Kayak fishing out of a pedal drive is a game changer. I highly recommend it.

[HuyFishin]

Last Thursday I had the chance to join Chris from stringtheoryangling for some kayak fishing. As some of you may know I left my kayak on Vancouver Island and shore fishing has been a little bummer since covid. Chris was nice enough to invite me out for some fishing on his spare kayak which I am truly grateful for. You can see from the photos howmany people were parked at Star Lake.

I had a wonderful time fishing off the kayak and it was a pleasure to meet new people and make new friends. I hope you enjoy my new video.

https://youtu.be/0OL4B6fhKOA

If you're looking into joining the kayak fishing family I really recommend a pedal drive. I used less energy using the pedal compared to a traditional paddle.

Photo Credit: Stringtheoryangling

https://i.ibb.co/6HLCcV7/DSC-0065-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/X7MRfNr)

https://i.ibb.co/0mnDL1N/DSC-0055-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/2WFnrR2)

[Moosetalker]

Hi Hue.
Got a few question's

With the paddle as a back up would you take that set up on a river like the N/Sask Pembina in the slower sections.

What do you think as to stability in a cross current situation on the sit over version ?

The addition if available of a rowing frame to use paddles like drift boats might be an option for fighting heavier current say in rivers like the Athabasca and Red Deer stability dependent of course.

[HuyFishin]

Hi Hue.
Got a few question's

With the paddle as a back up would you take that set up on a river like the N/Sask Pembina in the slower sections.

What do you think as to stability in a cross current situation on the sit over version ?

The addition if available of a rowing frame to use paddles like drift boats might be an option for fighting heavier current say in rivers like the Athabasca and Red Deer stability dependent of course.

This is definitely a question I would leave for @stringtheoryangling since this was my first experience on this specific pedal drive kayak. Based on the short amount of time I spent on this kayak. I Would definitely think this sit on top pedal drive can handle almost any situation except for white water river rapids. Not sure how this pedal drive works on shallow rivers with all the random river obstacles and stumps, since you need atleast 1.5 feet of water to deploy the pedal drive. Many other pedal drive kayaks like Jackson kayak FD and Hobie mirage drives can hit tree stumps and glide right over. Hitting a stump with the perception pilot may put you to a dead stop. If you were considering a pedal drive for the rivers I would consider one of the other options.

[58thecat]

cant afford one....:(….you rich youtube fellas.:)

I saw one the other day...fella had a trailer for it 6k.....holy moly eh....

[Dark Wing]

Your better off not cheaping out on a lower end model . I'm dealing with some BS right now, which is too bad because when the kayak was functioning it was a blast . Nailed my personal best rainbow on the flyrod shortly before the pedal drive failed .

[HuyFishin]

cant afford one....:(….you rich youtube fellas.:)

I saw one the other day...fella had a trailer for it 6k.....holy moly eh....

Fishing kayaks are becoming more expensive! Some are more expensive and have surpassed job boats.

Apex Kayak just showcased a new kayak which is like 9000 american LMAO

The sport is growing so fast.

[HuyFishin]

Your better off not cheaping out on a lower end model . I'm dealing with some BS right now, which is too bad because when the kayak was functioning it was a blast . Nailed my personal best rainbow on the flyrod shortly before the pedal drive failed .

Which kayak is it you are experiencing trouble on?

[Vapor]

Great to hear you enjoyed your kayak experience!

I picked up my Jackson last fall and spent the time during the covid lockdown tweaking it a little. Its allot of fun for sure, and at the end of the day I can come home and hang it on the wall.
:character0175:

[HuyFishin]

Great to hear you enjoyed your kayak experience!

I picked up my Jackson last fall and spent the time during the covid lockdown tweaking it a little. Its allot of fun for sure, and at the end of the day I can come home and hang it on the wall.
:character0175:

Wow your kayak is nicely rigged! My dream kayak is the Jackson Kayak Coosa FD but I need to sell my left nut for it.

[Vapor]

Wow your kayak is nicely rigged! My dream kayak is the Jackson Kayak Coosa FD but I need to sell my left nut for it.

