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Have you ever thought that you might have a more successful fishing trip if only you could paddle hands free? The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 could just be what you’ve been searching for.
Designed for serious anglers, this pedal kayak could offer you the chance to free up your hands so you can turn your attention to more important things, like that prize catch. So let’s take a look at some of the features to help you decide if it’s the one 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 fishing kayak that has the added feature of a pedal drive system. This is designed to give you more of a hands free fishing experience, which can let you focus more on the fish at the end of your line.
If you frequently fish in a range of water conditions but find it inconvenient to juggle a paddle and fishing rod at the same time then this yak could be a good option. It’s designed to be used in most water conditions, so should be equally efficient in flatwater as in ocean current.
One of the benefits of having a pedal drive in your vessel is that you can move a lot faster across the water because you’re using your legs instead of your arms, which can help if you don’t want to waste any time in getting to the most lucrative fishing spot.
The Mirage Pro Angler 12 can be a good choice whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, as it has a lot of fishing features and good stability. But it might not be the best choice if you’re simply looking for a recreational pedal craft for occasional use, as there are others that might be better suited to that and less expensive.
Top Features Of The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler
The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is a 12 foot fishing kayak designed with the professional angler in mind. It promises plenty of fishing features to help you reel in your prize catch whether you’re on your favorite lake or on the ocean.
Pedal Power
This yak features the MirageDrive 180 pedal drive system, which is a push pedal system as opposed to rotational pedals. So instead of being like riding a bike, you alternate pushing your feet forwards on the pedals, probably using your lower leg muscles more than your upper legs.
The pedal system features two fins that move forwards and backwards in a similar fashion to the pedals on the deck. The fins can be rotated 180 degrees by pulling on a cable on the deck, which can then allow you to pedal in reverse.
Adjustable Seat
A great feature on this yak is the seat. It’s completely adjustable, meaning you can alter the seat back and lumbar support, the seat bottom and the height, so you can maximize your comfort whether you’re pedaling or kicking back to relax.
Another good thing about the seat is that, as well as being a comfortable armchair style seat, the height can be adjusted to increase the height of your seat by 5 inches. This can be a real benefit when it comes to visibility and could give you an edge over your fishing competition. It could also help to keep you drier than if the seat was positioned closer to the deck.
For more room on the deck when you’re standing to fish, the seat bottom can also be folded up to get it out of your way – a feature that other fishing kayaks may not have.
Video: Mirage Vantage Seating Position
Room For Gear
This yak has a huge 500 pound capacity, so it should have no problems carrying you and all the gear you might need for a couple of days on the water. As for storage, there’s a large covered hatch at the bow, that could be ideal for keeping ice or other gear.
A handy feature of this vessel is the 8 inch sealed hatch at the back in the storage well, which can be useful for keeping valuables safe and dry. Also at the back, there’s a large tank well with bungee cords, which can be ideal for carrying larger items, such as coolers or crates. There’s also the option of adding a storage well for live bait, which can be purchased separately but fits in the rear tank well.
Fishing Accessories
Another great feature is that there’s dedicated storage for six rods, with four horizontal rod holders (two at either side of the deck) and two molded-in rod holders behind the seat. There’s an added storage hatch in front of the seat for tackle boxes as well as additional tackle storage under the seat.
There are also several options for mounting gear and accessories with mounting boards on either side and an H-Rail where you can attach other accessories. As well as this, it comes transducer-ready with a built-in mount and cable plugs.
This kayak features in our fishing kayak list, and for good reason!
Stand And Cast
Being built for fishing, this craft is designed to offer maximum stability, so you can stand up to fish and get a better cast with your line and generally fish more effectively.
The 36 inch wide hull helps with the overall stability and could be reassuring if you’re new to kayaking.
Other Pedal Angler Kayaks To Consider
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
If you like the features on the Pro Angler 12 but want a little extra space, then the Mirage Pro Angler 14 could be a better option for you. It has the same MirageDrive pedal system so you can go forwards and backwards but is 13 foot 8 inches in length and 38 inches wide.
Being larger, it also has a larger capacity, able to hold up to 600 pounds. But with the longer (and heavier) hull, it may not be quite as easy to transport.
Old Town Predator PDL
At 13 foot 2 inches, the Old Town Predator PDL is slightly longer but still 36 inches wide, which could offer you more speed over the water. The pedal drive system uses a propeller and rotational pedals and there’s also a retractable rudder to help with tracking.
It has the same 500 pound capacity as the Pro Angler 12 but is slightly heavier at 117 pounds. It has lots of fishing features, including mounting points and good storage options, including two sealed hatches.
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10
If you’re after something a little more portable, but you still like the idea of pedals, the Slayer Propel 10 could be ideal. Claiming to be the lightest pedal yak out there, it weighs just 62 pounds and measures 10 foot long and 34 inches wide. It could be a good option for fitting neatly in the back of a pickup.
It features two dry hatches, a large rear tank well and plenty of tracks for attaching accessories.
> Read our full review of the Slayer Propel
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 vs 14 vs 17T
So, we’ve obviously talked about the Pro Angler 12, and its bigger brother, the 14 foot version.
But there’s also a tandem version, known as the 17T:
Pro Angler 17T
The Mirage Pro Angler 17T is a tandem pedal kayak. It has two MirageDrive 180 systems so that two of you can power yourselves across the water. It also benefits from having two Vantage XT seats that can be set either facing forwards or in a face-to-face position. It can also be paddled solo.
This 17 foot yak is significantly heavier than the 12 and 14 models but it has some additional features, such as a trolling motor battery platform, additional rod storage and a two piece paddle. It does not, however, have a rear cargo deck, which can be found on both the 12 and 14 models.
Rounding Up
Pros
- Large capacity
- Very stable
- Fishing features
- Adjustable Seat
Cons
- Heavy
- On the expensive side
A pedal drive yak can be a great vessel for letting you get out on the water without any paddling skills or experience. The Mirage Pro Angler 12 can be the ideal tool for helping you reach those hidden fishing holes, giving you the power and stability without really needing a paddle.
It has lots of space for you and your gear, as well as a practical but comfortable seat for long days on the water.
Now that you’ve read about its features, you can check out the Mirage 12 Angler here. And if you want to drop any hints to your friends and family, share this review with them. But don’t forget to leave us a comment if you have anything you want to add or ask.
The Hobie Pro Angler 17 is discontinued. Largest option is the PA-14.
Seat is narrow considering it is supposed to be capable of seating someone up to 275 lbs. Supporting side straps cut into upper lateral thighs thighs and require modification for someone with wider hips.