Hobie Kayaks 2024
roadwarrior reply :
Who is fishing from a Hobie and what can you tell us about them?
http://www.hobiecat.com/?s=f&utm_source=bassresource&utm_medium=logo&utm_campaign=threemonthbr
Hanover_Yakker reply :
I think I am qualified to answer that question. I could do a write up for BR if you want.
J Francho reply :
Yes Chuck, please do! I think our members are getting short changed about what they might think they know or don't know about these fishing machines.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
I'm possibly heading out on the water tomorrow for a HOW planning event, so I'll see what kind of unique footage I can get and piece together some compilations.
I also have several Hobie videos of real fishing action I have put together over the last year and a half already in case anyone wants to look at those in the mean time.
.
noway reply :
What I see in any kayak is the emergence of a monster back ache and the high tip over potential while attempting a prone position. To compensate for the instability, I see some kayaks with outriggers or pontoons. After you load them up with electronics and other accessories, you may as well buy a entry level bass boat.
Jay Ell Gee reply :
On 5/11/2013 at 8:23 AM, noway said:What I see in any kayak is the emergence of a monster back ache and the high tip over potential while attempting a prone position. To compensate for the instability, I see some kayaks with outriggers or pontoons. After you load them up with electronics and other accessories, you may as well buy a entry level bass boat.
I happen to own both a bass boat and a kayak and I can say that there are many scenarios in which I prefer the kayak. If anything, it's just a sporting way to enjoy the outdoors.
I use mine for small bodies of water as well as backwaters that aren't accessible to my bass boat. Let's not even start with the marsh!
I do not own a Hobie, though. However, I will gladly accept one to test and in return, write an outstanding article! 
Hanover_Yakker reply :
I'll do my best - weather is not cooperating for tomorrow, so I have already booked time on Sunday morning when the sun comes up to do some video of the Pro Angler in use. I plan on showing:
1. The overall layout of the Pro Angler.
2. How I have it rigged for fishing.
3. How to unload/load it from your vehicle.
4. The view from the seat when fishing.
5. The view from shore or another boat as you are seen fishing.
6. Maybe even get a hookset or two.
7. Casting while standing.
8. Accessing rods and tackle while in the Pro Angler.
I also plan on doing a voice over of the walk around and rigging if I can find a microphone. Might just take the GoPro out of the waterproof housing and hope the wind isn't up and do the voice over while doing the walk through.
We'll see what I can come up with.
mtaag3 reply :
Can you come up with a dealer for a test paddle in Alabama? I'd love one of these things.
Packard reply :
On 5/11/2013 at 8:23 AM, noway said:What I see in any kayak is the emergence of a monster back ache and the high tip over potential while attempting a prone position. To compensate for the instability, I see some kayaks with outriggers or pontoons. After you load them up with electronics and other accessories, you may as well buy a entry level bass boat.
It is not for everyone. Do I need to mention the reason why many bass pros are sponsored by Prilosec? I am $1500 into my kayak and would take it over any small boat in that price range which wouldn't include a working bass boat. I have very little maintenance and don't have to pay gas. I don't need to own a truck to get it in the water. It can keep you fit and is good for the environment. I can stand and cast just fine without any aids.
whittler1 reply :
When purchasing any kayak do not cheap out on the seat. A good quality seat, although expensive, makes night and day difference in comfort when on the water. The sit-on-top kayak is very stable fishing platform that will allow you to fish water that you can't get to in a bigger craft.
aceman387 reply :
I spent 8 hours fishing in my ride 115 without a backache or pain and i am 52.I would have stayed out even longer if a front hadn't passed through and shut down the bite.I have never tried a hobie pro angler but they look like they would be a mean fishing machine.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
On 5/11/2013 at 10:39 AM, mtaag3 said:Can you come up with a dealer for a test paddle in Alabama? I'd love one of these things.
Without knowing your exact location other than what's in your avatar, the closest one might actually be out of state in Columbus, GA.
The best thing to do is check the website for current dealer locations. You can use the Dealer Locator found here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/dealers/
mtaag3 reply :
On 5/12/2013 at 6:20 PM, Hanover_Yakker said:Without knowing your exact location other than what's in your avatar, the closest one might actually be out of state in Columbus, GA.
