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The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 is a pedal kayak that is designed for serious kayak anglers. It’s the longer sibling of the Pro Angler 12, built to give you extra room for both yourself and your gear. If you’re looking for a fishing kayak with all the bells and whistles, this might be it.
- Length: 13 foot 8 inches
- Width: 38 inches
- Weight: 144.5 pounds (fully rigged)
- Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
The Pro Angler 14 comes with the MirageDrive 180 pedal drive system that features new Kick-Up Fin technology. It also comes with an elevated and four-way adjustable Vantage seat, plus a two-piece paddle.
Considerations Before Buying A Pro Angler 14
The Mirage Pro Angler 14 is a fishing kayak with a pedal drive system. This means you can use your feet and legs to power yourself across the water instead of using a paddle. This could make it easier if you’re a beginner, as you’ll probably find there is less skill required compared to paddling.
Pedal kayaks can allow you to move quicker over the water so you could reach your favorite fishing hole more quickly. You can also free up your hands for fishing. However, you may still find a paddle useful for turning and maneuvering in tight spots.
The Pro Angler 14 has a lot of fishing features, which can make it the ideal choice if you’re a keen angler. It also has a huge weight capacity so you can load it up with all your fishing gear.
However, this is a pretty heavy craft and you may find you need another person or a cart to help you move it from A to B. It is also pretty pricey, so it may not be the best option if you’re simply after a pedal kayak for recreational purposes.
Top Features Of The Hobie Pro Angler 14 Kayak
MirageDrive 180
One of the main features of the Pro Angler 14 is its MirageDrive 180 pedal system. This is a push pedal system that propels the dual fins under the hull. A new benefit of this drive system is the Kick-Up technology that automatically retracts the fins if you hit an underwater obstacle, such as rocks, logs or shallows.
Video: Hobie MirageDrive 180 Kick Up Fin Technology
The fins can also be rotated using a shift cable so that you can pedal backwards, giving you more control over your direction.
Elevated Seating
The Pro Angler comes with a Vantage seat, which gives you an elevated seating position on the deck. This can be beneficial for sight fishing.
The seat features mesh padding, Boa lumbar support and a four-way adjustment system. It can be raised and lowered while you’re on the water and can even be removed if you want to use it to sit in while you’re taking a break on the banks.
Video: Vantage Seating – Installation and Adjustments
The seat can also be flipped up to clear the deck if you want to stand up to fish.
Accessory Mounting
The Mirage Pro Angler features two H-Rails which are designed to let you mount other accessories easily. It comes with two H-Rail cup holders as well as two H-Rail rod holders, allowing you to store up to six rods horizontally.
Video: H-Rail Mounting System By Hobie
The H-Rails have plenty of space to let you attach your own accessories using mounts that are sold separately. The rail design means that you can slide them along to keep in the most convenient position on your yak.
Another feature is the transducer mount and pre-installed cable plugs to make it easier for you to install your fish finder.
Gear Storage
At 38 inches wide and just under 14 foot long, this craft has plenty of room for your gear. There’s a large rear cargo deck for your crate or cooler, with added bungee rigging for security. You’ll also find an 8 inch hatch there too.
In front of the seat there’s a large rectangular Twist and Seal hatch that also has a pivoting tackle management system so you can keep your tackle organized for when you need it.
Additionally, the bow is home to a large hatch that features a liner that can be easily removed for cleaning. This can be ideal for storing fish or ice.
Stable Platform
The Pro Angler is known for its stability, which can make it a great boat for a range of water conditions. It has a wide hull to provide a good platform, allowing you to stand up for easier casting.
Video: Hobie Pro Angler 14 Roundup
As well as being stable, this yak also benefits from having a rudder system that can help with tracking in open water or currents.
We may think it’s a great kayak but we’re not the only ones:
If you’re going to fish, Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14. There is no other choice.
— FAIRWAZE (@FAIRWAZE) November 21, 2019
Pro Angler 14 Alternatives
Hobie Mirage Outback
The Outback is a little shorter (12 foot 9 inches) and has fewer features but is roughly around the same price as the Pro Angler. It has a stable platform for standing, as well as a large rear cargo deck, center storage hatch and a bow hatch for additional storage below deck.
It also features the same MirageDrive 180 pedal drive system as the Pro Angler and an adjustable Vantage seat.
Old Town Predator PDL
The Old Town Predator PDL is a 13 foot 2 inch fishing kayak that features a pedal drive system with rotational pedals and a propeller under the hull. It has a 500 pound capacity and benefits from a stable Tri-Hull and a non-slip standing platform.
It has plenty of storage, including a rear tank well and a large Click Seal bow hatch.
Perception Pescador Pilot 12
This Pescador Pilot could be a good alternative if you’re looking for something with fewer bells and whistles. It’s 12 foot 5 inches long and just over 33 inches wide. It has a built-in rudder and a propeller pedal drive system.
Weighing under 100 pounds it’s lighter than the Pro Angler. It also benefits from having gear tracks for accessory mounting and there are storage decks at the bow and stern for your gear.
Final Thoughts
Pros
- MirageDrive 180 pedal system
- Kick-Up fins
- Stable
- Lots of fishing features
Cons
- Heavy
- Not inexpensive
The Mirage Pro Angler 14 can be a great choice if you’re a keen fisher looking for an easy way to get closer to the fish. It has a quality pedal drive system, high stability and is ready for a serious fishing trip with all your gear.
If you’re not fully convinced, you can check it out for yourself by clicking here. Let us know your thoughts on this pedal kayak and share this review if you think your fishing buddies might like it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are They Too Heavy To Carry?
You might find that the Pro Angler 14, weighing 144.5 pounds, is too heavy to carry, so you may need a second person to help. You could use a kayak cart to help you get it to and from the water, or take the seat and pedal drive out to lighten the load to around 120 pounds.
What’s Included With This Kayak?
It comes with the Vantage seat, a two piece paddle and the MirageDrive 180 pedal drive system.
Is The Pro Angler Stable?
Yes, the Pro Angler is built for stability. You can stand up in it if you have good balance and it has grip pads on the deck for added traction.
