Featuring Hobie’s MirageDrive, hands free, propulsion system this kayak enables you to use your legs to propel the craft; thus leaving your hands free for other activities. However, I have to admit that if you are an experienced paddler who is used to using a paddle to propel and maneuver your kayak, the MirageDrive system can be a bit disconcerting at first.

But, the fact of the matter is that your leg muscles are far larger than your arm muscles and thus, the MirageDrive system does require less effort on the part of the angler which leaves you with more energy for fishing when you arrive at your location which is definitely a good thing because, with a length of only 13’ 8” and a width of 38”, this kayak does not have a very efficient hull design. Plus, with a total weight of 138 lbs., I suspect that this kayak would require considerable effort to propel without the MirageDrive system.

Not to mention the fact that the MSRP of about $3,200 makes this kayak far too expensive for most anglers to consider purchasing.

On the other hand, it is an extremely stable fishing platform and the seating and layout of the deck it second to none. In fact, Hobie’s Vantage ST seat is the most elaborate seating system I have ever seen on a kayak and it is very comfortable. But, it does sit rather high above of the deck and thus, I suppose that is why this kayak’s hull is so wide.
Plus, the arm rests would undoubtedly interfere with your ability to use a paddle to propel the craft.

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For those of you to prefer to stand in your kayak when fishing, there is a huge standing platform in forward of the seat with nothing protruding from the deck to trip your feet during the excitement of fighting a large fish. Plus, there is a small, rectangular, hatch positioned just forward of the seat that holds two, Plano, tackle boxes (included) contained in a pivoting rack to allow access to the space beneath which is very handy.

Beyond that, the outfitting on this kayak appears to be a bit Spartan at first glance due to the lack of molded-in mounts but, instead of the common RAM and GoPro mounts featured on other fishing kayaks, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 has an H-rail mounting system which is a patent pending feature designed to hold a plethora of H-rail accessories such as the horizontal rod rack holder (included) which works in conjunction with the rod tip holders mounted on the forward bulkhead and there are two, replaceable, mounting boards on either side of the cockpit forward the seat for mounting electronics where they are out of the way but still visible.

In addition, there are also two, molded, rod holders on either gunwale aft of the seat that are perfect for trolling. For dry storage, there is a huge bow hatch for storing bulky items and an 8” round hatch located in the stern tank well; which is perfect for carrying a cooler or a live bait well by the way. In fact, this kayak is so well appointed that I simply cannot think of any feature that I would like to see added other than an anchor trolley (which I am frankly quite surprised that it does not have already).

Despite the excessive width and the excessive weight of this kayak, not to mention the excessive price tag, I would definitely purchase this kayak because it includes so many of the design features that I consider to be essential in a fishing kayak. However, finding a way to transport it to and from the house to the water may require a bit of ingenuity.

Fortunately, Hobie offers a special trailer made specifically for this kayak. Nonetheless, it is without a doubt the Mercedes Benz of fishing kayaks.