a big assed trolling motor or some upgrades.
They make a really nice boat.

Forgot the link.
http://skimmerskiff.com/

 

[Ric O'shay]

I just called my local outfitter. He referred to the tandem as the "divorce special" Guess I have some thinking to do.

 

[021411]

I like the Solo Skiffs as well. Check those out.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Yeah not all Mirage drives have the 180 feature. With that said, I did retrofit my older drive with the 180 parts. Works like it should and I saved quite a bit of cash doing so. I have a 2015 Outback. The current model seems much better.
I tow my kayak. View attachment 7032401

How is it for standing up? Can you cast while standing?

 

[Jefe's Dope]

View attachment 7032440
For six grand, I'd have Bobby build me the 14' and add a trailer for $4650.
That would leave money for a big assed trolling motor or some upgrades.
They make a really nice boat.

Forgot the link.
http://skimmerskiff.com/

Does that include a motor? I'd HAVE to put the biggest motor the boat would allow and I'm thinking that'd be more than the boat.

And if I had my druthers, that is the boat I'd own. But I live in a very dry state and a kayak is a much better option for cost and access. The boat I linked could be used in many of the non motorized lakes (ponds really).

 

[021411]

How is it for standing up? Can you cast while standing?

You sure can. Obviously it also depends on your balance. You can easily affix an assist strap to help you get off the seat. I find it stable.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

The wife enjoys paddling her own kayak when we go. She doesn't fish much but likes exploring the waters. Two 10' kayaks fit pretty easily into the back of my 6' Tacoma bed and they sure are easy to launch.

I have an Old Town Vapor 10 and she uses a wilderness 10'. I've outfitted hers with some fishing rigging.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

 

[021411]

I envy you guys that have beautiful places to fish at.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Hobie again.

I found this while considering a pedal propelled kayak.

https://freedomelectricmarine.com

Price is nice and easier to haul. Protected dual trolling motors does 360º turns. You can add the Honda gas motor and trailer. Under $6K delivered to your house.

View attachment 7032362

For six grand, I'd have Bobby build me the 14' and add a trailer for $4650.
That would leave money for a big assed trolling motor or some upgrades.
They make a really nice boat.

Does that include a motor? I'd HAVE to put the biggest motor the boat would allow and I'm thinking that'd be more than the boat.

And if I had my druthers, that is the boat I'd own. But I live in a very dry state and a kayak is a much better option for cost and access. The boat I linked could be used in many of the non motorized lakes (ponds really).

That boat is very light and can be dry launched.
Cost does not include engine.
You can probably find a two to three year old one for 7k with a 20hp 4 stroke on it. Look at Tampa bay craigslist or microskiff.com

 

[Mike Casselton]

Here's another great option. You can dry launch this one also.
The CL link is dead because it sold but someone posted pics of the craft.
I see quite a few of these running around Tampa Bay and they handle a bit of chop too.
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/beavertail-ambush-micro-skiff-for-sale-4-595-00.48679/

 

[Mike Casselton]

Another great small skiff with fantastic fit and finish.
https://www.skifflife.com/2987837/wrightwater-microskiff-great-skiffs-come-in-small-packages/

 

[Mike Casselton]

Okay,
I gotta stop trying to be a purchasing mentor.
Another fantastic boat.
Three minutes and you can pull the motor for no motor zone stuff.

https://www.microskiff.com/threads/east-cape-gladesmen.58310/

 

[Mike Casselton]

The wife enjoys paddling her own kayak when we go. She doesn't fish much but likes exploring the waters. Two 10' kayaks fit pretty easily into the back of my 6' Tacoma bed and they sure are easy to launch.

I have an Old Town Vapor 10 and she uses a wilderness 10'. I've outfitted hers with some fishing rigging.
View attachment 7032494


View attachment 7032495

How do you like that clamp on umbrella?
I might get one to shade my pooch while she's on the boat. Black fur and hot sun don't mix.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

How do you like that clamp on umbrella?
I might get one to shade my pooch while she's on the boat. Black fur and hot sun don't mix.

Works great. Catches less wind than you think it would. It fell off once and I had to go diving to get it back. Fortunately it was shallow, about 8', and I was able to salvage it. Tried using as a 'sail'. Not so much. $16 on Amazon.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Awesome, looks like I'll be placing an order for one. Thanks.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Awesome, looks like I'll be placing an order for one. Thanks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HA2ZKCO/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Price has gone up to $20. And when it fell off, it was not tight enough. No troubles when it's tightened down. Even in heavy wind.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I'll only use it while not under way. The pooch just needs something to keep the sun off of her

 

[safarigene]

For a tandem, I would look at the Feelfree Lure II. You can add the overdrive pedal or electric motor to it. Also is useable as a single seater.

 

[utvolsfan]

I can’t believe there are 30 posts about fishing kayaks and Jackson Kayaks hasn’t been mentioned.

They released a peddle drive a few years ago. It’s a single. if you decide to go that way, it would definitely be worth checking out.

I have a Coosa (non-peddle) and it is an amazing fishing kayak.

 

[Snipe260]

I am shopping fishing kayaks. I want a tandem with pedal propulsion. Finding the two seater options pretty limited.
Anyone have any advice on options. The Brooklyn Kayak Company has a decent looking offering. The Hobie's look nice but extra pricey.
Thanks in advance.

