I took a drive to Blue Mtn Outfitters this morning and I even made a list of boats I wanted to look at while there…When the sales lady asked if she could be of help…I went straight to the core reason I was there…To “SEE” the Hobie Mirage Outback Demo model that they had listed as a discount on their site…
We went right to it…I had checked it out many times on line, I was amazed when she ran through all that comes with this boat…It comes fully rigged…Rudder,Cooler,a tackle box(Which has compartment’s large enough to carry extra Fly Reels in it) or tubed rods on the paddle holder’s and the reels for them in the box or the fanny pack on the seat back…?
The wheeled cart for even comes with this model…anchor system as well…I did not expect this…was very glad of it…but did not expect it…It was a demo and discounted for this reason…I had to buy it…Just had to be done!! “New” Never in the water.
She expressed that she felt that all these things should not be included with the boat…Of course…think of what it would cost and what they’d make selling you all these things seporately…50% of which I’d for go in that situation…
I can not wait for a bit warmer weather to get this thing out on some water…Prolly won’t either
Now when the Father in-law comes down from NY…He can use my float Cat and we can do some real Bass fishing on the lake over the hill…Maybe I can even get a fly rod in his hands!!!..He has one…So I know there is some interest there…I just gotta bring it out!!!
“I’ve often wondered why it is that so many anglers spend so much money on,and pay so much attention to.the details on the wrong end of the fly line.If they took as much care in selecting or tying their flies as they did in the selection of the reel and rod,They might be able to gain the real extra edge that makes it possible to fool a fish that has,in fact,seen it all before” A.K.Best
Everyone wants to excel in this sport but at the same time we let traditionalists place restrictions on our tactics, methods, and ideas. I always assumed that fly fishing was a sport that allowed imagination, creation, adaptation, investigation, dedication, education, revelation? : Fox Statler, On Spinners (Not the dainty Dry Fly kind) “Spinner’d Minner Fly”
You bet it has the pedal system…!!..and He actually seems to like me…and I seen the video on the hobie site…If that guy can tow a yak backwards with 2 guys in it paddleing for all their worth…I think any long distances will and can be taken care of in pretty much the same manner…lol
but he’d better not try rowing aginst me while i’m helping him out !!!..LOL
I also take it you’ve never been on a Float Cat…as they too with the rowing system get around quite well in their own right…
I can’t say I have anything bad to say of that rig either…Great boat…It’s why I went with another Hobie product!!!..and kept the FC Too!!!
I can always take him to Blue Mtn. Outfitters for one of his own…Hummm hope they get a few more in…every one I seen with the mirage drive had a sold sign resting neatly on it…even the Quest without it was already sold…
[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 18 March 2006).]
Congratulations, Bill! Welcome to paddlers anonymous. I’m really looking forward to seeing how you make use of those pedals out there on the lake.
Two pieces of advice, worth maybe a bit more than what you pay for them.
If you snag your fly on some vegetation (who me?) remember that the movement of the boat can put tension on that line really really fast and do some serious damage to a rod tip. So lose all drag, let out a ton of line, and THEN maneuver around to retrieve the fly. Or, usually better, just point the rod at the snag and pull back. Don’t ask me how I know this!
Never ever ever leave the shore without some kind of a PFD and a whistle (pealess are best). Attach the whistle to the PFD with a short cord. Long enough to reach your mouth, short enough not to hang you if you get snagged on something.
And take a look at the fishing board at [url=http://www.paddling.net:0137f]www.paddling.net[/url:0137f]
You’re going to LOVE it. I’ve had mine for about 18 months and it’s the best personal fishing craft I’ve ever used by a long shot. Very stable, easy to peddle and you can cover a lot of water very quickly if you need to. It’s also super quiet. I actually eased up close enough to touch a turtle and a sleeping Malard duck just to see if I could. Great fishing boat that will add to your fishing success and pleasure.
Congratulations and good luck.
Jim Smith
[This message has been edited by James Smith (edited 19 March 2006).]
Congratulations! I’m still doing research on a kayak for myself. However, I’ve done enough to know that the Hobie has a great fishing package. And, although I’ve never been in one, I know that the Hobie peddle system works well and can propel you with a lot of speed.
