Maiden Voyage on my 2017 Hobie Pro Angler 14 Finally!

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.