I'd be interested in a kayak that I can use for both fishing and for fitness.

Seems like Hobie might fit the bill, perhaps the best option would be the Revolution mirage 13. Revo has the slimmer profile than the outback, still has the mirage drive, and at 13 feet has enough flotation for gear. I'd be sacrificing some of the stability/space of the outback and the Pro Angler.

Anyone have some input on this? Things I am not thinking of?

Nice boat. Great in open water. Mirage drive can be a bit of a pain to surf launch or use in shallow water.

Before I tried one, I really thought I would like the Pro Angler. But I didn't like the leg motion used to peddle and it was just too big (width wise) to effectively paddle. It was fast though when peddling.

You might like the Revo though...but BE SURE TO TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Goes without saying for any kayak.

Personally, for fitness I would concentrate on a kayak you can paddle effectively (vs peddle). Peddling works your leg muscles, but paddling can work not only your arms but a good amount of your upper body as well.

I would give stronger consideration to the Outback than the Revo personally, if you plan to fish out of it. That is not saying that the Revo cannot be fished out of effectively, but the Outback will offer more stability, which is big IMO.

I personally have the ProAngler 12, but it isn't much of a workout except for loading and unloading it in my truck. The outback has the nice versatility of being a decent yak to paddle (as well as pedal). The reason i chose the Pro Angler despite this, is that i will be buying a second yak for shallower water (need ~18" to pedal).


With the outback, you could paddle to work on upper body and core strength, and if you get worn down, or decide you want to troll, pop in the pedals and relax

Oh, and if you get any Hobie, i would look at upgrading to Turbo Fins and the Sailing rudder

so secondary question, could I reasonably do the Colorado 100 in a 13' Revo?

So I tried both the outback and the revo 13. And I'm sad to report that I'm no closer to knowing which is better for me.

The outback had more stability. But I felt the revo 13 had plenty of stability. At least for tooling around on a lake. Maybe less stability for turning around and messing with equipment.

The revo13 was noticeably faster with the paddle. but using the mirage drive, the difference seemed more marginal between the 2.

The outback was definitely roomier and ergonomically better. In the Revo 13, I felt more cramped and had to be more attentive to my posture and how I positioned my legs. But I quickly adjusted.

Wait til Ack demo days; they'll have he hobie prostaff to answer your questions and maye some models you didn't try yet.

One other thought...don't think you have to have peddle power to fish out of a kayak. I've got a Jackson Cuda 12 and a WS Ride 135...both excellent for fishing and exercise.

I have always used paddle kayaks and just about every time I take mine out its more of a workout than I want. It's faster and lighter than any peddle yaks I've been around as well.

I don't think I could paddle faster than I could peddle with the mirage. And that's with the non-turbo fins.

This thread suggests the same: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=41230

Bottom line, if I am serious about fishing, probably the outback. If it is more for fitness, than the Revo13.

They are faster no doubt. But they also come with the cost of added weight and present difficulty in shallow water (maybe not a big deal if you don't fish saltwater).

You know your needs/wants better than anybody else though. Any of those Hobies would be great.

may pull the trigger this week. Still can't decide. Leaning outback now. 2015 with new seat.

That's some serious analysis paralysis there! Spring fishing is just around the corner, better hurry up!

shifty - where will you be paddling? Do you fish alot? I think I see you on the H&F board alot, right? My point is, I wouldn't want to give up useful features for a fishing yak if you intend to do it frequently. You can get your burn in elsewhere and enjoy fishing more in the right boat if that's what you will use it for mostly.

I'm on my first kayak, but knew I wanted to be able to stand while fishing. My kayak won't cover a ton of water quickly but that's not necessary where I am. I love standing in my yak and fishing. I don't think I'll ever buy a boat where that's not possible. Lots to factor in though....

What do you have?

http://feelfreeus.com/kayaks/fishing-kayaks/lure-11-5/

You definitely don't want a peddle boat on the CR 100 or the Water Safari. I did both in 2008 and we were dragging bottom many many times. A peddle boat entered the Safari, and I think they made it as far as Staples.

I've come to the conclusion that I can't get one kayak that will do everything. I should probably have a hobie outback for fishing, and then something different for paddling (with arms). I guess I will focus on fishing first.

I'm not much on the H&F board. But I am a somewhat avid cyclist, do a little weight lifting from time to time, a little rowing on the concept, and plays lots and lots of basketball.

I'm not sure why you think you have to have a peddle boat for fishing. What kind of fishing are you looking at doing and what sort of average distance?

I don't know! I like the idea of hands free locomotion. Also hobies retain their value well.

I'm mainly into fly fishing. But that's for trout in moving water. So I'm not sure if I would use regular rod and reel (spincaster, baitcaster) or fly rod and reel. Not having to deal with stripped line would be a plus in a hobie especially. I've never been a lake fisherman, I've always been one of the guys stuck on the shore, casting from the shore. Getting into a kayak would be a whole new ball game for me.