Traditionally, anglers wanting to fish from a kayak had only one means of propelling it and that meant paddling. It was an effective way of moving around without attaching an electric trolling motor, but could be physically exhausting for an angler without the upper body strength needed to go all day, long distances, and into strong winds or current. The Hobie MirageDrive addressed that issue by changing the source of the power from pulling to pushing. Yes it’s easier to push with your larger leg muscles than pull with the smaller arm muscles. You can also do it for a longer time allowing kayakers to travel lengthy distances to pristine shallow fishing locations that other boaters cannot venture into.

The power source behind to Hobie Mirage (www.hobiekayaks.com) series kayaks are a MirageDrive. A Hobie MirageDrive has two pedals mounted on levers ahead of the kayaker’s seat similar to an incumbent bicycle that are attached to powerful underwater fins. The fins are aerodynamically shaped allowing them to grab and push you forward with every pedal you make; in addition to inverting itself on the opposite backstroke eliminating drag. The fins are also designed not to drag when not being used or can be folded up flush against the kayak’s hull when not in use or running up on shore. A MirageDrive is installed by sliding the unit into its special truck area and locking in place with a Click and Go system. To remove the MirageDrive simply reverse the process.

The Hobie Mirage series kayaks features include molded carrying handles, large covered bow hatch, two piece paddle with fiberglass shaft, mesh cover stowage pocket, drink holder, rudder control, twist and seal hatch, mid-boat carrying handles, high-back padded seats with inflatable lumbar support, fishing rod holder, cargo area, and a twist and stow rudder. An option sail mount is available for the adventurous angler.

Anglers fishing out of a kayak are looking for specific features to help them get to their fishing locations to catch more fish. The most important would be the seat. Fishing from a kayak means anglers can be sitting for extended periods of time. A thick padded adjustable seat with a self-inflating lumbar will provide support on those long periods of fishing or pedaling. Large dry storage areas that can keep tackle and other equipment safe maybe the second most important; in addition to keeping their phones dry in case they need them in an emergency situation. Storage pockets are needed for putting lures, line clippers, Boca Grips, and snacks in. One feature often overlooked is a rudder. A rudder can be used to assist in directional movement along with fingertip steering without pedaling. Rudders can be engaged or disengaged with a retractable rudder system in most kayaks. Although not a feature, anglers need a lightweight paddle even with a pedal power kayak for additional maneuverability like pushing off boulders or super shallow areas.

Why fish from a kayak and not a boat? Fishing from a kayak takes the experience of fishing to a whole different level. Imagine going where no one else has fished; where there are no jet skis; where the only sounds you hear is Mother Nature. It sounds inviting and only requires a kayak and the initiative to finding a launch area.

Anglers only need to take the essentials when fishing from a kayak. The number of rods depends on where you are kayaking, rod holders, and if the kayak offers storage areas for fishing rods inside the hull. At the minimum, an angler should take two fishing rods in case one breaks. An angler can go overboard with how much fishing tackle they bring. Try limiting it if possible. Take some topwater lures for early morning and late evening, mid-depth lures like crankbaits or lipless crankbaits for fishing structure or suspending fish and soft plastic lures that can be dragged along the bottom or pitched to cover.

Fishing from a kayak has evolved from obscurity to mainstream with the demand for vessels that are easy to store, maintain, and cost thousands of dollars less than fiberglass or even aluminum boats. An angler can just fish out a kayak for fun or join in with the hundreds of kayak tournaments that are being held nationwide.

The Hobie Mirage Series is available in 10 different models including Sport, Outback, Rev II, Rev 13, Outfitter, Oasis, Adventure, Adventure Island, Tandem Island, and Pro Angler. It’s also available in an inflatable series. The inflatable Hobies come in 9-, 12-, and 14-foot. Both series have single and tandem models.

Tradition is being put aside, now its pedal power for the new generation of kayak anglers. The Hobie Mirage series of kayaks are stable, comfortable, and have features that anglers will fall in love with. Anglers can also customize their Hobie with any of the many accessories available making it the obvious choice when selecting a kayak to fish from.