Alright guys as promised a couple weeks ago here is my review on the new Hobie Pro Angler 12.
I bought my first fishing yak in 2010, its a Hobie Outback and I've fished extensively out of it for the past two years so throughout this review I will be making comparisons.
The Pro Angler 12, I've been looking forward to putting my butt in one of these since I first caught wind of them.
The day finally rolled around when my tax return cleared and I was straight down to SLH to pick up my new toy, great service provided by Scott and Rich as always
I use a trailer to transport my yaks so loading and unloading is no different to the outback. Transporting the PA12 from car to the water is relatively easy it's no harder than the outback, infact I would go as far to say its easier simply because of the moulded carry handles and been able to plug the wheel cart into the middle scupper under the seat which balances the yak quite well.
On the water the PA12 comes into a league of its own, horizontal rod storage, large front hatch with liner, pivoting tackle management system and best of all the vantage seat.
I'll start with the horizontal rod storage, this is great for people fishing around low hanging branches etc. It keeps your rods down low and out of the way, although for fishing in the bay (where most of my fishing is done) I find the rods tend to get in the way a little when standing.
The large front has ample room for your lunch,wet weather gear and spare tackle etc, I haven't noticed too much water entering in yet.
The pivoting tackle management system is located in the center hatch between your legs and comes with two blue Plano tackle boxes. I find these tackle boxes great for bream lures, packets of plastics and jig heads. I tend to keep my most frequently used items in here. There is also a mesh pocket on the underside of the hatch lid that I use to carry spools of leader material.
Now vantage seating, all the things you've heard about the seat are true, it's super comfortable, super adjustable and super cool. The vantage seat is one of the biggest innovations in fishing kayaks since the mirage drive, made of a 3D mesh this seat stays cool on the sunniest of days and dries very quickly. The seat bottom is adjusted up or down by twisting the right armrest and the seat back adjusted by twisting the left armrest. also featured on the seat is adjustable lumbar support via a BOA system incorporated into the seat back, simply twisting the knob on the back of the seat tightens up the lumbar support in the seat back.
Speed wise I found the PA12 to be similar to the outback on flat water but as soon as any chop came up the PA12 was noticeably faster. As for stability like its bigger brother the PA14 this yak is super stable, not once have I felt unstable whilst fishing from this yak, I stood up fishing plastics in the bay last trip out in a 1-2 foot chop and even while standing I felt safe and secure. I think if you ended up in the drink i think it would be from over balancing and falling out. The steering is good and responsive, it does take a couple of pedals before you will start to turn but once turning the PA12 turns ultra tight. I found the tracking to be good, I did have to make minor course corrections when going straight although no more than the outback with sailing rudder.
Overview:
All in all a great platform for fishing weither its bait, lure or fly. A stable, responsive, very well thought out fishing kayak.
Thanks for reading my review of the Hobie Pro Angler 12 I'll see you on the water - Kingo
Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
- viperdevil
- PHD in Yakology.
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Congrats on your new baby.....Nice review and love the yak, i'm so tempted to get one myself but only thing holding me up is the one seater....i always like to take someone along for company.
Praz
- cruiser
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Great review Darcy and thanks for shareing it with us nice yak and may she reward you with plenty of mojo
cruiser
cruiser
mob 0423 492 759
- wokka1
- Yak Master
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Are the purple shoes part of the accessories package ?
Been looking forward to your review since you first mentioned it. Thanks for taking the time
Been looking forward to your review since you first mentioned it. Thanks for taking the time
Regards,
Wokka. (aka...Fruitbat)
Fishing... a jerk on one end of the line waiting for a jerk on the other
Wokka. (aka...Fruitbat)
Fishing... a jerk on one end of the line waiting for a jerk on the other
- Babylon
- Needs a life (forum tragic)
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Show off Thanks for that it is a great looking Yak
Enjoy it Cheers JIm
Enjoy it Cheers JIm
- Yacker
- Yak Master
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Mate, lovely yak Like the little pocket inside the lid for leaders, perfect
Thanks for putting up the review, really appreciate it
Thanks for putting up the review, really appreciate it
Many and strange are the universes that drift like bubbles in the foam upon the River of Time
- Drew
- Square eyes
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
thanks for sharing, Darcy definitely makes me want one...
great colour too - we have an olive Revo and Outback...
great colour too - we have an olive Revo and Outback...
Yak PB's:
- Rock Flathead 45cm
- Rock Flathead 45cm
- Knogg
- Lord of the fish
- Posts: 1125
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- kayak: Hobie Pro Angler 12,COBRA,Fish and Dive,play
- Real Name: Corey
- Location: Lower Plenty
Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Get an iPad and skype. Heheheviperdevil wrote:Congrats on your new baby.....Nice review and love the yak, i'm so tempted to get one myself but only thing holding me up is the one seater....i always like to take someone along for company.
And exactly what I'm after. I'll be on the band wagon soon. Was talking to scott before and it looks like I'll have step up my plans sooner than thought.
I need to decide if I tell the missus or hide it between my two cobras in camo olive green
Looks like a caldia as well nice!!! And I'm even thinking of taking up fly fishing again so I'm glad that got a mention.
Great review. But would have liked another view on roof loading. As a trailer isn't an option for me.
"Every Fisherman has a story" but "Every KAYAK fisherman has a better one"
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- Lord of the fish
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Re: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Review
Awesome review.
Are you thinking of selling the outback now.
Are you thinking of selling the outback now.