Hobie Accessories

We've been spotlighting some particular Hobie accessories recently, but today we thought we'd tell you a little bit about them all in general. Hobie has an extensive line of kayak fishing accessories, like their fishing pole holders, rod leashes, anchor kits, fish grips (a useful little tool that keeps your fish from jumping back into the water), things to store your gear, and accessories for your fish finder. They also manufacture a number of safety equipment options like a compass, a drift chute, a collapsible paddle, and inflatable life vests. For traveling, they have three different cart options, and for their biggest boats, they offer a cradle.

But you're not here for a list of their product options. You want to know how they work. And, for the most part, they work great. There have been some reported problems with the twist-n-stow hatches, but their fishing equipment is all excellent. The Mirage Drive is an excellent invention for kayak fisher folk in particular, but for others as well, and the ST Turbo Fin upgrade makes for a faster, smoother, easier ride. The Mirage Drive is generally easier, because we walk around on our legs, not our arms, and lengthening the fins makes it even less difficult.

Hobie's plug-in cart line is clever, as well, because any Hobie boat can fit into any Hobie cart, so you can walk it to the water. They offer their standard wheels for people who'll just be going down a ramp, a set of wheels for sand, and some heavy-duty wheels for cross-country, in case you have to walk your boat unexpectedly. And, best of all, the carts can be stored behind the seats of the boats while you aren't using them, so you don't have to walk them back to your car!

As far as self-inflating technology goes, Hobie has two options: a set of vests in red or brown which are far less bulky for storage and constricting for movement or air flow (important on a hot day) but can be inflated in a moment; and a seat pad which inflates automatically when the stopper is turned and can be pressed flat so as to store more easily.

What do you think about Hobie's accessories? Have a favorite? We'd love to hear from you!