Everything I picked up I grabbed on a sale. Took some time to swing it that way but no way I was going to pay full pop. lol

The Coosa is really popular, especially if you want to drop it into rivers. I have the Big Rig as I wanted the most stable ride I could get and mostly fish lakes. I can stand and cast for hours in this thing and its super solid.

The only complaint I have is that its heavy, (130lbs empty) still working out some of that end. If I had the room, I'd get a little trailer for it but that's not happening for awhile.

;)

[Bushleague]

My neighbor has one, I see him trolling for walleye with it and it looks like a slick rig for that. When I drift a weed edge or a shoreline however, I'm back paddling and sculling sideways at least as much as I am paddling forward to keep my boat positioned. To me it seems that, while a pedal drive would excel at some things, when it comes to tight quarters and precise positioning one is better off with a paddle in hand.

[58thecat]

hmmmmm…..I feel a little under equipped.....

165386


gotta start shopping:sHa_shakeshout:

[58thecat]

My neighbor has one, I see him trolling for walleye with it and it looks like a slick rig for that. When I drift a weed edge or a shoreline however, I'm back paddling and sculling sideways at least as much as I am paddling forward to keep my boat positioned. To me it seems that, while a pedal drive would excel at some things, when it comes to tight quarters and precise positioning one is better off with a paddle in hand.

that when you pull it off the side of your yak....work the waters accordingly.

[Vapor]

My neighbor has one, I see him trolling for walleye with it and it looks like a slick rig for that. When I drift a weed edge or a shoreline however, I'm back paddling and sculling sideways at least as much as I am paddling forward to keep my boat positioned. To me it seems that, while a pedal drive would excel at some things, when it comes to tight quarters and precise positioning one is better off with a paddle in hand.

Agreed. I still have the paddle with me handy if I need it. Its always nice to have options available for the type of water your in.

[Vapor]

hmmmmm…..I feel a little under equipped.....

165386


gotta start shopping:sHa_shakeshout:

That's a nice yak, if it gets you out on the water its a great day!
:)

[Bushleague]

that when you pull it off the side of your yak....work the waters accordingly.

Nah, that's when I grab it from where I leaned it against the thwart, nice and handy. Try as I might, I don't think I'll ever be a Kayak guy. Obviously I'm the odd man out, but every time I get in one I miss my canoe.

[58thecat]

Nah, that's when I grab it from where I leaned it against the thwart, nice and handy. Try as I might, I don't think I'll ever be a Kayak guy. Obviously I'm the odd man out, but every time I get in one I miss my canoe.

and that's why I got a canoe too....but just had to try something different...someone once said variety is the spice of life...I like too many fishing thingies....I have a problem.:)

[Moosetalker]

Thanks Huy
Well there ya go needs a foot and a half of water that negates its use for me, lots of shallow spots of 6" or less where I go.

Plus where am I gonna stick mt elk quarters lol.

[Vapor]

Thanks Huy
Well there ya go needs a foot and a half of water that negates its use for me, lots of shallow spots of 6" or less where I go.

Plus where am I gonna stick mt elk quarters lol.

Depending on the brand of kayak you get, (with pedal drive) propeller depth can be adaptable.

The Jackson unit for instance, has a 3 position placement.
Full length, Medium length depth, and fully retracted so you can paddle.

You can even run into submerged obstructions and the unit will kick itself out of harms way. Your 6" depth is still doable.

[Bushleague]

and that's why I got a canoe too....but just had to try something different...someone once said variety is the spice of life...I like too many fishing thingies....I have a problem.:)

I've been there buddy... quite often I get the feeling that kayak fishing might be the next big thing for me. I combat that by renting one when I go on vacation to somewhere warm... by the time I make it back to shore I'm cured!:sHa_shakeshout:

[Bushleague]

Depending on the brand of kayak you get, (with pedal drive) propeller depth can be adaptable.

The Jackson unit for instance, has a 3 position placement.
Full length, Medium length depth, and fully retracted so you can paddle.

You can even run into submerged obstructions and the unit will kick itself out of harms way. Your 6" depth is still doable.

Not sure what section of the Pembina he's running, but where I run it my canoes get a few good scars on the bottom most times. Personally, I don't think it would be a good idea... but as the only fool to still prefer a canoe, take my opinion with a grain of salt.

