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Time to get this discussion/argument fired up. For a long time I have been pro paddle and I still think I am to a sense.
First let me talk about the advantages of paddling. Much lighter, simpler, less expensive kayak with less stuff to tear up and worry about. Much better in a marsh or other extremely shallow water or anywhere where you are paddling over submerged junk. More cockpit and deck space and i'm not sure how you would manage busting through the surf without a rod pod to keep those high dollar rod and reels from getting drenched with sand and salt if you turtle which will most certainly happen. Paddle kayaks are more maneuverable and I feel a better option for being tight to structure sheepshead fishing or even trying to stay directly over a brush pile crappie fishing.
Now the advantages of peddle fishing. The big one is Speed. The Hobie Revo and Outback are very fast kayaks and are right at home covering huge distances even when against current and wind. Hands free fishing. If you fish inshore saltwater you are dealing with wind of some sort almost every time you go out. It would be very nice to keep fishing while maintaining a slow peddling cadence against the wind without having to anchor or reposition between every cast. These kayaks also allow you to troll while holding the rods and at higher speeds as the hobie mirage drive puts out some serious torque for dragging big baits for pelagics or multiple rods inshore that would start to bog down a paddler. People say with a peddle kayak you are utilizing your legs which have stronger muscle than your arms and back. While this may be true I feel its a 2 way street. I think you are able to go at 100% for longer with a paddle kayak due to the fact that your muscles in your legs are so big they exhaust your entire body faster. Think of it this way. For those that have ever lifted weights, Squats are much more exhausting than bicep curls or lateral pull downs.
Now for you kayakers out there which do you prefer?? I especially want to hear from those that have went from paddle to peddle and what do you feel are the biggest advantages either way? Like I said I have been mostly pro paddle kayak but lately I have been feeling attracted to the 2015 Hobie Outback. For high current or windy conditions it would have to be sweet but I have some hang ups with peddle yaks to overcome yet lol.
First let me talk about the advantages of paddling. Much lighter, simpler, less expensive kayak with less stuff to tear up and worry about. Much better in a marsh or other extremely shallow water or anywhere where you are paddling over submerged junk. More cockpit and deck space and i'm not sure how you would manage busting through the surf without a rod pod to keep those high dollar rod and reels from getting drenched with sand and salt if you turtle which will most certainly happen. Paddle kayaks are more maneuverable and I feel a better option for being tight to structure sheepshead fishing or even trying to stay directly over a brush pile crappie fishing.
Now the advantages of peddle fishing. The big one is Speed. The Hobie Revo and Outback are very fast kayaks and are right at home covering huge distances even when against current and wind. Hands free fishing. If you fish inshore saltwater you are dealing with wind of some sort almost every time you go out. It would be very nice to keep fishing while maintaining a slow peddling cadence against the wind without having to anchor or reposition between every cast. These kayaks also allow you to troll while holding the rods and at higher speeds as the hobie mirage drive puts out some serious torque for dragging big baits for pelagics or multiple rods inshore that would start to bog down a paddler. People say with a peddle kayak you are utilizing your legs which have stronger muscle than your arms and back. While this may be true I feel its a 2 way street. I think you are able to go at 100% for longer with a paddle kayak due to the fact that your muscles in your legs are so big they exhaust your entire body faster. Think of it this way. For those that have ever lifted weights, Squats are much more exhausting than bicep curls or lateral pull downs.
Now for you kayakers out there which do you prefer?? I especially want to hear from those that have went from paddle to peddle and what do you feel are the biggest advantages either way? Like I said I have been mostly pro paddle kayak but lately I have been feeling attracted to the 2015 Hobie Outback. For high current or windy conditions it would have to be sweet but I have some hang ups with peddle yaks to overcome yet lol.
