Is The Hobie Outback The Best Fishing Kayak For You?

Is the Hobie Outback the best fishing kayak for you?

By Ron Strauss, President of the Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association.

I’ve watched the growth of kayak fishing in Minnesota for over 15 years. In that time, there is one kayak that has been very popular with MN Kayak Anglers, the Hobie Mirage Outback. For many kayak anglers that want a premium, pedal drive kayak, it’s not too big…it’s not too small…it’s just right for a large segment of kayak anglers and how they use their fishing kayak.

Is the Hobie Outback the right fishing kayak for you? This comprehensive guide will show you the features and benefits of the Hobie Outback that make it a popular choice.

With its innovative design and state-of-the-art features, the Hobie Outback Fishing Kayak is built to optimize your fishing experience. It boasts a stable hull that cuts through the water with ease, allowing you to navigate and get to even the trickiest of fishing spots. The comfortable seating and ample storage make long days on the water a breeze, while the versatile accessory mounting options provide endless possibilities for customizing your kayak to suit your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, the Hobie Outback Fishing Kayak has impressive features you’ll love!

Hobie Outback Mirage Drive — Outback MirageDrive

Features and specifications of the Hobie Outback Fishing Kayak

These specs are important to consider when determining if the Hobie Outback is a good fit for you.

LENGTH: 12′ 9″. This makes it stable and ready for rough water. Consider if it will fit where you need to store it.
WIDTH: 34″. Wider kayaks tend to be more stable. The Outback is very stable.
CAPACITY: 425 LBS. Maximum weight that can be carried. Fully loaded with you, your gear, the drive and seat…everything you’ll have on board.
VANTAGE CTW SEAT CAPACITY: 275 LB. Maximum weight the seat is designed to carry.
FITTED HULL WEIGHT: 85 LBS. The weight of the kayak without the seat and drive installed.
FULLY RIGGED WEIGHT: 103 LBS. The weight of the kayak with the seat and drive installed.
HULL CONSTRUCTION: ROTOMOLDED POLYETHYLENE. Extremely tough and durable, perfect the rough conditions of kayak fishing.

The Hobie Outback Fishing Kayak is loaded with features that serious kayak anglers insist on:

MirageDrive 180: The Hobie Outback is equipped with the MirageDrive 180 propulsion system, which allows for hands-free kayaking. The 180 drive allows you to pedal forward and reverse, you can easily maneuver through tight spaces and change direction with ease. Your legs are the largest muscle group in your body. Pedaling versus paddling means you’ll be less fatigued and able to stay out fishing longer.

Stable hull design: The Outback features a tri-hull design that provides exceptional stability, even in rough waters. This stability is crucial when reeling in big fish or standing up to cast. People think kayaks are tippy and some are. The Hobie Outback is designed for stability, a stable kayak makes kayak fishing more enjoyable.

Vantage CTW seat: The comfortable Vantage CTW seat offers multiple seating positions, allowing you to find the perfect setting for your comfort. The seat is adjustable and provides ample back support, ensuring you can fish all day without any discomfort. A comfortable seat is a must for kayak anglers who spend hours on the water!

Ample storage space: The Hobie Outback offers plenty of storage options for all your fishing gear. It has a large bow hatch, a center hatch, and a rear storage area with bungee tie-downs. Additionally, there are molded-in rod holders and H-Track accessory mounts for additional gear storage. The more you’re into fishing, the more stuff you want to have out on the water. The Hobie Outback has high end built-in storage features and the one of a kind H-Rail system that makes it easy to add additional accessories and storage where you want it.

Lowrance Ready system: The Outback is equipped with a Lowrance Ready fish finder transducer mount system, allowing you to easily install a fish finder and other electronics. This feature is a game-changer for serious anglers who rely on technology to locate and catch fish.

Durable construction: Made from high-quality materials, the Hobie Outback is built to withstand the rigors of fishing. It’s UV-resistant, impact-resistant, and designed to handle the demands of Minnesota kayak anglers.

The combination of these features makes the Hobie Outback Fishing Kayak a top choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Hobie Outback Review

I purchased a Hobie Outback after my first two fishing kayak purchases were budget kayaks. The first was a paddle kayak and it didn’t take long to know I wanted to get a pedal drive. I found a cheap one and got what I paid for. It did the job but didn’t have the features of some of the higher end kayaks. After watching lots of videos and seeing the Hobie Outback up close, I knew that would be my next kayak. I ended up ordering in December and picked up the kayak in the spring. This thing is the ultimate, versatile fishing kayak, and I couldn’t be happier. Its fast, light, extremely stable, and maneuvers fantastically. One of my favorite features is the through-hull wire system with the retractable transducer. Hi Tempo Fishing Kayaks had great customer service through the whole process. Thank you everyone at Hi Tempo!

Mike Braaten, Hobie Outback Owner

How are you going to transport your Hobie Outback?

One of the attractions of the Hobie Outback is that it’s light enough to load and transport on a car top. The hull weight is 85 pounds, it’s manageable to get on a car top. Other options are using a trailer or hauling in the bed of a pickup truck.

Test drive a Hobie Outback on the water!

Watch videos, read articles, ask questions on social media and visit a Hobie dealer to research if the Hobie Outback is right for you. But my bottom line recommendation is to try one on the water. Get your butt in the boat, feel how stable and comfortable it is. Bring a rod and reel and make some casts. All fishing kayaks are NOT the same. Experience what makes the Hobie Outback unique and why it’s one of the most popular fishing kayaks on the market today.

Reserve an on the water demo of the Hobie Outback fishing kayak from Hi Tempo

Reserve A Demo

THE GATOR GUY!

Woohoo! I like to catch BIG NORTHERN PIKE and Musky from my kayak. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are a ton of fun too! I've fished all over the state of Minnesota. I've also fished many parts of the country including several trips to Alaska for huge Halibut and every type of salmon that swims there. I'm an experienced, elite kayak angler and the founder and President of MNKFA, the biggest and best kayak fishing club in Minnesota. Most of all, I like to have FUN KAYAK FISHING! You can join MNKFA for FREE, use the join link on this website.