Looking for owners of the Pro Angler. I would like to know mainly the cons, since I am interested in one I can easily see the good points, but overlook the bad. The weight does not bother me, I will be using a trailer. Since I am up in age is the stability on the flats comparable to being in Tackle Shacks pool, also wondering about the efficiency of the fish storage box. Thanks for your time.
Get together with Lost@Sea or Davejask. They spend more time in PA’s than anyone else around here.
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These are just my observations only and by NO means a proffesional opinion. I test drove both the Pro Angler and Revolution a few weeks ago at the Kayak festival at James Island county park. Revolution had better strait line speed and acceleration than the Pro Angler. Both boats were tested with turbo ST fins installed on the Mirage drive. The Revolution feels a little twitchy side to side but I was assured by many that secondary stability is excellent on this boat. This is not, in my unproffesional opinion, a boat you could stand up in. Then I drove the Pro Angler. Not as fast as the Revo, slower acceleration but much tighter turning radius. I liked that a lot. Boat rides flat and stable, on the calm pond I was on anyway. You can stand up on this boat no problem. Loads of room for gear and rods. This boat was purpose built for one thing, to fish out of:) Given the choice, I’d rather have the Pro Angler. It may be a bit more heavier and cumbersome, but I would think the pros out weigh the cons for fishing. One thing I should mention that I have read on other Kayak forums, the Pro Angler can take on water thru the bungied hatch covers if you get swamped or take on waves making the boat sluggish and less stable. I would love to have a PA of my own.
Best of luck!
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RACRX mentions some good points. Additional cons would be (in my opinion only): 1. the seat is positioned a little to tight to the tackle hatch, I got fed up with it and modified it myself (pain in the a$$) 2. The seats back rest is supported by one strap on either side with a plastic buckle that will break, hobie makes a stainless steel part to fix it, but i would order them if you purchase the PA and keep them with you until it breaks or swap it out asap. 3. the molded rod holders behind the seat are at a funky angle, I added an extender for each. 4. I’ve broken a few rods stepping on them while they were in the horizontal rod storage 5. rudder system has changed this year, but previous models had an under seat mounted joystick rudder control. the new system takes up space in your storage area. 6. you mention weight not being an issue, but it is something you need to plan around. I fish alone a lot, the kayak cart (scupper plug-in style)is a must have, hobie makes a few but recommends a specific one and you must also purchase the post collar clamps to protect the hull (Hobie might be adding these to all the plug in carts already, but look for it if they don’t) 7. Mirage drive turbo fins rubber tears at the bottom of the shaft easily, be prepared to purchase a set a year or more depending where you fish, Copahee sound a few pairs a year, haha!
As far as the stability goes its awesome, I have actually stood on a cooler in the back cargo area and sight fished, throwing a cast net is no problem as well.
The fish storage box is light weight I am surprised i haven’t cracked it yet, but it holds up well. I am planning on insulating the underside of the bow hatch lid with some closed cell foam to help hold ice longer
I LOVE MY PRO ANGLER. IT’S SUPER STABLE, LOTS OF STORAGE, AND COMFORTABLE TO SIT IN ALL DAY. AS MENTIONED BY OTHERS, THE FRONT STORAGE HATCH DOES TAKE ON WATER IN ROUGH CONDITIONS. THE FLUSH MOUNTS, FOR WHATEVER REASON, ARE ANGLED TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER, SO TROLLING WITH TWO RODS CAN RESULT IN TANGLES. THE REAR FIN (AT LEAST WITH THE TURBO FINS) TENDS TO BUCKLE. OTHERWISE IT’S ALL PRO’S. IT’S SO STABLE, I’LL GO SHEEPSHEAD FISHING, ANCHOR UP, AND STAND WHILE FISHING. YOU WON’T REGRET GETTING ONE. ONLY THING I WOULD CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A PRO ANGLER, WOULD BE A NATIVE MARINER. YOU CAN GO IN REVERSE WITH THEIR PEDDLE DRIVE. HOPE THAT HELPS.
I have fished in them from everything to five foot waves in the ocean to back water cypress swamps. They are stable as a kayak can get, you will not lack any space for storage, and just like any other kayak your setup can be as simple or as crazy as your imagination will let you. The one downfall you will find is the weight. It is HEAVY. Once its on the water that does not matter anymore but getting to and from the truck alone is not always the most fun. As for the Mariner, Native makes good boats, that is not one of them.
“The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.” </font id=“size2”>
Hobie Adventure Kayak 08 </font id=“size2”>
Hobie Pro Angler Kayak 09 & 10 </font id=“size2”>
Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. I am now a PA owner, the only thing that is giving me a problem is inserting the mirage drive properly, am blaming it on old age.
Thanks again.
enjoy it! Hope to see you out there.