Hobie’s Pedal Powered Kayaks for Fishermen

I’ve been an avid kayaker for more than 20 years—it was too tempting to resist since my home overlooks Morro Bay just off California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway Route One. I’m frequently asked by friends and tourists about fishing from kayaks, and if there are attachments to hold rod and reel and gear. Hobie Cat Company, based in Laguna Beach, California came up with a purpose built, peddle powered kayak specifically crafted for the fisherman. The game change came about in 1997 with the introduction of their Mirage Drive Peddle powered kayak. Imagine twin penguin fins attached to chain driven peddles, and suddenly the kayak fisherman was hands free. The invention was so dynamic in its torque and thrust that Hobie made a video with one Mirage drive boat towing two standard paddle kayakers while they are trying unsuccessfully to overpower the Mirage. Ingrid from Hobie arranged for me to test drive a Mirage and I was instantly sold. While attending an outdoor writers conference in Big Bear Lake, California, I ran in to Morgan Promnitz from Hobie and he just happened to have a couple craft on hand. I’m correspondent, Tom Wilmer, come along and join Morgan at Big Bear for an overview and highlight of the peddle powered Hobie Mirage.