[Dark Wing]

I've been there buddy... quite often I get the feeling that kayak fishing might be the next big thing for me. I combat that by renting one when I go on vacation to somewhere warm... by the time I make it back to shore I'm cured!:sHa_shakeshout:


Try a pedal kayak or one with a motor , paddling and trying to fish sucks . The one thing I don't like after being out for the morning is trying to get out of the boat after I've stiffened up .

[HuyFishin]

Try a pedal kayak or one with a motor , paddling and trying to fish sucks . The one thing I don't like after being out for the morning is trying to get out of the boat after I've stiffened up .

The pedal drive definitely does make it effortless forsure! After a short paddle I get very lazy. I feel like i can sit in a pedal drive for 10 hours no problem.

[58thecat]

I've been there buddy... quite often I get the feeling that kayak fishing might be the next big thing for me. I combat that by renting one when I go on vacation to somewhere warm... by the time I make it back to shore I'm cured!:sHa_shakeshout:

I have spent my time in the far sea's wondering aimlessly along the edge of a coral reef in a resort kayak....the rum on shore makes the trip well worth it and man can you ever catch a variety of fish....the yak I got now fits me nicely and I got 4 hours max out of one trip so far....no issues....I really enjoy it too....solo...no one else....solitude....except the hottie on the dam paddle board who keeps checking in on me.....

[HuyFishin]

I have spent my time in the far sea's wondering aimlessly along the edge of a coral reef in a resort kayak....the rum on shore makes the trip well worth it and man can you ever catch a variety of fish....the yak I got now fits me nicely and I got 4 hours max out of one trip so far....no issues....I really enjoy it too....solo...no one else....solitude....except the hottie on the dam paddle board who keeps checking in on me.....

Those ladies you always see on the paddle boards just make the trip that much better haha

I hope its not your RUM goggles though. :sHa_shakeshout:

[Coiloil37]

Try a pedal kayak or one with a motor , paddling and trying to fish sucks . The one thing I don't like after being out for the morning is trying to get out of the boat after I've stiffened up .

Just run a sail in conjunction with the pedals. An outrigger (or two) for stability if you want it. I see a lot of them chasing tuna within a couple miles of shore here and the guys I’ve talked to love em.

[Justfishin73]

Wow your kayak is nicely rigged! My dream kayak is the Jackson Kayak Coosa FD but I need to sell my left nut for it.

My buddy just bought one---lot of money for a kayak

[Dark Wing]

Just run a sail in conjunction with the pedals. An outrigger (or two) for stability if you want it. I see a lot of them chasing tuna within a couple miles of shore here and the guys I’ve talked to love em.

Saw a kayak sail pop up add on FB , looked like a neat idea .

[HuyFishin]

Hobie Makes these kayak sails. One of the coolest ideas for a kayak. Crazy expensive set up though.


https://www.mensjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/schmidt_150723_hobie-AI-_59371.jpg

[58thecat]

Hobie Makes these kayak sails. One of the coolest ideas for a kayak. Crazy expensive set up though.


https://www.mensjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/schmidt_150723_hobie-AI-_59371.jpg

hmmm when does a kayak stop being a kayak? That there is a freakin' sail boat....:sHa_sarcasticlol:

[58thecat]

Try a pedal kayak or one with a motor , paddling and trying to fish sucks . The one thing I don't like after being out for the morning is trying to get out of the boat after I've stiffened up .

paddling and trying to fish sucks....huh..got three rod holders in mine for trolling or stowing a rod/net etc....if trolling when fish on simply place paddle in the holder and strap it accordingly..2 secs...grab rod and enjoy the fight....if casting use the wind or anchor....far from sucking....unless your not organized then things get wonky and yes that sucks.....I keep it simple and just enjoy the outing.:)

[Bushleague]

Try a pedal kayak or one with a motor , paddling and trying to fish sucks . The one thing I don't like after being out for the morning is trying to get out of the boat after I've stiffened up .

Maybe its just me, but by the time a kayak costs several thousand dollars, has a degree of mechanical complexity to it, requires a cart to launch from any distance, and most of all is propelled by a motor... is it not sort of defying the whole point of having a kayak rather than a modest boat?

