Have you ever pondered the possibility that you could attain a more productive fishing journey if you had the power to paddle without using your hands? You may have found what you’re looking for in the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12.
This pedal kayak was made with the dedicated fisherman in mind, giving you the freedom to use your hands elsewhere while still being in with a chance of catching something special. Let us examine some characteristics to help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
- Length: 12 foot
- Width: 36 inches
- Depth: 20 inches
- Weight: 105 pounds (128.5 pounds fully rigged)
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Things To Consider Before Buying a Hobie Mirage Pedal Yak
The Hobie Mirage is a kayak with a constructed-in pedal propulsion system, designed particularly for angling. This product is meant to provide a more effortless fishing experience, allowing you to focus on the catch rather than the technique.
If you go fishing in many different types of water and find it hard to control both a fishing rod and paddle simultaneously, then this kayak could be a practical choice. This construction is intended to be practical in any type of body of water, thus performing the same manner whether it is in flatwater or waves created by ocean flow.
A pedal drive in your boat is useful because you can go faster than if you had to use your arms; it’s convenient if you want to get to a good fishing area without taking too long.
The Mirage Pro Angler 12 can serve as an ideal option for any paddler, regardless of experience level, due to its abundance of fishing features and impeccable balance. However, if you’re just searching for a pedal-powered vessel for enjoyable use, that may not be the ideal option, since there might be other selections that suit that purpose and are more cost-effective.
Top Features Of The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler
This vessel, the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12, has been created with the serious angler in view; it is a twelve-foot long kayak particularly meant for fishing. This product offers many tools that allow you to nab your desired catch when fishing in both freshwater lakes and the sea.
Pedal Power
This yak is equipped with the MirageDrive 180 foot-power system, which is a push operating mechanism in comparison to the rotary mechanism. Instead of being something that you can easily recall, you switch between propelling your legs forward on the pedals, likely utilizing your lower leg muscles more than your upper legs.
The pedal mechanism includes two fins which operate in an analogous manner to the pedals located on a boat deck. You can cycle backwards by yanking on a cord on the deck which turns the fins around 180 degrees.
Adjustable Seat
A great feature on this yak is the seat. The seat back and lumbar support, seat bottom, and height are all adjustable on this chair, allowing you to personalize it to optimize your comfort when you are cycling or lounging around.
The chair can be adjusted to make it even more comfortable, allowing you to raise the seat by five inches. This could give you an advantage when it comes to being seen and could provide you with an advantage over the other fishers. Placing the seat further away from the deck could keep you drier than if it was located nearer.
If you want more space when you are upright, the chair can be raised so it isn’t in the way. This is an amenity that some other angling kayaks might not have.
Room For Gear
This yak has a capacity of 500 pounds, meaning it will be able to easily hold you and everything you need for a weekend of boating. The bow of the boat has a big storage area, which is covered and could be great for storing ice or other gear.
This boat has an incredibly useful trait – an 8 inch waterproof hatch at the rear of its storage well – perfect for protecting valuable items from any wetness. At the rear, there’s a deep tank that comes with bungee cords, perfect for transporting bigger things such as coolers or boxes. You are able to acquire a separate storage unit for live bait and it can be fixed into the back of the tank.
Fishing Accessories
This boat offers an extra bonus which comes in the form of an area to store and hold up to six rods. Along the sides there are four holders for horizontal rods and the rear of the seat is equipped with two fixed holders. There is a spot to store tackle boxes just in front of the seat, and additional tackle can be kept beneath the seat.
Various methods for mounting tools and accessories exist, such as mounting boards on either side and an H-Rail for attaching extra components. In addition to this, it is equipped with a mounting bracket and connection plugs already installed for transducers.
This vessel is on our compilation of best fishing kayaks, and there definitely is justification for its inclusion!
Stand And Cast
This boat has been constructed with fishing in mind, with the purpose of providing excellent balance so that you can stand while angling and cast your line with more accuracy, thus enhancing your overall fishing experience.
The 36 inch wide frame provides excellent balance and could be beneficial to someone inexperienced in kayaking.
The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak Review
Durability 5.0
Hobie is renowned for their high-grade watersports items, and this is visible in the make and layout of the Mirage Pro Angler.
The robust and strong construction of the rotomolded polyethylene body ensures durability and can withstand the test of time with proper maintenance.
Performance 4.8
It is almost impossible not to see the Mirage Pro as a superior fishing vessel due to its cutting-edge pedal drive system.
Tracking
Both variations of the Mirage Pro go through the water successfully, however the 14 foot configuration is marginally better – particularly when presented with waves, winds, currents, and turbulent conditions.
Push down on the pedal drive and you will move forward steadily and directly, even when there is a challenging headwind.
Hobie has also added a new fin to the boat, which will also help to keep you headed in the right direction.