I’m probably not going to go for the peddle system, but I’ve been studying the Hobie Quest Fisherman very closely. It has a great fishing package also. I may get the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120, though. One of my priorities is to be able to take it out in the salt.
I hope this isn’t being too forward , or come across as prying, by would you mind pm’ing, or emailing me how much you paid? I’ve been very interested in getting a hobie with the mirage drive system, but have no dealers near my home that I know of and I’d like to find out how much to realistically expect to pay for it. Thanks in advance for anything you might do for me regarding this issue
Hey Bill.
Congrats on your purchase. Now you’re “Capt.Bill”?
I too am shoping for a kayak. It’s kinda like choosing ice cream from 31 flavors. Ther’s just too much out there.I googled the Hobie product page and the info there did NOT mention some specifics that would be very important to me. The pedaling systems,is it an option or can it be removed?
I fish mostly rivers with somettmes very shallow spots and a pedaling system would/could be a bi problem. The specs I like MOST are the length and weight. Seems like it can be handled by one easily.I would appreciate info on my pedals concern. Thanks in advance.
Been fishing in the Outback for 2 years now. Can’t be beat.
Do a search here and you’ll find a couple of other guys w/ em too.
Also hit [url=http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com:655ee]www.kayakfishingstuff.com[/url:655ee] , they have a Hobie forum. More saltwater fishing orientated but you’ll pick up a lot of good info on safe kayak fishing.
Good Luck with it!
bwagner,
I have no prob’s telling you what I paid…With the 200 off for it being a demo…and with the added tie down straps to get it home…with tax added $1,542.05
the MSRP also what it normally sold for at this shop was $1,669.00…
One other note,This is the ONLY boat in the Hobie line to include the cart that fits into the molded in holes on the hull of the boat…it comes fully loaded…even with the speedometer… The sales lady really did not seem happy with Hobies decision’s of offering so much gear with the package…The only thing not with the boat is the PFD…of which I already have a wearable inflatable sterns I bought from Cabela’s when I purchased my Float Cat…
Marco,
With the twist of the locking dials the drive can be lifted out and the blank…came with this model…and I’d think it would come with all of them can be placed in it for regular Paddeling use…or you can just leave the socket open till you get back into water deep enough for the Drive fins to clear…Also if in shallow water but still deep enough that you know the folded fins will clear…just push and hold a pedal forward…and the fins will fold tight up aginst the hull till you pass over the obstruction…say a boulder sticking up off bottom…
We did discuss the durability of the drive…and when it first came out…quite a while back…they did have a few probs…but probs are rare these days she said…it is well thought out…and well made…she did have one guy come in who hit a rock directly on while pedaling and Paddleing “you can do both at the same time” down river…and at a good pace…who tore the teeth off one of the sprocket’s.
Said Hobie was very suprised of this…It could of cost him 30 bucks but Hobie sent him a new one for free…and considered it a warrenty fix…although the guy said it was completely his own fault…They seem to really be a great company…I’ve never had any reason with my Float Cat to ever find out…and I’ve Abused it for 6-7 years now…It just can’t be damaged!!!..I love it’s durability!! Seen three of them at the shop and all were priced under MSRP…
My advise to anyone would be to find the nearest rental shop and check their bargin pages if they have a web site…
I had a list of around thirty boats made up…all of them much lower in price…and the only boat I even considered was the outback after seeing all that I did not later have to scrounge around to find…the cart I also foundout is only $60.00 dollars when purchased alone…I was thinking if I had to buy it…it’d be 99.95 like anything else these days…That is/was a piece I’d have HAD to add no matter what…I wish the float cat came with such an option…
Do a search of dealers on the Hobie site…thats how I found my local…50 min. drive…lol…dealer.
In response to your questions about the pedals; they can be removed in about 10 seconds. There are two slots that pins on either side of the pedals fit into. Then you simply, rotate a locking device that locks the pins in place. The pedal mechanism can be taken out and/or replaced while you’re in the kayak. As far as shallow draft, placing the pedals in oposing positions (one all the way forward and the other towards the rear) causes the pedals to lay almost flat against the bottom of the boat. I’ve eased over submerged logs and shallow areas of no more than 6 inches of water with no problems.
Jim Smith
[This message has been edited by James Smith (edited 19 March 2006).]
Bill,
That’s great!
