There are so many rattle baits on the market. Underwater they make an obnoxious amount of noise. It actually attracts the fish. Like you, I love kayak fishing so keep in mind that unless you are doing Neil Peart Drum solos on your kayak deck, a little noise will not scare off the fish. Jet skis and motorboats also make tons of noise but I can guarantee you that the fish that live in lakes where there is lots of recreational activity will be unaffected. If you are fishing shallow streams and rivers which flow slowly might be another story but then again you are probably wearing waders and standing in the water. The rhythmic "clicking" is certainly not an issue as far as I am concerned. My proof is in my freezer FULL of fish. *Issues you missed:* *#1.* The one of the biggest drawbacks of the Hobie Passport is deploying and retracting the rudder. However you can now BUY a kit to FIX that issue. In my opinion that is something you should NOT have to pay for to FIX! Hobie should just send it to you. You paid enough for that kayak, it should be FULLY USEABLE! *#2.* Now let's look at the deck of the Passport 10.5, look at that deck! You cannot even put deck pads on it because they did a terrible job with the deck! With all of the deep channels you cannot even buy a deck pad for it. AND if you are worried about noise that is going to be a big issue for some. *#3.* How about those ridiculous string grab handles on the bow and stern? WHAT A JOKE! WHY DID THEY DO THAT??? Safety Flag? Why would you put a safety flag on the gunnel where you would be casting/fishing over??? But then again why would you even want a safety flag. I have never had an issue being seen during the day and that flag will not do anything to make nearby disrespecting boaters SLOW DOWN! Put it on the back somewhere if you feel you really need a flag... "Sticker to fix the issue" ? Really? A sticker? That's a fix? We need to talk! Why on God's green earth would anybody buy the thermoform kayak and not the rotomolded version is beyond me. Sure the thermoform yak is going to be a little lighter but it is certainly nowhere near as durable and the weight difference in negligible. If you are going to spend that kind of money for a Hobie the cost difference is irrelevant! If your intentions are to become an avid kayak fisherperson or kayaker, you really need to invest A LOT of time choosing your kayak to insure you get what you need and want. It's a lot of money to spend without doing your due diligence! FYI I went with the Jackson Bite FD with the E-Drive. I had to remortgage the house! The yak is about a 100lbs with nothing on it. Roof topping it was a challenge for the first year until I repurposed a wave-runner trailer for it. You can check that out on my goofy channel, it's in there somewhere. A girlfriend of mine went with the Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5R, she loves it! That thing cuts through the water like a hot knife through butter. She can keep up with me and my little motor!
Your rattle-bait argument is fair enough. It seems for shallow spring trout fishing, I was doing better with the older Mirage drive on my 2020 10.5, and I've since found a way to quite the newer drive that came with my 2022 12.0. As far as the rudder, I've not really had any issue. I usually launch from a beach and flip the rudder out before casting off. Sometimes I forget, but flipping it into the water with my paddle (while a bit tricky for the first time) is not too difficult. It is designed to kick back when beaching (or going over something shallow) so that good. Deck is small on the 10.5 - whenever I get a 10 lb plus salmon, I am pretty much done fishing. What I do love about the Passports is (along with the Mirage drive) that they are so portable. I can put both on top of my car and travel. This is a really big plus for me as I don't really have room for a trailer. This makes them very easy for me to justify heading out for short trips. And the mirage drive is very powerful - I have no problem trolling 3 rods with big-rig salmon set-ups (heavy 4-16oz weights, planer boards, slide divers, J-plugs, dodger-fly combos, etc.). For that find them ideal, enabling me to get out on the "big pond" (Lake Michigan) regularly on calmer days. THANKS for sharing ALL your thoughts, I greatly appreciate your comments, Doc!
