Are the kayaks with pedal drive pretty useful ? or would one that will accept a trolling motor be better? I just don't like the idea of having a paddle in the kayak because it seems like it would be in the way when fishing. I am new to kayaks so any input would be appreciated , thanks!

my paddle just floats in the water beside me while fishing but a peddle kayak would be nice to be able to keep fishing while moving (not paddling)

Like most things, it depends what you want to do. Personally, I absolutely LOVE my pedal drive (hobie pro angler 14). I paddled for years and years, its a good workout, but you end up paddling *or* fishing. When I switched to my hobie, I'm fishing non-stop on the water and I've been much more successful due to the amount of water I cover in a day as well as fishing the entire time I'm moving. The only downside is its a bear in super shallow water, but I just tend to avoid the extra shallow flats. Anything above a foot is good as I can still flutter kick.

good info guys. Thanks
Any thoughts on trolling motor compatible ones or built in models (although i probably don't want to spend that much money on the built in models)

I used to have a hobie, it was really awesome

i got fat and sold it, if i were to do it again i would just save for a small scooter

Scooter??

Pedal kayaks are the bomb, especially for fishing. I've fished out of Hobies, Natives, and Wilderness pedal systems. Hobie was by far the best (this was a while ago, others could have improved). The efficiency of the Mirage Drive is unreal, and makes it where you can really go all day. I've owned a Hobie PA12 for almost a decade, and have fished and hunted from it all over- from several miles offshore, patrolling just outside the surf, all over bays and skinny water, big rivers, tight creeks, huge reservoirs, farm ponds, and mountain lakes. The PA is a big boat, for sure, and not perfect for every situation. But I have never once regretted it.

It does suck screwing around with a paddle, trying to fight a big fish and the wind. If you are only fishing for bass in ponds- save your money and get a regular kayak. If you are traveling distance, trolling, fishing open water, or potentially fighting bigger fish- get a drive of some kind for the yak.

I've never been too impressed with the trolling motor inserts. Only tried a few times, but they seem to be very expensive and not really gaining much over pedals (especially on a Hobie). The pedal drives are so effortless, I can troll all day and not really tire. So paying that much for a motor, and having more crap to fiddle with, just isn't worth it for me.

A piece of advice- less is more. The more junk on the boat, the more of a tangled mess you will have flipping a big fish in the boat. But the pedals are very much an upgrade. Freeing your hands for fishing is awesome! Make sure you have a easy way to adjust your rudder while fighting a fish (Hobies do). Steering is more crucial than propulsion when fighting a fish.

The only time I regret having pedal drive is when fly fishing. I want 100% clean deck up front, or you just catch your line constantly. I usually pedal to my spot, take the mirage drive out and strap it in back, then pole/paddle/or drift while fly fishing.

Also- ALWAYS bring a paddle as a backup. They usually have a way to strap down behind you, out of the way. The one time you forget a paddle, your drive will break. Had this happen to a friend while we were 3 miles from the ramp. Luckily I was there, and he used my paddle. I still ended up towing him a good distance with my mirage drive, because of the heavy wind.

Put a trolling motor on a kayak and you have to get a registration sticker and numbers on it. Just something to think about

Once again, great info guys! I'm going to look at the Hobie with pedal drive

Basically a boat made to go stupid skinny. There are some small 10-12 foot boats but I hear they get tippy especially with a fat ass like me. The only downside is even with a tunnel hull you will get beat to death in waves.

The 14ft East bay boat looks nice and there some others out there like Mowdy and dargel

Just look up surf scooter or scooter boat.

The only reason I get rid of my Hobie outback was I got fat and didn't mind drifting and fishing in the morning, but the straight pedal back home got me tired.

Wow , that looks awesome! I guess I should specify though , intended use is small water in east texas. Ponds and small lakes

Hobie PA owner. They make lake fishing much more enjoyable. Coast fishing depends on where you are fishing. I can stand up in mine. Previously had an outback that was fun but couldn't do the same things in it.

Paddled for about 8 years then decided I'd rather be lazy.

That's a really nice set up! I've always wanted to take a SUP out for a spin. Using a SUP to silently stalk reds with a fly rod is on my bucket list. That looks like a great rig for it

cupofjoe04 said:

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That's a really nice set up! I've always wanted to take a SUP out for a spin. Using a SUP to silently stalk reds with a fly rod is on my bucket list. That looks like a great rig for it

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I've had it for a little over a year now and it's been a lot of fun. It doesn't go super fast, but with a 6hp outboard, it's light enough that I can throw it in the back of the truck with a bed extender and unload pretty much anywhere I can drive to. Can get pretty dang skinny too. Conditions weren't great but I was able to get some nice slots in Galveston a couple weekends ago!

Had a Jackson that was not compatible with peddle drive and as mentioned above youre either paddling or fishing. Couldnt make up my mind on what route to go when I sold it. Which is why the NuCanoe is the best option IMO. You can set it up to paddle, pedal, with a trolling motor or even an outboard motor and none of it requires permanent installation. This means you can change it out easily between different applications/ level of laziness daily. Their promo videos are pretty cool. Didnt realize I wanted to hunt out of a kayak until I watched their videos but now its on my bucket-list. Best of luck on the search

Duck hunting out of a kayak is fun, for sure.

But nothing beats paddling back to the boat ramp with a quartered deer strapped to your kayak.