Advice needed: Malibu Mini X for kelp fishing? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FlyFishinYakr · 07-05-2011, 10:54 PM

I sold my Mini-X a few weeks ago, after testing out for a few months on "the goon" @ Castaic. I found it was not speed and tracking but, the storage was too small to carry many of the items that I use just for Bass fishing. Since my saltwater gear (with the exception of my Fly Gear) is more extensive and heavier, I figured I needed to upgrade to a larger yak.

Fortunately I found a Pro Explorer listed shortly after I made my decision to upgrade. (btw: if you want a Pro Explorer FnD almost new send me a PM I think I can get you one like mine only in Mango @ the same price as mine).

I also have storage/transport issues but I won't have to worry about not being able to carry my Saltwater gear.

My only regret is that I didn't notice that the tank area on the Pro Explorer is also not that much larger than the Mini-X, but it's still an improvement over the Mini. I admit I will miss the manueverability of my Mini however and there is no rudder system made for the Pro Explorer.

My next yak X-Factor, Trident 13 or an Outback (regardless of home storage issues).

My best suggestion would be to take your Mini out to the lake/harbor with all/most of what you'd use out on LJ and see if you can carry everything you'd need.

Best of luck on your decision,

FFY

maui jim · 07-06-2011, 06:08 AM

First time ever no one mentions Hobie......wow..

you guys are slippin'

Go Cobra's...

bus kid · 07-06-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maui jim

First time ever no one mentions Hobie......wow..

you guys are slippin'

Go Cobra's...

Look for a hobie quest. 12 feet long handles well in bay and the open water. and is a real kayak, no peddles needed.

igotswansons · 07-11-2011, 12:32 PM

Seems like the difficulty of storing and loading the longer kayak outweighsnthe shortcomings of the mini x. People don't seem to be too bothered with the mini x's issue with speed and tracking while fishing in la jolla. Looks like I will probably pull thr trigger. Thanks for everyone's input!

cjthomas · 07-12-2011, 12:37 PM

I have both the X-factor and the Mini-X. I'm 5'11 and 180 pounds so the x-factor is a little big for me. The x-factor is a better kayak for La Jolla because of the speed and tracking as previously mentioned. With the x-factor you can get some momentum going, stop paddling, and glide for a little while. The mini-x has a very hard time gliding. Also, as you paddle, the mini-x bow will move right-to-left, or left to right. The difference is like walking (mini-x) and skating (x-factor). You will go faster and cover more ground on the x-factor, which is good in La Jolla.

Also, the x-factor doesn't do too bad in the surf if you know how to work it (lean back, paddle in the wave, hang foot over the side). Plus, it has TONS of storage so all your rods (even the 8 foot ones) will fit nicely inside the kayak.

Both kayaks are great though. I love the mini-x for bay fishing and the x-factor for open ocean. They are both SUPER stable, being over 30 inches wide, I can stand up paddle either one. So if you plan on covering a lot of ground I would consider something with better speed and tracking then the mini-x.

07-06-2011, 06:08 AM	#2
maui jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cypress, CA Posts: 789	First time ever no one mentions Hobie......wow.. you guys are slippin' Go Cobra's... __________________

07-05-2011, 10:54 PM	#1
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	I sold my Mini-X a few weeks ago, after testing out for a few months on "the goon" @ Castaic. I found it was not speed and tracking but, the storage was too small to carry many of the items that I use just for Bass fishing. Since my saltwater gear (with the exception of my Fly Gear) is more extensive and heavier, I figured I needed to upgrade to a larger yak. Fortunately I found a Pro Explorer listed shortly after I made my decision to upgrade. (btw: if you want a Pro Explorer FnD almost new send me a PM I think I can get you one like mine only in Mango @ the same price as mine). I also have storage/transport issues but I won't have to worry about not being able to carry my Saltwater gear. My only regret is that I didn't notice that the tank area on the Pro Explorer is also not that much larger than the Mini-X, but it's still an improvement over the Mini. I admit I will miss the manueverability of my Mini however and there is no rudder system made for the Pro Explorer. My next yak X-Factor, Trident 13 or an Outback (regardless of home storage issues). My best suggestion would be to take your Mini out to the lake/harbor with all/most of what you'd use out on LJ and see if you can carry everything you'd need. Best of luck on your decision, FFY

07-11-2011, 12:32 PM	#4
igotswansons Junior Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 5	Seems like the difficulty of storing and loading the longer kayak outweighsnthe shortcomings of the mini x. People don't seem to be too bothered with the mini x's issue with speed and tracking while fishing in la jolla. Looks like I will probably pull thr trigger. Thanks for everyone's input!

07-12-2011, 12:37 PM	#5
cjthomas Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 108	I have both the X-factor and the Mini-X. I'm 5'11 and 180 pounds so the x-factor is a little big for me. The x-factor is a better kayak for La Jolla because of the speed and tracking as previously mentioned. With the x-factor you can get some momentum going, stop paddling, and glide for a little while. The mini-x has a very hard time gliding. Also, as you paddle, the mini-x bow will move right-to-left, or left to right. The difference is like walking (mini-x) and skating (x-factor). You will go faster and cover more ground on the x-factor, which is good in La Jolla. Also, the x-factor doesn't do too bad in the surf if you know how to work it (lean back, paddle in the wave, hang foot over the side). Plus, it has TONS of storage so all your rods (even the 8 foot ones) will fit nicely inside the kayak. Both kayaks are great though. I love the mini-x for bay fishing and the x-factor for open ocean. They are both SUPER stable, being over 30 inches wide, I can stand up paddle either one. So if you plan on covering a lot of ground I would consider something with better speed and tracking then the mini-x.