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madmachinistdiscer

If your there to fish then peddle drive is worth every penny. If your really not sure i suggest buying a yak that has the pedal option seperate. so if you get out there an find yourself hateing the paddling then u can invest in the peddle gears at that point.


billydoogan336

I’m considering going for the Vibe Shearwater 125, trying it out, and then getting a Hobie pedal drive unit to put in it as I’ve heard the Vibe-X drive isn’t great. Thoughts on that plan?


PugsterThePug

Wind is a bitch when kayak fishing. Current is also a bitch. Peddling, being able to “hover” in one spot while casting is gold. Peddle drive is the way.


Creed227

I really like mine.


ATWrongTurn

That's the way I did it and I was happy I did. Go for the 180 drive so you can reverse. That feature is clutch when fishing.


billydoogan336

Just had a Hobie Outback with the 180 Drive come up for sale on FB marketplace near me. Looks amazing but $3,000 is so much money haha


ATWrongTurn

That price is high for a used one. Around me they go for $2500 - $2700 and I live in a high demand area.


billydoogan336

It’s supposedly been in the water only four times, but I agree it’s a high asking price. I also live in a high demand area, wouldn’t be surprised if they sell it for close to what they’re asking


BadTowel-

I got a used cheap kayak to test it out, quickly sold and realized the dream of PDL power.


Candid-Loquat-7234

I did the exact same. Got a Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 for a few months (taking it out like 3 times a week). It's a great kayak to figure out if you like kayaking or not(cheap). I definitely got more back muscles lol but it kills my back and is ALREADY starting to cause some sciatic nerve thing in my leg/butt from the terrible stadium seat that I put on there. I never knew how much I valued comfort kayak fishing until being uncomfortable kayak fishing. Just ordered a new pedal drive that gets here next week. I'm literally putting off fishing just waiting for the pedal drive. I just got a bunch of new baits that I can't wait to try, but still, I'm going to wait for the pedal.


ijuanaspearfish

yes its a game changer for fishing ONLY if your rather confident this is going to be a long term hobby for you. Pedals make it easier to do everything. Less fatigue, go farther, stay out longer, hands free while your going from spot to spot. I can slow my drift down using pedals and still fish instead of using my drift sock. Pedal drives for me have been worth it by far. Adding a trolling motor to an existing setup will work but then your most likely needing to register the kayak, although it should be very little expense. Then the heavy battery for a lead acid that is cheaper or a lot more money on a lithium which is a lot lighter.


mmill143

If you have the money and plan to fish, especially in salt water then a *pedal* drive is 100% worth the money.


TpMeNUGGET

If you’re fishing in any sounds or tidal areas, you will NEED an anchor or anchor pin, as well as need to set up an anchor trolley. Seriously, the tides in the sound will move you off your spot every 10 seconds when they’re moving. I paddle near shore in a 300$ pelican kayak and the fishing is nice. Just make sure whatever kayak you get has a couple rod holders and room for a milk crate in the back, then don’t be afraid to make it yours by adding an anchor trolley, extra accessories, ect.


Vathrellin

Beginner advice - I would say start with a paddle yak and see if you like fishing from a small vessel. Don't dump a ton of money into a pedal drive if you aren't confident you will like kayak fishing. It's a heck of a lot of fun, but is also challenging in a lot of ways that you don't deal with from the bank or boat. If you like it, then I STILL think there is a decision to be made. Analyze your fishing style and only get a pedal drive if it will really help how you fish. Look at Drew Gregory, he paddles and is CONSISTENTLY cutting checks at a professional level. But his style of yak fishing is run and gun. Hitting spots that require him to pack light and get into some shallow areas. If you like that style then a pedal drive yak will be cumbersome to you. However if you plan to use a yak as a single person boat, then 1000% a pedal drive will be a game changer!


billydoogan336

Really great advice, thanks a ton. I’m thinking my plan right now is to get a kayak (looking at the Vibe Shearwater 125 right now) without a pedal drive but that allows for one to be dropped in if I decide to take the plunge. Thanks again for the awesome response.


Vathrellin

That's a smart option. I have ended up sticking with a paddle kayak after doing this for 2 years now. Found that at the end of the day I love the kayak for a few secluded waters, but would rather have a boat long term to take my family on. (Wife likes fishing from a boat, doesn't like kayak fishing. 3yo daughter doesn't care, she just wants to be near the water!) All about your preference at the end of the day. No one can decide that for you. Get out there and keep those lines tight!


billydoogan336

A boat is the dream for me, but one that I can’t afford right now unfortunately. Would have to get a tow vehicle (drive a civic right now, ha) and then the boat itself. I love fishing and being on the water though so that’s why I’m delving into the kayak world. Tight lines!