[aulrich]

x2, setup right a paddled boat is not at a huge disadvantage. With a big advantage of being way cheaper.

[HuyFishin]

Maybe its just me, but by the time a kayak costs several thousand dollars, has a degree of mechanical complexity to it, requires a cart to launch from any distance, and most of all is propelled by a motor... is it not sort of defying the whole point of having a kayak rather than a modest boat?

very true Kayak fishing used to be a poor mans sport. Now you need deep pockets.

[Vapor]

Maybe its just me, but by the time a kayak costs several thousand dollars, has a degree of mechanical complexity to it, requires a cart to launch from any distance, and most of all is propelled by a motor... is it not sort of defying the whole point of having a kayak rather than a modest boat?

Everyone has different reasons for their floating choices. Yes. My kayak setup cost more than I ever thought it would, and ended up being the cost of a decent boat. But my situation dictated that I had to have the kayak and not a boat.

I have a very small home with an even smaller single car garage. Both my wife and I drive and so I give her the space to park in the winter so she doesn't have to brave the elements. That said, I have no place to store a boat. I can still hang my kayak on the wall and she can still park in the garage.

Additionally, depending on the type of fishing you like to do, I can get into places with my kayak that most boats can't. To each his own. ;)

[dutchman]

I'm not a peddler but do like paddling around on those small lakes. Definitely a different experience compared to a boat. Tough to beat a quiet morning, steam rising off the water, moose standing there knee deep, etc. Exciting hooking onto a big pike that pulls the yak around.
Got this setup to go where the big boat is not allowed. 12 footer, very stable and comfy, under $1000. Also my homemade cart.

[Bushleague]

I'm not a peddler but do like paddling around on those small lakes. Definitely a different experience compared to a boat. Tough to beat a quiet morning, steam rising off the water, moose standing there knee deep, etc. Exciting hooking onto a big pike that pulls the yak around.
Got this setup to go where the big boat is not allowed. 12 footer, very stable and comfy, under $1000. Also my homemade cart.

See, this to me seems like what Kayak fishing was initially supposed to be all about, and makes a fair bit of sense.

On another tangent, I recently rigged up oars for my old freighter canoe, and I cant understand why we've gotten away from rowboats so completely. Even a fair sized, non planning hull can be moved around very efficiently by a set of oars. Once I build my shop my fist project is going to be building a nice, classy rowboat.

[StringTheory]

Everyone has different reasons for their floating choices. Yes. My kayak setup cost more than I ever thought it would, and ended up being the cost of a decent boat. But my situation dictated that I had to have the kayak and not a boat.

I have a very small home with an even smaller single car garage. Both my wife and I drive and so I give her the space to park in the winter so she doesn't have to brave the elements. That said, I have no place to store a boat. I can still hang my kayak on the wall and she can still park in the garage.

Additionally, depending on the type of fishing you like to do, I can get into places with my kayak that most boats can't. To each his own. ;)

I'm in a similar situation as you, small garage, not a lot of storage options. And I like that the cost of entry and knowledge required for kayak fishing is a lot lower than a boat. Yes, my kayak now costs as much as a small boat but it didn't start out that way. I've been kayak fishing for 6 years now. I started with a cheap kayak on sale, few months later I added a fish finder. Next year, a better fish finder. Year after that, a used kayak with a pedal drive, etc.

If you add up the cost of all of it over all the years, yes, I could have bought a 12' with a motor by now but that would have been 6 years of fishing I'd have missed out on, or paid interest on. And I didn't have to pay for insurance, maintenance, storage and who knows what else.

BOAT-break out another thousand.

[58thecat]

I think I am going to keep my yak basic....no electronics etc....just enjoy the simplicity of fishing....not getting all caught up in the complications that could be involved in this sport....

[Bushleague]

I think I am going to keep my yak basic....no electronics etc....just enjoy the simplicity of fishing....not getting all caught up in the complications that could be involved in this sport....

Personally, I really enjoy just paddling along the shoreline, picking the weed beds and rock bars apart. On that Sask trip the water was nice and clear, and at a paddler's pace a glance down through the water usually told me everything I needed to know at this time of year. Theres no more enjoyable way to spend a day on the water IMO.

