How Did My Hobie Lynx Hold Up After A Season Of Tournament Fishing? A Look At The Hull

[@BrianCheck]

This was one of the things that turned me away from the Lynx, proud owner of a '22 Compass. Went the Burley Pro nose and Keel Eazy strips along the bottom. Tight lines.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Compass is a great boat! I’m willing to be careful with the Lynx in exchange for the ease of car-top loading that light weight!

[@southfloridapaddlefishing7452]

Almost went lynx but am super happy wth my outback.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Can't go wrong with an Outback!

[@denniss3980]

Great information, I have been wanting one since they came out but the 3K price has held me back, now I have one more thing to consider.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I've seen a few being sold used for closer to 2k, or 3k but with all the accessories. You'd have to do a water bubble test to look for cracks and holes before buying, but that might be a way you could go.

[@BakerBaker1-9]

I got a Jackson coosa (dang it's heavy ) but I love it - in and out of the licking (P co.) Ramps ,rocks ,trees and banks - hope to be out in it more this year - sub left - fish on ! GOD bless

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Good fishing to you!

[@andybales7318]

I have a jackson kilroy HD...105lbs.!! I 🤣 but it's like sitting on the couch bass fishing!

[@BakerBaker1-9]

@@andybales7318 lol 🤣 - gotta be comfy out there - I started out with a box store yak and it was good to start with - but a days fishin would do me in (back hurt) . I like couch fishing too 😄 love my Jackson

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Buying a kayak is definitely one of those purchases where you should spring for the better one first, otherwise you’ll be wanting to upgrade after your first long day on the water in it! Kayak Kushions can only do so much! 🤣

[@tonybishop51]

That’s not bad. The lead up to actually seeing it I was imagining all sorts of damage. If I get one for inshore I’m most worried about the spray in bed liner on my pickup! lol

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I was afraid it was going to be damaged after all that use, but it looked good!

[@testing12357]

do you have a video with your full setup? tod holders, kayak box, fish finder transducer wiring?

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I thought I had a more recent one, but I have this one from last year. I'll do a more detailed updated one soon! I use an over the side transducer arm, so I just put in on my H-Rail and plug it in the battery. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHqlm2aqd7KXhbs

[@johnrugani2382]

I have the lynx and am very careful with launching and landing. but still have lots of scratches. This hull is very thin even the slightest brush against a branch can put a hole in your hull. i originally wanted to do some river fishing with the lynx but decided against it for fear of damaging the hul beyond repair.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Yeah there is definitely a trade off for having that light weight. I occasionally get little cracks in the hull, which I just use a little epoxy for repair and it is good as new!

[@zoommaster7253]

I think for all the fishing you did it looks great. I’ll have to flip my and see how it looks. I do want to run a keel guard on front and sides. Saw it on KZbin. I agree coming from a heavy feel free lure which I loved to s lynx it’s night and day. Love the lynx it’s my magic carpet ride to the shallows and wherever I want. Thanks mike from CT

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I want to avoid adding any weight if I can, so I hope that nose bumper is all I’ll have to glue on. Do you ever take your Lynx offshore?

[@zoommaster7253]

Watch Navarre kayak channel nick has the lynx and he goes way off shore lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3OyY5R8qNV_r6M

[@zoommaster7253]

I use mine in ponds rivers and lakes

[@GirlGoneFishing]

@@zoommaster7253 Nice! It is a great little boat!

[@denniss3980]

I was hoping to see Hobie address this issue by now, but all they have done is increase the base price to $3299. the new rotomolded Passport at $1800 is a better deal, and I am taking a second look at the Pelican Getaway at under a grand. It is spring and ready to buy

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I really liked that rotomolded Passport when they let me demo one! And light enough for me to car top!

[@FishingwiththeOz]

Considering all the use, your lynx looks pretty good but it would benefit from a little under hull protection. I just flipped mine over last weekend and took some video. I’ll be posting when I can.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I subscribed so I won’t miss seeing it!

[@cyberyakeradventures]

I think you put the keel guard on backwards maybe? I put the longer side further up the front of the hull.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Entirely possible… it took time with a space heater before it fit at all, then we picked the way it seemed to seat the best. I think between the Marine Goop and the Gorilla Tape, that BerleyPro Bumper isn’t going anywhere…for a while anyway.

[@cyberyakeradventures]

@@GirlGoneFishing yes ma’am. Great video. I will probably buy some epoxy for mine just in case, but hope I never need it. Plan on babying mine around launches especially.