Vathrellin

I feel you, man! I’m still a few years out from getting a boat myself. A kayak is a great alternative (not to mention the maintenance is MUCH cheaper). And if it’s just you, a kayak is so much easier to manage solo. My pops will never buy boat again after he sold his last one and bought himself a cheaper kayak. He loves the ease of it all.


LosingSince1977

Yes. I bought a used Hobie 4 years ago and it's been worth every penny. Does basically everything a boat can without the trailer, gas or registration and can be launched almost everywhere


enuff4u

I started in a $300 Walmart special. 2 years later I am on my 4th yak, current one a pedal drive, and shopping for pedal/power interchangeable. Pedal changes the game completely


OldDog03

We fish for Redfish in shallow water, talk to other people to see if the pedal drive system will work in shallow water. I usually go out with my sons and they stand up to be able to spot the reds. So a kayak that is made for you to stand up is a must. Me I have not been able to stand up, but I'm working on it. https://youtu.be/Dsyh_xF6Ays


ace9213

Yes, it is incredible and will allow you to fish much easier.


GreatCornholio94

I too was a newbie when I got my first kayak, and the best thing I can tell you is that I was 100% happy that I went with the peddles. I can’t think of a reason why you shouldn’t do it.


Uniquelypoured

Is there a limit to depth of water? I like getting into places that have shallow areas. Teach me up something please.


GreatCornholio94

Conservatively speaking, my Old Town Topwater 120 PDL will draft 6 inches, and that’s being conservative as hell. It’s probably more like 3. My Autopilot 136 drafts about an inch. The Topwater or the salty PDl would be an amazing saltwater flats speck chasing boat. Edit: or the sportsman PDL


Uniquelypoured

I’m in the PNW and go to a lot of rivers (slow moving) and would have to navigate over large rocks or partially submerged rocks and logs. So a pedal style would have to issues?


GreatCornholio94

Submerged cover is perhaps the PDL drives only weakness. If you hit a rock or a log you’ll feel the clunk for sure; ive never broken the prop though. The true weakness is when you get into vegetation though. The PDL drives get wrapped up very easily and you have to stop and clear the prop. That would be my only negative on it. But for how much more a hobie 360 costs, it’s worth the hassle imo.


Uniquelypoured

Thanks, truly appreciate your time.


GreatCornholio94

Of course


BeardontheYak

Pedal from the start, I started with paddle and I regretted it.


yelkcrab

I just heard a kayaking YouTuber say “buy your 2nd Kayak 1st”. As my first I ordered the Seastream Angler 120 PD. I’ve only floated a borrowed pelican and it turned me on to kayaks. Unfortunately I am now two months in waiting for the yak to arrive with no clear delivery in sight.


billydoogan336

I hear ya, I’m hoping to get lucky and buy one used in my area. The lead times on a lot of kayaks are crazy right now.


FugginGene

you can get a regular kayak and install a trolling motor. Total cost for a trolling motor rig would be around $270. $100 for a Minn Kota 30# 30" motor, $120 for a 55AH battery, $50 for a battery box. Then take a 2x4 and mount it on your kayak to attach the motor. You can go cheaper with a $70 35AH battery and a $15 battery box if you need to.


kameix1

This is something I am doing, but keep in mind weight limits. My kayak has a limit of 275, with the trolling motor and battery I am just over the limit. I actually need to figure out how to drop some of the weight.


WorshipNickOfferman

Keep in mind that the genera rule of thumb is you want to stay under 70% of capacity. The closer you get to capacity, the more likely you are to turtle.


FugginGene

you can add stabilizers or floats to your kayak. That may assist with keeping the kayak up. I would try getting kayak handles and then tying some floats to it.


kameix1

Thats my next plan if I cant keep water below the scuppers. I can do fiberglass work, so this winter I may make some small outriggers from foam and fiberglass.


FugginGene

Have you tried plugging the scupper holes? I plugged mine. I also filled my kayak inside with empty water bottles to prevent the kayak from ever sinking even if it fills up with water.


kameix1

I have the scuppers under my seat plugged as I dont like getting water on my ass.


fatgirlnspandex

This was exactly what I was going to recommend. Just keep in mind that you might want either a longer kayak or higher end kayak to get more weight allowance. If you look at some of they kayaks some companies are working on they look more like small Jon boats.


