Journey to the kayak … continued

So i did my homework, wondered over details of features, specs, and performance and then threw down my hard earned cash for the Hobie, Pro-Angler 12’, w/360 drive.
   Now,.. without getting too involved in all the minutia of the decision process, i chose the Hobie because…

   1) its stability
The Hobie is considered one of the more stable vessels with more freeboard and beam than most, and a specially designed bow and bottom to work bigger water. I liked the performance i saw amongst those intrepid La Jolla cove Yellowtail fisherman and hope to do that someday
   2) The 360 Mirage Drive
It looked so cool and seemed so fast and maneuverable…. More on that later…
   3) fishability
   4) modifications
…just like with toons and toobs the modifications for these craft are many and varied. The aftermarket parts industry is ever growing and as we all know, modifying is half the fun…
   5) range and seaworthiness
Perhaps the biggest reason i decided to buy a Kayak was to increase my range and seaworthiness… i want to pursue the Yellowtail,… i want to fish the Delta … widen my range at Crowley …

   Some of the harsh realities of moving to the Kayak before you buy one…

   They are big and heavy
You need a good sized vehicle to transport these things…
Most of the competitive “Fishing” model Kayaks weight over 80 lbs at 10 to 14 ft. long and that’s completely empty. The days of grabbing your toob or toon and one arming it down to the shore are over. You will be using launch ramps from now on…. As well, you will give up your garage to this thing and all the gack that comes with it…

   Everything about them is more expensive…
I am in 10 Grand thus far. Now… granted, i bought everything new,  i bit the bullet and bought the Hobie and went top line on all my accs… and living in California where i pay exceptionally more for everything… but still. These things ain’t cheap! It’s a real financial commitment.

   Next time… the buying experience and first impressions, and the reality of using a Fishing Kayak
   

     gooch

Thank you for your review on purchasing and actually experiencing a new Hobie Pro 12’ kayak.
You noted a lot of pros and cons which will definitely help the next guy.

Thank you

SP Dan

Personally, my first fishing craft was a Caddis round float tube. After a couple of tube models, I went to a 50 Hp bass boat with all the bells and whistles. Eventually I downsized to a fully customized, hard bottomed inflatable then to a completely decked out kayak.

Now at 61 I find myself back in a float tube exploring my fishing ZEN on the lakes and bays. While I don't regret any part of the journey, I am very glad to be back home in my tube. I wish you much happiness on your journey too, and hope to see you on the water someday.