Hobie Pro Angler, OutBack.

[bobjean1]

Any one have experience with these boats. Haven't tried the Massey's demo yet, but believe that one of these may be good for my fishing needs. Which is around the Grand Isle Area, both in the canals and the near surf. Leaning towards the Pro Angler because of the 600 lb capacity.
I'm 6ft @240 lbs. and believe will need the bigger boat.

Looking at the freedomhawk, looks real stable with the outriggers and saw the video of the
stream dancer which looked good as well.

Also, have seen several videos of fishing with Kayaks and don't see much of where to put the fish.
Do you carry an ice chest with you? Have someplace close to bring 'em? Stringers?

Any opinion/info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Shankapotomus]

Talk to Blake at Massey's about the difference between the two Hobie boats and definately try the Demo.

I tried them both at a demo a few weeks ago and I actually prefer the Outback (but i'm 155 lbs) over the Pro Angler. But for a bigger fellow with a concern for storage space (and a few extra coins) the Pro Angler is an amazing boat.

[Coomz]

I have the outback. The outback is very stable. I always stand to fish on my outback. I usually use a fish bag and put it in the forward hatch of my outback. The only drawback is the bag leaking and some of the fish juice gets in there. I have to rinse it out once in a while. You can fit a big icechest behind the seat. Overall the outback is a great kayak.

[tefishmaster]

Contact branch_office ....I think he either has or had a freedon hawk. maybe he could shed some light on the subject.

[raymondwolf]

I have a Freedom Hawk 14, I like it a lot. If you want to test drive it just let me know.

[MDR]

As far as where to put fish I guess some of the other threads will have more info. There are a few in regards to the plusses and minusses of fish bags. I have been fortunate not to have mine leak even after much use.

[ReelThrill]

I have a Pro Angler and love it. Lots of storage space along with a built in removable liner in the front. I use the hatch up front as my cooler and it keeps everything nice and cool until I get home. I considered the Outback heavily before I got the PA, but so far am happy with my purchase. As long as you have the cart it's no problem to move around.

[Racechaser]

I have an Outback and am 6'0 220# and still have plenty of leeway on the weight. I think it is conservatively rated weight wise.

I absolutely love my Outback but will be soon adding a Pro Angler to the fleet to share with my wife when she wants to go. If I had to choose one it would be the Outback. That is simply because it is light enough to throw on top of a car by myself and I could see some instances where a PA could be too big. Now if Eric says that is not the case I would defer to him. I have just been in some pretty narrow canal in Buras ponds that I can barely turn around in much less a boat that is 2 foot longer.

That is easily remedied though by choosing where you fish.

Either one and you will be happy.

[Racechaser]

BTW, I paddled along the Grand Isle Beach in the Gulf last month for about three miles to get back to our truck and it handled wind and medium waves just fine. Not "Rough" water but bigger waves that kicked up with the increased wind.

[bobjean1]

Wow.....Just happen to meet a guy at the CCA meeting at Bent Marine in Metairie on Monday. He told me about this group. Said it was a good group willing to share info and even let you try out their own boats. Glad I ran into him.....
Thanks for the great info/opinions.....

Have another ?: which is better, paddle or peddle for fishing?

Thanks in advance.

[Coomz]

I have heard that the proangler is better for the surf but I don't have any first hand knowledge. With my outback I am always taking it 1 to 2 miles offshore whenever I go to the florida panhandle to fish the artificial reefs. I went 2 sundays ago to pensacola to fish the reefs. There was a lot of boat traffic trying to catch cobia and the waves wasn't flat but I was never worried out there. The only think I was concerned about was making sure those big boats see me. I did managed a small red snapper. Pedal kayaks are the best for fishing. You're hands are free to fish and you have yourself as a trolling motor. This covers a lot of ground. I am always fishing along the way while i get out to my fishing spots.

[Speckled_Tiger]

Have another ?: which is better, paddle or peddle for fishing?

Thanks in advance.


HA! That's like asking what's better Ford or Chevy.

Both have their pro and cons. Sounds stupidly simple, but just try as many as you can and buy what fits MOST of your fishing preferences and scenarios. Everything in kayak fishing is about compromise. I would recommend trying a few different designs THEN make a list of priorities. I say try a few first because newbies tend to overrate some things like speed or stability, and only try boats that fit into those classes. Try a narrow/fast boat like a tarpon or prowler or an Hobie Revolution, then try something a bit slower/more stable, like a Ride 135 or Big Game or Hobie Outback. All great boats, but are different enough that you should be able to decide what YOU like and don't like. Good luck and be sure to take up as many people as you can on trying their boats. Going out with someone who owns the boat is also helpful because the can tell you all the good and bad things that took time to learn that you may not notice on a simple demo paddle. Just my 2 pennies worth.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

Mirage drive is like having bluetooth...hands free. I think it is far superior, especially when you are in sight casting situations. It really does boil down to individual taste though. There are a few older posts you should read about this subject. Also about the cooler versus the bag. I currently have an outback, but am sure to add a pro angler to the collection. I am also contemplating getting my boys the hobie sport when they get a bit bigger. For my money, Hobie is the way to go.