Gday first post im looking at getting back into kayak fishing. i have atm a small kostal kayak 2.7 i use to fish casting creeks and rivers for cod here in north east vic and some estuary work. Its a pig to paddle long distances in the past and a tad unstable. Used a mates viking espri a season that was a huge improvement thats in the mix for newbie. The hobies and native water craft are catching my eye in will be able to go further and open up new fishing experiences. Im planning on a vhange of pace next few years more remote bass fishing and estuary fishing east gippy and south coast of nsw. I want somthing i can lift onto a forester roof and im not going to be constantly breaking S#!^ in the shallows and rocky creeks but still can be a fishing weapon with been able to cover some ground.

cheers

stephen

I have two kayaks that I use for what you are looking at, one is very similar to what you already have for dumping in small creeks or rivers that have rapids, extensive shallow lengths or really dodgy launch sites. The other is a hobie outback that I use in the slightly larger rivers or rivers that I'm more comfortable having a mirage drive in. I can get the outback on the roof of my forester with the addition of a little bar between the roof racks to rest it on. From the hobie range the outback is the most suited to the types of water you are looking at imo, I'm not very well versed in the native range as I didn't like using the drive.

Cheers Alex

A little off topic but maybe useful, thinking about kayak fishing rivers and creeks with the choice to go lake, bay or ocean, wouldn't the revo or similar kayak be the perfect choice? Remove the drive fit the plug and use the paddle in shallow creeks/rivers. Whereas the bigger kayaks, outback, P.A. and compass (although compass might be a good option) you might find a little on the large side for creek use (harder to paddle). Just a novices perspective on the subject.

If you were considering something like an Outback, take a close look at a Hobie Compass. Every bit as good on the water (better even) but 6 kg lighter and $500 cheaper.

Yakass wrote:If you were considering something like an Outback, take a close look at a Hobie Compass. Every bit as good on the water (better even) but 6 kg lighter and $500 cheaper.

And it is a really good paddle yak, for those shallow rivers when you don't want to use the mirage drive. The Outback, PA and most of the Natives/prop yaks to my knowledge are pigs to paddle.

peatop wrote:A little off topic but maybe useful, thinking about kayak fishing rivers and creeks with the choice to go lake, bay or ocean, wouldn't the revo or similar kayak be the perfect choice? Remove the drive fit the plug and use the paddle in shallow creeks/rivers. Whereas the bigger kayaks, outback, P.A. and compass (although compass might be a good option) you might find a little on the large side for creek use (harder to paddle). Just a novices perspective on the subject.

Carting a bulky drive plug around is a pain in the butt if you dont have serious intentions to use it. Not installing it leaves a big hole to loose stuff down. Trying to paddle with drive installed is horrible, and so you would only do when essential. pulling the drive means you have to store it. I take my plug and use it because I probably paddle 50% of time, if not more, and I have arranged a spot to store drive out of the way. Most pedal yaks are poor performers with paddle compared to drive so you are not going to use it that way much. Revos 11 & 13 dont track very well under paddle either, they dont have the more pronounced rear "keel"" that the quests and adventure/revo 16 have. So the arse wanders all over the place. Dont know how the compass fares.

laneends wrote:
Carting a bulky drive plug around is a pain in the butt

try using lube

4liters wrote:

laneends wrote:
Carting a bulky drive plug around is a pain in the butt

try using lube

Carting a bulky drive plug around is a pain in the butt if you dont have serious intentions to use it. Not installing it leaves a big hole to loose stuff down. Trying to paddle with drive installed is horrible, and so you would only do when essential. pulling the drive means you have to store it. I take my plug and use it because I probably paddle 50% of time, if not more, and I have arranged a spot to store drive out of the way. Most pedal yaks are poor performers with paddle compared to drive so you are not going to use it that way much. Revos 11 & 13 dont track very well .[/i]

I have used an Outback on smallish rivers with good results.
It turns exceptionally well, you can 'flutter' the fins to avoid snags and rocks and you can stand up (I have to use an assistance rope to the bow ).
I got the Mirage 180 drive recently to help with the forward drag of the surface lures I use for cod fishing.
Being able to back out of trouble or trees is a real game changer.
The combination now is as close to perfect as to what I could ask for.
That being said, I have yet to try a Compass????
But there is no need at the moment........................

erik the viking wrote: I got the Mirage 180 drive recently to help with the forward drag of the surface lures I use for cod fishing.
Being able to back out of trouble or trees is a real game changer.
The combination now is as close to perfect as to what I could ask for.
That being said, I have yet to try a Compass????
But there is no need at the moment........................

Compass doesn't have the reverse you find so useful.