Having gone a little overboard on most of my hobbies at some point or other, something I've really started to believe the last few years... "it doesnt pay to get too serious about having fun".

[Dark Wing]

paddling and trying to fish sucks....huh..got three rod holders in mine for trolling or stowing a rod/net etc....if trolling when fish on simply place paddle in the holder and strap it accordingly..2 secs...grab rod and enjoy the fight....if casting use the wind or anchor....far from sucking....unless your not organized then things get wonky and yes that sucks.....I keep it simple and just enjoy the outing.:)

I like to fish with fly rods and sinking line . I can't just throw it in the rod holder and release the bail . I like to strip my line to the backing and when paddling it takes me 3x longer to strip out . I also like to rip streamers and nymphs off the bottom while trolling and I can't do that with a paddle in my hand. So yes for me and the style I fish paddling sucks .

Maybe its just me, but by the time a kayak costs several thousand dollars, has a degree of mechanical complexity to it, requires a cart to launch from any distance, and most of all is propelled by a motor... is it not sort of defying the whole point of having a kayak rather than a modest boat?

To each their own , my first kayak was well under $2000. A pelican catch 120 with a cheap 30lb Minkota , some pvc pipe and some utube videos and I built everything you decribed .

[Coiloil37]

Saw a kayak sail pop up add on FB , looked like a neat idea .


When we moved from ‘berta to the sunny coast here in Queensland I bought a yak first up. Got in trouble from the wife when I threw a kid on each end and headed offshore but it worked until I found a boat. I never had the outriggers and sail and I learned to hate paddling the distances I wanted to travel but its a great way to fish on the cheap.

Yesterday I saw a hobie pro angler with a new trailer, sail, pedals, sounder, battery, both outriggers and life jacket for $3900. It’s now sold.

Today this one was up for a short while with pedals and a sail.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/1c3b492df8e54af7e0ece537c4c78912.jpg


My point being they don’t have to be expensive and the sail makes it so easy to troll or get somewhere in a hurry. If your just farting around on a small lake it wouldn’t matter but if your covering ground they’re a nice option.

Here’s how I see them fished. These are local waters to me now.

https://youtu.be/Pa5NRw-sJQM

[58thecat]

I like to fish with fly rods and sinking line . I can't just throw it in the rod holder and release the bail . I like to strip my line to the backing and when paddling it takes me 3x longer to strip out . I also like to rip streamers and nymphs off the bottom while trolling and I can't do that with a paddle in my hand. So yes for me and the style I fish paddling sucks .



To each their own , my first kayak was well under $2000. A pelican catch 120 with a cheap 30lb Minkota , some pvc pipe and some utube videos and I built everything you decribed .

Just make sure you keep a paddle Stored.....if things go south and you have not got your paddle then the day could really suck:)

[Spudnut]

Also seems liek way too much work to manage your sails and rigging around your lines and rods.

[Spudnut]

Maybe its just me, but by the time a kayak costs several thousand dollars, has a degree of mechanical complexity to it, requires a cart to launch from any distance, and most of all is propelled by a motor... is it not sort of defying the whole point of having a kayak rather than a modest boat?

You can still do it for cheap. We are still in cheap Costco sit-ins and they work fine.

[Dark Wing]

When we moved from ‘berta to the sunny coast here in Queensland I bought a yak first up. Got in trouble from the wife when I threw a kid on each end and headed offshore but it worked until I found a boat. I never had the outriggers and sail and I learned to hate paddling the distances I wanted to travel but its a great way to fish on the cheap.

Yesterday I saw a hobie pro angler with a new trailer, sail, pedals, sounder, battery, both outriggers and life jacket for $3900. It’s now sold.

Today this one was up for a short while with pedals and a sail.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/1c3b492df8e54af7e0ece537c4c78912.jpg


My point being they don’t have to be expensive and the sail makes it so easy to troll or get somewhere in a hurry. If your just farting around on a small lake it wouldn’t matter but if your covering ground they’re a nice option.

Here’s how I see them fished. These are local waters to me now.

https://youtu.be/Pa5NRw-sJQM

I'd love to get a Hobie but I don't think the Warden would let me lol . She's actually telling me I should get a real boat . That's a cool youtube video you posted. That set up would be perfect by my folks place in Mexico to get out to the Gordo Banks in San Jose.

