Hobie Sport Fisherman Kayak Review

Answers by Barb Keeney

1. How long have been fishing the Sport?

4 months

2. Why did you choose this boat?

My back was giving me some trouble from paddling, so I tried the Hobie. No pain.

3. Have you owned other boats? Which? In what order? Discuss your
progression to the Sport.

Yes, the Prowler 15. I still love the Prowler and will use it sometimes for inshore fishing (when my son isn't using it), but I will use the Hobie for all bay fishing and some inshore.

4. What are the tradeoffs of this kayak?

Rods can't be stored under the deck, as the hatches are small and the pedal mechanism blocks the hull, leaving little room for storage. In chop, it slaps the water and sprays you. Landing in surf is a bit tricky - I'll have to practice this more. Also, the flippers get caught in surface kelp, even when they are folded up against the hull - either you have to remove them (which presents a problem of where to keep them), or avoid riding directly over heavy kelp beds.

5. What are the strengths of this kayak?

What are the strengths of this kayak? It's fast, lightweight, easy to transport and carry, doesn't hurt my back to pedal, and you can use your hands while you're moving. Trolling with the rod in hand works out much better for me than having to grab it from a rod holder. And you can use the pedals and rudder to stay in place with a strong current or wind.

Also, I can go much further and faster than with the Prowler, without tiring. (Legs are much more powerful than arms in my case, at least.) The paddle is readily accessible if you need/want to use it. The rudder makes steering easy. Wind does not affect my progress as much, and drifting too quickly is not a problem.

It's so small, it's easy to fish next to the docks without bumping into anything.

Another option, which I have not yet tried, is a sail. There is a fitting for a mast and sailing the Hobie should be fun.

6. What is the one thing that keeps it above the rest in your mind?

It's very cute

7. Anything else?

I saw a man on Mission Bay in a Hobie Sport on a lovely sunny day last November. He was pedalling along in front of Dana Landing, reading a newspaper and trolling with 2 rods in the rodholders, and a beer in the cupholder. I had to laugh - you just can't look THAT relaxed on a regular kayak.

Read another Hobie Sport review: Review 1 - Review 2