The best thing to do is check the website for current dealer locations. You can use the Dealer Locator found here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/dealers/
I did check and the closes one is in Columbus, GA. I'm surprised there isn't a dealer in the Birmingham area. There is a huge fishing and kayak culture here.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
On 5/12/2013 at 9:51 PM, mtaag3 said:I did check and the closes one is in Columbus, GA. I'm surprised there isn't a dealer in the Birmingham area. There is a huge fishing and kayak culture here.
I hear you and I know all about the culture down there. Several of my KBF friends are in that area. Part of the challenge of carrying certain brands of kayaks is the dealer/store actually committing to carry the line. Carrying every brand requires a huge warehouse.
scrutch reply :
I've been eyeing these Hobies for awhile now. I mainly would use one for a few of the lakes I've vowed to never take my bass boat back to. The last one I went to is a great little fishing lake but it has no pier near the launch and I will NOT put any more chips in the bottom of my boat because of it.
That little fact puts Hobie in the picture...
Watching this thread with interest.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
I have about three hours of footage I need to edit and cut down into a 3-4 minute snippet, then I need to complete the sit down session tonight. Tonight's session will include a walk around of the Pro Angler 14 pointing out the design features, as well as a couple of my small accessories I added then I will summarize a few of the FAQs I get from time to time about Hobies in general and the Pro Angler. FYI, I previewed some of the clips briefly last night, and I managed to get four hookups on film from a couple of different angles. Nothing citation worthy, but at least I caught some fish in real time.
Hope to have this ready for you all in the next few days!
mtaag3 reply :
Looking forward to the clips. Also will you be able to address how you travel with it and know of others who travel with it? One of my questions is do I need a trailer if I don't have a truck? It seems like a heavy kayak but can it go on a roof rack? Is there a particular roof rack one needs?
Thanks
Hanover_Yakker reply :
mtaag3 reply :
Thanks!
I'm actually glad to hear about the Yakima cross bars as the extra cash for a trailer added to the question of this particular kayak. The weight of the kayak getting it on and off is not a concern.
Also, tell your feelers I could sweeten the deal with a cold beer afterwards if that would influence their decision 
Thanks again for your help.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Until I get the 'sit down' portion right with the back lighting and sound levels, here's a little teaser of some of the footage from this past weekend to wet your appetite.......
CPBassFishing reply :
Is there a single person version you can stand in? Price? Saving up for a small boat, either an aluminum jonboat or a kayak but it has to be trolling motor compatible and I have to be able to stand in it.
J Francho reply :
That is a single person boat. The Pro Angler comes with Mirage Drive, so no heavy batteries or trolling motor necessary.
http://www.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-pro-angler-12/
mtaag3 reply :
Speaking of batteries where do you store the battery for a fish finder and how big of a battery can be used?
J Francho reply :
A little 12V 7ah battery is around 6x3x4" and can be located anywhere in dry storage that just about every fishing kayak has. You'll get at least three full days of fishing from a single charge.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Hope you liked the quick video preview.
Like John said, the 'deer feeder' style of batteries work beautifully and hold a charge a long time. I use a 12v/5am battery for my Lowrance Elite-4x DSI and it will run for three trips. I keep mine in a small Sterilite sealable container stowed underneath the center hatch. You can use any number of sealable containers like Pelican boxes, Glad or tupperware containers, etc. The beauty of this type of modification is that you probably already have a suitable container in your house that is not being used.
As far as the vessel itself, the Pro Anglers are single person designs; however, my son rides shotgun in the rear tankwell whenever we go out on the water. We can both stand and fish side-by-side with no issue. The cost of a Pro Angler 12 or 14 is more than worth it in my opinion when you take into consideration that you do not need to register the vessel as a powered watercraft, nor do you have any annual fees associated with taxes, maintenance or insurance.
As far as powered options, Hobie has a licensing deal in place with Torqueedo, and they have the Evolve electric motor that inserts right into the Mirage Drive opening on the Pro Anglers. Other companies like BassYaks and Gator have alternative options as well, but the Evolve option is the cleanest of them all and the lightest. It is somewhat cost prohibitive for me, plus it would mean that I would have to register it as a powered vessel.