[MetisHunter]

Sounds super fun

[thumper]

I've had a variety of Hobie Mirage Drive (pedal) kayaks over the past 15 years. I co-own an Adventure Island (Hobie's sailing model) - which is a lot of fun, and if the wind dies down, you can pedal home! Also owned an Outback, a Sport, and my current Pro Angler. I've run them in big rivers (Columbia & Harrison Rivers), tiny little ponds and good sized lakes. I can rig up a Minn Kota electric trolling motor to quickly make a long run, or to chug upstream on the Columbia R, when I need to. Generally I troll flies on a sinking line, and being hands-free makes all the difference. I've also used them for duck hunting, snorkelling, and loaded them up with kids and super-soakers for some spectacular water fights. I've even used them to 'pick' flat rocks from along the shoreline, and transport back to my beach for building stone garden walls.
They're very efficient, your fins are always working - not like paddle blades that only spend 1/3 of the time pushing water. Plus you're using your body's strongest muscles - your thighs. They're surprisingly quick and have tremendous power - you'll win any tug-of-war with any number of kayaks or canoes, and I've towed a few motorboats back to the marina! They're wide, but stable. Although fearful of the water, my wife loved her Outback for solo 'me time' on the lake, or romantic side x side paddles with me in my ProAngler. You can't run close together and chat like that with flashing paddles between you! I can store my ProAngler in my basement or garden shed, and with a canvas cover, I leave it outside in the elements all summer - a little oil for the drive covers maintenance. Kept dry, you can freeze them solid all winter without harm. With a 2-wheel cart, I've walked it into lakes along trails with switchbacks and medium inclines, across highways, railway tracks and through ditches. You don't need to get to waters edge. Even in my senior stage, I can roof-rack it solo, but generally I now use a light kayak trailer. (Yakima Rack and Roll) I've towed that combo behind my '83 VW Eurovan, and even that sewing machine engine handled the load without complaint. There's lots to love with a pedal kayak! On the downside, I'm not as flexible as I once was, (and somewhat more .... robust) so twisting to get items in the rear is difficult, standing up to cast is now out of the question, and getting in and out of such a low seat can be a problem - but I figure I'm good for another few years yet! Yes they're expensive, but IMO, worth every penny.

[58thecat]

I've had a variety of Hobie Mirage Drive (pedal) kayaks over the past 15 years. I co-own an Adventure Island (Hobie's sailing model) - which is a lot of fun, and if the wind dies down, you can pedal home! Also owned an Outback, a Sport, and my current Pro Angler. I've run them in big rivers (Columbia & Harrison Rivers), tiny little ponds and good sized lakes. I can rig up a Minn Kota electric trolling motor to quickly make a long run, or to chug upstream on the Columbia R, when I need to. Generally I troll flies on a sinking line, and being hands-free makes all the difference. I've also used them for duck hunting, snorkelling, and loaded them up with kids and super-soakers for some spectacular water fights. I've even used them to 'pick' flat rocks from along the shoreline, and transport back to my beach for building stone garden walls.
They're very efficient, your fins are always working - not like paddle blades that only spend 1/3 of the time pushing water. Plus you're using your body's strongest muscles - your thighs. They're surprisingly quick and have tremendous power - you'll win any tug-of-war with any number of kayaks or canoes, and I've towed a few motorboats back to the marina! They're wide, but stable. Although fearful of the water, my wife loved her Outback for solo 'me time' on the lake, or romantic side x side paddles with me in my ProAngler. You can't run close together and chat like that with flashing paddles between you! I can store my ProAngler in my basement or garden shed, and with a canvas cover, I leave it outside in the elements all summer - a little oil for the drive covers maintenance. Kept dry, you can freeze them solid all winter without harm. With a 2-wheel cart, I've walked it into lakes along trails with switchbacks and medium inclines, across highways, railway tracks and through ditches. You don't need to get to waters edge. Even in my senior stage, I can roof-rack it solo, but generally I now use a light kayak trailer. (Yakima Rack and Roll) I've towed that combo behind my '83 VW Eurovan, and even that sewing machine engine handled the load without complaint. There's lots to love with a pedal kayak! On the downside, I'm not as flexible as I once was, (and somewhat more .... robust) so twisting to get items in the rear is difficult, standing up to cast is now out of the question, and getting in and out of such a low seat can be a problem - but I figure I'm good for another few years yet! Yes they're expensive, but IMO, worth every penny.