BTW, if you EVER think about seling that Float Cat, PLEASE let me know?!? I sold my Wood River to Jack Hise as my knees pay too dearlythe day after “kick” tubing all day. Three friends have or had the Float Cat with oars & I am SOLD!
Enjoy that Hobie Outback…I have heard those are a fishin’ machine!
Mike
I saw a really good talk by JonS of Kayak Fishing Stuff at North Jersey TU last week. And I went by the Kayak Fishing Stuff booth at the Saltwater show in Somerset, NJ this weekend. I think seeking out advice from them is a really good idea. Also, their forum is frequented by some very helpful and knowledgeable characters. So I second the idea of checking out [url=http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/:4fdd8]http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/[/url:4fdd8]
Maybe kfs would like to be a sponsor JonS is a great guy to do bisiness with and they can ship for 49.00 using a business addy. I am pleased with my Hobie Quest Fisherman from them.
Great site for info I agree
The geezer
Excus my spelling and gramma, I hooked Mondays and Fridays so I could Hunt or fish.
Hey there Bill and James,
Thanks to you both for the details. Based on all the features, I have an idea that I just found THE yak for me. Looks sturdy enough to handle some tough waters ( non rapid). Snake river, here I come.
Thanks
Mark
I’d rather be in Wyoming!
[This message has been edited by Marco (edited 19 March 2006).]
I’ll admit that I had thoughts of that…But with Two sons coming along in age…A nephew pestering me to have me take him along…15 YO and no waders or money for them…that cats got alot of work ahead of it…also the above mentioned Father in-law who keeps asking of where and what kinds of fishing I get into…I keep telling him Bass…but I think he does not believe me !!!..LOL…The… you “Only” Fish with a Fly rod is getting old…and I need to prove that Fly fishing is’nt just a trout thing…These retired Military guys seem set in their ways…and I really don’t think judging from what my wife says that I am allowed…she really wants me to take her dad fishing…and I won’t sit on a bank…and thus far…I don’t think from talking with him.
That hes the wading type…He had a heart attack at 35…My present age…and the FC is very low impact…may be quite theraputic for him as well…not that he’s not in great shape…Him and his wife were down a few weeks ago…and in the 4 months since we’ve been back down here .
He’s lost 40 Lbs and I almost did not recognize him at first…He seemed to have an unending amount of energy!!!
Ok well I’ve rambled long enough!!!..LOL…Thanks all for all the comments…I’ll post after I get out on the water with the new boat…as if you’d be able to shut me up!!!
Mine also has the stripping apron with pockets…so it’d be cheaper for you to check out.
Books and Hooks
110 Maple Ave
Girard,OH 44420
Phone 1-330-545-1906
Email: dmay194936@aol.com
Did not have a link to any web site but a google might turn something up…If they are also a rental shop they might have a few discounted cats…although it does not shave off all that much…as the 75’s go…
I have a’lil over $1000.00 in mine…
[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 19 March 2006).]
Forgot to mention…that there is also provided a bungee with a snap located so that you can hook to the pedal toward the rear and that will hold the fins in the up position for extended pieriods or when beaching the boat for take out…small detail…but just shows all the thought to the Lil details that were put into these boats…Just add a PFD of your liking!!!
I’ve been using a kayak for several years now. It lets me get to spots on the rivers around here that wade fishermen can’t access. Many of the trout rivers around here are tailwaters below large dams. As such the river level can rise rapidly from a gentle flow to a life threatening torrent. If you’re not paying close attention to the water, it can rise quickly and trap you on islands or worse you can get caught in areas of the river with no retreat. By kayaking to productive areas and then getting out and wade fishing I no longer run the risk of being stranded on the wrong side of the river or worse. Sometimes I fly fish from the kayak - at times I can sneak up on fish more stealthly than by wading. I also love fishing float trips down the area rivers. I feel more religious sorounded by natures beauty than I ever have in church. But now I’m digressing. You should really enjoy your new kayak and I’m sure you’ll find it increases your fishing posibilities.
Hey Bill,
And to take further advantage of your helpful replies. Are the pedalling devices powerful enough to hold in a current. I realize that a large portion of that would be MY ability to pedal but anyway…
JonS is a great guy to do bisiness with and they can ship for 49.00 using a business addy. I am pleased with my Hobie Quest Fisherman from them.