Two Hobie H-rails run the length of the cockpit, making electronic or rod mounting a snap. In addition to a huge, water-tight bow hatch, you’ll find an extra-large cockpit hatch and a capacious stern well (with its own twist-off hatch). Highly adjustable, it offers multiple seat height options and the kind of all-day back-friendliness that every angler wants. The seating system is also perhaps the most comfortable option out there. And in shallow water, the blades fold on impact, keeping your propulsion system intact. Capable of turning through a full circle, the MirageDrive provides unrivaled control and maneuverability. The Pro Angler comes with Hobie’s amazing MirageDrive 360, a blade-powered pedal drive that’s probably the fastest, most efficient, and most robust option on the market. Easily the most stable kayak on our list, if you’re not worried about weight but are concerned about tipping, the Hobie might be the best bet. The Pro Angler 14 is plenty sea-worthy, and in swells or surf, estuaries or open water, it’s reassuringly stable and ready for sight fishing and fly casting. That’s a fact that’s hard to ignore, and I’d love to see Hobie get that weight down to a more reasonable level. At a whopping 120.5 pounds for the empty hull, this behemoth is going to be all but impossible for most anglers to handle by themselves when it’s time to remove or replace this ‘yak on a roof rack. There’s no questioning Hobie’s quality, and from a revolutionary drive system to a sleek, fast hull, the Pro Angler 14 demonstrates why this company is an industry leader.Īt 13 feet, 8 inches, the Hobie is the longest kayak on our short list, and it comes as no surprise that it’s also the heaviest. Removable, modular pods for customization.The seat is highly adjustable and very comfortable, too, proving that Vibe’s getting it right from bow to stern.įrankly, I’m a bit shocked at how much you get with the Shearwater for the price, and this is clearly a fantastic buy. Gear rails, bungee storage on the bow, a large well with a tight-sealing hatch at the stern, and two pre-mounted rod holders behind the seat make storage a snap. The X-drive is a powerful pedal drive that’s pretty easy on the wallet, especially when compared with the aftermarket options from Wilderness Systems.Īnd when paired with the ( included!) Rudder, the Vibe Shearwater tracks well, bucks currents, and handles just like you’d want it to. I love that versatility and customization. The pod system is ingenious as well, offering three options: a flat deck for fly anglers, a water-tight storage locker for gear hounds, or an aftermarket Vibe X-drive pod that gives you peal power. From tackle to essentials like pliers or a knife, there’s space for the stuff you need ready-to-hand. Storage options are plentiful, sophisticated, and particularly well-thought-out.Ī storage tray mounted under the seat is an idea every kayak manufacturer should adopt, and it’s far more useful in the real world than anything else I’ve ever seen. For anglers who like to stand, the Shearwater rivals the ATAK for an uncluttered, non-slip deck, and you’ll find textured padding everywhere you’d want it. And despite that, it’s the lightest on our list! Now, keep your expectation in check: it’s still 82 pounds, and loading and unloading from a car or SUV top will still take some doing for most anglers.īut that said, this ‘yak handles like a dream in the water and provides rock-solid stability. The hull is 12 feet, 6 inches long with plenty of beam to provide stability. A worthy competitor for any ‘yak on our shortlist, it’s probably the best buy in terms of performance to price ratio. Vibe’s Shearwater 125 is a slick-looking, ultra-capable kayak for inshore fishing. Motorīest Inshore Fishing Kayaks Reviewed Vibe Kayaks Shearwater 125 - Best Overall Inshore Fishing Kayak 2 What We Consider When Buying an Inshore Fishing Kayak. 1.3 Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 PDL.1.1 Vibe Kayaks Shearwater 125 - Best Overall Inshore Fishing Kayak.Vibe Kayaks Shearwater 125 - Best Overall Inshore Fishing Kayak.Quick glance at the best inshore fishing kayaks: Below, you’ll find reviews of some of the best kayaks on the market, as well as buying guide to get you up to speed quickly. If you’re in the market for an inshore fishing kayak, we’ve got you covered. You’ll need seaworthiness, speed, storage, and stability to spare - and combining all that will comfortable seating and easy electronics mounting is a tall order. The market for fishing kayaks is pretty crowded, and separating the ‘yaks that will deliver from those that disappoint isn’t as easy as it might seem, especially given the unique demands of saltwater fishing. Whether you work a salt flat for reds, ply the surf for blues, hunt shallows for flounder, or head out into the open water for monsters like tarpon, a capable kayak is a must. Inshore angling offers heart-pounding excitement.
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