hobie passport, thermoform and rotomolded are of nearly the same weight, that means the material they use are nearly the same.... unless thermoform type break right between two pieces, I doubt thermoform one is inferior
@@Hafe-zn1pr it s a nice little chill kayak, bow shape causes hull slap, original rudder was swapped for xl, so much primary stability it puts you to sleep, caught the hobie bug and bought a used adventure island 2 weeks later
Great point! Yes, having the back of the seat pop out of the older lever-system is irritating. If you sit down toward the back of the seat, the seat will stay in place. But, if you scoot forward, beware! This can happen when you reach forward to lift the mirage-drive out for example. Getting the seat back in place while you are in the kayak can be done, but it is not easy. I'll carefully sit in front of the seat (while I am still facing forward) and carefully reach one arm back to push the lever out of the way of the seat-groove. Then I put the seat frame back into the groove and close the lever. Then, I grab the rails and carefully lift myself above the seat until I can lower myself into the back of the seat. It's not too big of a deal once you've done this a few times. But great point. If this happens to you for the first time in choppy open water - it will be quite unnerving. I believe the newer 10.5 R & 12 R Passports have addressed this with a double-clip design system.
I taped some styrofoam to the front bar of the seat which prevented it from rocking forward and triggering the hold down lever which worked. Traded the Passport for a 2021 Compass which has seat issues of its own. Plastic padeye anchors that snap off 🤦🏼♂@@Hafe-zn1pr
Maybe so. I think a semi-closeup picture of both hatches installed in a Hobie kayak might also have been helpful with an asterisked paragraph explaining recommended model configurations. One thing I did not mention, is that the handle on the hatch (at least the one I have) is really soft, especially on warmer days. I have to pinch hard close to the hatch to turn the latch, for fear I'm going to break it.
Yes, the hatch T-handle version that came with my older (2020) 10.5 Passport is nice and sturdy. I can use it as a handle to help pull on the kayak to tip it off the car J-hooks. But, the newer (2021) round and rectangular (2022) hatch handles are wimpy-soft on warmer days. It seems they would break from the clevis if I tried. Hobie should check their durometer specifications. It's nice that they flex some, but twisty is too much.
The widths are the same on both the 10.5 and 12. In my opinion, I find both kayaks feel pretty stable, but that is relative. My best advice is to visit the Manitowoc Marina ( www.manitowoc-marina.com ) and ask to demo the kayak you are most interested in. They are located on the water and can set you up with a life jacket. I find the 12.0 tracks better and can go a little faster. Hope you find this helpful!
With the flag and the hatch you should have been able to ask your dealer and they should have known that they wouldn't fit (or in the case of the hatch, which one was the correct one).
Thanks for the comments! I like the dealership and they strive to be helpful anytime I've had questions. I feel the accessories catalogue could be made clearer and everyone would benefit. And I'm still looking for a way to make my flag work. Perhaps Hobie could offer the nut end, so I could install that to my Passport.
@@Hafe-zn1pr I actually work at a dealer which is why I brought it up. I always try to make sure my customers get the right thing and try to make it right if they didn't.
Awesome, Kevin and thank for chiming in! The folks here in Manitowoc, WI did that too, and I sure appreciate it! (I do owe the channel a "what I love about my Hobie Passports video" - because I do, it just seemed like there were a lot of those type of videos at the time, and I did have these items that I honestly found really irritating). I was making the upgrades with the purchase of my 2nd Passport, the Passport 12.0 and we did our best to make sense of the "Accessories" catalogue. If I could ask a question - some have commented that the new Passport rotomolded "R" series is more durable. Is it? I see that the sealing surface between the mold halves is smooth with the R series. But is the plastic actually different and tougher than the older thermoplastic, per se?
@@Hafe-zn1pr I don't know if I'd say it is more durable or not. It is a lot closer to the other models like the Compass and Outback but the finish it a bit different. The plastic is probably a little more forgiving as it is a bit softer so while that might help if you are dropping it on rocks and pavement it will be more prone to dents like the other rotomolded models. I've not seen issues with the hulls on either (and we sell a lot of them). The only real issue I've seen with the Passports so far is that the steering rod falls out of its housing under the rudder handle, easy fix by just gluing it back in. One nice upgrade for the Passports it the XL rudder upgrade, this allows you to raise/lower the rudder from the seat and gives you better turning as well. Reasonably priced and an easy DIY upgrade.
