New Hobie Pro Angler 12

In 2010, we had the chance to field test the Hobie Pro Angler, a 14-foot, 38-inch wide tank of a kayak. This “boat” had all the bells and whistles a fisherman could possibly want, coupled with Hobie’s Mirage drive pedal propulsion. We used it to fly-fish for bass on small ponds and to fish deepwater shoals for fluke, and we loved its stability and storage. While the Pro Anlger was the ultimate in kayak fishing, it was admittedly a lot of plastic to transport from home to the water, and unloading and loading from the top of an SUV it was often a two-person job.

As soon as this June, Hobie will be releasing a new Pro Angler model in a more managable 12-foot size. Not only is this model almost 20 pounds lighter, it has several new features to make kayak fishing even more enjoyable and productive. One is the new Vantage Seating, which looks like a comfortable beach chair anchored into the ‘yak. In fact, the seat is removable for use on land as well. The Vantage Seating is adjustable up to 5 inches up and down without requiring the angler to get out of the seat. There’s also a new pivoting tackle system, which houses two medium-sized Plano boxes. The Pro Angler 12 comes with a Lowrance ready fish-finder installation system. Like the Pro Angler 14, the Pro Angler 12 is stable enough for stand-up fishing, which is especially helpful for sight-fishing and fly-casting anglers.

This looks like a great new fishing platform for taking on any salt or freshwater gamefish within pedaling range.

OTW Staff

The On The Water staff is made up of experienced anglers from across the Northeast who fish local waters year-round. The team brings firsthand, on-the-water experience and regional knowledge to coverage of Northeast fisheries, techniques, seasonal patterns, regulations, and conservation.