By Paul Lebowitz

If you see a kayak zipping across the water, but the angler is holding a fishing rod, not a paddle, he might be getting a ride behind a big fish. More likely, he is pedaling one of the unique Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks: the Outback or its smaller cousin the Sport.

These boats are powered by the elegantly engineered Mirage Drive propulsion system. Pedaling the Mirage Drive powers a couple of flexible underwater flippers that move the boat surprisingly quickly. Since the Mirage Drive is paired with a rudder that is operated with a single hand, the Outback and Sport are the only two popular fishing kayaks that offer virtually hands-free travel.

The benefit of never having to put your fishing rod down is obvious. Fewer missed strikes and more time with your bait in the water, translates to more fish. A second major benefit of the Mirage Drive is its ability to hold the kayak on a spot in spite of wind and current, eliminating the need to anchor or use a drift chute.

While significantly more expensive than conventionally paddled sit-on-top fishing kayaks, the Hobie Outback and Sport come ready to fish, with molded-in rod holders, round hatches to access in-hull storage, rear deck storage areas with bungee tie downs, molded-in utility trays to temporary tackle storage, a two-piece paddle for maneuvering out of tight spots or backing up and a high back seat.

THE HOBIE MIRAGE OUTBACK