Pacemaker Fishing Forum

I like the Hobie peddle yak as well as the Ocean Kayak 13 Prowler. VERY stable and fast boats.

To me putting a motor on a yak is ...well, I don't know what it is but you can get a small jon boat and do the same stuff.

Good luck in our search....

I hear you on the motor thing (and the hoa thing), but maybe leave it as an option for future mods.  I think another consideration is your ability to stand.  It would be nice to get one where you could stretch the legs out.  I can do a trolling motor mod on my feelfree lure, but haven't had the desire for that yet.  I also use a 8ft fiberglass pole to keep in me place ($15).  easy to tether and just tie it down on the opposite side of the paddle!  Just some thoughts.

Last edited by backtofuturetoyota (Aug-22-17 4:20AM)

backtofuturetoyota wrote:

I hear you on the motor thing (and the hoa thing), but maybe leave it as an option for future mods.  I think another consideration is your ability to stand.  It would be nice to get one where you could stretch the legs out.  I can do a trolling motor mod on my feelfree lure, but haven't had the desire for that yet.  I also use a 8ft fiberglass pole to keep in me place ($15).  easy to tether and just tie it down on the opposite side of the paddle!  Just some thoughts.

Yes, I would definitely like to stand while fishing on calm water to sight fish. I saw videos of people easily standing on the Predator. Do you use some kind of strap to hold the pole to the kayak kind of like a manual power pole?  Or kind of just hold the pole while fishing?

Bryan wrote:

If I were in the market for a new kayak it would definitely be a Hobie style with pedals. My paddle yak has been great, but using my legs for propulsion would make fishing so much easier. I hear you on the lost fishing time too. I got my kayak to fish, not paddle!

As far as motors, a trolling motor and battery adds a lot of weight to a kayak, and is just one more accessory that I would have to pack in the car. I just wouldn't want to deal with that.

Really though if you think that setup is your best option, and you have the money, go for it!

I like the Hobie, but I think the Old Town just has a couple features that makes it a tad better for my purposes. The Predator also comes in a pedal system, but the nice feature is that you don't have to remove the whole pedal drive when launching or if you get into weeds. It has a spring loaded cantilever that locks in an upward angle. The Minn Kota (Predator MK) powered console is only $200 more than the Predator Pedal, but you have to buy a battery separately, but it does come with a nice battery box that fits snug behind the kayak. I also like Old Town's flip up fin, and one way water scupper plugs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqkLx_4yV6o

But....I found storage if I get a jon boat. My sister lives in the Mayaone Reserve in Accokeek and she said I could store on her property. It'd be a nice spot since it's close to a lot of launching spots. I think I need to start a Kayak vs. Jon Boat post....I'm conflicted.

Last edited by Junger (Aug-22-17 6:41AM)

If you journey to the dark side, you'll need multiple kayaks if you want to fish a variety of waters

Currently, I have two.  Both are for river floating because I'm not interested in green carp (l/m) in flat water (lakes).  One's for day tripping and ones for river camping.  Also have an Outcast pontoon boat for when the rapids get big - a lazy boy on the water.

backtofuturetoyota wrote:

I've been wanting to try the pedal system.  I'm a bike rider from way back, so that's more my comfort and I think it goes in reverse too.

My Hobie does not pedal backwards, some other types might. I carry a short paddle for when I need to move back for any reason but rarely use it.

As George said, kayaks can be fairly specific to what you want and need.

I liked the OK 13 footer because it is FAST! It also handled well in river floats. Very stable unlike the Jackson Cruise that I had which was tippy (as observed by 2 guys when I took a swim and lost a nice rod/reel).

The Hobie's are comfy but for stiller water but you can also take them out in bigger water.

hookup wrote:

I just noticed where you're from

Get a river kayak as well

Just saying

If you want to try one out, and have a vehicle that can shuttle two kayaks, gimme a shout

Sorry for the ignorance, but what's the River kayak vs others?  I only know of Ocean Kayaks (longer right?) vs other fishing kayaks.

What's the Predator MK/PDL considered?