Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 Fishing Kayak is one of the most popular and respected kayaks on the market. It is well designed and has all the necessary bells and whistles that an advanced fishing kayak might want and need.
Measuring almost 14 feet in length and weighing 145 pounds, it is a powerful kayak, perched on top, that is ready to help you carry a big fish. With a capacity of 600 kilograms, you will feel confident pulling a big fish on deck.
It offers an excellent combination of visibility and comfort, thanks to the high Vantage ST seat, plus you can also sit comfortably and safely on the anti-skid deck if you prefer.
Mechanism
The most outstanding feature of the Pro Angler 14 is the MirageDrive 180 pedal drive system. First introduced in 1997, this pedal propulsion mechanism is based on two large fins. The fins beat back and forth through the water along with the movements of the user’s foot, effectively pushing it through the water like a fish.
The current model of MirageDrive 180 allows the user to quickly switch from front to back with a cable. Unlike propeller systems that cannot be used in shallow water, Mirage Pro Angler fins fold out of the way if a pedal is pushed all the way in. This allows you to fish over sand bars, reefs, and tree trunks without worrying that you could possibly damage the fins.
Features
Mirage Pro Angler 14 Fishing Kayak has some important features that will surely make your fishing experience more enjoyable.
- A front hatch with a removable lining that makes cleaning easy.
- Two twisted and sealed hatches for storing tools and other equipment.
- Mesh storage bags for frequently accessed items.
- An extensive rear loading area with bungee cables.
- A variety of rails and equipment mounts that will allow you to sit your fish finder, GoPro camera, or additional rod holders.
The MirageDrive 180 propulsion mechanism is one of its key features, and the system is available exclusively on Hobie kayaks. While this drive system is available on other Hobie models (including the lower-priced ones), the MirageDrive 180 makes it an excellent kayak.
Durability rating: Made of rotomolded polyethylene, it is a very durable craft. 5 stars are given for its durability.
Value rating: It is a premium kayak, so it turns out that it also has a premium price. 4.5 stars are given for its value.
Handling rating: It handles well in open water, but is less voluminous for fishing in crowded places. 4 stars are given for its handling capability.
Speed rating: Although it is not a kayak built exclusively for speed, its length combined with the propulsion system makes it quite fast. 4 stars are given for its speed.
Aesthetics rating: It is available in three color schemes: yellow, camo, and dunes. 3 stars are given for its aesthetics.
Fishing in comfort
It’s hard to compare the comfort level of the Pro Angler 14 with other fishing kayaks because it’s really at the A-class level. Fishing in a Hobie Mirage PA14 is like fishing in a golf boat or bass boat but in a good way. Instead of being trapped in a small bubble of personal space, the PA14 space allows you to sit sideways, easily stand up and walk around the hull, turn back and forth without tipping over and even I stand cross-legged.
The new Vantage ST seat system is more comfortable than ever. The unlimited adjustability of the seatback, bottom, height, and even the lumbar support means that you can really shape the fit for you.
Reliable specifications
Although there are slight updates to the hull design, the hull of the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 fishing kayak is relatively identical to previous models. While the boat doesn’t slice exactly through the water, it can easily go fast enough even in a headwind. More so, there is plenty of deck space along the boat for crates, dry bags, and electronics. You can even fit your dog in the rear tank compartment and you probably still have enough space to fit a gear bag or small radiator.
The horizontal storage of the rods along the inside of the body keeps the rods safe while launching or transporting the boat, and the replaceable mounting plates give you a lot of great real estate for mounting your cameras.
The rectangular and sealing hatch in front of the seat is as handy as ever for storing quick-access lures, keeping the keys in a small dry bag, or keeping tools handy and organized. Another hatch in the rear tank compartment allows you to keep your camping gear out of the way while fishing, but still easy to access when you get to the campsite.
Bottom line is that we would definitely purchase this kayak because it includes so many of the design features that we consider to be essential in a fishing kayak. If you are also convinced, you can find the best price deal right here. However, it might require a bit of ingenuity to transport it to and from the house to the water. Fortunately, Hobby thought of that and offered a special trailer made specifically for this kayak. Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly one of the top-notch fishing kayaks out there.
