Hobie 60 manual Entering Your Float Cat, Maneuvering With Fins, Fishing Techniques

Entering Your Float Cat

1.Make sure your Float Cat has been assembled properly and double check all connections to assure they are locked in properly for initial assembly, see assembly instructions.

2.Carry Float Cat to lake shore. Never attempt to use your Float Cat on moving waters. It’s present design is specific to stillwaters. Set Float Cat down on lakes edge far enough on land to prevent the wind from blowing it into lake. Stow gear and place rod in rack. Check floatation vest.

Maneuvering With Fins

The pontoons are designed to turn easily and also to track well while under power. Practice these three basic maneuvers until you feel confident before venturing far from your launch point. With experience, you can cover lots of water and use subtle variations to make your Float Cat perform like an extension of yourself. Fins are the primary power used for fishing but oars can help you cover more water in a shorter period of time. (see Maneuvering With Oars)

Basic Kick: Now you are ready to move into deeper water. From a comfortable sitting position, push yourself off shore (backward) with your feet. Begin kicking your fins with a scissor kick, similar to swimming, pivoting at the knee. If you are unfamiliar with fin powered water craft, spend a few minutes kicking parallel to shore, in shallow water, until you feel comfortable.

Power Turns: To steer while moving backwards, aim your fins to one side or another; right to turn right and left to turn left. Remember to aim with your back. Look back occasionally to see that you are going towards you target and steering clear of obstacles.

DROP BACK AND START KICK

FINISH KICK AND DRAW BLADE STRAIGHT BACK

Pivots: To pivot on axis, sweep one or both fins in a circular motion clockwise or counterclockwise. Your Hobie Float Cat should easily pivot 360 degrees from a stopped position. If not, practice!

Fishing Techniques

Casting Platform: When you are ready to fish, stop the Float Cat and use the craft as a casting platform. If you have a stripping apron, it can be use to put fly line on while fishing and a table for tackle rigging or fish de-hooking. Casting is generally done anywhere from directly ahead to 90 degree angles from the angler. To fish comfortable, pivot until you face the cast direction. Find the water type that holds the most fish and then work those areas carefully. Small float tube anchors can be used to hold position and prevent

wind-drift. Throw out a small marker buoy to mark your open water hotspot. A marker or an anchor will keep you from drifting away from your desired location.

Trolling: Trolling flies or lures from your Float Cat can be quite productive and helps find new hotspots. Use your fins for slow trolling or the oars for faster trolling. The rod holder can be used for lure trolling. With flies it is best to hand hold the rod, with the rod tip aimed directly at the fly for best feel and strike detection. A combination of slow trolling and a slow retrieve often does well and covers a lot of water.

9