Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 – Review

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is a tournament worthy fishing kayak that has the features of a small boat and is comfortable and easy to maneuver.

If you’re a kayak angler looking for the ultimate kayak fishing adventure, check out the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12. 

This is a top of the line pedal kayak with technology and features to match. It has superior flexibility for accessory rigging with a lot of big-boat fishing features. Hobie has created a design that checks every box for an avid fisherman looking for the best fishing kayak.

From the pedal system to the seat, it has all the features you need to bring in the big one.  

Specifications

• Maximum Weight Limit: 500lbs
• Kayak Weight: 105lbs
• Length: 12′
• Width: 36″
• Price: $3899

Features

• Powered by Hobie’s patented Miragedrive 180 with Kick-up turbo fin technology . 
• Kayak control uses a rudder with primary and secondary control handles that allows the kayak to be steered from either side.
• Reverse directions by simply pulling a handle.
• Adjustable pedals to accommodate any size of driver
• The drive fins “kick back” when they make contact with an underwater obstacle.  
• Rudder control with the left or right hand
• Hobie’s patented Vantage Seat that is designed to be a comfortable seat that is adjustable and easy to enter and exit. It even includes an adjustable lumbar support.
• Guardian retractable transducer shield to protect your fish finder’s transducer. 
• Sealed hatch storage along with open platform storage with bungee cords and a front hatch that has a removable bin for cleaning.
• A mesh storage pocket
• It has 4 standard horizontal rod holders and 2 molded-in rod holders that are perfect for trolling.
• The kayak also has an H-rail system that is highly customizable for adding additional accessories.

Important Feature Details

MirageDrive 180 Propulsion System

The Pro Angler does not have the average pedal drive system found in a pedal drive kayak. Hobie’s revolutionary patented Mirage Drive has Kick-Up Fins that drive the kayak. This is similar to a pedal style drive system, because it’s powered using your feet. However, that’s where the similarity stops. 

The pedals don’t revolve in a circular motion. Instead, the pedals actuate back and forth causing the new kick-up turbo fins to propel the kayak. The drive system can easily be put into forward or reverse by pulling a handle. This flips the kick up fins to change the drive direction.

There is a pedal crank length adjustment to accommodate any size of driver, so the big and tall can easily make an adjustment for their size. 

There is no need to worry about underwater obstacles. The flexible fins “kick back” when they make contact with something under the kayak that would otherwise damage a normal propeller system.

This feature makes the Hobie Pro Angler 12 versatile for deep or shallow water fishing. 

The kayak also comes with an oar for when the weeds and debris get too thick, or when fishing shallow areas. 

Mirage Pro Angler 12 Control and Maneuverability

Convenience was a top priority when designing the Pro Angler 12’s rudder system. 

The direction of the kayak is controlled using a large retractable skeg with primary and secondary control handles. The primary control is on the left side and the auxiliary control is on the right. This allows the kayak to be steered from either side. 

Fingertip control is easy with soft rudder control handles placed in the perfect spot for easy access and total control. 

Vantage ST – A Superior Seating System

A great feature of this kayak is the seat. Every good big guy kayak needs a comfortable seat that is adjustable and easy to enter and exit. The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler is equipped with the elevated Vantage ST Seat.

The seat was designed with a focus on a comfortable and a luxurious ride. This helps keep your focus on what’s in front of you, not on your behind.

The material used on the Vantage ST seating is quick drying and breathable, with stain-resistant EVA padding. This makes it great for wicking away sweat or for when the seat gets wet.

A kickstand setting adjusts the seat for standing. This gives you a higher vantage point and lets you stretch your legs. This highly adjustable Vantage ST seat is easily removed to double as a beach chair or to make the kayak easier to transport. 

The seat-back, bottom, height, and the lumbar-support are all easily adjustable. That’s right, lumbar support technology!

Mirage Pro Angler’s Extensive Storage System

Let’s start at the front of the kayak. A large storage hatch at the front allows easy access from the driver seat. This storage area can be removed for cleaning or loading prior to setting out. 

Another hatch is placed right in front of the seat and has a pivoting tackle management system. The hatch has a rectangular shape that is sealed using a twist and seal mechanism. It’s a great place to store tackle and includes two medium size tackle boxes. 

Larger tackle boxes are located in a recessed cavity under the seat. Moreover, this allows you to bring more tackle than you’ll need for any single fishing trip. 

Behind the seat is an open platform with bungee cord netting. This area is live well ready or can be used to store all your extra cargo. 

Toward the back of the kayak is an 8” circular hatch. The efficient corkscrew mechanism ratchets down the lid for a perfect seal. This hatch is a great place to keep gear that needs to stay dry. 

Mirage Pro Angler’s Stable Hull Design

The kayak is constructed of rotomolded plastic and has a tunnel hull design. The tunnel design helps the kayak roll over waves, giving you confidence in all conditions. 

This extra wide hull has sides designed to rise high in the water, thereby keeping water out and bring you more confidence in the stability of the kayak. 

Innovative Hobie H-Rail Accessory System

The Hobie Pro Angler 12 has the ability to add all the accessories you want to attach. The H-Rails are positioned along the sides of the kayak. The rails are constructed from extruded aluminum, thereby providing a strong corrosion resistant platform. 

This patented system has A LOT of mounting options. Gear junkies will have no problem mounting everything from cup holders and large gear bins to fish finders.

Lawrence Fish Finder Ready System

What would a great fishing boat be without a fish finder? The Hobie Pro Angler 12 is Lawrence ready for serious anglers.

It has a system that includes pre-drilled wiring channels on both sides of the kayak. The transducer mounts on a plate under the kayak. 

Additionally, the Guardian transducer mounting system has a spring loaded plate that retracts up into the hull when contact is made with obstacles under the water. Also, there is a pull handle that retracts the mounting plate for transport or when gliding onto shore. 

Additional Features

There’s a lot of standard equipment wrapped up in this kayak. A half-dozen rods can easily stored on the Pro Angler.

Four fishing rods can be stored in the standard horizontal rod storage area, two on each side of the seat. These storage areas are designed to protect your rod tips from damage and allow easy access to your extra rods.

Additionally, 2 molded-in vertical fishing rod holders are positioned just behind the seat. This makes switching between pre-geared rods easy to do on the fly. 

To allow for confident and comfortable standing there are grip pads on the fishing platform. These grip pads prevent your feet from slipping while standing and make barefoot fishing more comfortable. 

An optional anchor trolley kit can easily be installed at the front or aft of the kayak. Brass inserts for the system are placed in strategic locations to allow for an anchor, sail or even a Bimini to shield you from the sun. 

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Great for large water and open ocean fishing
• Lots of great storage
• Great stability
• Easily maneuverable

Cons

• Bulky and a bit heavy
• Expensive

Conclusion

There are a lot of great fishing kayaks on the market and the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler is a superior fishing kayak designed for elite anglers. Moreover, the stability and maneuverability combined with the larger amount of storage and ability to accessorize makes this kayak more like a small boat. 

Hobie has a lot of kayaks, including a 14′ version of this same kayak that has a 600 pound weight capacity.

Additionally, the drive system can also be upgraded to the new Miragedrive 360 system for even greater usability. 

Click here for more information on the Hobie Mirage Angler Pro and Hobie kayaks from the Hobie website. 

Check out our article 21 Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys for more great kayak options.