Does anyone here fish from any of the hobie kayaks or the propel kayaks that you pedal???

I would like to hear about loading/unloading, how the paddle/pedal systems really work, and if you think they are worth the extra money?

I don't own either of them but I can tell you that the Hobie fins fold up tight to the bottom of the boat when you need them out of the way and then before you take the yak out of the water you can remove the pedal and fin assembly from the top of the boat. It's very easy.

I used to have a Hobie Sport and now I'm in a Hobie Revo. In my opinion they're great fishing kayaks, practically hands free and the pedal system is simple to put in and take out.

For the hobies the pedal drive propels you forward only and you steer with a handle that's on your left. I believe the Native version allows you to reverse peddle to go backwards.

The pedals don't go completely flush with the kayak but are close enough so won't get caught unless you're paddling through thick vegetation.

Loading and unloading is just like any other kayak, once the pedals are removed.

Worth it? depends on the type of fishing you do. If you fish in small ponds/lakes then you'll do just fine with regular paddling kayak. If you fish larger open water and you want to cover more distance, hobies are a good option, but a good 14ft kayak [eg Tarpon 140 or comparable] can easily keep up.

Where I see my Hobie shine is when I'm fishing moving water. If fish are hanging out under a bridge and the tides are ripping in/out, I can easily keep in casting distance while a paddler would have to paddle back every cast.

I'm on my second Hobie now...had an Outback soon after they first came out in 2002 then traded it for a Sport in 2007.  I haul mine in the bed of my pickup so the shorter, lighter hull was a no-brainer.  Personally, I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread as far as fishing kayaks go.  I love being able to always have my rod in my hand as I move all over the lake.  The only thing you can't really do in it is back up, but I keep a short handled paddle strapped to the side for when I nose into someplace I can't pedal through.  The pedals fold up flush enough to the hull that I can beach when Mother Nature calls without causing any damage.  I've rigged a Eagle 320C fishfinder on a RAM mount on the left side, and I've installed enough rod holders so that I can bring six rods with me if I so desire (I usually limit myself to four though).

I really like the new Pro Angler, but it's even more expensive than my Sport and will require a little more saving.