Hobie Mirage - Is It Worth It?

[Poxy Boggards]

Looking into buying a my first yak, and I want to get the right one the first time. I've fished off of a friends Malibu Mini X before, and that was fun, but the paddle was always in the way. I have seen the Mirage drive yaks around, and it looks like it would make for a much easier fishing platform that a traditional SOT. Just wondering if it is worth the extra grand that I will have to drop for the hobie. Thoughts?

[5150fishn]

I for one would love to have one but would not purchase one based on the price. I have a cheap kayak and regularly slay fish from it. I do envy these guys that can pedal around and have their hands free but for me I will just keep my paddle model. I have a hard time spending that much cash on a yak when I could probably find a good used aluminum boat for that kind of scratch.LOL! But like I said, I would love to have one and think that they are great. Just a little too pricey for my liking. If money is no object then that is definatley the way to go.

[Viejo]

If you have to ask about the price............

Worth is in the mind of the beholder. See if you can't get a test drive in one. There is a Hobie dealer on San Diego bay would give you a test drive.

[Poxy Boggards]

I am just curious about others practical experience when using these as a fishing platform. Price is not my main concern, more if the ability to have your hands free is worth the extra scratch.

I also totally get where you are coming from 5150, and if I had the space to store a boat, purchasing a tin can would be the way I would go.

Having a kayak would make fishing the vine a much more pleasant experience. Float tubing the vine is way to limiting. I wiant to be able to cover the whole lake if needs be. and the ability to troll would be nice. ;)

[blackberg]

I really want a hobie mirage tandem, but dont want to pay retail for one,
having hour hands free helps, especially if you are fighting something big, ie ray or shark,

I think its easier on the body, I have been caught paddling against the wind trying to get back to the dock, no fun, pedals and a paddle would have helped.

-bb

[ItchyBass]

I have a Hobie and it is worth every penny. I have fished off of a normal paddle kayak and the paddle was always in the way. If you have the money the Hobie is definitely the way to go.

[The Lone Fisherman]

Yes! it is... Hobie Mirage kayaks comes with a: seat, paddle, rudder, wheels, molded rod holders, front, center and rear hatches, standard. On windy days, the mirage drive and rudder will keep you moving forward and tracking straight. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, you can do short peddle strokes to stay in place or use the rudder to troll slowly. Since you'll be using your legs to peddle, you'll be able to peddle longer and go farther. About the hands free feature... most of the time, if your trolling, your rods will be on rod holders unless you're anchored up or dragging some type of bottom rig.

Let's say you hook-up on a DD and its heading towards structure. You can steer & peddle away dragging it into open water with the rod in your hand, all this, at the same time. On a paddle kayak, its either fight the fish or paddle, not both. The only con I see is that you can't suddenly stop or go backwards, you'll need to use the paddle for this.

[5150fishn]

I am just curious about others practical experience when using these as a fishing platform. Price is not my main concern, more if the ability to have your hands free is worth the extra scratch.

I also totally get where you are coming from 5150, and if I had the space to store a boat, purchasing a tin can would be the way I would go.

Having a kayak would make fishing the vine a much more pleasant experience. Float tubing the vine is way to limiting. I wiant to be able to cover the whole lake if needs be. and the ability to troll would be nice. ;)

The Vine is usually where I use my yak and going from a float tube to the kayak is great because I love to troll and can cover a ton of water in a short period of time. I would say since you don't have the space for a boat then bucking up for the mirage drive kayak is probably ideal for you. My kayak was bought on sail at Dick
s sporting goods for $600.00 and is a 12'6" Perception Angler and came with a seat and also already had 2 flush mount rod holders and 1 rod buddy in front of me. Great deal and has allowed me to catch a ton of fish. But the main complaint I have about mine is that it has no rudder and when the wind comes up at the Vine it doesn't track real well. I would say that if you go with a paddle type yak make sure to not go cheap on the paddle. It can make a huge difference. As far as the paddle being in the way. I haven't really had a issue with it.

[DockRat]

GO FOR IT !!!
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh57/guyanderson/HobieRevolutionFish2007.jpg

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/spo/3046091571.html

Hobie Mirage Outback Kayak - $700
Date: 2012-05-29, 10:28PM PDT
Reply to: 6drdf-3046091571@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Great Condition. Email for more info.



MirageDrive
Twist and Stow Rudder
Adjustable High Back Padded Seat w/ Inflatable Lumbar Support
Two-Piece Paddle w/ On-Hull Storage
Large Covered Bow Hatch
Sail Mount
Two Molded-In Rod Holders
Rear Cargo Area w/ Bungee® Tie Downs
Two 8" Twist and Seal Hatches w/ Gear Bucket
Two Mesh-Covered Stowage Pockets

[Poxy Boggards]

That didn't last long. Post removed by author. Wish I would have seen this earlier!

[Prowler_Tuber]

I got two I have a Bass Pro FS 10 and a Malibu Stealth, the paddle is not an issue you hook up and it goes in your lap or between your legs, Hobies are great but I have a float tube I use for kicking not to knock on the Hobie guys lol Craigslist is a great place to find a deal search the San Diego page.

[ToadsToadsOnly]

Within the last 2 years I have purchased a Scrambler, Cobra Explorer, Cobra fish n dive, Malibu Stealth, Malibu pro 2 Tandem, and I am currently riding a Prowler. Just so I could find a yak that i like and I tell you my next yak will most likely be a Outback, Mirage, or Pro Angler. I dont know why I went through so many yaks I should of just got a Hobie and been done with it.

[Prowler_Tuber]

I'm saving for the pro angler, if your gonna get a Hobie this is the Bently of Kayaks

[sidified]

Just got the Hobie Outback...whoa... There is no comparison, peddling to paddling!... without a doubt worth the extra $$ if you can swing it....(what a steal that $700 Outback was!!)

[ToadsToadsOnly]

Within the last 2 years I have purchased a Scrambler, Cobra Explorer, Cobra fish n dive, Malibu Stealth, Malibu pro 2 Tandem, and I am currently riding a Prowler. Just so I could find a yak that i like and I tell you my next yak will most likely be a Outback, Mirage, or Pro Angler. I dont know why I went through so many yaks I should of just got a Hobie and been done with it.

I got my Pro Angler 3 weeks ago and 5 slug seabass later there is no way I am ever going to go back to paddling vs peddling.

[Cadillyak]

I actually have to sell my Hobie due to baby on the way. Here is the link.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/3190151820.html