Hey Kevin, thanks for elaborating about the hull plastic. I'm thinking of trading up my 10.5 for the 12R. I'm also interested in the rudder upgrade, but for a different reason - I wonder if it helps you track straighter for longer? In trolling, there are times when I'm spending several seconds doing two-handed activities such as changing a lure or setting up a planer board, etc. I always need to keep my left hand free to man the rudder and maintain my heading. In as little as 5-10 seconds I can find myself turning 10-30 degrees of course. I assume, like the current rudder, it can still be tucked flush with the upper deck for transportation? Thanks again, Dan
(Great question) No, they are not so much faster, but you have much more power to go fast for long distances using your legs, and you stay much drier, and (probably most important) you are left very hands free to fish or photograph or just look around :) Plus, you can always paddle ;) and sometimes you need too if it is too shallow.
Nice idea! I did consider that for a while but ended up giving it to a friend who had just bought a Hobie Compass. Eventually, I came across the Yak Attack Visicarbon Pro - which comes with a mount, folds up nice and has a light at the top. Thanks for watching!
lol you got what you wanted to pay for thinking you where getting a outback or pro angler at a cheaper price now you crying about what you got lol you make no sense that is the cheapest yak hobie makes not near the best and other then you everyone knows this lol just my opinion
Actually, I really love the Passports and I hope that comes through. Apparently not clearly enough? There are some things I don't like, but I do love the design, comfort and most of all - the Mirage Drive that allows me to get out on some of this planet's best freshwater trout and salmon fishing. Thanks for commenting! Perhaps one day, when I can't hoist my Passport over my head and onto my car, I will look into one of the other models. At the same time, I think my video was true. It is not for everyone, but it is for me. Thanks Edward!
There are so many rattle baits on the market. Underwater they make an obnoxious amount of noise. It actually attracts the fish. Like you, I love kayak fishing so keep in mind that unless you are doing Neil Peart Drum solos on your kayak deck, a little noise will not scare off the fish. Jet skis and motorboats also make tons of noise but I can guarantee you that the fish that live in lakes where there is lots of recreational activity will be unaffected. If you are fishing shallow streams and rivers which flow slowly might be another story but then again you are probably wearing waders and standing in the water. The rhythmic "clicking" is certainly not an issue as far as I am concerned. My proof is in my freezer FULL of fish.
*Issues you missed:*
*#1.* The one of the biggest drawbacks of the Hobie Passport is deploying and retracting the rudder. However you can now BUY a kit to FIX that issue. In my opinion that is something you should NOT have to pay for to FIX! Hobie should just send it to you. You paid enough for that kayak, it should be FULLY USEABLE!
*#2.* Now let's look at the deck of the Passport 10.5, look at that deck! You cannot even put deck pads on it because they did a terrible job with the deck! With all of the deep channels you cannot even buy a deck pad for it. AND if you are worried about noise that is going to be a big issue for some.
*#3.* How about those ridiculous string grab handles on the bow and stern? WHAT A JOKE! WHY DID THEY DO THAT???
Safety Flag? Why would you put a safety flag on the gunnel where you would be casting/fishing over??? But then again why would you even want a safety flag. I have never had an issue being seen during the day and that flag will not do anything to make nearby disrespecting boaters SLOW DOWN! Put it on the back somewhere if you feel you really need a flag... "Sticker to fix the issue" ? Really? A sticker? That's a fix? We need to talk!
Why on God's green earth would anybody buy the thermoform kayak and not the rotomolded version is beyond me. Sure the thermoform yak is going to be a little lighter but it is certainly nowhere near as durable and the weight difference in negligible. If you are going to spend that kind of money for a Hobie the cost difference is irrelevant!
If your intentions are to become an avid kayak fisherperson or kayaker, you really need to invest A LOT of time choosing your kayak to insure you get what you need and want. It's a lot of money to spend without doing your due diligence!
FYI I went with the Jackson Bite FD with the E-Drive. I had to remortgage the house! The yak is about a 100lbs with nothing on it. Roof topping it was a challenge for the first year until I repurposed a wave-runner trailer for it. You can check that out on my goofy channel, it's in there somewhere. A girlfriend of mine went with the Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5R, she loves it! That thing cuts through the water like a hot knife through butter. She can keep up with me and my little motor!