Speed
The Mirage Pro is able to create a suitable amount of speed, particularly with the turbo kick fin system. Generally, when pedaling slowly, one is likely to move at a rate of approximately 2-3 miles per hour.
Of course, there are many quicker fishing kayaks for sale. Hobie’s own Revolution 11 is one of them.
Although the Mirage Pro was not designed specifically with winning races in mind, the pedal drive allows you to move much more quickly than if you were paddling.
You may want to go with another option if you are seeking something fast, as the Mirage Pro’s bulkiness and heftiness are unlikely to satisfy the needs of speed junkies.
Stability
It is quite likely that the Mirage Pro might be the steadiest fishing base on the market. It is comparable to the Old Town Sportsman Big Water and Bonafide’s SS127, two of the best.
If you’re worried about standing up in a kayak, you should give the Mirage Pro a shot. It is referred to as an extremely dependable fishing vessel.
Features and Accessories 5.0
The noteworthy aspect of the Hobie Mirage Pro is that when it is first seen, it may seem to be without many features.
When looking closely, it’s clear that these features were skillfully incorporated into the construction of the kayak.
Some might say ingenious, in fact!
Other fishing kayaks offer similar features to the Mirage Pro, but the Hobie has all the items required.
Let’s take a look at what’s on offer:
- Two vertical rod holders with rod leashes.
- Gunwale H-rails for additional accessories/rod holders.
- Pivoting tackle management system.
- Horizontal rod storage – super important for coastal fishing.
- Dual rudder controls
- EVA standing pads
- Through hull power holes.
- Mesh map/storage pockets.
- Central accessory mount.
- Paddle holders.
- Mounting plate.
- Rudder access hatch/trolling motor mount.
- Skid plates.
- Anchor points.
- Sail and bimini mount.
- Scupper holes.
- Guardian retractable transducer shield.
- Cup holder.
Comfort 5.0
The 12 foot Mirage Pro Angler has the highly acclaimed Vantage ST seating; similar to the luxury of a patio chair. It is one of the most comfortable available.
This chair is adjustable to provide maximum airflow with the mesh seat and back, and also has a lumbar support to ensure comfort.
The BOA lumbar support is adjustable to whatever level of comfort you desire, whether it be a lot or a little. It is tailored to your own personal preferences.
If you’re looking to fish the entire day, this is ideal, though the elderly may not have the same capabilities they used to.
The seat can be modified by using the barrel adjusters that come as part of the chair, these controls can add an extra 5 inches in elevation.
This ensures that you are able to take in the full view of the water or stay more balanced when moving. There’s a reason it’s called “Vantage” seating!
It is possible to take the chair away and use it as a deck chair which is ideal for beach fishing or kayak camping escapades.
Furthermore, the pilot’s area is roomy, and looks and feels open and free of mess. There is lots of room to make casts and reels with no hindrance and you will be treated like royalty when you attempt out the Mirage.
Weight Capacity 5.0
Given its proportions, weight, and balance, the Hobie Mirage Pro angler was destined to be very successful in meeting weight requirements.
The 12 foot model boasts 500 lbs weight capacity.
Do not overload your fishing kayak, no matter how impressive the capacity may be. Don’t neglect to factor in your own weight when preparing what you will take with you before you begin your journey. Be sure to not bring too much.
Portability 2.0
It’s plain to see – these kayaks are bulky and extremely weighty. The 12-foot-long model weighs 128.5 pounds when it is all set up.
Aesthetics 4.0
The Hobie Mirage Pro may not be the most aesthetically pleasing kayak when it comes to fishing, and its design does not match the elegance of Bonafide or Vibe’s models.
One can select between papaya orange, ivory dune, and camo as the colors of this item. Remember that the camo version costs a bit extra.
Logos are applied in a way that makes them both long-lasting and resistant to wear, so they will remain in place for a period of time.
Safety 4.5
When looking for steadying reliability, the Mirage provides optimal serenity, and both models will rapidly give you the assurance required to focus on catching your next fish.
It is exceedingly hard to turn over this vehicle, and you will be aware of that the instant you take it out on its initial journey.
The hues are fairly vivid and strong, so you should be visible during poor lighting or bad weather.
It’s a breeze to modify the seat to your liking, as you can quickly decrease its height with one pull of the tab if you encounter choppy waves.
If you accidentally turn the kayak over, such as from a large wave, it will be very hard to put back upright because of its heaviness.
Rounding Up
Pros
- Large capacity
- Very stable
- Fishing features
- Adjustable Seat
Cons
- Heavy
- On the expensive side
Is a Hobie Mirage Pro Angler Kayak Worth it?
It depends on two main factors:
- Your budget.
- Your ability to transport it.
It could be argued that there is another element influencing the decision – how beneficial would it be to use it?
If you take your kayak fishing seriously and are not deterred by any weather conditions, and if you can afford it, you will be really glad that you bought the Hobie Mirage Pro.