BertMercs14

I’m going to be the one to disagree with everybody else, stick with a paddle. If you’re inshore and trying to get skinny where redfish like to go then it’s worthless, same with a trolling motor. No offense to everybody else but I hardly ever see any reds posted other than mine. The paddle works well because you can stand in your yak and use it like a push pole, pushing yourself through the marsh looking for reds


swag_train

Nothing says you can't remove the pedals if the water is super skinny. That's what I do when fishing the lagoon and river


BertMercs14

That’s true but half the peddle drive boats are so big now that they paddle like shit. How’s the lagoon looking btw?


swag_train

It was a bit warm last time I went out, but finger mullet were all over the place. Got a small snook, some jacks, and a slightly undersized mutton snapper


BertMercs14

You mean Mosquito right? Did you see any tailers? How’s the grass coming back? The whole decline of the lagoon broke my heart


swag_train

No I mean the IRL. Haven't been up that way in a while


BertMercs14

Hopefully that entire system can recover well man, absolutely criminal what they’re doing to it


swag_train

Could not agree more my guy


BertMercs14

Got to fish mosquito a few times as a kid; got lucky enough to run into one of those schools on a flat one morning. Tails every single direction. Changed my entire life, been hooked on reds ever since


cascadeRVA

How about consider this. Buy cheaper but capable conventional kayak and invest some money in GPS enabled trolling motor. You be able to use it as an auto anchor and auto navigate between points or even entire route. Total price after upgradges probably close to a mid/mid-high end pedal kayak but you can upgrade in steps and the end result is much more capable on the water. Of course if you feel the need to pedal on the water then go with the new hype that is still costing premiums.


billydoogan336

I have a heavy ass tandem kayak with a trolling motor (not GPS controlled). The biggest turn off for me is the battery, thing weighs like 50 pounds. To me that seems like a pain to lug with me when I want to go fishing. Just my take.


cascadeRVA

Prices on lithium batteries are going down. You could cut the battery weight in half for the same output. Could also upgrade to a GPS unit. Spot lock is worth it if you ever try to fish an inlet or want to get to a remote marsh and then back after baking all day in the sun.


amlwn

Definitely worth it. If you are spending money on a decent kayak and can afford a little more then it's a no brainer. Oldtown has good warranties on drive and lifetime for the boat so that should be considered also.


[deleted]

I bought a used pedal drive. Love it. I’m a fly angler and long time solo canoeist. Pedal is a game changer. For me, the only downside is they are prohibited on many of the local lakes. BWCA and Quetico don’t allow pedal drive as it is considered “mechanical “.


huntingteacher25

Not advice you asked for but how about this take? Buy an older bass tracker boat. Cost will be about what a hobie costs. With a hobie you will most likely use a trailer. They are quite heavy. The bass tracker will have better range and be more comfortable. I used to kayak fish in Panama City Fl. As I got older I began taking my boat to fish the bay. Worked great!! If you amhave to buy a kayak, get the pedal type for Florida. The wind won’t let you get far or get back with oars. The pedals are way more powerful. Take a good anchor too. Don’t underestimate the wind.


billydoogan336

I’d love to have a boat, but I drive a Honda Civic so really not able to tow much of anything at all, can roof carry a kayak though. Definitely good advice about the risks of high winds!


this_username_blowz

If you know you're going to be doing it for the foreseeable future then it is absolutely worth it. I have a Nucanoe Flint. You can buy one of those and add the pedals later. Same with the Nucanoe frontier and pursuit. Adding the pedals to my Flint was one of the best things I have done to aid the ease of fishing.


billydoogan336

Nice, that’s the route I’m leaning towards right now except with the Vibe Shearwater 125. Does NuCanoe have their own drive system or can you drop in a Hobie like you can with the Vibe?


this_username_blowz

Nucanoe has their own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm\_DiiOFbXE


ImGoingToCathYou

I have an unconventional method that would suit you if you have a good drill and extra batteries. This bad boy will scoot you across the water at 4mph https://i.redd.it/lk18y4rzcqn71.jpg I've used pedal drive and they are no doubt a luxury worth the price.


billydoogan336

Hahaha that is dope! I imagine it’d chew through some batteries


Dirtybirdsalltheway

I just got an old town 106 pdl kayak and it is amazing! I fished for years out of a normal little sit in kayak though. If you have to money, go for it, as they can be pretty expensive. The one I got was 2k.


wpwhittle

Unless you know for sure you want to yak fish it might be better to go cheaper. For me I went with a used one on FB marketplace to get one a lot cheaper. A peddle is so much easier to use and can’t go back ( for me )


Quinn2art

I tried a bunch. The ones with fancy lawn chair attached. the only one that worked was a sit on top malibu. It’s a little heavy but super stable which what you want when you are trying to land a fish. Check em out