I prefer to use my legs and the Mirage Drive to move my Pro Angler, but if your situation necessitates a powered solution, it is an available option to consider.
CPBassFishing reply :
Alright thanks for all the info guys. One more thing. How much does the pro angler 12 cost?
Hanover_Yakker reply :
The 2013 PA12 retails for right around $2849 and the PA14 is $2949. They each come outfitted with the following standard items:
1. Vantage Seat
2. Lowrance ready wire caps inserts and keel mount
3. Tackle Management System with 2-3600 Plano Guide Series tackle trays
4. Full length paddle with accessory T-handle
5. Six horizontal rod holders
6. Two vertical rod holders
7. Tankwell bungee
8. Integrated rudder system with dual rudder handle mount steering capability
9. Pre-drilled anchor trolley mounting locations
10. Mirage Drive with standard Turbo Fins
11. Mesh side pockets for storage
12. 3700 Plano Guide series tackle tray (stows under the Vantage seat and an extra place for another one if you want to add it)
13. Hobie Water bottle and clip on holder
14. Accessory boards for installing rod holders and other accessories
Only thing you need to add is yourself, a couple rods, some tackle, and a Class III PFD and you are ready to roll!!
Sometimes you can find demo or used ones for a little cheaper at a kayak dealer, on CL or other kayak forums.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Drumroll please...........
I finished the video early this morning. Hope you find it informative and that it will encourage you to ask more questions. I'm here to educate and help in anyway that I can.
mtaag3 reply :
First and foremost, great video. Thanks for making that as it showed quite a bit. It also prompted me to ask a few questions.
Loading and unloading looks easy, which is nice.
When you loaded it on your van it looks like it just sits on the cross bars, how do you keep it from sliding backwards?
Is that crate system behind the seat a Hobie crate or did you make that?
The rods in the back of that crate look like they may be difficult to reach, especially the ones in the middle. Are they?
Have you ever landed a large fish and how much does it pull you around?
How rough can the kayak take with you sitting down?
How much is wind a factor in taking this out on the water?
What about a rudder system?
Can the kayak hold a lot of weight for bigger anglers?
The more I'm seeing it the more I'm liking it.
Thanks for answering the questions.
00 mod reply :
On 5/15/2013 at 7:17 PM, Hanover_Yakker said:Drumroll please...........
I finished the video early this morning. Hope you find it informative and that it will encourage you to ask more questions. I'm here to educate and help in anyway that I can.
Great video! Really enjoyed it! Very informative and well put together!
Jeff
Hanover_Yakker reply :
On 5/15/2013 at 8:36 PM, mtaag3 said:First and foremost, great video. Thanks for making that as it showed quite a bit. It also prompted me to ask a few questions.
Loading and unloading looks easy, which is nice.
When you loaded it on your van it looks like it just sits on the cross bars, how do you keep it from sliding backwards?
Is that crate system behind the seat a Hobie crate or did you make that?
The rods in the back of that crate look like they may be difficult to reach, especially the ones in the middle. Are they?
Have you ever landed a large fish and how much does it pull you around?
How rough can the kayak take with you sitting down?
How much is wind a factor in taking this out on the water?
What about a rudder system?
Can the kayak hold a lot of weight for bigger anglers?
The more I'm seeing it the more I'm liking it.
Thanks for answering the questions.
Great questions!!
Loading/Unloading - it really is that simple. The key is to understand the laws and principles of fulcrums and leverage. Think of it as an overgrown see-saw where you are leveraging the assistance of the vehicle as a means to reduce the actual lifting weight you encounter while loading and unloading.
