Hobie Pro Angler 12 Foot Walkthrough and Review (Is it Worth the Price Tag?)

[@aaanglers]

Hey guys, I have an updated video on my Pro Angler with much better audio and lighting. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIa4mo18gKmJd9U

[@muddyh2o2init44]

I found buying the best you can afford is always the better move. I you find out you like it you’re already set. If you don’t it’s always easier to sell nice gear. Cheap stuff ends up practically giving it away. Plus nice gear always makes the learning curve easier.

[@aaanglers]

I want to clarify my point since I am getting a lot of questions about it: If you are just TRYING out Kayak fishing , and are unsure of how often you will do it, I recommend a low end kayak with no mods to start. See if you like it. Set a goal and get out on the water as much as you can. THEN if you LOVE kayak fishing, you could save yourself the hassle and jump on the Hobie bandwagon if you've got the cash. Trust me, this bad boy is worth it. If you don't have the cash, I will do another video later on cheap mods to make other kayaks super fishable. I had a used old town predator before this with a few cheap mods, and that was a great option for me at the time. Thanks!

[@mmargiotta]

I am so undecided, with the same money you can buy a great tinny boat, what's better?

[@aaanglers]

@@mmargiotta depends on your water. I fish a lot of tough access spots and river. So this boat is easy and convenient when it comes to dropping in and navigating. I had to wheel it about 1/2 a mile to a spot last weekend because the only ramp was closed. Couldn't do that with a boat...

[@TNRangerXP]

I have a PA 14 and love it. There are a lot of great Fishing Kayaks out, but the PA 14 has been the one for me. Great video and thanks for sharing your insight.

[@aaanglers]

Thanks! I was on the fence on the 12 or 14, and honestly, I might make the switch next year! Love the 12, but the 14 would suite my long days better.

[@pitchkapizda8355]

Brilliant review I’ve just got the new PA14 just getting some ideas your set ups Awsome thanks 🙏🏼

[@Kayakfishingontario]

just picked up a PA12, and am looking for ideas on rigging the boat to the way I want it. this is my forth fishing kayak, first pedal drive boat. really looking forward to it.

[@Generalneves007]

What's your take on the stability of the pro angler kayak? Can you comfortably fish standing up and say throw a frog or topwater walking bait? I'm looking to upgrade my Native Watercraft Slayer 10 and am considering the pro angler 12 360. I love everything about the pro angler 12 but i just haven't tested one out yet.

[@aaanglers]

So this thing is insanely stable. I am 6'2" and weigh 220, and I can stand easily on this thing. I have fished standing up on rivers, in high winds and in heavy chop on this. And I frog a ton, and have never fallen out of the boat, even on a missed hook set.

[@Generalneves007]

@@aaanglers That's good to know. I think you may have just sold me on a pro angler! Thanks for the vid and info!

[@aaanglers]

@@Generalneves007 Anytime man!

[@scottk.9835]

Just bought a 2022 PA12 for recreational use....would fish with it, but not well versed.

[@khalidalahmad2413]

Thanks for the helpful walkthrough. I am going to get one PA 12 soon. Just wanna know what is the height of the kayak from bottom up to H-rails? thanks.

[@aaanglers]

Not sure? Maybe hobe has measurements on their site? I’d guess about 2 ft

[@pa1264]

Awesome review I have the 2015 model I'm wondering is the mirage drive 180 fit in the 2015 PA12

[@aaanglers]

Probably... I'm not sure, but your local Hobie Rep should know

[@pa1264]

@@aaanglers 😁👍

[@cliffart7398]

Good video topic. I am considering a 2020 Hobie PA 12 360. I have not Kayak fished before. My friend (former neighbor of 20 years) has been kayak fishing for about 10 years. If cost is the only reason not to buy this boat as a new Kayak fisherman, I am not concerned. For the last 5 years I have belonged to a boat club at a cost of 5000 a year plus fuel and tips. This is the last year of my membership, and seeing how I have been limited as to when I can go (reserve months in advance) and limits on where I can go because of water depths, I see this as a better option. Some exercise, camaraderie, no fuel costs, no tips, little maintenance and greater water area access. The cost equals about one year of boat club membership. If there are any reasons other than cost, I would like to hear them to help me make my decision. Thank you.

[@aaanglers]

No other reason! This boat is amazing. In fact I have made some huge upgrades to it this season, all of which you could do on the 2020 360 models. IF you want more info and updated content on the kayak, check this out: kzbin.info/aero/PLPTgeg40DsZTuDitxiZrbqCfIDwT3a335

[@edwarddoucette1481]

Thanks for the good review . All my questions have been answered .

[@aaanglers]

👍🙏

[@Golden3ye]

If you primarily fish rivers with a few shallow sections where you would need to get out and drag, would you recommend this yak?

[@aaanglers]

If by PRIMARILY you mean all the time, then no. You wouldn't use the drive much, which kind of defeats the purpose. IF, however, the river is 2 ft deep or more, you can get by just fine with the drive. I would recommend the kick up fins on the Hobie 360 over this. Otherwise I'd go with a nice stable paddle yak. I really like the Bonafide or Jackson's for fishing.

[@grantd.5438]

Do you car-top this Kayak, transport it in a truck-bed, or use a trailer? Any frustrating aspects of transporting this guy? (would be another great video!)

