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Hobie Mirage Compass Fishing Kayak Review

Mark Armstrong
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The Hobie Mirage Compass pedal kayak is a 12 foot vessel that is built for fishing. It comes with a pedal drive system and a comfortable seat that’s ideal for spending hours on the water. It also comes with a two piece paddle.

  • Length: 12 foot
  • Width: 34 inches
  • Weight: 87 pounds (fully rigged)
  • Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

The Hobie Mirage Compass features a MirageDrive pedal system that benefits from Glide Technology and dual fins that help to propel you and your vessel across the water in search of the best fishing holes.

It is built for stability and convenience, with a huge 400 pound weight capacity that can let you bring along all the gear you’ll need for a long fishing trip or even a camping trip.

Before Buying A Hobie Compass Pedal Kayak

The Hobie Mirage Compass is a fishing kayak with a pedal drive system. This means it can be ideal for a wide range of people, including beginners, as you’ll probably find there are less skills involved with pedaling than with paddling.

The pedal drive system means you use leg power so you can cross the water quicker, and usually with less effort than if you were using arm power alone. This can make it ideal if you plan to cover a lot of water, as it can let you spend more time fishing and less time getting to your favorite spot.

However, even if you don’t plan to fish, the Hobie Compass could still be a great option. It can be loaded up with camping gear if you want to explore your local water trails, while keeping your hands free for taking photos or eating snacks.

If you’re looking for a lightweight touring yak, however, this is probably not it. Rigged with its pedal drive system and seat it weighs 87 pounds, so it may not be the best option if you plan to take it out on your own, unless you have a cart or tools to help you load and unload it.

Top Features Of The Hobie Compass

Pedal Drive System

The MirageDrive pedal system is one of the main features of the Hobie Compass. This is what propels the boat over the water. The push pedals on the deck control the two fins underneath the hull.

Video: Hobie MirageDrive – Underwater Clips

This can let you move across lakes, ocean bays and rivers while keeping your hands free for fishing.

However, the pedal system does not have reverse capabilities. But it does come with a two piece paddle so you can turn, reverse and paddle.

> Best Pedal Fishing Kayaks

Built For Fishing

The Mirage Compass is made for anglers of all skill levels. It has plenty of features that are designed to make your fishing trip all the more enjoyable.

There are two built-in rod holders located behind the seat, as well as H-track accessory mounts so you can install additional rod holders and electronics without having to drill into the hull.

When it comes to storing your gear there’s a spacious rear storage deck with bungee rigging for added security. This can be ideal for keeping your crate or livewell safe. At the bow you’ll find a mesh covered storage area and there’s also an 8 inch center hatch for keeping smaller items dry.

Additionally, there’s a cup holder so you can keep your favorite beverage within easy reach.

Video: Hobie Mirage Compass Kayak

Stand And Cast

A great feature of the Compass is that the hull is built for stability. It is 34 inches wide and benefits from a flat deck to make it easier for you to stand up. While you’ll still need good balance, standing up can give you a better vantage point for fishing and can make it easier to cast your lure.

Comfort

The Compass comes with a removable seat that has a mesh cover for drainage and breathability. The seat can be adjusted for added comfort and it can also let you sit higher in the yak, which can be useful for sight fishing.

Under the seat you’ll even find additional storage that can be suitable for tackle trays and other smaller items.

There’s Also A Tandem Version: The Compass Duo

Mirage Compass DuoPin
  • Length: 13 foot 6 inches
  • Width: 35 inches
  • Weight: 127 pounds (fully rigged)
  • Weight Capacity: 475 pounds

The Mirage Compass Duo is a pedal kayak that’s designed for two people. It features two MirageDrive pedal systems and two elevated mesh covered seats for all day comfort.

This tandem yak benefits from a lot of the great features that you find on the solo version. But some of the features are doubled to accommodate the second person, such as the rod holders, gear tracks and storage hatch.

This can make it an ideal vessel if you want another person to join you on your fishing trip. It can also be great for a family camping trip. However, it can be pretty heavy to carry once the pedal drives are installed, so you may want to think about how you get it to and from the water.


Hobie Compass Alternatives

Hobie Mirage Outback

The Hobie Outback is a similar pedal kayak to the Compass but it has the added advantage of the MirageDrive 180 pedal system that can let you move backwards as well as forwards.

This yak also features Kick-Up Fins that are designed to automatically lift up if you hit rocks or logs or go too shallow. It has lots of fishing features and benefits from grip pads on the deck to make it easier to stand up for casting.

Old Town Topwater 106 PDL

Old Town Topwater 106 PDLPin

The Old Town Topwater PDL is a 10 foot 6 inch sit-on-top yak with a rotational pedal drive system that can go forwards and backwards. It’s super stable with a pontoon style hull that’s 36 inches wide. It also features a padded floor to make it easier for standing.

It has lots of fishing features, including rod holders and horizontal rod storage, plus gear tracks and a huge 450 pound capacity.

Perception Pescador Pilot

Perception Pescador PilotPin

The Perception Pescador Pilot is around the same size as the Compass but is a couple of pounds lighter and has a larger capacity of 475 pounds. It has four rod holders, gear tracks and front and rear storage decks.

It benefits from the rotational pedal Pilot Drive system that can also let you reverse. The seat is an elevated mesh lawn chair that’s built for all day comfort.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Compass Good For Standing And Fishing?

Yes, the Compass has a stable hull that you can stand up in but it may take some practice to keep your balance.

Can I Reverse In It?

No, you can’t reverse in the Compass. You would need to use your paddle to reverse or turn your yak around. However, there is a Compass Camo option that has an upgraded pedal system that can reverse.


Final Verdict

Pros

  • Very stable
  • Pedal power
  • Generous weight capacity
  • Fishing features

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

The Hobie Mirage Compass pedal kayak can be a great vessel whether you’re an experienced angler looking for an easy-to-use kayak or you’re simply after a vessel for hands-free exploring.

It has a huge weight capacity and lots of room for your gear, plus it has a stable hull that can be ideal for a range of waters and can even be suitable for standing.

If you think the Mirage Compass might be the right boat for you, click here to check it out for yourself. And let us know what you think of it by leaving us a comment.

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