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Hobie Mirage

Pro Angler 12 Kayak Review

Published October 3, 2022

Angler kayaks are designed for anglers who want to fish from a kayak but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak is one of the best options on the market, and you must have heard about it. But, is it that good? Let’s find out in this detailed Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak review.

I have been using this kayak for the past four months, and I have used it almost everywhere, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. I have also used it for fishing and exploring, so let’s dive into this detailed review and find out whether it is worth your money or not.

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak Review: Summary

Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak

The Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak is a sit-in kayak with a casting platform, rod holders, and tackle storage. The angler version of this model has been designed with the needs of serious fishermen in mind. This kayak has plenty of storage space for all your fishing gear, so you have everything you need to catch some big fish on your next trip.

Specifications

Size: 12′ x 36″ x 20″

Material: Polyethylene

Weight: 128.5 LBS

Seating Capacity: Solo

Weight Bearing Capacity: 500 LBS

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak Detailed Review

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak is a great choice for beginners and pros alike.

This kayak has an extremely stable design, foam-cored construction, and a comfortable seat. It also features an adjustable foot brace and stern rail for stability in rough waters.

It’s a great boat for fishing, too. The molded-in rod holders are great for storing your gear and making it easy to find when you need it. And the cockpit features multiple-rod holders and a storage compartment in the bow—allowing you to keep all your gear organized and accessible. In addition, there are multiple rod holders in the back of the boat itself, which helps ensure that your gear stays safe while you enjoy some time on the water.

I have been using this kayak for more than four months, and I can say that it is very stable. I have never felt unsafe in this boat, and I used it for fishing and exploring.

Let’s dive deep into my experience using this kayak and find out what is good and bad in this angler kayak.

Size and Material:

The kayak is 12 feet long and 36 inches wide, which makes it very stable. It weighs about 128 pounds, which seems heavier than others. The material used in making this kayak is UV-protection plastic and aluminum, making it durable and lightweight.

Besides, the size is ideal for a beginner and experienced angler. But the weight is a little heavier, but heavyweight also provides more stability which is good for fishing.

This kayak is made with high-quality Polyethylene material, which allows it to be long-lasting and stable. The kayak has an aluminum frame, making the boat sturdy and strong.

So overall, its size and material are very good for fishing and will last a long time.

Build Quality and Durability:

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 kayak is built well. The plastic is sturdy and durable, so it can take a lot of abuse and still work well. The material used for the seats is also very comfortable. This kayak has a removable seat made from high-quality materials, which means it will last long enough to be worth replacing if needed.

The hull of this kayak is made from fiberglass that is reinforced with Kevlar® strips, which makes it very tough. The hull has also been treated with a layer of epoxy resin that helps protect against corrosion, even in saltwater environments where most boats would not fare well.

The deck on this kayak is made from a laminate material, which is also very hard to scratch or break. The kayak also has a drain plug in the floor, which makes it easy to empty any water that gets inside.

So overall, its build quality is great and long-lasting. I love its looks and design. The kayak has a nice, sleek shape that makes it easy to paddle, which is great for beginners who don’t have much experience with kayaking.

Weight Capacity and Portability:

This kayak has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, which is pretty good if you are looking for something that can hold gear and other items. It also has a very low center of gravity, so it’s easy to get in and out of the water without tipping over.

But, this kayak weighs about 128 pounds which is huge compared to other kayaks, so you might want to consider that if you are planning on traveling with it. It also has a very wide hull, making it easy to paddle and stabilize while on the water. So overall, this is a great kayak if you’re looking for something that can hold gear and other items, but it’s not the best choice when it comes to portability.

Whenever I transfer this kayak to my vehicle, I have to use a dolly or cart because it’s too heavy to carry. So keep that in mind.

Handling and Tracking:

The Mirage Pro Angler is a well-rounded kayak that can handle calm lakes and placid rivers. Its wide beam (36 inches) makes it easier to turn, track, and maneuver through rapids, while its stability and tracking make it easy to keep your line in the water—even when traveling at speed.

Besides, it has a center-mounted rudder for directional control when paddling in reverse, but the kayak’s contours make it easy to steer from any angle. The Mirage Pro Angler also comes equipped with an adjustable thwart that adjusts forefoot-to-rearfoot support so you can customize your position without sacrificing comfort or stability.

So overall, the Mirage Pro Angler is a great kayak for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike due to its handling and tracking.

