Hey what are the thoughts about this Hobie mirage drive system? Im looking at buying a friends hobie bc of this. It seems like a no brainer bc it allows you hands to be free while moving. Im sure there are varying opinions, and I would like some insight.
Thanks
I love them. For me when I fished one I loved the fact that I could throw plastics non stop and without using a paddle to hold me in position. Takes very little effort to hold your position against the current.
Stabilty?? I would say that is relative, to be honest.
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I’d try out your friends first. There are some disadvantages to be considered such as the fins making it difficult to traverse very shallow waters. For me, one of the biggest disadvantages is the fact that the peddles take up too much important room right where it’s handy to put things and when you peddle your legs are pumping so you’re limited as to what you put in your lap as well.
It works better for some people than others… probably depends on your fishing style. I find I choose my paddle sot more often than the hobie when fishing.
I have owned several Hobie Mirage kayaks over the past several years, including Revolutions, an Adventure, and several Pro Anglers. I seriously can not think of a better platform to fish from. Your ability to have your hands free while moving from place to place is a huge plus. By not having a paddle in your hands, or your lap, fishing time is increased and ultimately your chances of catching fish. The drive systems also allows you to place your yak into the current and hold yourself in position while fishing. Another big plus for the drive system is the increased ability to fish in less than perfect weather. Instead of constantly having to make adjustments with a paddle during windy days you can simply pedal along and continue to fish. Proof of this can truely be seen in tournament results that anglers were faced with bad weather.
As for shallow water, the drive system can be stored out of the way or you can flatten them against the hull by pushing one foot completely forward. I often take my drive out and use a paddle or pushpole to chase reds in water as shallow as 5 inches. There have even been days when I left the drive system at home and just paddled my Adventure or Revolution. The other really big advantage the drive has over paddling has nothing to do with a design feature of the product. By using your legs to propel yourself along you are using the largest muscles in your body. This means that there is less of a chance of fatigue and an increased ability to cover distances. Also, for those of you that suffer from back problems, the Mirage drive puts much less strain on the back than the twisting motion that a traditional paddle stroke does.
Now do not get me wrong, there are a lot of great kayaks out there that do not use pedal drive systems. I think you are right on in choosing Hobie as a platform. Good Luck.
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I have a hobie adventurer. I love it. 16’ fishing machine. Has a steerable rudder you move with your left hand. It has a place for a sail. One day I hope to get a sail and be able to sail and troll offshore. Awesome. The drive is great. I went fishing with this young man. Despite the fact I had a better yak, I couldn’t keep up with him paddling on account of our age difference. I used the drive, and caught up with him easily. I’d still bring your paddle though, I just bungee mine to the hull and fish.
I am a lazy fishing fool kayaker
Consider the system shown in the photo
Capt Dave
Fishing Kayaks SC - SC Bass Yak Dealer
