Hobie Pro Angler Review

August 2010

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	31
		Birthdays
Aug 1 - Fishin Nude(32) Aug 2 - jesseg(44) Aug 3 - poppy(51) Aug 3 - onyurtail(43) Aug 3 - TxDuck24(25) Aug 4 - diggy986(24) Aug 4 - doubleugly(67) Aug 5 - sweldon(35) Aug 6 - lurejunkee(29) Aug 6 - SpeckorRed(47) Aug 7 - bird dog(46) Aug 7 - FishinCoop101(28) Aug 7 - bowhunt/fish(39) Aug 7 - speckfishn(42) Aug 7 - Squid(62)

boat fish good great time fishing lift down nice very fuel today flats around back looking water onda shallow caught pesca luck sport guys thanks sounds best hope live year always alot does first trip foot same them come that people portable engine might trailer than congrats picked added working

Welcome guest, it appears you haven't registered your free account, click here to do so now.

[ninja]

Here is my long review of the Hobie Pro Angler.  I will give updates as I use it in more adverse conditions and as the rigging starts.  For now, I plan to keep a clean deck and think through any additions.

I have taken it out 3 times now and the weather has been great each trip.  What can I say, its an awesome fishing machine/platform. 

Pros -  Its a Hobie, I've owned and paddled many various brands/models over the years and the Hobie's are always top notch.

Along with being Hobie, the mirage drive is great, especially for someone like me who is getting a little older and paddling can sometimes be a chore.  Tough for me to keep up with the younger guys, so the mirage drive evens the field a little.

Stability - well this is an aircraft carrier.  I'm 6'2", 210lbs and can stand with ease.  I've stood in other kayaks, but never felt very comfortable.  I see someone falling out rather than tipping it over.  Haven't tried re-entry, but I feel it shouldn't be an issue, but will do it in near future so I can pass that along.

Layout and Storage - Really thought out, this particular craft was designed by Hobie for bass fisherman to be used on the lakes.  There's 6 horizontal rod holders.  I tested with a 7 foot rod and there were no issues.  Literature states that holds up to 7 foot rods, but I think could hold longer.  There is also large storage compartment in front of seat which holds plano style lure boxes.  There is also a large removable storage compartment in the front hatch.  This thing is massive, you really don't appreciate it until your out on it.

Comfort - Look at the seat and you will get your answer before you sit down.  Large comfortable seat.

Only 2 cons so far - Of course one is weight.  I think if your looking at one, you either need to own a truck where you can load into the bed or get a trailer.  I tested loading and loading by myself on my trailer and it can be done fairly easy.  I did have to switch out the Malone Seawings for Malone's newest kayak saddles. Would also recommend the Hobie cart, but wait for the revised model.  Seems the current model is not recommended for the Pro Angler and has to be modified.  I've seen pictures of ones loaded on top of cars/SUV's, but I wouldn't do it, especially since I know what hernia surgery feels like.
The other con is not against the Pro Angler, bu the turbo fins.  They need to be reinforced in a high stress area.  I will be taking pictures and contacting Hobie about this issue.  If you do get a Hobie with turbo fins, contact me and I will give you my recommendation on how to reinforce the area which is prone to damage.  I'll cover that later in another post.

Paddling - I have paddled it quite a bit in the 3 trips, but the conditions were good so really not a fair test.  However, I was surprised how well it paddled.  It will not be a speed demon, but actually didn't paddle too bad.

One definite accessory will be a drift sock as this large craft will move in the wind.

Drafting - With the fins tucked up you can go into pretty shallow water.  I think the design of the hull has something to do with it, but not really sure.  You can also ask Red Raider, GoFish and Trouttracker on the ability of going shallow, because we were all in the same lake on Sunday.

Hope this helps.  Hobie has done a really good job and I think this plastic boat that Hobie designed for bass fisherman is going to big hit with the saltwater guys.

Overall first impressions are very positive.  Ask me any questions.  I will add some pictures tomorrow as I can load them easier from work than my slow connection here at home.