Safety Features:

The Mirage Pro Angler is equipped with a center-mounted rudder to help you control your kayak if the wind picks up or if you need extra leverage while fishing or paddling in reverse.

Besides that, this also has multiple-rod holders on each side of the cockpit to keep your fishing rods steady while you’re paddling. The kayak comes equipped with a drain plug in case you need to empty any unwanted water that may have been collected in your kayak during use. It also comes with an anchor trolley system if you want to secure your boat while fishing or just hanging out on the water.

So, this kayak is full of safety features that will improve your fishing or kayaking experience.

Comfortability:

The kayak is very comfortable to use. It has an adjustable seat and backrest, making your experience even better. The seat can be adjusted as needed to fit any body type, which is great if you’re planning on going on a long trip or you need to spend most of the time sitting in your kayak.

Besides, it’s very easy to get in and out of the kayak due to its low-profile design. You won’t have any problems getting in and out of your kayak, even if you wear a life vest or heavy clothes.

Performance in Whitewaters:

I took this kayak to whitewater, but the experience wasn’t great as the hull was too rounded for a faster ride. The boat is not the best choice for people who want to go on long trips or travel on whitewater. It’s more suitable for people who want to relax and enjoy their time on the water without worrying about accidents.

This kayak is a great choice for fishing and recreation, but it’s not recommended for whitewater as its paddles might get stuck on rocks and damaged. If you’re planning on going out in the ocean or a large lake, you should consider getting a more suitable kayak for those types of water. However, this is perfect if you’re looking for something to take out on smaller lakes and rivers!

Performance in Shallow and Deep Waters:

The performance of this kayak is very good in shallow and deep waters. It’s great for fishing, recreation, and paddling in the ocean or large lakes. The tracking is also very impressive for a recreational kayak.

I have used this kayak in deep waters, and the overall experience was more than great. The kayak is stable and makes it easy to stand up in the water. The tracking of this boat is also impressive for a recreational kayak. It can easily go through waves and doesn’t lose speed. The hull design contributes to the overall performance of this model.

Is it Worth Investing Your Money?

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak (1)

The Mirage Pro Angler 12 kayak is worth investing your money in. It has many features that make it an ideal choice for different watersports. If you are looking for a recreational boat, this model will be more than perfect.

But if you are a beginner and have to transport your kayak via your vehicle, this kayak might not be the best option for you as it’s quite heavy. The weight is the only drawback of this model. But if you are looking for a recreational kayak that can go through waves easily and doesn’t lose speed at all, this model will be more than perfect for you.

Is Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak Good for Fishing?

If you are looking for a great fishing kayak, this model will be more than perfect for you. This kayak has everything needed to make your fishing trip fun and enjoyable. It has plenty of storage space where you can keep all the essential things while fishing, like food, drinks, hooks, lines, etc.

Besides, it has multiple fishing rod holders that allow you to store your fishing rods conveniently. The kayak comes with a durable dry storage hatch that allows you to keep your essential things safe and secure while the boat is moving on water. This model also has an adjustable foot brace system that allows you to customize your comfort level while paddling through rough waves or calm waters.

What To Look for in a Good Angler Kayak?

Here’s what to look for in a good fishing kayak.

Weight: The first thing you want to consider is how heavy your kayak is. If you’re going on a long trip and want to carry your gear, your kayak mustn’t weigh too much. You’ll want something lightweight but durable enough that it won’t break down easily under rough conditions.

Storage: When you’re out fishing, chances are there’s going to be some gear in your boat that needs to be stored somewhere. For example, if you have a fish finder or other electronics, they must be protected from the elements, so they don’t get damaged during the trip. That is why there should be a good storage space in your kayak. It should be large enough to hold all your gear but not so big that it takes up too much space and compromises your ability to move around.

Comfort: When you’re on the water for hours, it’s important to have a comfortable seat that allows you to relax and enjoy yourself while still paddling efficiently when needed. So always choose the one that has a comfortable seat.

Stability: Stability is another important factor when buying a kayak. If your boat tips over easily, it’s not safe for you or those around you. So always choose the one with good stability, so your next fishing day doesn’t become a disaster!

Final Thoughts

So this was the most detailed review of Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak. I hope that you found it helpful and now know exactly what features to look for in a kayak and which ones are most important. So this will be very helpful for you in finding your next fishing partner.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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