Needle in a haystack!

[jnk4]

So I am pretty much hooked on kayak fishing. I've fished all my life down in South Louisiana but never from a kayak. First things first: Does anyone know of anywhere that will let a person test out some kayaks before you buy? I am not sure what is going to fit me best, and I dont want to accidentally spend a lot of money on a kayak that may not even work for me. Secondly, I think I like the idea of the hobie mirage drive. I am a college soccer player at the university of west florida so using my legs is always a plus. I am looking for someone to maybe guide me along the way for a little bit until I get my feet on the ground. I've got plenty of questions so if you can help that'd be great.

Trey

[Battery Doctor]

Many of the kayak retailers do demo days several times during the year. However, the season is about over and the demo days are about to come to an end. However, most of them will do a personal demo for a refundable fee if you end up buying. Some outfitters will rent kayaks also. I think Compass Rose in Hammond(?) rents kayaks. Many of the guys on this site will let you try out their kayaks if you show up at the tournaments or fishing outtings. The Hobie is a good choice, especially if you like to cast while you are moving. I have a Hobie Mirage and I love it except it hurts my back (old guy). Hope this helps.

[Branch_Office]

Give BackPacker a call and see what their demo schedule is here coming up. They will do a private demo for a small fee (refundable if you buy). Also you might try Pack and Paddle in Lafayette, they do demos I think most every Saturday. Give them a call and check with them as well.

As mentioned, club members will be glad to let you try out their yaks as well. If you can make the PAC Attack or Outcast Tourney both are good chance to meet club members and probably try out some yaks as well.

Also, we have a meeting in Slidell on Thursday night which would also be a good time to meet some of the members and officers. Hope to see you there!

[jnk4]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Do you guys think the mirage system is the best propulsion out there for hands free movement? I saw the Ultimate pedal system and was wondering if anyone knew maybe which one was "better" so to say. I have read many articles and the hobie mirage kayaks seem like a great kayak to have if my expenses allow. Any comments help. I also plan on doing alot of kayak fishing in pensacola, if anyone is every in the area let me know...

[RedFinn]

Hobie is a great pedal system,you can feather it in the flats,but the turbo fins are a must have :)

[Branch_Office]

You will have to try both and make your own decision. I tried both and prefer the Hobie Mirage....Others like the Propel system. One advantage the propel has (the only one in my opinion) is that you can pedal backwards and you have reverse you do not on a Hobie....get the paddle or push pole out for that. The propel is kinda of like doing an incumbert (?) bike. You have to make full revolutions on the pedal system where as with the Hobie mirage you can "feather" (short stroke) it like Redfinn said and not make full strokes and that is good in shallow water. Both units do not go as shallow as a yak with no drive but you can always pull the drive out or back and make that better and still paddle like everyone else.

I would try both though to make your own decision. The benefits for pedal outweigh the paddle (in my opinion) but then again some purist do not like pedal.

Now that I have confused you probably even more, go out and demo something or several somethings....You will be glad you did!

[ijuswannafish]

Massey's in New Orleans would probably be your best choice since you are in New Orleans. Blake and Cody are members here and are always willing to help.

[brian22]

So I am pretty much hooked on kayak fishing. I've fished all my life down in South Louisiana but never from a kayak. First things first: Does anyone know of anywhere that will let a person test out some kayaks before you buy? I am not sure what is going to fit me best, and I dont want to accidentally spend a lot of money on a kayak that may not even work for me. Secondly, I think I like the idea of the hobie mirage drive. I am a college soccer player at the university of west florida so using my legs is always a plus. I am looking for someone to maybe guide me along the way for a little bit until I get my feet on the ground. I've got plenty of questions so if you can help that'd be great.

Trey

Hey Trey, I just got a Hobie PA this weekend and love it. Like you, I was apprehensive about jumping out and buying a mistake - I know Lafayette is a couple hours away but the folks here at pack and paddle bent over backwards to let me try out their rides on a Saturday for free. I'm a bargain-hunting fool that hates to pay retail, but after the service I got there, I had NO problem whatsoever spending my $$ there - one good thing is that most 2010 models are going on closeout now, so you can save a few hundred. Probably can find a great dealer down by you too. If you want to come up this way sometime, you're more than welcome to try mine out! I was a cyclist for years so if you have strong legs, you'll definitely excel w/ pedal power. BTW, I posted a minireview of my PA and the mirage drive here in this subforum just a couple of days ago.

[northshoretiger]

All good advice, but Compass Rose has been closed for a couple of years now.

[tefishmaster]

Backpacker will do a demo at LSU Lakes

[Cobia 1]

Another good thing is the state sales tax is 0 this wekend, a good reason to buy a yak. 4 % savings up front.

[yak-aholic]

Doesn't PawpawD usually do a spring and fall demo day for our club? Just asking... I know we did one at Lake Martin near Lafayette and have done them in the past at Bonnet Carre Spillway.

[jnk4]

How would I go about setting up a demo with Backpacker? Any fee involved?

[FatGuyPedaling]

Since your're in NOLA you should check out Massey's on N. Carrolton. I avoid driving to BR if it's avoidable ;-). Why spend your $ in EBR if you live in NOLA. Not sure if they have any scheduled demo's but I think they would work something out for you. I bought my Hobie Outback there last spring and they've given me great service.

[swampninja]

private demos are available at both Masseys and backpacker, both were very helpful, when I went to talk with them, Masseys is $50.00, and pack and paddle was $40.00 both companys would put that towards your purchase price. I chose backpacker in baton rouge because they had multiple pro anglers in stock. I would think Masseys would be the most convenient, but I am impatient, and couldn't wait for them to get one in to buy.

[Mung]

I bet if you showed up next Saturday, Sept. 11 around weigh-in time(2-3pm) at Pac Attack III in Point au Chien, you could test out pretty much every SOT on the market, and get tips on gear that you "must have". Bring some extra beers and you can test out my 4 y/o Manta Ray beater with several leaks.

[Branch_Office]

Backpacker is a club sponsor and supporter! Look who is giving away two (2) kayaks (one being a Pro Angler) at FNT 5 and gave away two (2) at PP 7 as well. Pack and Paddle is also a sponsor and giving a kayak away for the Angler series as well. TWO good reasons to check them out!!!

I know Pack and Paddle will demo on just about every Saturday (n/c) if you just call them and tell them what you are thinking about or would like to try. Speak with Jaimee or John and tell them you are with BCKFC.

As Mung said, come by PAC on the 11th and you can try out plenty as well at either no charge or for a cold beer! Either way .... a good deal.

I have nothing against Massey and several of their employees are members here as well and super nice guys but they do not support the way the other two mentioned do...just my 2 cents! Would love to be able to work with Massey's (hint hint) but they have chosen to shut us out for some reason thus far. There is always hope!!!!

[papawd]

Hey try and DEMO as many as possible also Pack and Paddle will helpya as noted they are nice folks....I may not do a demo day this fall --way to busy ..if anyone wants to put one one I will help Ya and it is Backpacker's turn in the fall