Rigged Hobie Pro Angler

Talltails · Post by **Talltails** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 5:42 am

MGMT EDIT: Talltails is a Hobie Sponsored Angler

So far I have added Scotty flush mounts to the mounting boards. The mounting boards can also be used for electronics. I installed an anchor trolley. Stan from CaptDick.net gave me a prototype 10 foot stakeout pole to use as a push pole. It works great in the skinny water.

americanrobster · Post by **americanrobster** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:28 am

That yacht of a kayak is looking sweet. You did a nice job rigging it.

mudfish · Post by **mudfish** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:57 am

Doesn't look too much different than a plastic Johnboat. Nicely rigged beast.

How's the weight, portability factor? Can one man do it all?

...also, where's the wet bar? 8)

Hamrhdz · Post by **Hamrhdz** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:18 pm

Is this your first Mirage?
I'm curious about the manuverability. I like the rudder location and I imagine it helps.

Talltails · Post by **Talltails** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:57 pm

This boat is obviously not for everyone. I know a lot of paddle purists will hate it or at the very least laugh at it and I can understand that. Hobie did not make this boat for that crowd. I also have a Quest, and a Revolution. I have both paddled and pedaled for years and can appreciate both.
Here is some of my intitial thoughts on this boat. The Pro Angler is a very stable large plastic boat. It can store a rediculous amount of gear on board. It is heavy, but manageable for most adults by themselves. I easily slide it in and out of the back of my pickup truck. It is surprisingly manuverable. Because of the rudder position, it will turn on a dime. It's more nimble than my Revolution when it comes to turning. The Mirage Drive comes stock with turbo fins. I comfortably pedal around 4 MPH according to my GPS. To be honest, I feel like I'm fishing from a kayak when in this boat. The biggest difference is the incredible stability which enables trus standup fishing.

MrSpectaculous · Post by **MrSpectaculous** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 4:01 pm

I like it. If it were mine i'd put little model F-15's on the top front because it does look like an Aircraft Carrier. With the design of the rudder I can see a company putting a propeller in that little hide away area in front of the rudder with a shaft and bicycle drive. The storage space is insane but I would like to start bringing less stuff with me. I look forward to seeing one in person.

Fishaddict · Post by **Fishaddict** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:28 pm

Don't EVEN think this is a kayak... It isn't... Hobie calls it a boat.. 138 lbs dry with the mirage drive and rudder. No... One man cannot load or unload by himself without a trailer or an exceptional launch point.

Stable it is.. Ugly too. JMHO

I'll stay with my Revolution.

newyaker · Post by **newyaker** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 7:05 pm

Nice Kayak ...I think you are going to really enjoy having a very stable platform. I really don't think the added weight will be a problem. I have a outfitter tandem and it only weighs 10 lbs. less or so and I don't have any problems loading or unloading it by myself. Congrats on the awesome ride.

redfish · Post by **redfish** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:38 pm

That kayak loooks Sweeeet!!!!

fishmaster892 · Post by **fishmaster892** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:14 am

Fishaddict wrote:Don't EVEN think this is a kayak... It isn't... Hobie calls it a boat.. 138 lbs dry with the mirage drive and rudder. No... One man cannot load or unload by himself without a trailer or an exceptional launch point.

Stable it is.. Ugly too. JMHO

I'll stay with my Revolution.

I think you are being a little harsh. I saw one for the first time yesterday and it looks sweet!!!! I'm jealous I did not look into getting one. It's fast, it's stable, it also has an insane amount of storage space!