Ready to take the plunge into yak fishing

[Sebb]

Like 4litres mentioned.
Have a look and do a thorough check.
Try to load and unload on off the trailer. So you get the feel how heavy and how long it takes to setup and pack up etc.
It's exciting but also isn't a cheap commitment. Make sure you're prepared.
I know some people who just in love straight away and others who gave up right away after first couple trips.
Meanwhile you can read up on weather conditions etc to go out on a yak.

[4liters]

Meanwhile you can read up on weather conditions etc to go out on a yak.

Early days yet as the long range forecasts are a bit iffy but that is looking like phenomenal weather at Torquay to paddle 40km and catch sfa again lol

[SteveoTheTiger]

If you have a bit of spare cash you can hire a kayak. When i was searching around for my kayak years ago there was a few stores that would let you try out a kayak and then take that cost off the price if you decide to buy it.

Unfortunately the two stores i looked at are not there any more i dont think. One was near Southland and the other was on the Hwy at Seaford.

There are other places where you can hire.. my mate used to hire one at the boatshed at Sandringham harbour. Im not sure if they are still there or if they open over winter. But certainly worth checking out.

[Bear123]

OK another question - does anyone know if you can upgrade the older style seat in the Hobie Outback’s to a ‘metal’ seat? (Ie 2014 outback to one of the ‘high’ metal seats)?
Cheers

[mazman]

OK another question - does anyone know if you can upgrade the older style seat in the Hobie Outback’s to a ‘metal’ seat? (Ie 2014 outback to one of the ‘high’ metal seats)?
Cheers

Not to an actual vantage seat, there are a few seat upgrades kicking around but I would definitely recommend just getting a 2015 or later outback when you see one available. I'm also not 100% sure on the timeline of things but the older models may not be lowrance ready which makes installing sounders and especially those with side imaging much easier

[Bear123]

thanks Mazman

OK another question - does anyone know if you can upgrade the older style seat in the Hobie Outback’s to a ‘metal’ seat? (Ie 2014 outback to one of the ‘high’ metal seats)?
Cheers

Not to an actual vantage seat, there are a few seat upgrades kicking around but I would definitely recommend just getting a 2015 or later outback when you see one available. I'm also not 100% sure on the timeline of things but the older models may not be lowrance ready which makes installing sounders and especially those with side imaging much easier

[Tim399]

I don’t know about the outback’s, but I have a pre vantage seat model PA, and I fitted a boat seat to it very easily. Keeps me dry and comfortable enough for long sessions.

[happyfriggincamper]

4litres definitely knows his kayak stuff, as does seb.

As someone who recently bought a kayak (without testing it on water before buying) shorthand of how that process for choosing went.

- started by focusing down on the types of fishing I knew I was realistically going to do on it over a 3-5 year period (for me that was impoundments, rivers and safe condition bay fishing)
- did tons of (general) research on YouTube and forums to figure out all the key considerations for the intended fishing and price point balance to narrow down kayak options (like all the points raised here)
- once I had 2-3 options to buy, did more research on those specific models

Ended up buying a Native Watercraft Slayer 10 Propel and very happy so far

Just a minor update/whinge about the slayer 10 - the closed storage sucks! The front hatch has a rubber cover which is fiddly vs a rigid hatch with hinges/lock and the back "phone" storage is barely deep enough to fit an old Nokia. If closed storage is a big need for you, this element of the slayers sucks! Luckily I don't need to store much so I can work around it.

[Bear123]

It’s done! I am now the proud owner of a Hobie PA14 and off-road trailer - a bloody great price ($4k)!!!!
Now I just need some clothing etc and hopefully I’ll be out there soon!!
In regards to PFDs - I was just going to get a manual inflation one from Anaconda/BCF - anything wrong with that? Or do I have to get a special fishing one?
Thanks again for all the advice

[Sebb]

It’s done! I am now the proud owner of a Hobie PA14 and off-road trailer - a bloody great price ($4k)!!!!
Now I just need some clothing etc and hopefully I’ll be out there soon!!
In regards to PFDs - I was just going to get a manual inflation one from Anaconda/BCF - anything wrong with that? Or do I have to get a special fishing one?
Thanks again for all the advice

Congrats!
Good price too, $4k with the lot.

PFD has ratings for diff water, do a quick Google search and you'll understand pretty quickly.

Then decide if you want the old school PFD or auto inflate etc.
I like the old school PFD. Less things to worry, such as checking and replacing the gas thing.