Your rattle-bait argument is fair enough. It seems for shallow spring trout fishing, I was doing better with the older Mirage drive on my 2020 10.5, and I've since found a way to quite the newer drive that came with my 2022 12.0. As far as the rudder, I've not really had any issue. I usually launch from a beach and flip the rudder out before casting off. Sometimes I forget, but flipping it into the water with my paddle (while a bit tricky for the first time) is not too difficult. It is designed to kick back when beaching (or going over something shallow) so that good. Deck is small on the 10.5 - whenever I get a 10 lb plus salmon, I am pretty much done fishing. What I do love about the Passports is (along with the Mirage drive) that they are so portable. I can put both on top of my car and travel. This is a really big plus for me as I don't really have room for a trailer. This makes them very easy for me to justify heading out for short trips. And the mirage drive is very powerful - I have no problem trolling 3 rods with big-rig salmon set-ups (heavy 4-16oz weights, planer boards, slide divers, J-plugs, dodger-fly combos, etc.). For that find them ideal, enabling me to get out on the "big pond" (Lake Michigan) regularly on calmer days. THANKS for sharing ALL your thoughts, I greatly appreciate your comments, Doc!
hobie passport, thermoform and rotomolded are of nearly the same weight, that means the material they use are nearly the same.... unless thermoform type break right between two pieces, I doubt thermoform one is inferior
@@Hafe-zn1pr You are welcome sir! Looks like we are in an echo chamber! I agree with everything you said! 😀
finally someone spilling the beans on these thermoformed hobies, best video i found yet
Thank you
@@Hafe-zn1pr Thank you! Picked up my rotomolded Passport today, love it, great little kayak
Awesome, how are you liking it so far?
@@Hafe-zn1pr it s a nice little chill kayak, bow shape causes hull slap, original rudder was swapped for xl, so much primary stability it puts you to sleep, caught the hobie bug and bought a used adventure island 2 weeks later
Probably why they started rotomolding them now.
Solution to the scratches got the roto molded version 10R and 12R
Thanks Steve! Good to know, I'll have to check out the R series
You missed the seat hold down system, popped out every time I launched.
Great point! Yes, having the back of the seat pop out of the older lever-system is irritating. If you sit down toward the back of the seat, the seat will stay in place. But, if you scoot forward, beware! This can happen when you reach forward to lift the mirage-drive out for example. Getting the seat back in place while you are in the kayak can be done, but it is not easy. I'll carefully sit in front of the seat (while I am still facing forward) and carefully reach one arm back to push the lever out of the way of the seat-groove. Then I put the seat frame back into the groove and close the lever. Then, I grab the rails and carefully lift myself above the seat until I can lower myself into the back of the seat. It's not too big of a deal once you've done this a few times. But great point. If this happens to you for the first time in choppy open water - it will be quite unnerving.
I believe the newer 10.5 R & 12 R Passports have addressed this with a double-clip design system.
I taped some styrofoam to the front bar of the seat which prevented it from rocking forward and triggering the hold down lever which worked. Traded the Passport for a 2021 Compass which has seat issues of its own. Plastic padeye anchors that snap off 🤦🏼♂@@Hafe-zn1pr
Thanks for the added info Steve!
@3:53 I believe that the configuration terminology would/should be considered North/South or East/West.
Maybe so. I think a semi-closeup picture of both hatches installed in a Hobie kayak might also have been helpful with an asterisked paragraph explaining recommended model configurations. One thing I did not mention, is that the handle on the hatch (at least the one I have) is really soft, especially on warmer days. I have to pinch hard close to the hatch to turn the latch, for fear I'm going to break it.
Agreed, even the round one that came with it is soft.@@Hafe-zn1pr
Yes, the hatch T-handle version that came with my older (2020) 10.5 Passport is nice and sturdy. I can use it as a handle to help pull on the kayak to tip it off the car J-hooks. But, the newer (2021) round and rectangular (2022) hatch handles are wimpy-soft on warmer days. It seems they would break from the clevis if I tried. Hobie should check their durometer specifications. It's nice that they flex some, but twisty is too much.
Which one is more stable? The 10.5 looks like it's wider than the 12 or maybe that's just the camera angles.
The widths are the same on both the 10.5 and 12. In my opinion, I find both kayaks feel pretty stable, but that is relative. My best advice is to visit the Manitowoc Marina ( www.manitowoc-marina.com ) and ask to demo the kayak you are most interested in. They are located on the water and can set you up with a life jacket. I find the 12.0 tracks better and can go a little faster. Hope you find this helpful!