[@AnthonyB2992]

Thank you for the video, its been several weeks now that I am considering buying the Lynx and apart from the expensive price, I am a little concerned about the durability (especially after I watched your video). Do you think its possible not to scratch it at all, not to tear it after months or years of use? Or its just inherent to that kind of material even if we are really careful? Thank you in advance and greets from France.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

The biggest selling point for me with the Lynx is the weight. At 47 pounds I can car-top and haul it around much easier than most kayaks, but it still has excellent stability, agility, and comfort. The trade off is the hull is more delicate than your standard rotomolded kayak. The Lynx has that thin layer of fiberglass which does not do well with impacts, but I am careful and patch the dings with epoxy and my Lynx had carried me well for almost 3 years on the tournament trail now! If you want a kayak you can beat up, this isn’t for you. If you are willing to take a little extra care the trade off is the most amazing kayak!

[@AnthonyB2992]

I agree with you, the local seller let me try it for a while on the sea and it was just amazing, I was like a child. They told me they never had any issues with the durability, or any return from customers but I wanted the point of view of someone who has been using it for several years. I guess I will just have to be very careful with this little gem and hope nothing bad happens. Thank you again for your quick answer!

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I would do anything it took to keep my Lynx, there can't me a kayak more perfectly suited for me! It is only 47 pounds but yet still fast, stable, comfortable, tracks great, easy to pedal, great turning radius... it is perfect! I am more than happy to baby it a little as a trade off for how amazing it is!

[@steveb5195]

I saw a video where you took your lynx into Strictly Sailing, and you and some other people put the waterproof Gorilla tape on the vulnerable areas, did that work well or is that what looked terrible after a while? I just bought some, should I put it on or just leave it off? Thanks, love the channel.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

The Waterproof Gorilla Tape was a mistake... at least it was once we decided to cover the bottom with it, it would be fine for emergency patches or smaller spot protection. I had originally intended to buy more T-Rex Waterproof Tape which is less rubbery and I had been using to for a year for small repairs on the road, but got the Gorilla by mistake. The rubbery consistency of the Gorilla Waterproof Tape grips everything... like boat ramps. I can't get the dang boat to slide on concrete thanks to the tape! I am looking for something else to put on in the next off season. People have suggested using Kydex for protection, but I don't want to add any weight, so I am going to keep researching.

[@steveb5195]

@@GirlGoneFishing Thank you, I am glad I waited to put it on. I have heard Kydex too, but am still going to look for something better. Will let you know if I do. Take care, Keep reeling them in!!!

[@Saltloony]

Thanks, I wanted to know how it holds up after long term use. I had mine for few months now and love it. That tape will cause a lot of drag. If you apply tape, apply it in one direction. look for a product call keeleazy. Great product. You will love it and easy to apply.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

That Gorilla Tape just shreds and looks terrible after a few boat ramps, but I guess it is protecting the kayak's "skin" from the damage. I've not noticed a reduction in my average speed or any additional drag on the kayak from using the tape, but maybe it affects it so slightly I can't tell.

[@indysaab]

I wonder if a vinyl wrap would work or paint protection film people put on cars. Not sure if any of that would adhere to the hull since it’s not completely smooth. It would be interesting if you snagged a small section of it and wrapped part of it, to test how it took damage compared to the rest of the hull. I guess I could’ve googled this before suggesting it, but no lol

[@GirlGoneFishing]

That would be so cool, like put some awesome graphics on the bottom like on a snowboard!

[@indysaab]

@@GirlGoneFishing I’m guessing a snowboard is much smoother and a different type of material. If you have any leftover of that laying around, it might be worth trying. I would certainly worry that it might mess up the bottom of the Hobie though. Wonder if Strictly Sail has any opinions on doing that.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

@@indysaab hahaha no sorry, I meant like how snowboards usually have cool graphics on the bottom, so when you jump and grab the board, you show a cool something. I was just being dumb. 🤣

[@indysaab]

@@GirlGoneFishing if I were to jump and grab on a snowboard, I’d be very dumb. Even attempting it is a no no for me. I’m too tall for all that lol I’m picturing you putting a design on your Lynx, and flipping it to show off to everyone what it looks like. Now THAT would be dumb if you had fishing gear on it. Funny if not

[@indysaab]

I just thought of an idea as I posted that last one. Some sort of vinyl wrap type ruler on the deck. Could get a good idea of the size a fish is before bringing out the official one. Might be quicker and easier to know if it’s worth measuring.