[NByakkers]

I've checked out the Pro Angler and the only negative things I could find was the weight and the price.  The weight wouldn't be hard to live with, but there's no way I could ever talk the budget director (wife) into spending over $2,000 for one kayak.....

[RED RAIDER]

Great review Jim.  I wish we would have had time to demo it on Sunday.  I will defiantly try it out next week in POCO. 

I've checked out the Pro Angler and the only negative things I could find was the weight and the price.  The weight wouldn't be hard to live with, but there's no way I could ever talk the budget director (wife) into spending over $2,000 for one kayak.....

As with anything else you get what you pay for.  All of the Hobie kayaks cost more than the standard kayaks. But if you compare the features then it is obvious why.  Also if you compare the Hobie's to other peddle powered yaks the price is really close.  If you compare it to the cost of owning and maintaining a power boat then that price tag looks very cheap.

[medicmann]

Great Review Ninja. I would love to test one out but then I might really want one and my wife is about as tight with money as you can get. If only she drank....
 Oh well keep the reviews coming maybe I will get lucky in Vegas later this summer.

Medicmann

[ninja]

Added more pictures.  One is why my wife loves the Hobie, she uses the Ninja Towing Service when she gets tired.  She can't peddle right now cause of surgey on her knee and she tires out quickly when paddling.  One of the other shots is showing it loaded on trailer with the new Malone saddles.

[NByakkers]

Great review!  I do agree you get what you pay for, and Hobie makes a superior product.   Higher price or not, if we hadn't already bought two new yaks last summer,  we would have seriously considered buying a couple of them.   At this time,  the budget director (wife) is vetoing the idea of adding them to the fleet.   lol

[Gofish!]

Nice review..... I was shocked when Ninja in his Pro Angler was able to get around in the oyster infested marsh we were in. He may even draft a little less water than my Tarpon 160. Of course I weigh about 50 more pounds than Ninja. Other than the weight it is the perfect fishing platform from what I could see. It has good speed, it's easy to stand up and fish from, plenty of room on the deck, and has a great layout and storage features.

[RED RAIDER]

I was going to rent a PA for my upcoming trip to POCO. I called all 4 Hobie dealers in Houston, none of them have it in their rental fleet yet.
Southwest paddlesports said they have no intention of stocking or renting it.
Both ACK and FTU said they are selling them as fast as they get them and don't have any to demo.

You would think that Hobie would make sure that all of their dealers would have a unit for demo purposes.

I am interested in this boat but will not buy it without trying one out in realtime fishing conditions. I guess I will have to wait till the new wears off.

[Sequoia]

ACK Had one at their demo days this past spring. Tons of people were playing around in it. In fact, I didn't get in it because I don't have the patience to wait in line. They must have made a deal w/ someone.

[RED RAIDER]

They probably sold it the next day at a discount.

he told me that they are selling out before the truck ever arrives.

[davefrommd]

I just bought a brand new 2009 Pro Angler and like it very much. I took it out for the first time today and pedaled for several hours. I was having some dificulty trying to keep it straight while peddling and maybe someone could give me some advice on how to correct this. I believe the rudder control needs some sort of adjustment, needs to be centered etc. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[ninja]

Welcome aboard.  I replied to you PM on the steering.  Hopefully its just the steering drum.  There were a lot of complaints so Hobie redesigned it.

[ShoutNTrout]

I just bought a brand new 2009 Pro Angler and like it very much. I took it out for the first time today and pedaled for several hours. I was having some dificulty trying to keep it straight while peddling and maybe someone could give me some advice on how to correct this. I believe the rudder control needs some sort of adjustment, needs to be centered etc. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Try turning back the nut that is on the back of the rudder.  If you loosing it by one or two twists, it will give you more play when turning.  I have a mirage sport, and love it.  Hobie has a great design.

[davefrommd]

Hobie sent me an upgraded steering drum under warranty. I have it installed already. I just need to test it out. I appreciate the good help.  Dave