Brad,

I picked up a Hobie Mirage a couple of years back and love it. It is with out a doubt the best personal fishing craft I have ever used. As you found out, the paddle mechanism is super powerful, easy to use and quiet, and the steering is accomplished with one finger. Also, the seat in the Mirage is comfortable enough to allow you to spend hours our fishing or just paddeling around with no lower back pain. Keep in mind that I fish ponds and lakes almost exclusively. If the wind it up a bit, I will allow the kayak to drift with the wind with a drag chain out to slow it down. I am able to follw the contours of the shoreline with a touch of a finger and my hands are free for fishing. Great one person fishing boat. They also make a two person Mirage, however, I have never used one so I can't comment on that model. You're certainly doing the right thing trying out as many as possible before making the investment.

Good luck.

Jim Smith

[This message has been edited by James Smith (edited 16 April 2006).]