I decided to treat myself to a new fishing kayak. I have been fishing out of an old Hobie Outback with the Mirage drive and really like it. I decided to go all out and get the Hobie Professional Angler in the new Camo color. The 2017 model has a new drive system that allows you to pull a cable and go in reverse which is a big plus for fishing in tight spots. The Pro Angler is designed by fishermen and is extremely well engineered. It is stable enough to fish from a standing position and the seat is adjustable for different heights, back position and even has built in adjustable lumbar support. I’ve only taken it out once (last evening) and it is miles ahead of the old Hobie Outback I had. Now all I need to do is finally retire so that I can really spend some time in my new toy;)
P.S. This is a generic photo of the same kayak I have. I chose the 12 foot model because it has a shorter turning radius and it’s all that I need.
Congratulations on your new kayak! I’ve fished a few times from one but haven’t taken the plunge (so to speak) and bought one. Sounds as though this new Hobie earns a place on my list to consider!
51BC, I have been fishing out of a kayak for the past 12 years and they are absolutely the best personal fishing platform that I’ve ever used for still water and large slow rivers. The hobie kayaks with the Mirage drive system keeps my hands free for casting, landing fish etc. and makes the whole kayak fishing experience much nicer (in my very biased opinion).
Thanks for reminding me Mike, perhaps that one of the biggest reasons I wouldn’t move back up north. I’ve been out several times already this year and have done very well with Bass and Bream. The first three trips were in my old Hobie Outback, which I sold and the final trip was in my new Hobie PA12.
I hope that all is well with you and that you’re all ready to for your first fishing outing of the year.
Jim,
Thanks for the recommendation. That Hobie will stay on my list. You’ve got me pretty jealous with all the open water! Even with a very mild winter here, I still have about 2 months to wait for open water!
Congratulation on the new Pro Angler. They look like the bomb in fishing kayaks!
I also am upgrading my kayak. I’m going from a 2006 Hobie Revolution 13 to a 2017 Hobie Revolution 13. My main reason is to get the upgraded seat but being able to shift the Mirage drive into reverse is a nice plus. Now I have to get the old kayak sold.
I found that my old Hobie Outback practically sold itself. I bought it used 12 years ago, used it very frequently, but kept it under cover. I sold it on Craig’s list to the first person who looked at it, and I sold it for $150 less than I paid 12 years earlier. I had three more calls the same day. I think that because they have increased in price over the years, that the resale value has also increased. Good luck!
Woah! Thanks for posting this, Jim! I also have an Outback. Its great, but if I had to complain about something, it would be the low seat, lack of flat floor for standing up, and you had to pick up the paddle to go backwards. The new one you got solves all those issues! That’s fantastic, congratulations!
Now, the mirage drive pedals CAN catch fly line stripped into the kayak, especially if you are standing…but that could easily be solved by just tossing some fabric (sheet, towel, small tarp, screen, etc) over the pedals while casting.
Dave, The 2017 PA series has plenty of room to stand up and if you use a stripping basket, line control should not be an issue. I REALLY like this new kayak!
I wish I could afford one of those…hell I wish I’d kept my outback… But I stupidly sold it a couple yrs back… Good luck n good fishing with the new boat!
