Fishing out of a kayak?

I have the Outback 2019, no 180 drive but I love it. I am 6’3” and have no problem fishing and operating the kayak. Standing up is an issue no doubt but I’m not standing often if at all. Also, I fish salt water exclusively so extremely calm water is rare.
I have seen the Old Town PDL and it’s also impressive but I like the mirage drive in the Hobie over the Old Town propeller. Hobie has designed and thought of everything for fishing and I’m sold!

 

No pictures, but went out this evening after dinner to my favorite lake. Spent 2 hours floating around and casting, got a few bass and determined I hate my bait caster on the kayak. I think that rod is going to be pushed to bank fishing or when im on a boat. So now im only going to be bringing my 6,8 rod and 4,8 rod. Keep it simple.

Im also going to make a kayak only tackle kit. I can leave my catfish and northern gear at home cause im not going to try to land any of those things on a kayak.

 

That’s exactly what I did with my whole kayaking experience. I only carry my fishing backpack and two rods with me. Some snacks and a couple bottles of water too. All bass fishing baits. One power fishing rod and one finesse fishing rod. IMO with kayak fishing, simpler=better. Now don’t get me wrong, having the full kitchen is great but I know how I’m going to fish where I’m going and know how to key in on certain bits of structure.

 

yea. my kayak is loaded in my truck. this smoke might derail my plans..but i brought one rod. a spinning setup today. hoping to hit the river, but this smoke seems to get worse as you head west. faack. i brought one backpack full of crap, and a net. that's it.

this SMOKE SUCKS. i am wearing a N95 sitting at my desk. my desk is covered in ash dust..and our office air monitor says 181!

 

The fires suck, makes me happy to live in a state that doesnt get fires. We just get below zero temps a good part of the year.

 

yes. if i didnt marry a woman born in the tropics, i would move to a colder region.

 

Lot's of places that stay warm and are not regularly on fire.

 

yup.. i will move when i retire.

 

The more I think about it, the more I am leaning towards just getting a new Outback. It really seems to check all the boxes. I know it's a lot of money to spend on my first Kayak but I really feel like I will get a lot of use out of it living right on the water.

 

Also my first kayak but if I’m gonna do it, I’m doing it right the first time. I’m enjoying the Outback, no doubt‼️

 

Finished my kayak net project.

wrapped

 

Check out the the Vibe Sheerwater 125. Looks similar to an outback but at a fraction of the cost.

 

The Shearwater is an awesome kayak since it can be configured as paddle, petal, or power (bixby jet) However they are hard to find since the first run (made in China) sold out quickly. If you want to install a Hobie 180 drive you can! But the design and features are terrific

 

Found a used 2020 Outback with a bunch of extras for what I think is a good price, pretty sure I'm going to jump on it. I'll have to transport it about 4 hours, thinking I can strap it to the top of my Prinsu Rack and also onto my RTT. Seem safe to you guys or should I go pick up a bed extender?

TRUCK PIC FOR REFERENCE

 

dude!!! NICE!! swingiing for the FENCE!! and that is my favorite Outback color!!

you could go either way. personally, i would put my kayak on my rooftop upside down. that hobie stand-up rack on the outback might get in the way. (great accessory - want one, to help me stand up, but i think it will hinder casting from a seated position, and it would be a problematic on my roof-top as mentioned)

you would need a bed extender for sure..and a RED FLAG for the tip...and cam-lock straps. dont forget cam-lock straps. leave the ratchet straps at home.

on my long trips, i will hork my kayak on the yakima racks. you'll need some cushions i think..and cordage to hold the ends if you go rooftop.

 

I was trying to decide between this white, the blue or camo. I think I would be happy with any of them.

I thought I had read somewhere that Hobie recommends transporting right side up? Something about it being stronger in that position due to construction? Anyone confirm? In any case, I will likely sell the H Stand as I think it is called, guy who is selling has bad knees which is prob why he has it on there.

Why cam locks over rachet straps? I can usually get ratchets much tighter?

I have some thick foam pads I can take or I could use pool noodles I guess. I already have some front tie downs from my canoe.

 

ratchet straps get too tight.

my instruction on my compass clearly state to transport upside down. and to store t...aahhhh..here. instructions for the 2019 OUTBACK

 

Great info, thanks!

 

If you take the H bar off and use foam/pool noodle, either position should be fine. The ratchet straps are too strong for the kayak material and may cause damage if over-tightened. 2 cam-straps on the roof rack and front & end tie downs should be fine.

 

Full stringer