OK here’s what I’m looking at. Time for me to upgrade my yak. Right now I paddle a Perception Caster 12.5. It has served me well but I’m looking to upgrade as I do more Kayak fishing. One of the ones I’m looking at is the Hobie Mirage Revolution 13. I'm interested in opions from guys who run this yak. I was looking at the Pro Angler but cost and weight keep it out. I do plan on test driving several kayaks this spring.
OK on with the questions. Most of my fishing is sound and backwater for trout/red fish. The other is from the surf. Trolling and yakking out shark baits. Looking to see how you guys like the stability of the Revo going thru the surf and riding waves while trolling. Also how dry is the Revo? How is the stability? The Caster is wet as wet can be and I would like some thing a lot dryer. Basically you impressions of surf launching and fishing the ocean waves with it. Thanks guys for your input.
PS: who in the Raleigh area sells Hobie?

Before I get into this, remember you asked for opinions and they will vary. For perspective, I am just under 6 feet tall and weight about 240. I have a Hobie Revolution, an Outback and a Pro Angler. They are all excellent kayaks and each is the best for some particular person. I started with an Outback, changed to a Revolution, tried my best not to like the Pro Angler until I tried one and now have one. This past spring I got another Outback. Many people have negative opinions on the Pro Angler until they fish one, then their opinion changes dramatically.

While it is heavy and a bit awkward on land, there is nothing like a Pro Angler once in the water. In the water this boat does things you wouldn't think possible with its size and weight and does them well. I fish for kings and Spanish fairly frequently and my Pro Angler is my choice for launching and landing through the surf. It is absolutely rock-solid stable. I even surf it in at times. It also works well while fishing inside and is the ultimate in comfort when spending a day in the seat. There is ample room to easily carry any gear you desire.

The Revolution is an excellent kayak and is the quickest of the three. I added turbo fins for even better cruising speed and the AMA Kit for surf launches or standing to fish. I know some folks who do it, but I am concerned about surf launching and landing without them. For inside fishing it is excellent. I also duck hunt and am not comfortable jump shooting at odd angles from the Revolution. It has very good stability in most situations, but isn't quite as stable as the Outback and certainly not as stable as the Pro Angler. My plan was to sell my Revolution, but I like it for things like just going out for some exercise or to get out of the house and haven't brought myself to do it yet.

For my "small" kayak, I have gone back to the Outback. While not as quick as the Revolution, it is certainly no dog, esecially with the addition of Turbo Fins. The Outback is wider and more stable and I can carry it on someone else's roof racks when going duck hunting with them. I also believe I would launch and return through the surf without the AMA Kit.

The Raleigh dealer for Hobie is Great Outdoor Provision Company

I hope this helps. If you have other specific questions, just let me know.

Fishmonger.....I work at an "outfitters" in JAX, FL, and all that I can add is "Perfect Reply!!!"
JYJ

fishmonger what you said is what I've been reading. I like to hear it from people who own and use them so thanks for the reply. I have looked at the beam on the outback and love the extra 6" of width. Stable is something I really like. The Pro was a concern due to the fact that loading it by my self would be a pain. Thanks again for your reply that's the kind of info I was looking for.

The Revolution 13 is perhaps the one kayak that can "do it all." You can fish it in the ocean, lakes, ponds, rivers, shallow streams, etc. It paddles well (must leave the rudder down), pedals FAST and can be sailed. With Turbo ST fins, you can hit 7MPH in a sprint. Or, you can pedal all day at 3.5 or so.

The cockpit is very compact, but everything is well laid out and at hand. The boat has good stability (better secondary stability than the Outback) but the narrow width and good speed come at a price. You won't be standing in this boat unless your balance is exceptional.

Now having said all this, I own 8 or 9 kayaks, including an Outback and a ProAngler, but if I could only own one, it would be the Revolution 13.

_________________
Tom Kirkman
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You never hurt the resource when you return a fish to the water.

The fish you remove from the water today is one you can't catch again tomorrow.

Carry a camera - a photo of a fish lasts a lot longer than a fish does.

Did you see the one in the classifieds here?

I did. I'm looking at a newer model and in yellow.

I've owned a Revo for two years now and have fished from the Keys, Moquito Lagoon to the Long Island sound and The Great Lakes. Its stable, quick, forgiving and a great all around good platform for fishing or just paddleing around the pond. Turbo fins are a must as is the sailing rudder they really make a difference. There's a lot of good rides out there today but you won't go wrong with a Revo.

You can give my outback a spin at the tournament on saturday.

Thanks for the offer. I may just do that. Dave