Adventure as a fishing platform

After paying the extortion monies Uncle Sam demanded of me this year I finally have the $ to purchase my second kayak and have my eye on an Adventure. Due to other obiligations (and depending if the yellow bit is WFO) I probably will not have the opportunity to test peddle one for about three weeks or so. I would appreciate input (plus or minus) on the Adventure as a fishing platform on the big water. I do not mind a wet ride. After all kayaking is a watersport no matter what you are doing on it and if you don't like to get wet... you might as well stay home.

The only thing I would have to compare it to is a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 which I think is a good yak but I have seen guys being mobile with their rod in their hand and have been kind of jealous.

Noticed minimal area to mount equipment like FF, rod holders, etc. Any photos of equipment mounting would be FANTASTIC!

Looking forward to becoming part of the Hobie family.

If your fishing "big water" get the Big A.

It's a fishing machine.

See some pics of pelagics at:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=3522

Some other guys have posted some nice fish pics in that forum also.

The Big A eats wind, chop, and swell for breakfast. It's easy to get in and out of. And has great secondary stability.

Unfortunately there is no small sail for you. But you can buy the AI add on kit later if you don't spring for it now.

Sailing is a great way to cover more ground, and make the wind your friend rather than the enemy.

Here's some stuff I have been out in. (OK I was desperate-some D#@! PB had radioed he was under attack by stripped marlin and I went out to get me one). Thatk you Mirage Drive for getting me back.

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Joe,
The Adventure is a great fishing platform for "big water" and the Mirage Drive gives you a great advantage over most fishing kayaks. I've had mine a bit over a year now and it hasn't been in fresh water yet so I have a bit of experience in big water from Carmel to Shelter Cove and I think it is "the best" choice for the kind of ocean fishing I do. I have one rod holder mounted up front and five behind me (3 on my crate and the 2 built in ones) plus my fish finder and my GPS, so I can't think of another thing I want to mount. From what you mentioned, I can't think of another kayak that would be better for you. Where are you located in California?

You can use the small sail on the Adventure. You just can't use one AFTER it has been converted to the AI because of the small sail mast step is replaced by the larger one.

Thanks for the Input guys. The Adventure sure seems like the way to go. I have read many of Aloha Dan's posts and they have been informative.

Dan - I saw your picture for the first time on that link and for some reason I had pictured you a 30 something of Polynesian decent. Looks like you are retired and dig kayak fishing. Hope I can emulate that life in So Cal in aobut 15 years or so.

I do not know how to sail (yet) but I can discuss this with the Hobie dealer as a possibility for later. Would probably learn this on a nearby lake otherwise I may be visiting Dan whether or not that had been my plan.

Windrider - I am located in Western Riverside County near Temecula. It takes me 61 minutes to get to La Jolla. No traffic that time in the morning.

Roadrunner - I geuss I will have to find a dealer that knows about fishing and sailing to discuss the differnce between the Adventure and the AI. Went to the dealer nearby and the guy working the shop was a nice enough guy but knew little about fishing from a yak. Kept trying to steer me to other products.

Anyway...thanks alot for your input. I need to find a place to test peddle one of these soon. Will post on this thread after I do and give some comparisons to the WS 120.