Dam sounds like you got some cash invested in your yak's which is a good thing...I'm a rookie at this and more than likely in my later years get the pedal one or maybe sooner just because....either way I like the quiet solitude....yak on!:sHa_shakeshout:

[220 Swift]

so what is the cost on these now?

[lobre370]

I just picked up a 2020 Hobie Outback from Western canoeing & Kayaking in Abbotsford. It was ~4500 all in

Worth every penny imo, had it out for 6-7hrs this evening.Could have easily pedaled for longer but it was getting pretty dark.

[Dark Wing]

so what is the cost on these now?

Prices range between $2000.00 to over $5000.00 , from the Pelican Hydryve to the higher end Hobies . I cheaped out with the Pelican Hydryve and have had nothing but problems .

[Stinky Buffalo]

Great thread!

Am looking into a Hobie at some point - right now I'd have to buy three or four to accommodate the crew. :D

[HuyFishin]

Great thread!

Am looking into a Hobie at some point - right now I'd have to buy three or four to accommodate the crew. :D

funny haha I am also going to start to build a fleet for friends and visitors.

[220 Swift]

Thanks for the pricing. Bought a paddle fishing kayak a couple years ago. Kinda like them now.

[KinAlberta]

hmmm when does a kayak stop being a kayak? That there is a freakin' sail boat....:sHa_sarcasticlol:



When does a kayak stop being a kayak and become a pedal boat? ;-) (do they still make those Pelican Pedal Boats?)


Anyway, i’ve looked at the pedal kayaks and they seem pretty cool. Makes sense for fishing but would it also work well for general recreation? Eg letting kids use it?

[HuyFishin]

When does a kayak stop being a kayak and become a pedal boat? ;-) (do they still make those Pelican Pedal Boats?)


Anyway, i’ve looked at the pedal kayaks and they seem pretty cool. Makes sense for fishing but would it also work well for general recreation? Eg letting kids use it?

The pedal drive is perfect for younger ones to use. Its is still a kayak. Just powered with a different muscle group. Consider this method more like a pedal bike. If your kids can ride a pedal bike then they can enjoy a pedal kayak. You don't have to fish in it if you just want to burn some calories and sight see. The good thing about the pedal drive is the gearing and efficiency. You can travel across the lake without feeling burnt out.

I remember renting those tandem pedal powered plastic tubs at carson lake and you would feel burnt out after 15 minutes. You had to pedal hard and fast just to get moving. I would say they are unpleasant and not very fun.

So to answer your question I would say a pedal drive would still be fun whether you're fishing or not.

[Curado]

I have enjoyed my belly boat this summer but I feel it’s time to move up! I’m also thinking of purchasing a fishing kayak! I have narrowed it down to the Hobie Pro Angler 14 ft 360 drive. It’ not cheap ($6500+) but WOW is it impressive!

www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-pro-angler-14-360/#fishing

[58thecat]

The pedal drive is perfect for younger ones to use. Its is still a kayak. Just powered with a different muscle group. Consider this method more like a pedal bike. If your kids can ride a pedal bike then they can enjoy a pedal kayak. You don't have to fish in it if you just want to burn some calories and sight see. The good thing about the pedal drive is the gearing and efficiency. You can travel across the lake without feeling burnt out.

I remember renting those tandem pedal powered plastic tubs at carson lake and you would feel burnt out after 15 minutes. You had to pedal hard and fast just to get moving. I would say they are unpleasant and not very fun.

So to answer your question I would say a pedal drive would still be fun whether you're fishing or not.


I wouldn't give a bunch of young'uns my 4K yak to rec on.....sooner buy them a crappy tire or second hand beater to enjoy cuz kids are just really hard on equipment while having fun.....then in winter drag it behind the quad or hit the toboggan hills too:sHa_shakeshout:.....

[Bushrat]

Went Kayak river fishing this summer. Didn't like being confined to one sitting position for hours on end, found it uncomfortable.

