Advancing their vision for fishing versatility, Hobie unveils the lightweight and compact Mirage Pro Angler 12 – designed for the all-round angler who wants to fish with no boundaries.

The fully rigged 54.4kg, 3.66m long, and 91cm wide hull, can handle everything from still lakes, fast rivers to the open ocean. With its 227kg weight capacity, the Pro Angler 12 delivers new levels of innovation packed full of must-have angler features, such as Hobie MirageDrive pedal propulsion system, the all new Vantage Seating, ‘Lowrance-ready’ Fishfinder Installation System, Pivoting Tackle Management System and vertical/horizontal storage for six rods.

Morgan Promnitz, Hobie’s fishing product manager, says, “Our team is made up of several extremely creative and experienced individuals who strive to put forth the best in fishing technology. After months of hard work and testing, it is our conclusion that the following features truly combine to make the perfect fishing kayak”.

The standout feature on the Pro Angler 12 is Hobie’s patented MirageDrive pedal propulsion system. The self-centring padded pedals are connected to two underwater flippers, which function like penguin wings. Pedalling is done alternatively left and right, like walking, to drive the flippers. It is a quiet and efficient mode of propulsion that maximises fishability.

The standard definition of Vantage is, “…an advantage in a competition; superiority; and a position, condition or opportunity that is likely to provide superiority.” The new Hobie Vantage seat fits all these descriptions.

This deluxe chair is designed with Hobie’s new comfort-mesh for breathability and with fore/aft and 5” up/down adjustment without getting out of the seat. The Boa system on the back of the seat provides one-handed dial, full range of adjustment, for lumbar support. It is quick and easy and once locked into place, stays that way.

If you want to stand up and fish the seat can easily be folded out of the way, or even completely removed for use on shore.

Fishfinders provide accurate readings from sonar or DSI (DownScan Imaging) – the latest technology in 3D imaging. The Pro Angler 12 features a Lowrance-ready built-in transducer mount pre-installed through-hull cable plugs. Fishfinders can then be installed in minutes without gluing transducers or drilling holes in the kayak.

The newly-designed large rectangular centre hatch features a pivoting compartment that houses and includes two medium-sized Plano tackle boxes.

Steering is controlled via an oversized fingertip steering handle on the port side, making it easy to cast, hook and land fish while manoeuvring to that secret spot. And if you prefer right-handed steering? No problem. Steering from both sides comes standard and the main handle can easily be moved from one side to the other, whatever the preference.

Two vertical molded-in rod holders angled for trolling and four horizontal built-in rod holders with rod tip protection ensure the right equipment is always on-board for any species or waters.

As with all Hobie products, there are so many other features to choose from: Front, rear and side handles make the boat easy to move or transport; brass inserts are strategically placed for the optional anchor trolley kit; removable front hatch liner sized for the daily catch, drinks on ice or gear; two replaceable mounting boards that can handle a variety of electronics and rod holders; anti-skid floor mats make it easy to stand up and fish; a receptacle for an after-market accessories mount or sail and mast; and the list goes on and on.

For full details visit www.hobiecat.com.au. – Hobie Cat