I finally got to take out my 2017 Hobie Pro Angler 14 today for its maiden voyage. Everything worked great. I do have some kinks to work out, but the Kayak performed flawlessly. I used the new reverse drive often and it worked great. There is a learning curve to steering but after one day on the water I am getting the hang of it. I wish I had taken more pictures but today was a day of many firsts and when I fish I am all business so taking photos was not on my mind. I was was a little nervous. I am barely able to walk let alone lift heavy objects but I had a feeling based on what I have read and seen that I wouldn't have any trouble peddling. If you read my previous post about my bone spur surgery you should know I am on day 45 since my surgery. The fact that I was able to peddle all day for my 1st time says a lot about the Hobie Mirage Drive. I was not able to push it, but I often trolled at 2 MPH with very little effort. I was a little concerned when I 1st started because I had to peddle up current right off the bat. I am sure I looked a little clumsy initially as I got my bearings. Learning to steer, checking out my depth sounder, pulling rods out, adjusting my seat and Miragedrive pedels etc.
The Boonedox Landing gear worked great. I ran all day on a 15AH Duracell AGM battery hooked up to a Lowrance Elite TI 7. I used the sonar and structure scan all day. I still have a lot to learn but it worked great. I was seeing a lot of fish. Made me wonder what I was doing wrong. There were no contours for the small reservoir so I logged sonar and uploaded it to Insight Genesis. It will be neat to see my contours the next time I am at the reservoir.I heard there was a good chance for catching Stripers, but I only caught one small one. Caught a small Bass jigging a Hopkins spoon. Had one blow up on a Frog that I tried for the 1st time but it didn't stick. Tried several other lures and Senko's but the Hopkins was the only thing that produced all day. I was not expecting good fishing so I didn't mind. I was dying to get out on the water and had a great time.
I could not have done it though in my condition without help. My dad brought his small aluminum boat out along with a buddy of his and they helped load and unload the heavy Pro Angler. I mentioned as we were loading it, "Maybe I should have bought the 12 footer.". I am confident with some improvements and time to heal I will have no trouble loading and unloading solo in the near future. I have some 3" PVC pipe at home that I need to use to allow the Yak to ride high enough in the back of my Truck so that it can clear the large Lowrance transducer.
I need to center the battery and move some heavy stuff from the front hatch the back. The front and left side felt a little low. I could use more vertical Rod Holders. I was a little unorganized so I need to work on tackle management. I think I can improve on the location of the two Cabelas rod holders also with a little tweaking. I don't need them to set up so high I don't think. I plan on picking up a GoPro so I can record my adventures. Other than that I am good to go.
