Pump up a hybrid kayak for fishing

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Inflatable SUP-kayak hybrids are gaining a loyal following among river anglers who like how high they float, how easy it is to stand and fish on them and how nimble they are for avoiding rocks and logs. Turns out, the PVC hull material on many inflatables can take a lot of abuse without puncturing. It also makes these boats quiet and stealthy. I tried out Hobie’s new iTrek 9 Ultralight on a shallow, rocky river and give this little boat high marks for comfort, stability, maneuverability and fish-ability.
Inflatable SUP-kayak hybrids are gaining a loyal following among river anglers who like how high they float, how easy it is to stand and fish on them and how nimble they are for avoiding rocks and logs. Turns out, the PVC hull material on many inflatables can take a lot of abuse without puncturing. It also makes these boats quiet and stealthy. I tried out Hobie’s new iTrek 9 Ultralight on a shallow, rocky river and give this little boat high marks for comfort, stability, maneuverability and fish-ability.
The iTrek MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins, chair, rudder, pump and three-piece SUP paddle all fit in the iTrek 9 Ultralight’s rolling, soft-side suitcase. Not pictured are a repair kit and electric pump that also come standard and fit in the case.
The iTrek MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins, chair, rudder, pump and three-piece SUP paddle all fit in the iTrek 9 Ultralight’s rolling, soft-side suitcase. Not pictured are a repair kit and electric pump that also come standard and fit in the case.
The boat’s MirageDrive GT features Kick-Up Fins that, well, kick up when they hit rocks or logs. This feature also helps the drive pack into the carrying case.
The boat’s MirageDrive GT features Kick-Up Fins that, well, kick up when they hit rocks or logs. This feature also helps the drive pack into the carrying case.
Hobie’s pump makes quick work of inflating the iTrek, which is 9 feet, 5 inches long and 40 inches wide. The pump adds air both on the downstroke and the upstroke. Pumping, hooking down the chair and installing the rudder can be done in less than 10 minutes.
Hobie’s pump makes quick work of inflating the iTrek, which is 9 feet, 5 inches long and 40 inches wide. The pump adds air both on the downstroke and the upstroke. Pumping, hooking down the chair and installing the rudder can be done in less than 10 minutes.
<p>Bases for rails and rod holders can be added with PVC glue, and kits for mounting electronics are available. Weighing just 37 pounds with the drive and chair installed, this boat can be tucked under one arm as you walk up the riverbank to your vehicle — which can be a subcompact car. The iTrek 9 retails for $2,449. For more info, go to <a href=

Bases for rails and rod holders can be added with PVC glue, and kits for mounting electronics are available. Weighing just 37 pounds with the drive and chair installed, this boat can be tucked under one arm as you walk up the riverbank to your vehicle — which can be a subcompact car. The iTrek 9 retails for $2,449. For more info, go to hobie.com.