[Crikey]

Thought that I would post a few pics of my Mirage Classic. With the upsurge in popularity of the Hobies especially the dedicated fishing versions I thought it would be good to see what started the revolution.

Does it fish well? you bet I actually prefer it to my Mirage Sport which is probably going to be passed on shortly. Might trade up to a Revolution once they come into the country once I have had the chance to test drive one. Yes that is a downrigger and fishfinder on it.

If there is any interest in a quick change FF install will post instructions for this as the unit has to be swapped between the 2 yaks, used the same basic install for both Hobies.

 

[Crikey]

Gatesy,

Bought the downrigger at BCF on the Gold Coast, $149, including the deck mount a 3lb bomb and release clip. I had already mounted the deck fitting on that position for a Scotty rod holder, it was as far aft as I could reach from the forward hatch to put a backing plate on the hull.

I have used "nutserts" for a lot of the fastenings on the hull but would not risk it for a high load application especially if there were $$$$$'s worth of rods in the holder.

I am much happier with the Classic hull form than the Sport which is a bit of a tub in comparison but saying that the Sport's increased stability is a real confidence boost in the early days on the water. I will really have a good look at the Revolution when it comes out here. I see my evolution in yaking, if the Revolution combines the practicality of the Sport and hull form (performance on the water) of the Classic then I could be back to a single boat.

The Classic suits me at the moment, the mods I have done to it have created a good fishing platform, through life I have tended to over complicate things in the pursuit of improvement, the Classic is a step backwards in terms of complication, a paradigm.

In 2 days (3 hours water time) over the long weekend brought more fish into the Classic than I have done in a years worth of trips in the Sport. I dont think it was the yak so much as it's inability to allow me to take everything including the kitchen sink along for the ride and loose sight of why I was out there. Took a handful of HB lures out on the Classic stuck to a game plan and it all came together, found a Salmon school on the first day and a tailor school on the second. C&R all fish with the exception of a tailor and I can say with a hand on my heart I lost count of the fish I landed during that time. Might not rate in terms of catch of the day but in terms of a shake down for the yak nothing can beat bringing a lot of fish to the boat to fine tune your techniques etc.

 

[Peril]

Lloyd, I think its great that you are thinking so carefully about your fishing experience and reaping rewards. Would be good to read more about your progress.

I suppose I'm a little surprised at where you've positioned the downrigger. Does the line from the rod come forward and get in the way of your paddling or does the bomb drag back far enough for this not to be a problem?

 

[Crikey]

Dave,

Both of the Hobies have Mirage drives and I very rarely paddle them, so the rod holders etc were positioned for best access.

Yak fishing has been a bit of an eye opener, I have been fishing for 40+ years so that side of things was not an issue, combining the fishing with the kayak has been a steep learning curve. Not surprisingly the whole experience has benefited by going back to the basics, more simple set-ups and less gear.

 

[Dodge]

A very nice rig Lloyd, and for me the Classic has beautiful traditional lines and had not ever seen one before

 

[Angles]

Very tidy Loyd,
Let me know if and when you decide to upgrade to a revolution and want to sell the classic - my father is in the market for a Hobie classic (he likes the idea of peddles too) and he is finding it hard to find a second hand one. Seems people like to hold on to their hobies
:wink:
Phil.

 

[Angles]

Hi Loyd - just a question re the sport versus the classic. How does the classic compare with the sport as far as paddling - is there much in it in drag and tracking :?: Hope you don't mind me asking (hijacking your thread) but you own both so your input would be greatly appreciated :wink: PM me if you do not wish to change thread. Thanks

Also would love to see the pics of your fishfinder install some time :wink:
Phil