I have hobie pro angler 14. Expensive but worth it for hands free fishing. Real stable and handles rough water very well!

 

[4darkseid]

Saturn, nice and simple for the solo fishing.

 

[Cfshooter]

Hobie, expensive but worth it in my opinion. Also would just get 2 and skip the tandem.

 

[WoobieJ]

I just called my local outfitter. He referred to the tandem as the "divorce special" Guess I have some thinking to do.

Lol I like that. Thats funny. Yea no one really wants to get whacked with a fishing pole or hooked in a tandem. You can drink wine (or shiner bock) in a pedal drive easily. Two pedal drive singles is the way to go or get a small skiff. Look at Nucanoe and Hobie. I bet you can get two Hobie compasses for a reasonable price.

 

[WoobieJ]

View attachment 7034559
Saturn, nice and simple for the solo fishing.

POP sinking ship noises

 

[Mike Casselton]

View attachment 7034559
Saturn, nice and simple for the solo fishing.

I don't trust inflatables in sharky water.
Or gator infested water.
Or water moccasin infested water.

I guess I'm trying to say I don't trust inflatable water craft. Well, maybe a RIB.

 

[kackling-jackel]

I am shopping fishing kayaks. I want a tandem with pedal propulsion. Finding the two seater options pretty limited.
Anyone have any advice on options. The Brooklyn Kayak Company has a decent looking offering. The Hobie's look nice but extra pricey.
Thanks in advance.

Native makes nice stable sit ontop peddle or motor compatible.

 

[WoobieJ]

Native makes nice stable sit ontop peddle or motor compatible.

I have a native slayer propel and I love it, but for the money I would get a hobie PA if I could do it again. You can flutter kick a PA or pull the drive up easy in shallow water. Roomier. Horizontal rod storage.

 

[JT1178]

Question on the hobies, will they work on shallow creeks? We have kayaks and drag the bottom on the riffles. Would the fins on the hobies stand up to that kind of abuse?

 

[Jefe's Dope]

 

[Ric O'shay]

Squidward Got you!!
I have been doing my research. Tossed the Tandem concept.
Thing is just to get going I need to get a hitch. I have a 2017 Jaguar F Pace, best advice is to have the dealer do the install. The elec. system is complex and the car has a 5 or 6 year, 60k warranty I do not want to "F" with. There is $1200+/-
Then I need a two kayak trailer. I like the Malone Vlight two boat. There is another $1200
Then I can shop kayaks. I like the Wilderness Systems Radar 115 It has a pedal system that pops in easy, is said to have a good gear system, and has a button to make the prop. rise if you hit\approach shallows or rock. It also has a Lith.\Ion battery option with 8 hours per charge if I want that in the future.
The Hobie continues to seem like a sold choice also. I need to do a little road trip to see one, which I will.
Going to be a process.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Save a thousand $$$.

Trailer Tow Hitch For 17-21 Jaguar F-Pace Deluxe Package ...

Trailer Tow Hitch For 17-21 Jaguar F-Pace Deluxe Package Wiring 2" Ball and Lock - Includes Everything Pictured:Custom Fit Trailer HitchWiring Harness (Plug & Play)2 Drop Ball-Mount w/ Pin/Clip2 Chrome BallSecurity Lock PinRubber Hitch Plug Cov

www.trailerjacks.com

According to their ad it includes everything. I don't doubt it. I bet you could do it in your garage in under an hour. Taking your time. Plug and play w/ the connections and 8 bolts against a flat face. Probably have to remove the rear bumper cover, i.e. rear 'bumper', but that's usually really easy and I'd bet dollars to donuts that there's a YouTube video to walk you through it. And it's ready to go once you get in there. No cutting or splicing. Get a friend to help and have a couple drinks of your liking and some snacks. Or get the wife to help. They're generally great go'fers and if you take the time to listen, have decent suggestions IF you speak her language. If you know what I mean.

 

[Ric O'shay]

That wiring harness reads that it requires splicing, as the plug and play option is not available for my car. Perhaps I am over worried but you know how elec. issues and British cars go. The price for the package is appealing though even if I had a pro (side job) install it.

 

[Snipe260]

Question on the hobies, will they work on shallow creeks? We have kayaks and drag the bottom on the riffles. Would the fins on the hobies stand up to that kind of abuse?

If it’s rocks, no! But if it’s sand or dirt it would. You just press one pedal all the way and it flattens them to bottom of kayak. Also you can short stroke pedal in pretty shallow water.

 

[Snipe260]

In my opinion the homie outback would be the best kayak for creeks, small lakes! For rivers or ocean, bays, larger bodies of water, the pro angler is the Cadillac !

 

[WoobieJ]

Question on the hobies, will they work on shallow creeks? We have kayaks and drag the bottom on the riffles. Would the fins on the hobies stand up to that kind of abuse?

Yes they’ll work, just pull the drive up.

 

[JT1178]

Ten4 I’ll take a look at them. I think that’s going to be the compromise on me getting a new rifle. Buying a couple new kayaks for my wife.

 

[Kayakfish1]

I have no experience with wilderness systems pedal stuff but I have the ride 135 and absolutely love it, it tracks great and is super stable. I can stand up bowfishing off of it with no issue what so ever. See if any local paddle sports dealers are having a demo day (most of the ones around here do every spring) and that way you can get out and try several brands/models to see what suits you the best.