Is it worth it ?

[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.

[crashcrow]

I started with an Xfactor and did ok unless there was a current. I fish 3 times more on a Hobie because my hands are always free. I would never get rid of the pedals now that I have them.

Mike

[alanw]

Paddling was fun and I'm glad I learned on paddle boats, but the wind made it really tough to make headway sometimes. The wind really isn't much of an issue with pedals.

The only con of having a pedal drive is having to still carry around a paddle in case the pedal drive fails.