Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 Review

Many fishing kayaks do one or two things well, but most have significant weaknesses. Some are fast, long and packed with storage space, yet fail to provide the kind of stability anglers need, while others are lightweight and easy to carry, yet suffer from poor tracking and slow speed.

However, there are a few kayaks, such as Hobie’s Mirage Pro Angler 14, which excel in virtually every way imaginable. The Mirage Pro Angler 14 is fast and maneuverable, while still providing the kind of storage space and stability anglers expect in a premium kayak. It isn’t cheap, but for those with the resources to afford it, it is one of the best choices available.

Build Quality

Like most Hobie kayaks, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 is a well-built craft. Made from rotomolded polyethylene, the Pro Angler 14 is rigid, durable and extremely buoyant, allowing it to outperform most other vessels on the water.

The craft measures 13 feet and 8 inches in length and an incredible 38-inch-wide beam, so it is capable of hauling 600 pounds worth of angler and equipment. The Mirage Pro Angler 14 is available in three colors: Camo, Papaya Orange and Ivory Dune.

Storage Capacity

You’d be hard-pressed to find a kayak that offers more storage space than the Mirage Pro Angler 14 does. Equipped with three different storage compartments, including a twist-seal hatch in the stern, and two flip-top compartments (one in the cockpit, one at the bow), the Mirage Pro Angler 14 provides several places to store tackle and gear.

It also includes a mesh pocket on each side of the cockpit, two flush-mount rod holders and a four-rod horizontal holder. It also comes with the Hobie H-Rail accessory system, which will allow you to mount just about any type of gear you’d like on the kayak. A flat, bungee-equipped cargo deck is also included, to give you a place to store coolers, live wells and other items. A drink holder is also included as well.

Comfort

The Mirage Pro Angler 14 provides a very comfortable ride. The cockpit is roomy enough for most anglers, and even tall riders will likely find it has all the legroom they require. The included Vantage CT Seat can be adjusted in four different ways to provide a comfortable ride, whether you are pedaling, paddling or fishing.

The mesh seat back will also keep your back cool and dry during long trips. The seat can even be raised an additional 5 inches when necessary, to provide a superior fishing position and give you a better view of the water.

Stability

If you are looking for a rock-solid kayak that is stable enough to permit standing, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 is the vessel for you. You’ll never worry about flipping over while seated, and thanks to the roomy standing platform provided, you will surely feel confident and comfortable while standing. You’ll also find that battling fish is a breeze, and you can even sit sideways if you like, thanks to the vessel’s stability.

Maneuverability

The Mirage Pro Angler 14 comes equipped with a twist-and-stow rudder and a fold-up tracking skeg. This means that you’ll not only be able to twist and turn on a dime, but you’ll be able to maintain a straight heading when covering long distances.

Unlike many other kayaks, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 provides two different rudder controls, so that you can pilot the craft with either hand. At 144 pounds, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 is a heavy craft, but thanks to the included handles (located at the bow, stern and cockpit) you’ll find that it is very easy to carry with a little help.

Summary

Simply put, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 is an excellent kayak, which will serve most anglers well. It is stable enough to accommodate novice paddlers, yet performs well enough to please advanced kayakers, who want a high-performance vessel.

It provides an abundance of storage space and a comfortable ride, and it comes equipped with a rudder and skeg to allow you to pilot the craft with precision. It is heavy rather pricey, but it otherwise leaves little to be desired.

Brand	Hobie
Model	Mirage Pro Angler 14
Price	Check on Amazon
Type	sit-on-top
Color(s)	yellow, dune, camo
Length (ft / cm)	13' 8" / 417cm
Width (in / cm)	38" / 97cm
Height (in / cm)	N/A
Kayak Weight (lbs / kg)	120.5 lbs / 55kg
Weight Capacity (lbs / kg)	600 lbs / 272kg
Cockpit Size (in / cm)	N/A
Hull Material	Rotomolded Polyethylene
Transducer Compatible	Yes
Number of People	1
Inflatable	No
Salt Water Friendly	Yes
Peddles	Yes
Tracking Enhancement	Rudder
Adjustable Seat	Yes
Rod Holders	8
Adjustable Foot Braces	Yes
Paddles Included	Yes
Other Included Items	None