Hobie "Pro Angler 12" Hot

I use this boat for all sorts of fishing from protected bays to jigging for yellowtail/white sea bass. The Pro Angler 12 is a really good kayak for larger paddlers, I weight about 230 lbs and I feel very safe even in more sketchy conditions. The Hobie livewell carries up to 5 different set ups, so I can take a lot of gear with me. The Pro Angler 12 isn't as fast as my Revolution 13, but the weight capacity and comfort of the seat make up for it.

I demoed this boat along with the PA 14. Tracking was a little better in the 14 but in tight creeks the 12 could turn around on a dime. The center mounted rudder made it easy to manuever in tight quarters. My friend had his and my gear loaded on it. He had never been on a kayak and was able to catch some Atlantic Croaker and stingray standing up, with ease.

The PA 12 is a great option for someone who likes the 14 but has a short bed pickup or is has a hard time car topping the 14. It offers all the same features in a slightly smaller size.

Love my PA-12. Enjoy kayak fishing much more since making the choice.

Love this machine !!

I've recently made a visit to Kayak's by Bo's in Titusville, FL and spilled myself into Hobie's Mirage Pro Angler 12. I was looking for something that I could fish out of with both speed and comfort. Living near Mosquito Lagoon, most of my fishing is around these waters and out of Port Canaveral so often the conditions are less than perfect. I needed something that handles well so I can keep fighting fish and not the weather conditions.

With the Pro Angler 12, Hobie's designed a sexy and stable system with even the Adventure Angler in mind. I'll start with the Mirage Drive system, simply put the legs are bigger muscles than the arms and Hobie has done an amazing job designing a pedal drive system with Turbo Fins that allow you to get from point A to Point B..and C,D, E & F quickly without burning out before you've had the chance to fish. You have dual steering on the left and right so the handle can be mounted on either side. If trolling's your thing, you win here. I recently caught a nice 46 1/2" Redfish while trolling a Paddle tail trying to get from one end of the river to the other..who'd a thought. Hobie's eVolve electronic motor kit can be mounted onto your PA too as a great alternative.

Great stability- In choppy waters even sitting in the high position, I feel very secure. I recently was fishing a bridge under very windy conditions, It was a good test to see how the PA handles while trying to position yourself where you need to be and still be able to actually fish. There's plenty of room to move around quite comfortably and I was surprisedly dry.

For me, I'd have to say one of the best features of the Pro Angler Series is the fully adjustable Vantage Seat. Finally a seat that's comfortable to be in for more than 4 hours and easy to adjust to any desired position. You can raise the bottom up or down and the backrest forward or back in both low and high position. Also Hobie stepped it up with a lumbar support system thats easy to adjust while you're fishing which is quite helpful. If you're like me and like to site fish, the seat raises up and while standing, your seat is now a support bar facing the back. Well played Hobie.

When fishing skinny waters the Mirage drive will lay flush underneath and it's easy to push myself around..a nice feature if you've been sitting for a while and want to stand while you fish. The PA's come with a nice built in transducer mount with pre-installed cable plugs through the hull if you have a fish finder.

I used to get the occasional broken tip on my rods while out..never a fun time especially when you're already on the water. It's easy to accidentally drop your setup in the drink or break a tip...(or maybe it's just me but hey). Hobie has four horizontal rod holders so this is a plus for dummy's like me. Secure and out of the way. Or if you get the Hobie Livewell, it's custom designed to sit behind the seat and also has three additional rod holders.

Everything I need is pretty much at my finger tips. The twist and seal hatch tackle system right in front of my seat is convenient for quick access to another paddle tail from the puffer that just bit mine off. Most of my tackle fits in these two tackle trays but for bigger tackle trays, they strap down neatly under the seat. There's also a smaller twist and seal hatch system in the back. I've seen optional kits Hobie has with First Aid buckets to slide in here, good thinking. The front hatch has a removable liner for storage where I keep an extra PFD, flashlight and safety equipment.

Storage: I keep my Pro Angler and the Outback in my garage. With the Hobie Plug-In cart, it's easy to load onto the bed of my truck and transport anywhere. The PA has seen a lot of miles in just a few months and even with all the abuse I've put it through while strapping down and traveling from Florida to Virginia beach and all over Florida down to the keys, it's durable and a good craft.

The accessories are endless to suit just about any need. For the Angler seeking to get out and fish under any conditions and anywhere far or near comfortably who enjoy the benefits of a boat, this is for you. It's priced right when you consider all the added features the system has to offer from a fishing kayak. I look forward to many more fishing adventures in the years to come with my Pro Angler.