The mahi have been on fire!

[FASTLANE]

Looks like fun. Where I'm from you need to run 50 miles out for mahi and don't even think about a sail fish. Great write up and information on the gear I noticed that reel right away. Love the older stuff. I've had gear for 20 years that's held up better then some of the best you can get now.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[skiptomyzoo]

Nice catches and rig as well.
Know this is slightly off topic, but seeing how you have ran now most the hobie kayaks how do you like the PA compared to the others?
I probably won't get a hobie for a bit, just curious.

Looking at malibu's at the moment as while not first choice some of the blems at a local store are 70% off msrp so come summer should make that back if I resell. You know just to see how I like yaking. Guess just matters what is left. Taking me so long as didn't want to do it before I moved across country.

 

[JD7.62]

For taking out clients, the PA is a must. Its huge and allows me to carry plenty of rods and reels as well as tackle, fish bags, coolers for drinks and food, etc etc. I put at least 100 pounds of gear on it.

Being able to stand in everything but a nasty wind chop (big ground swells are no problem but the wind chop with short steep breaking waves can be tricky) and fish is a HUGE plus. The seat of course is the best in the business which helps out when Im running doubles and spending 12-14 hours on the water.

The big con is its size and weight. We have powdered sugar soft white sand. Even with the big $220 Hobie balloon wheels she is a BEAR to drag up and down the beach. You have to have a trailer or at least a truck with a bed extender too. No car topping unless youre pretty tall and have a good back. Because she is so big, I find my self fishing a little less personally as compared to when I just had outbacks. With the outbacks I could quickly and easily get the yak out and up and down the beach for an afternoon quickie. Not doing that with the PA. Even though I still have three outbacks I don't have a fish finder or GPS on them and I cant stand fishing with out one.

I think the PA is a bit much for a starter yak unless you are 100% sure youre going to make it a big part of your life as it can be a burden at times. The Outback is great though I think Hobie needs to upgrade the seat, there are many options out there now with nice seats in its price range.

If I could get a slightly blemmed Malibu for 70% off Id jump on it and resale it then get a Hobie!

 

[skiptomyzoo]

I appreciate the reply and just curious you running the 12 or 14 (I would assume 14 for ocean but wondering). I've seen the PA's in person and am impressed by them but as I told the dealer at this point you are selling me more of a boat than a kayak. I really couldn't believe how big it was.

The weight and size however is why I have looked at the outbacks as while I will be storing it elsewhere (won't fit in apartment) and would like to have option to car top it from time to time. Also we have mother ships that run trips towards Mexico and some won't accept PA's due to the size.

The only reason I will keep it a contender is for some reason on used market the price difference between that, outbacks and revos isn't as large as you would expect vs. original msrps.

I think the Malibu is probably the right choice for now. Then when I figure out how much I like or don't like being on the water I can go from there.

Lastly, I am still impressed that you dropped everything moved and that it worked out for you.
Glad it did.

 

[lix.ma14]

wow you're allowed to keep the turtles if they're big enough?

 

[JD7.62]

I appreciate the reply and just curious you running the 12 or 14 (I would assume 14 for ocean but wondering). I've seen the PA's in person and am impressed by them but as I told the dealer at this point you are selling me more of a boat than a kayak. I really couldn't believe how big it was.

The weight and size however is why I have looked at the outbacks as while I will be storing it elsewhere (won't fit in apartment) and would like to have option to car top it from time to time. Also we have mother ships that run trips towards Mexico and some won't accept PA's due to the size.

The only reason I will keep it a contender is for some reason on used market the price difference between that, outbacks and revos isn't as large as you would expect vs. original msrps.

I think the Malibu is probably the right choice for now. Then when I figure out how much I like or don't like being on the water I can go from there.

Lastly, I am still impressed that you dropped everything moved and that it worked out for you.
Glad it did.

I have the PA14. The 12 is a waste IMO. Weight difference is negligible and price difference is only $100. The ONLY reason one should consider the 12 is if the 14 is too long to fit where youre going to store it. The 12 tracks horribly in following seas.

Hobies hold their value unbelievably well around here. We have a couple of big tournaments in the area with 150+ yakkers and Hobies are by far the most common kayak in the tournaments. We also just had the Boondoggle in our area this year, but unfortunately I could not attend due to having to run charters.

If youre going to be in big water covering tons of water, really seriously consider the Revo 13, they are great kayaks. The outback is more of a compromise between the PA and Revo. But, if youre one of those guys that likes to carry everything and the kitchen sink when you go fishing the outback would be the ideal choice.

Cant go wrong with a Malibu but most people around here end up upgrading to Hobies.

wow you're allowed to keep the turtles if they're big enough?

That was a joke. I volunteer with the turtle patrol sometimes too and Ive been lucky enough to dig up hatchling seaturtles, such a cool experience. I also rescued a 100 pound loggerhead this summer, getting that big boy in my kayak was NOT fun!