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Demoed some kayaks today (Update: Just bought a used Outback)

Posted on 6/11/16 at 3:45 pm
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 3:45 pm
Outback, PA Angler 12, KC, and the Ride 135. They all had something to offer, but I'm going to get the Outback. It wasn't too heavy, it was fast and maneuverable. The PA to me took a while to get going and just seemed like too much kayak for my liking. I really had fun and regret not getting one sooner.
This post was edited on 6/12/16 at 2:17 pm
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10748 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 4:14 pm to
Nice choice

What did you think about the KC and Ride?
Posted by upgrayedd
Lifting at Tobin's house
Member since Mar 2013
134865 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 4:19 pm to
Where did you demo?
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 5:46 pm to
Sugar Mill Pond in Youngsville. The Backpacker was there. They'll be in BR tomorrow.
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 6:02 pm to
The Ride was quick and paddled well. The KC just isn't for me, but would probably suit the hard core marsh fisherman quite well.
Posted by AutoYes_Clown
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Oct 2012
5176 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 6:24 pm to
Congrats. You might be the first in kayak research history to do as recommended.


IMO:

PA 14 (yea I know you did the 12) = best overall fishing kayak (transporting not a factor)
Outback = best overall fishing kayak (transporting a factor)
KC = best kayak platform for trolling motor
Ride 135 = best paddling fishing kayak

The only thing you missed was Slayer Propel vs Hobie Outback.

...now for mods. Use the Backpacker discounts to put on anchor trolley and sailing rudder. I'm still debating a square hatch.

This post was edited on 6/11/16 at 11:58 pm
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 6:38 pm to
So upgrading to the bigger rudder is a must? What about the H-Bar?
Posted by AutoYes_Clown
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Oct 2012
5176 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 6:43 pm to
quote:

So upgrading to the bigger rudder is a must?


It's a cheap mod and drastically improves turning radius and performance. The only draw back is that it's longer and won't go in as shallow water but you can cut/grind the tip off to make it shorter so it's not an issue. I run mine without being cut off.

quote:

What about the H-Bar?


How big (and old) of a baw are you? I think it's useless for the general population. Honestly, you probably won't be standing as much as you think you will. The Outback is designed to slowly move along via constant pedaling. Covering ground (sitting) and fishing hands free is it's forte.
Posted by Mark Makers
The LP
Member since Jul 2015
2336 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 6:59 pm to
You should demo the Native Propel before buying an outback!! Not that the outback is a bad choice by any means, but try both first.

ETA: My dad bought a Hobie PA12 recently and wanted the H-Bar for helping him stand. Now that he has one, he is glad he got it for free and didn't pay $200+ for it. He says it gives you a false sense of security, just because your holding onto the bar doesn't make it easier to balance. If you are just looking for something to help you go from sitting to standing, hook a rope or a strap to your front handle and pull on that. Much cheaper.
This post was edited on 6/11/16 at 7:10 pm
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 7:21 pm to
Yeah I was wanting the H-Bar for standing and sight fishing. Of course the demo didn't have one.
Posted by zx24
Member since May 2014
462 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 11:06 pm to
The outback is a good choice. I bought the PA14 last year and have really enjoyed the kayak. The folks at the Backpacker are great and will get you what you need.
Posted by BobABooey
Parts Unknown
Member since Oct 2004
14285 posts
Posted on 6/11/16 at 11:36 pm to
Congratulations on your choice. I know a guy with an Outback and he really likes it. I'm new to kayak fishing so I learn a little more each trip. Like others have said, I haven't felt the need to stand yet. Also, I lost a lot of fish early on because I guess I wasn't feeling safe enough to really set the hook but that has changed.

You might want to get a handheld paddle to make small adjustments, especially backwards.

Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 9:11 am to
I just assumed standing from time to time would be important. I'm surprised at all of the people who don't actually do it.
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7377 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 9:20 am to
I stand quite a bit. I use an 8' park n pole as a push pole and scoot around that way. Still haven't found a good way to hold my rod though.
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
81640 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 10:57 am to
It's funny-fishing in my boat, I don't even bring a seat. In a yak, I never want to stand.
Posted by Mark Makers
The LP
Member since Jul 2015
2336 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:27 pm to
I stand and fish alot in my kayak as long as it's not too windy. If it's windy then i staying seated so I can use my pedals to control my boat.

When I am trying to site fish, I will stand and pedal my propel drive with one hand and hold my rod with the other.
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 2:19 pm to
I just found a slightly used Outback with Sail rudder, vest, cart, Native Fish bag, ruler, and anchor. All for $2000! Pics to come.
Posted by nahtanojc
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
980 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 2:26 pm to
2015 or newer?

They were redesigned (for the better) in 2015

Congrats on the plastic!

Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 4:21 pm to
It's a 2015. He posted it on facebook and 15 minutes later I bought it. He actually only lived 10 minutes down the road from me in Youngsville.




This post was edited on 6/12/16 at 4:24 pm
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26453 posts
Posted on 6/12/16 at 4:22 pm to
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