So I’m considering getting into this kayak fishing phenomenon. I primarily fish freshwater (rivers and lakes) but also do some inshore fishing as well. I’ve been looking at the Predator 13 from Old Town. Brand preference homers aside, what are you objective thoughts on this kayak?
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
I highly recommend buying a Hobie kayak. The amount of water you can cover is unmatched by any other kayak. It is very sturdy and you should have no problem standing up . Also, the pedal system allows you to comfortably fight a fish and bring it to the boat with ease… frantically switching between a paddle and a rod is not something you want to have to deal with when you hook up and can cause you to loose fish. There is plenty of space and the elevated seat is very comfortable. If you decide to buy one (I recommend testing one out from Time Out Sports), the wheels/cart made buy Hobie is a must. They are designed specifically for the kayak and will make transportation 100x easier. I hope this helps and maybe I’ll see you out on the water sporting a Hobie this summer!
Connor Malark
I just bought my first “fishing” kayak two months ago. I ended up with a MalibuKayak Stealth 14. Tracks well, easy to stand up in, and plenty of room. I couldn’t fork out enough money for Hobie (even though I probably have that much in mine now 
). Capt. David White on Daniel Island hooked me up!
“Oh, de flounder he looks so fine, hanging onto my little thin line…”
First, I just realized this thread’s name is the same as someone else’s. Not intentional, sorry about that.
Second, I considered the Hobie mirage series but I figured I’d be dumping enough money into a kayak without having to incur the additional cost of a cart or dolly and given the weight of the Hobie (30-50 lbs heavier for a 12’ versus the 13’ predator I was looking at) the dolly is a must have if you want to avoid a hernia. Plus, at nearly twice the price (for a smaller kayak), the Hobie was just a bit too salty for me. Not saying they aren’t worth it but for me, the juice just wasn’t worth the squeeze.
I haven’t looked very closely at the Malibu kayaks but at first glance the first thing I noticed that I wasn’t a fan of was the seat situation. I’m wanting something a little taller with a little more structure to it.
I appreciate your suggestions.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
Paddle / Paddle / Paddle before making and kayak decisions
Each kayak make /manufacture Paddle very different and have many features ±
WE do many on the water Demos to compare 12ft / 14ft Malibu Fishing Kayaks
Capt Dave
www.facebook.com/FishingKayaksSC
SC Malibu Kayak Dealer
I guess you wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it.
I’ll be sure to take you up on that, Capt. Dave. Much appreciated.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
Dolphin Dave at Time Out also has many demos too, check out all of the available options. I know sometimes my heavy inexpensive kayak holds me back but I catch a ton of fish off it still.
You can fish out of any kayak…get one you like and don’t worry about the rest of us
There is a paddlesports festival coming up in April, where you can demo a bunch of different kayaks…
Lowcountry Kayak Anglers - http://www.lowcountrykayakanglers.com
Just take note of the new modern seating in the latest kayaks. The older SOT’s would have you sitting in a puddle of water all day, and the support left a lot to be desired.
The newer seats sit above the water, adjust up/down, and are framed to give the best support.
I’ve got the Malibu X-13. Great boat, but thinking about swapping it for something more modern.
If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles. ~Doug Larson
'88 Henry 'O Challenger
Malibu X-13
WS Pamlico 120 Angler