[@andybales7318]

Thought about u today! Caught a 5 lb'er on your favorite, the chatterbait 🤣 another guy in the same cove caught a 6 1/2 lb'er on a chatterbait, too...big girls were liking chatterbaits today! Also got some smaller on spinnerbaits. I was using the cheap original 1...he had the stealth 1 I think...u have a preference of chatterbait u seem to use more often?

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Wow, awesome fish! Congrats! I use the Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer chatterbait… they are pricey (should be able to find on “sale” for 15ish, although they are sometimes listed at “full price” closer to 20. Don’t pay 20! Almost always less at Tackle Warehouse (and probably many other places). I pair that with a Keitech 4” Easy Shiner trailer… the Pro Blue with Red is my basic go-to, but I like to switch it up depending on the chatterbait color… like something darker or something with sparkle and flash for sunny days (my buddy, Scott, whom I do the cool trips on his boat, uses only Pro Blue from Tackle Warehouse for every application, uses those for trailers and uses them a lot on underspins, swimbait hooks, and even weightless, and has caught a ton of fish on them in front of me). I have tried the stealth, caught two medium-sized bass on it in the grass at East Harbor last year, it is definitely more subtle so maybe better in lighter winds and cleaner water, but I still reach for the regular jackhammer most often. I tried the “mini max” this weekend (a smaller version of the Jackhammer), it is way less thumpy so also might have an application where it shines, but it got me nothing in the muddy water this weekend.

[@BiggameTechJourney]

Let slay those monster bass and it nice kayak

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Thank you! Good luck to you!

[@andybales7318]

U are not the first 1 to have that issue with a Hobie...definately a big con, for that price..BUTTTT, the weight factor is a big plus....if I didn't have a truck, I'd look for a lightweight kayak as well...I had a thought...wonder if the bottom could be sprayed with the same thing they spray a truck bedliner with..would be interesting to try!

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Maybe… there are a ton of ideas people have tried on the Lynx Owner’s page on facebook, I’ll have to see if anyone has tried your idea!

[@rickchandler2570]

Wonder which kayak would hold up better in the same situation, an iTrek or the Lynx?

[@GirlGoneFishing]

It depends what you are doing to it. The only weakness of the Lynx is that the thin fiberglass layer can crack upon impact (the same layer that gives it the amazing light weight!). So if you want a boat to bash down a river full of sharp rocks, take the iTrek. If you want to be able to deflate it and check it on an airplane… iTrek. If you want to be able to carry tournament level tackle and equipment (fish finder, batteries…), you’ll want a Lynx. For just fishing normal water in most conditions, either boat would work.

[@ToFightTheGoodFight]

With that much battle-scar on your lynx? I'm convince it should lasts me a long while. I'll subscribe. 🇦🇺Tasmania

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Hahaha I’m convinced that with a little epoxy and tape, my Lynx will last forever! :)

[@RobFishYT]

I would bullet-proof a lynx if I had one. Sand it down to the fiberglass layer.....add more fiberglass to reinforce. You could hit as many trees as your heart desires.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

That would definitely void the warranty! 🤣. But maybe would work!

[@timleng4404]

I am going to put the clear paint protection on it and see if it will hold up. The Lynx is very fragile(as you can see). We want the light weight kayak and we are paying for it. There’s no value if you ever wants to sell it.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I disagree about the resale value, I’ve seen used Lynx get sold at retail price. People are willing to be careful with it for the amazing benefits of a Lynx!

[@denniss3980]

put your Lynx on the Facebook Market place for 2,000 and watch a bidding war take place

[@badhombrefishing]

Subbing for Lynx content!

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Welcome and thanks! Plenty of Lynx here!

[@todddavidson5012]

Dang your rough on her...lol jk shit happens!

[@GirlGoneFishing]

🤣 I know, I know... I have a bad habit of not being delicate with my stuff, but I am trying to do better!

[@BernPisarcikJr]

Not too many surfboard repair shops in ohio eh? Thats how you know im jersey folk...lol.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

Actually, no, I can't say I've seen one...other than our shop at the ski area I teach at.

[@academicmailbox7798]

Frog bites.

[@academicmailbox7798]

Randy Blaukat's 'Frog and Mice' tutorial. Has a little bit of guidance. On the hookset. In frog and mice top water angling. That might be interesting.

[@GirlGoneFishing]

I found a really shallow marshy lake an hour away that everyone says is great for frogging in the summer, so I’ll get up there and check it out. If it is good, I’ll spend as much time as I can there for practice! 🐸