[58thecat]

Went Kayak river fishing this summer. Didn't like being confined to one sitting position for hours on end, found it uncomfortable.

you need a pontoon boat then!....don't forget the upper deck and slide too.:)

[Immigrant]

Time to revive this thread.
From what I gather - you get what you pay for. Is the pelican “pedals” as bad as they say? It seems like they are a knock off of the Hobie with some design flaws.
Do the Hobie pedals fit in the pelican?
Best dealer to buy from?

[StringTheory]

I can't comment on the quality of the pelican pedals but they are not knock-offs of Hobie's, but are Hobie's original design. The patent ran out for Hobie and Pelican was the first one to start making a drive. Hobie has of course made improvements over the years so the new drives have reverse and kick up fins. If I'm not mistaken, I believe you can fit a Hobie drive into the Pelican hull.

Pelicans can be found at Canadian Tire, they were even on sale a few months ago.

Hobie's can be bought at Glenmore Sailboats: https://glenmoresailboats.com/wp/?page_id=62

Aquabatics is probably the biggest kayak dealer and stock is starting to arrive: https://aqoutdoors.com/

Totem sells Jackson Kayaks and Old Town canoes: https://totemoutfitters.ca/

Whatever you decide to do, do it soon! Most kayak manufacturers are way behind on orders and whats trickling into dealers now is likely all that's going to be available this season.

[Immigrant]

Thanks for that. I was thinking of getting the pelican and when the pedals “wear out” to replace it with the Hobie pedals. It will be significantly cheaper than buying all Hobie. Not sure if that plan will work ?

[Dark Wing]

Time to revive this thread.
From what I gather - you get what you pay for. Is the pelican “pedals” as bad as they say? It seems like they are a knock off of the Hobie with some design flaws.
Do the Hobie pedals fit in the pelican?
Best dealer to buy from?

The original pelican HD had issues with there pedal drives. I got a smoken deal from Crappy tire (half price) on an original 130 HD and had issues right away. After an email and a phone call they sent me a new drive . I rebuilt the first drive with Hobie parts and worked the second one pretty hard and it’s still holding up fairly well. The HD’s are a little slower than the Hobies and maybe a little less comfortable but like you said you get what you pay for. I’m currently in the process of building a trolling motor that will fit in the pedal drive slot.

[StringTheory]

I'm glad to hear that Pelican took care of your issues Dark Wing. You should come check out some kayak fishing tournaments this summer! We also have a local (Edmonton) kayak club and have regular meetups.

[HuyFishin]

The kayak fishing groups is a great way to meet others with similar interest! I had such a blast last season meeting so many nice anglers. Made new fishing buddies in both Alberta and British Columbia.

I highly recommend giving it a try!

[Curado]

[QUOTE=Curado;4243867]I have enjoyed my belly boat this summer but I feel it’s time to move up! I’m also thinking of purchasing a fishing kayak! I have narrowed it down to the Hobie Pro Angler 14 ft 360 drive. It’ not cheap ($6500+) but WOW is it impressive!

And as promised, here is a shot of my newly acquired 2020 Hobie PA 12 360 drive sitting on a rolling cart I made! Woohoo! This yak is amazing! :sHa_shakeshout:

[Dark Wing]

I'm glad to hear that Pelican took care of your issues Dark Wing. You should come check out some kayak fishing tournaments this summer! We also have a local (Edmonton) kayak club and have regular meetups.

Thanks StringTheory once you figure out Pelicans warranty procedure their really good , don’t wait on just an email, call as well. I’ll keep an eye out for some kayak tournaments , I would imagine they’ll posted all over FB. Edmonton is a four drive for me so I’ll have to pass on the kayak club.

[Immigrant]

I see there are some pelicans on sale for almost half price. I assume they are the old ones with the drive issues. The “new” model must be the HD 2?
But I am happy to hear they took care of you with the warranty issues.

[Fil_Can_Yakker]

Please check "Western Canada Kayak Fishing" on FB.

[Smoky buck]

Anyone know if aquabatics in Edmonton has received any of their spring innovatory? I know I can phone and will my next set off if no one knows

Hoping to check out some fishing kayaks on my next set off