What to Bring in Your Hobie Outback (A Short Checklist)

You’ve got the PFD and paddle, along with everything else required for a safe and legal float, as per the Coast Guard and whatever state’s law you are abiding.

But what you have to bring as a matter of law and safety are very different from what you should bring to ensure a successful float – and to catch fish.

So, if you’re getting ready to gear up the Hobie Outback, do it with these.

Pliers
Pliers have a thousand-and-one uses on a fishing kayak, ranging from dislodging a hook deep in a fish’s mouth to getting a better grip on a tie-down, a cable, or a small piece of hardware.

A Second Pair of Sunglasses
Most sunglasses do not float, which you will eventually learn the hard way. Remember, it’s not if, but when, and two is one and one is none.

A Whistle
A whistle can be a vital way to contact, and communicate with, other boaters while you’re on the water. A whistle can also be a lifeline if you fall in the drink, so wear it around your neck.

A Paddle Leash
Your paddle floats – great. That won’t be much help if it is floating, downstream and away from you at a rapid clip.

And yes, sure, the Hobie Outback is pedal driven. You still need a backup.

A Kayak Anchor
You do not need to have a kayak anchor to fish successfully, but if you are trying to hold a position, for any reason, in the face of wind and current, you’ll be glad you brought it along. In the interest of space and weight, get a collapsible folding, grapple anchor.

A High-Visibility Flag
These are important for signaling your location in heavily trafficked waterways and can keep you safer when there is a lot of other traffic around.

Dry Bags
Your Hobie Outback has dry storage, but it’s somewhat limited. You will have a lot more flexibility, and an expanded ability to keep your gear dry, if you pack some additional dry bags and use them as needed.

A Flashlight
Never, ever go on the water without a powerful flashlight. At least 500 lumens are warranted, but brighter is better. These are not only practical for helping you navigate in the dark, but can be used as an all-around white light to keep you safe at night.

And forget the thought, “I won’t be out past dark.” You have no idea what will happen once you’re on the water, so you had better be prepared for it all.

A Knife (Keep It on You, Not in Your Box)
A knife in your box is not useful. It must be on you, somewhere, in case you ever need to cut a line immediately.

A Bucket
Stash a small bucket behind the cockpit and use it to store bait, trashed rigs, old lures, garbage, and other odds and ends, so they don’t end up in the water.

A Power Bank
A power bank can save you if your phone or flashlight dies on the water.

A Collapsible Landing Net
There are fish you’ll be able to land without help while you’re alone, perhaps even most of them. But horsing in a trophy and trying to balance the craft and land the fish, yakside, with no help, can cost you, especially if you’re using fluoro leader that’s prone to snapping. Save the trophy, be prepared with a collapsible landing net, in the interest of space and weight.

Now, Pay Attention
This list is not complete, and experience will teach you much more than we could what you need. Learn from what you lack and bring it with you next time you launch.

Everything But the Hobie Outback: Where to Get One
Got everything you need but the ship? Get it online at No Bad Days Kayak or contact them at 512-229-0560 if you have questions.

For more information about Daiwa Fishing Rods and Jackson Knarr Please visit: No Bad Days Kayak.