Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12

Size and Weight

The Pro Angler 12 is a full 12’ (366 cm) in length and 36” (91 cm) wide. The overall design is meant to provide as much stability as possible, and the Pro Angler certainly delivers. The kayak is a bit heavier than some other fishing models on the market today. Due to having so many features and accessories, this kayak weighs in at 128.5 lbs (58.2 kg).

Capacity

Most professional anglers look for a kayak with excellent stability, plenty of storage space, and enough capacity to handle all the gear they need on a competitive fishing venture. The Pro Angler delivers on all three and sports a capacity rating of 500 lbs (227 kg), which makes it more than capable of loading down with any gear you need.

Features

The Pro Angler’s features are widely held in the kayak fishing community as being some of the best. This kayak offers nearly everything you need in the ultimate fishing craft.

Propelled by the MirageDrive 180, the Pro Angler has the capability to go backward and forward to allow anglers to fit into very narrow parts of lakes, rivers and reservoirs. The MirageDrive 180’s fins also have “kick-up” capability, which means they’ll retract if you happen to encounter a solid object just under the surface that would otherwise damage these fins.

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The Pro Angler’s retractable rudder also has the Kick-Up feature which gives you the ability to go into much more shallow water than other kayaks. The boat can be steered with your left or your right hand via the knobs located next to the seat.

The Vantage ST seat might just be the most versatile and comfortable on the market today. The seat features breathable mesh padding that will keep you dry on longer trips, as well as arm bars for added support and comfort. The chair has the BOA seatback technology for excellent lumbar support. It can also be removed and set up onshore, which is perfect for sitting by your campfire.

You will appreciate the ability to have your favorite lures right at your feet with the Pivoting Tackle Management System that literally pops up out of the deck for easy access. The Twist-and-Seal dry hatch means you’ll be able to keep your lures dry and rust-free. The Pro Angler also offers plenty of extra storage under the seat.

The Guardian Retractable Transducer Shield means you can quickly and easily install your favorite fish finder. The kayak features a scupper hole that’s connected to pre-installed wire plugs that allow you to install your electronic equipment on either side.

Many anglers rave about Hobie’s H-Rail system that provides you with a highly stable mounting surface that can be fitted with rod holders, camera mounts, paddle holders, and just about anything else you need.

The reinforced standing platform and deck pads are said to be the most stable in the industry by many serious kayak anglers. You’ll have no problem standing up to cast or take you fish off the hook, or just simply relax and stretch your legs.

The Pro Angler’s storage options have been designed with the fisherman in mind. The large bow hatch is capable of storing everything from iced down drinks, to fish, and everything in between.

The stern features a livewell-ready cargo area that is fitted with an 8” twist-and-seal hatch. The bow features brass inserts that are positioned to have an optional anchor trolley kit, anchor, or drift chute installed.

Performance

The Pro Angler 12 is said to have superb stability, even in rough conditions, thanks to its hull design and wide frame. Users have reported that they can literally walk nearly every inch of the kayak without flipping it over. Anglers are able to quickly reach a comfortable cruising speed thanks to the design and the MirageDrive 180 system.

The kayak also offers excellent tracking and agility, with the capability to make very tight turns in little time. Users report that the kayak is able to cover great distances with minimal effort. The Kick-Up fins and rudder system allow the Pro Angler 12 to go into shallow water that is typically off limits to other kayaks.