Securing the hull - the one part I left out of the video on purpose was the process of securing the PA to my rack system. IT is fairly mundane to watch me tossing straps across the hull and securing it, but I do not go anywher without it secured that is for certain. Since I was only going right down the street from my house for this video, I just used the dual strap approach. For all other trips, I use a combination of 4 securing points. Two straps are twisted (to avoid wind hum on the road during travel) under one side of the vehicle's crossbars and laid across to the other side and secured. A third securing strap is attached to the bow handle and run to front end of the vehicle, and the fourth strap is simply some nylon cord that is run from the stern handle to a fixed bracket on the undercarriage of my van. This method provides the security of limiting the chances of your hull sliding off your vehicle. I also take it one step further on trips where I will be leaving the PA on my vehicle for an extended amount of time. I have two 15' coated/twisted metal lanyards that I run through the various openings on the PA and around the rack system then locked into place with a Master Lock. Just in case someone tries top steal it, but more so in case of an accident where the momentum of a crash may exceed the holding strentgth of the nylon webbing of the straps.
Crate system - is actually your standard 13" x 13" milk crate. I have a PrecisionPak CratePak sleeve that slides over it and has integrated accessory pouches and a 3-rod holder on the back. The sleeve is a little difficult to find, due to PP going out of business. But they can still be found online if you look hard enough. It's more of a luxury to be honest. You can take a standard milk crate and attach the 3-rod Berkley or Attwood rod holders found at Walmart and secure them with s/s bolts and lock nuts or just use zip ties. There are several other pre-fabbed alternatives aroundas well (NRS, YakAttack BlackPak and WhitePak, Plano Marine Dry Boxes, all purpose tackle bags, coolers with rod holders attached, even backpacks can be used - lots of options).
Rod access - accessing rods stored behind you can be accomplished a number of ways. The easiest is simply to turn your torso left or right and grab the one you want. Another method is the "quiver" approach where you simply reach directly behind and over your head to pull a rod out like an arrow from a quiver. The integrated rod holders on the Pro Angler (and many other kayak brands as well) are easier to access, since they require little to no torso turn to access. Once you build up your comfort level in any kayak, you will be grabbing and stowing your combos with ease and confidence.
Landing large fish - the largest I have landed out of a kayak is a 40" black drum down in Rudee Inlet a few years ago. I've landed several mid to high 20's stripers with ease. It's really a non factor when you think about it. The key is leveraging the hull resistance of the kayak by fighting the fish on your port (left) or starboard (right) side of the kayak. The combination of the water, the kayak's hull, leverage of the rod and the reel's drag will tire out larger fish pretty quickly. Plus, you're also at water level making the hoisting of larger fish into your footwell area much easier.
Rough seas - I've been in a variety of nasty water conditions before in my Hobie Revolution 13, and just a couple weeks ago in the PA14. In the Revolution 13 on a July 4th weekend, I got caught on the water in a nasty sudden storm with three other of my kayak friends. The storm was so intense that our rods were humming from the electrical fields generated from the storm while we were riding 6-8' swells underneath the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. The waves were cresting so high that we could touch the underside of the bridge as we maintained our position out of the wind and rain. The other week, I was hammered by 20-25 mph winds and cresting 1' white caps on the lake I was at. I just plowed right through them. The thing to remember about the PA and other Sit On Top (SOT) style kayaks is that they have opening called scupper holes to allow any water in the cockpit and tankwell area to egress the hull with ease. They are designed to handle these situations with easy, but you have to understand your limitations both from a skill perspective and your general safety. When in doubt, stay close to shore or better yet, pick another area or stay home. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Wind impact - as with any vessel on the water, wind is going to be a factor at some point. The key to managing the impact wind has on you is to remember to position your bow into the wind whenever possible. Sometimes it's just a battle to be honest. The video I produced for this thress did not have over 2 hours of my footage due to wind noise and shaking the camera mount on the water. Situational awareness is the key to minimizing the effect wind has on your positioning. Just ask JFrancho or Dwight about keeping a "weather eye on the horizon" and situational awareness while out on big waters like Eerie. The other things you can do is to minimize your overall profile footprint when on the water. This means avoiding large flat surfaced items in the kayak. Unfortunately, the seat, your body, the paddle laying across your lap and the PFD are all items that you would have on the water for any given trip, yet these are the items that will increase the chances of you getting pushed around out of position. For very windy days, I carry three accessories to combat this situation. An anchor for deeper waters, a stake out pole for the shallow flat areas, and a homemade brush clip with a length of line for attaching to a tree limb.
