laneends wrote:The Adventure is the only decent paddler and even that suffers from maneuverability issues due to having hand operated rudder......

Do not use the rudder when you paddle stow it away BopI would try both yaks as it will be a big change compared to what you have been useing

Cheers boys i think a trial run first there is a mariner on gumtree i was thinking of making a offer but will hold off

bop34 wrote:Cheers boys i think a trial run first there is a mariner on gumtree i was thinking of making a offer but will hold off

AKS in Geelong is having a trial day on the 6th I think... Can't recommend those guys highly enough if you go down the new Hobie route.

No affiliation, I just bought from them myself and I'm happy with the service.

Cheers i have read up on AKS

Just wondering if the new vantage seats can be fitted to a older model outback

Short of having a bow mounted electric on a casting boat, pedal power is right up there in lure fishing on the water for versatility.
The mirage has no reverse, or so I thought, until I let the wind blow me backwards, and river currents push me back or left and right, subtle shifts of rudder and controlled propulsion more than compensate.

My vision of a kayak was paddle power, don't quite know how I got diverted to mirage, but I am glad I did, its just so bloody versatile, and the more you explore its potential the more you find.

Using wind, current, and mirage you can better keep a fish at the optimum position to best have a crack at a once in a lifetime fish in a way that I can not imagine being able to if I had gone paddle..............I'm pretty sure I would have been disappointed enough with paddle, to sell and use the bow mount electric casting platform, and ignore the smell and noise of petrol.

If I started again I would buy the PA14 it handles better, the 12 is a bathtub by comparison IMHO. I was advised to go 12 based on my look ( an older person) I guess now, and perceived strength and fitness....the moment I bought the trailer I SHOULD have gone straight back to my first intuition PA14. I lift and carry more weight than the 14 all day, so it would not have been an issue!!! I just did not think it through properly, so thats what I would contribute to your choosing.........take some think time, try them out and get as many inputs as you can.....it will get you where you need to be.



By the way I am not advocating the PA over the Outback, I have no opinion or knowledge to offer on that choice.

Good Luck!!

Just fished a flathead comp in urunga and never once needed reverse. I found myself casting up stream and holding still with slow strokes. I did find myself in very shallow thick weed and gravel beds at times and that is where the mirage truly excels...

Hvalross wrote:Short of having a bow mounted electric on a casting boat, pedal power is right up there in lure fishing on the water for versatility.
The mirage has no reverse, or so I thought, until I let the wind blow me backwards, and river currents push me back or left and right, subtle shifts of rudder and controlled propulsion more than compensate.

My vision of a kayak was paddle power, don't quite know how I got diverted to mirage, but I am glad I did, its just so bloody versatile, and the more you explore its potential the more you find.

Using wind, current, and mirage you can better keep a fish at the optimum position to best have a crack at a once in a lifetime fish in a way that I can not imagine being able to if I had gone paddle..............I'm pretty sure I would have been disappointed enough with paddle, to sell and use the bow mount electric casting platform, and ignore the smell and noise of petrol.

If I started again I would buy the PA14 it handles better, the 12 is a bathtub by comparison IMHO. I was advised to go 12 based on my look ( an older person) I guess now, and perceived strength and fitness....the moment I bought the trailer I SHOULD have gone straight back to my first intuition PA14. I lift and carry more weight than the 14 all day, so it would not have been an issue!!! I just did not think it through properly, so thats what I would contribute to your choosing.........take some think time, try them out and get as many inputs as you can.....it will get you where you need to be.



By the way I am not advocating the PA over the Outback, I have no opinion or knowledge to offer on that choice.

Good Luck!!

You can put the mirage drive in backwards to get reverse, good if you need to maintain position upwind of where you want to cast.

Otherwise one of these is invaluable in a mirage drive yak

http://slhobie.com.au/gear/kayak-fishin ... and-paddle

hammertym wrote:

bop34 wrote:Cheers boys i think a trial run first there is a mariner on gumtree i was thinking of making a offer but will hold off

AKS in Geelong is having a trial day on the 6th I think... Can't recommend those guys highly enough if you go down the new Hobie route.

No affiliation, I just bought from them myself and I'm happy with the service.

X2