With the flag and the hatch you should have been able to ask your dealer and they should have known that they wouldn't fit (or in the case of the hatch, which one was the correct one).
Thanks for the comments! I like the dealership and they strive to be helpful anytime I've had questions. I feel the accessories catalogue could be made clearer and everyone would benefit. And I'm still looking for a way to make my flag work. Perhaps Hobie could offer the nut end, so I could install that to my Passport.
@@Hafe-zn1pr I actually work at a dealer which is why I brought it up. I always try to make sure my customers get the right thing and try to make it right if they didn't.
Awesome, Kevin and thank for chiming in! The folks here in Manitowoc, WI did that too, and I sure appreciate it! (I do owe the channel a "what I love about my Hobie Passports video" - because I do, it just seemed like there were a lot of those type of videos at the time, and I did have these items that I honestly found really irritating). I was making the upgrades with the purchase of my 2nd Passport, the Passport 12.0 and we did our best to make sense of the "Accessories" catalogue. If I could ask a question - some have commented that the new Passport rotomolded "R" series is more durable. Is it? I see that the sealing surface between the mold halves is smooth with the R series. But is the plastic actually different and tougher than the older thermoplastic, per se?
@@Hafe-zn1pr I don't know if I'd say it is more durable or not. It is a lot closer to the other models like the Compass and Outback but the finish it a bit different. The plastic is probably a little more forgiving as it is a bit softer so while that might help if you are dropping it on rocks and pavement it will be more prone to dents like the other rotomolded models. I've not seen issues with the hulls on either (and we sell a lot of them). The only real issue I've seen with the Passports so far is that the steering rod falls out of its housing under the rudder handle, easy fix by just gluing it back in. One nice upgrade for the Passports it the XL rudder upgrade, this allows you to raise/lower the rudder from the seat and gives you better turning as well. Reasonably priced and an easy DIY upgrade.
Hey Kevin, thanks for elaborating about the hull plastic. I'm thinking of trading up my 10.5 for the 12R. I'm also interested in the rudder upgrade, but for a different reason - I wonder if it helps you track straighter for longer? In trolling, there are times when I'm spending several seconds doing two-handed activities such as changing a lure or setting up a planer board, etc. I always need to keep my left hand free to man the rudder and maintain my heading. In as little as 5-10 seconds I can find myself turning 10-30 degrees of course. I assume, like the current rudder, it can still be tucked flush with the upper deck for transportation? Thanks again, Dan
great video! good info!
Hey, thanks!
Are these kayaks really that much faster than just paddling?
(Great question) No, they are not so much faster, but you have much more power to go fast for long distances using your legs, and you stay much drier, and (probably most important) you are left very hands free to fish or photograph or just look around :) Plus, you can always paddle ;) and sometimes you need too if it is too shallow.
YES THEY ARE. If I had to paddle I would have NEVER bought a kayak!
Oh yeah big time. Way better kind of way to do kayaking. That’s why I went with this brand.
I’d just mount the flag to my crate somehow
Nice idea! I did consider that for a while but ended up giving it to a friend who had just bought a Hobie Compass. Eventually, I came across the Yak Attack Visicarbon Pro - which comes with a mount, folds up nice and has a light at the top. Thanks for watching!
@@Hafe-zn1pr glad you resolved it. Better flag too
lol you got what you wanted to pay for thinking you where getting a outback or pro angler at a cheaper price now you crying about what you got lol you make no sense that is the cheapest yak hobie makes not near the best and other then you everyone knows this lol
just my opinion
Actually, I really love the Passports and I hope that comes through. Apparently not clearly enough? There are some things I don't like, but I do love the design, comfort and most of all - the Mirage Drive that allows me to get out on some of this planet's best freshwater trout and salmon fishing. Thanks for commenting! Perhaps one day, when I can't hoist my Passport over my head and onto my car, I will look into one of the other models. At the same time, I think my video was true. It is not for everyone, but it is for me. Thanks Edward!
@@Hafe-zn1pr first person that didn’t get mad at my criticism not that it was my intention