Rudder & Steering - all of the Mirage Drive kayaks in the Hobie lineup have integrated rudders. The Pro Anglers is however different than the others in that it is a keel mounted rudder that stows in a rear channel underneath of the PA to avoid damage when not in use. Deploying or stowing the rudder is very simple. There is a cam cleat on the starboard side that has a T-handled cable labeled as RUDDER. To delpoy the rudder, you simple remove the RUDDER cable with a slight pull and lift up to release the rudder down. Upon returning to shore or long stretches of shallow water, you simply pull on the handle again until you feel the rudder stow, then simply lay the cable in the cam cleat and this time the cable will lock itelf in place. As far as steering, the Pro Angler comes standard with the rudder and the rudder handle mounted on the side rail. I went ahead and ordered a second handle and had it installed on the opposite handle that way I can steer with either hand depending upon what combos arebeing used. For my spinning reels, they are all elft hand retrieve, so I use the left rudder handle. All but one of mycasting reels is right handed, so I use the right hand rudder handle then.
Weight concerns - the PA12 has a 500lb hull capacity, while the PA14 has a 600lb hull capacity. So it can handle a significant load. I'm 6'2" and weigh 220lbs, and you can see how I have no issues at all. I have a couple friends that are larger than myself and they have no issues either.
I hope that answers your questions sufficiently. If not or if it sparks more questions, post them up here. I'll be glad to help anyway I can.
mtaag3 reply :
Great answers, I really appreciate your time.
How do you store the kayak when it's not in use?
How much weight can those side plates take for fishfinder mounts?
Do many used ones come up for sale since they're so new?
This thing is getting more and more attractive.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
On 5/16/2013 at 12:05 AM, mtaag3 said:Great answers, I really appreciate your time.
How do you store the kayak when it's not in use?
How much weight can those side plates take for fishfinder mounts?
Do many used ones come up for sale since they're so new?
This thing is getting more and more attractive.
Storage - I have it located under a protective overhang and secured via security cable. It is recommended that you leave the front hatch and the rear drain plugs unfastened to permit the hull to flex with extreme temperature variations. If you are in a moderate area where the temps are fairly constant, then this step may not be as critical. Doing this step though also allows the inner hull to air out somewhat, because condensation will form on the inside of the hull at some point. Some folks opt to cover theirs, while some do not. Whichever route you opt for, I recommend removing all of your accessories, gear, rods, and the seat. They will deteriorate over time if left exposed.
Accessory boards - the accessory boards are very sturdy and can handle any number of mounts or accessories you can imagine. Mine has a single 4" YakAttack GearTrac installed on each one. I use mine not only for the Lowrance Elite-4x DSI, but you can also see the RAM Rod holder I have installed on it in the video when you view the section where I show you my tournament setup. I use those Tracs also for RAM Tubes for when I am trolling in the salt water. I have a friend of mine in SC that has the new Lowrance Elite-7 HDI installed, while I have a friend in Texas who has an HDS5 and an HB998 installed along with a Hydrowave. The material is very robust and can handle more than you think. You wouldn't want to use it as a standing platform by any means, but there's not reason to fear any installation of rod holders, camera mounts, anchor cleats, etc...
Resale market - they are sold all the time. I know of at least 3 right this moment for sale in various parts of the east coast from MD to FL. It might help to check with the local kayak dealer first though. You can sometimes find a good deal on a used one that was a DEMO. Otherwise, don't be afraid to look at kayak specific forums like KBF, MKF, or even the Hobie Forums for that opportunity. FYI - the video I posted is on YouTube, and the first person that commented on my video is currently selling his 2012 PA12, because he ordered a 2013 PA14 after chatting with me at length some time ago.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
On 5/11/2013 at 10:39 AM, mtaag3 said:Can you come up with a dealer for a test paddle in Alabama? I'd love one of these things.
Just got some good news for you. And I quote.....
"You can direct them to our local forum at mbkfa.com if you'd like. We are mostly on the coast but we have several members in the Birmingham area and most of them own Hobies. One guy has 4!"
So, it looks like you have some folks in your area that can get you some seat time afterall without having to travel to GA. The user in question will likely have the screen name of 'knobcreekman'.
Good luck!!
