Is it worth it ?

[Orca Winfrey]

I like paddling too, but I'd say yes for fishing. Like jbl said, you will have your hands free to eat and fish on the move. Also a pedal yak lets you hold position over your spot in current and wind.

Pedal yaks also have a huge advantage when going into the wind. I learned this at POLA in 20mph plus winds. I was losing more ground (water?) than I was gaining because the wind was blowing me backwards between every stroke. My buddy ended up towing me in with his Revo 13.

One day I'll give in to the dark side. Meanwhile, I still like paddling and I'm too cheap to get a Hobie.

[Raskal311]

I've fund paddle fishing to be a huge waist of time. Tried it for over a year and hated it; made the switch and never looked back.

The difference is you get much more fishing time and less time $@&&$" around with the paddle fighting and adjusting for the current.

[Gr8fuldude]

Made the switch and absolutely no regrets. For all the reasons stated above, hands free for fishing, fighting the wind is much easier, and one more reason is that I have increased range in the hobie. Down at makobobs place, I can comfortably and confidently fish the islands, which are five miles from shore. With the paddle, I wouldn't feel so confident going that far from shore. I can also fish all day as I don't get as tired peddling all day compared to paddling. I say if you can afford it then it really is a no-brainer. I liked paddle-fishing, but I absolutely love peddle-fishing.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by Gr8fuldude

Made the switch and absolutely no regrets. For all the reasons stated above, hands free for fishing, fighting the wind is much easier, and one more reason is that I have increased range in the hobie. Down at makobobs place, I can comfortably and confidently fish the islands, which are five miles from shore. With the paddle, I wouldn't feel so confident going that far from shore. I can also fish all day as I don't get as tired peddling all day compared to paddling. I say if you can afford it then it really is a no-brainer. I liked paddle-fishing, but I absolutely love peddle-fishing.

I had the same experience except of going to the island. With my 14' X-factor I had to beach myself and walk to the camp once.

When I got back to LA, I bought a used Outback and now selling my X-factor.

[jorluivil]

Here are some pros and cons between pedal and paddle kayak


Pedal kayak pros: everything

pedal kayak cons: none


Just to give you a general idea about some of the advantages with pedal drive kayaks.

Yesterday I was fighting a large fish, while fighting the fish I was able to gain line on the fish by:

1. pedaling
2. use my rudder controls to turn in whatever direction the fish was running
3. use my VHF radio

[FISH11]

I have and like both. My Hobie Revo is great at being able to have hands free and maintaining forward movement against a strong current and wind. Terrible about constantly getting loose kelp caught on the fins or rudder. The rudder pisses me off the most when fly lining a mac at least a couple time a day the fishing line will get caught on the rudder and is a pain to get it off and it has very little usable storage space inside the kayak. My Malibu X Factor is much more stable in choppy water goes out the higher surf better and is more controllable when coming in through the surf. I have had to use both against the strong current and wind. If you paddle often then your arms are in shape, if you don't go out at least once a week then the arms will have a hard time doing it for 4-6 hours non-stop, that I think would be the same for a lot of guys and their legs. THERE IS NO KAYAK, that is all pros and no cons. It is still hard to justify a pedal kayak often costing twice as much, maybe 25%.

[goldenglory18]

I've been a paddler my whole yak fishing tenure, and on most days dont mind at all the "hassle" that comes with it.

BUT, on those extra windy days, or when that big tank takes the bait, I really wish I had my hands free.

Someday I'll pickup a peddle boat, but until then, I'm happy as pie in my "old school" paddle kayak.

[King Saba]

Originally Posted by Orca Winfrey

I like paddling too, but I'd say yes for fishing. Like jbl said, you will have your hands free to eat and fish on the move. Also a pedal yak lets you hold position over your spot in current and wind.

Pedal yaks also have a huge advantage when going into the wind. I learned this at POLA in 20mph plus winds. I was losing more ground (water?) than I was gaining because the wind was blowing me backwards between every stroke. My buddy ended up towing me in with his Revo 13.

One day I'll give in to the dark side. Meanwhile, I still like paddling and I'm too cheap to get a Hobie.

You'll never do it. That kayak funds of your keeps going elsewhere when you need it most. lol!

[King Saba]

For reference, I've done 13+ miles in a trip before when I was still in my Revo 13. Wasn't really that tired the next day. Before that, I used to do 4-6mile trips in my wide Malibu Stealth 12 and I was aching and super fatigued the next day.

Pedal kayaks- faster overall, hands free application, and easy to maintain course.

Paddle kayaks- Can be faster if you buy narrow carbon fiber crafts like a stealth profisha, BUT is generally a hassle when trying to hold position.

Overall I love my Hobie kayaks. They're tough, helped me become a better angler, and gives me more time while on the water to focus on fishing rather than maintaining position. But, I do miss paddling for its minimalist application. I take much more caution with my Hobies since there are more moving parts that can break when handled carelessly.

[Phu Nguyen]

Can you still fish around San Diego bait barge? Some guy on a sail boat told me yesterday that I can't fish there anymore