WGentry reply :
This thing looks great and is something i would be interested in getting down the road when my skills have improved. Great video!
mtaag3 reply :
Thanks Hanover, I'm registering as I type
Glenn reply :
That is one awesome, awesome video!! I watched the whole thing. I'm impressed!
dumfish reply :
How about the pro angler price tag? Alot of money for something that was made for hard to reach waters.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
On 5/16/2013 at 9:16 AM, dumfish said:How about the pro angler price tag? Alot of money for something that was made for hard to reach waters.
The price of the Pro Angler 12 is $2849 and the Pro Angler 14 retails for $2949. The cost may be an initial deterrent to some and is a valid point of contention. The thing to keep in mind when considering any kayak including a Hobie Mirage kayak is that there are no additional costs associated with the kayak itself. There are no costs for gas, property taxes, insurance premiums, winterizing, tune ups, storage space, trailer, tow package on your vehicle or quite possibly another vehicle all together.
The kayak lifestyle isn't necessarily for everyone, but for those that are willing to give it a fair chance, you may just find out and realize that a kayak is a tool to help you catch fish. And for the traditional bass boat owner, it doesn't mean you need to get rid of your boat or stop using it.
Just something to keep in mind before rendering a final judgment if you have not had seat time in one.
Redhound80 reply :
Very nice video, Chuck. Good luck in the upcoming YakAttack fishing tournament!
Gordy
Tuckahoe Joe reply :
Awesome video! I want one! With that thing, I'd be the coolest guy on the water even if I didn't catch any fish! No way I could afford it at the moment though. Maybe I can convince my parents and grandparents to pitch in and call it my next 20 birthday and Christmas Presents. Or someone on here could donate their Pro Angler to a good cause. 
flyfisher reply :
HY-
You need to stop posting all these sweet videos of your PA.....You are making me want one but with the purchase of a new vehicle in my immediate future i jsut can't swing it unless of course i sold all my fishing gear at which point the yak would be worthless
roadwarrior reply :
On 5/16/2013 at 9:57 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:The price of the Pro Angler 12 is $2849 and the Pro Angler 14 retails for $2949. The cost may be an initial deterrent to some and is a valid point of contention. The thing to keep in mind when considering any kayak including a Hobie Mirage kayak is that there are no additional costs associated with the kayak itself. There are no costs for gas, property taxes, insurance premiums, winterizing, tune ups, storage space, trailer, tow package on your vehicle or quite possibly another vehicle all together.
The kayak lifestyle isn't necessarily for everyone, but for those that are willing to give it a fair chance, you may just find out and realize that a kayak is a tool to help you catch fish. And for the traditional bass boat owner, it doesn't mean you need to get rid of your boat or stop using it.
Just something to keep in mind before rendering a final judgment if you have not had seat time in one.
You have done a great job with this thread, especially the videos.
Thank you!
-Kent
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Thank you Kent - I try to be as open and honest as possible while still remaining true to the facts. And if I don't know the answer, I'll find someone from Hobie that does.
I hope this thread continues, as I really enjoy it when folks find new questions to ask.
mtaag3 reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 2:52 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:Thank you Kent - I try to be as open and honest as possible while still remaining true to the facts. And if I don't know the answer, I'll find someone from Hobie that does.
I hope this thread continues, as I really enjoy it when folks find new questions to ask.
Well, as a new guy I appreciate it because in all honesty, I thought the Hobie was overpriced and over the top. However your answers and video has shown me that the Hobie is not a "standard" kayak and is truly worthy of its price tag. I'm not saying I'm going to run out and pull the trigger tomorrow but this thread has sure helped me move over to Hobie's corner.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Well, keep the questions coming. I'm sure there are others that appreciate it as well. Let me know when you meet up with the "Alabama Gang" and get some seat time in a couple.
mtaag3 reply :
Absolutely. I signed up for that forum and will contact someone hopefully this week. I really appreciate your help and will continue to ask questions.
Thanks!
Grizzn N Bassin reply :
I like my john boat.. but have fished from kayak b4 its all preference and confidence imo
carlm01 reply :
Well you sold me ,I'm heading out this weekend to grab the PA12 .... LOL
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