[@aaanglers]

I load mine in the truck. I pity anyone top loading this beast. Here are two videos I did on loading and storage though: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4StgKGQZ9-ajs0 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/noOupYdppc-Fd6c

[@kevinredden7833]

@@aaanglers I top load my 12' 360 on to a Subaru Outback, piece of cake using the Rhino Rack T-load. I've also got an Outback (Hobie) that I used to put on top of my BMW 3-series sedan before I traded it in on the Subie to get more ground clearance.

[@aaanglers]

@@kevinredden7833 Nice, that T-load looks legit.

[@nj_angler_kjb]

Can you pick up the PA12 from the side and walk it short distances? I currently have a Bonafide and might get a pedal drive next year and I'm not sure if I should look at the 12 or 14.

[@aaanglers]

not really, it would be tough to carry a pedal kayak from any brand that way. Usually you would just get a kayak cart or wheels

[@nj_angler_kjb]

@@aaanglers Yeah, my Bonafide SS127 is around 85 lbs so I can pick it up and walk it short distances to the floating kayak launch where I usually fish. Figured the Hobie PA would be obviously heavier and awkward to pick up. Appreciate the response.

[@jerry-381]

"If you are new to kayak fishing don't buy this boat" Buddy I'm going to respectfully disagree with you. For those who are just starting out why not save a lot of time and money and go ahead and buy what you'd end up with anyway? A lot of us have started out going the cheap route, spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars buying a kayak and rigging it up just to turn around and repeat the process 2 or 3 times until we end up with a Hobie pedal drive. Yes these are crazy expensive but the resale value is really good comparitively and its something you can use with a variety of fishing styles. I know I've been there. Had I started out with a PA I would've saved myself thousands of dollars.

[@aaanglers]

I get it. My comment was geared towards newbies that may be unsure of how much use they would get out of it. I go out 2-3 times a week, so the investment made sense to me, but if I was only going out a few times a season... that would be a different story. I still have my $100 garage sale yak and I still use it. Sometimes it's just easier, even without the bells and whistles. I see a ton of used yaks for sale because people are "too busy" to use them. That said, I do agree with the resale value on these too. Just an opinion.

[@MrWhoAreYouThisTime]

Your video here is like watching a tired 💤 little school boy having to explain (for the 100th time) a boring long explanation of why I do this. Stop throwing, banging and dropping everything you touch!! It takes away from what your saying …Go back and watch yourself. It’s very consistent and becomes annoying. Sorry for the dislike.

[@aaanglers]

@@MrWhoAreYouThisTime Ouch. Stern but fair. This was my 3rd video, so I have plenty of room for improvement. I'll probably redo it soon and keep that in mind.

[@videojoe7]

@@aaanglers The insult of "watching a tired little school boy" is coming from a hateful, Zero Uploader. It's been said, "It takes all kinds.." Rudeness is uncalled for; especially when a complainer has zero - none - no channel content. Your review of the kayak has been helpful. Thanks... 👍

[@aaanglers]

@@videojoe7 Thanks man!

[@Yakplanet_tv]

What's your hight and weight. I am 5'9 and 200lbs. Debating on the 14' or the 12' but I mainly do off shore fishing. What are you more comfortable with. In terms of space, and turning speed into swells. Also in case of white caps.

[@aaanglers]

I don't offshore fish with mine I'm on tiny ponds and rivers. But I'm 6'2" 230 lbs. It's stable on the water I fish, but you'd want a longer, lower frame yak I would assume.

[@Yakplanet_tv]

@@aaanglers ok thanks bro. I will test the two out

[@keep1treal61]

@@Yakplanet_tv have you tested both out? What did you go with? Same debate here

[@Yakplanet_tv]

@@keep1treal61 12 hobie outback

[@darylwchan]

How do you install the wheels when you are done fishing? Do you have to turn the kayak on its side?

[@aaanglers]

Yeah, with scupper wheels you can do that or rig them up on a bungee cord system (no idea how to do that). I installed a Boonedox landing gear and it is WAY better.

[@halanfones9345]

Trying to decide between the PA 12 and 14. why did you go with the 12?

[@aaanglers]

The 12 just had everything I'd ever want on it. I considered the 14, but I fish a lot of small lakes and rivers and the 12 is just a little easier to maneuver. If I were a big tournament fisherman on big lakes, I would have done the 14. All depends on how you fish.

[@DetroitFishigan]

I got a cheap yak like you suggested, to see if that's something i want to do. Because that's a life changing yak there lol that a got to get a truck yak, and that's good amount for a yak plus accessories 😎 im sure you get what you pay for with that yak👍🍻

[@aaanglers]

Absolutely! I went through two yaks to get to this get to the hobie. Once I started hitting the water twice a week I knew it was time to invest.

[@TheWaymont]

Nice run through. Why do you throw, bang and slam everything you are showing?

[@aaanglers]

Lol, old video... i have done many since!

[@Carl001M]

I'm 5'9 and about 250 is this a good choice for someone to get in and out of and not roll it LOL ?

[@aaanglers]

Haha, yup, I’m 6’1 and 220. You’re going to have a hard time rolling this thing. It’s stable as heck

[@aaanglers]

Let me know what you guys think about this boat! If you have questions be sure to post!

[@Myfrilleddragons]

Yes its worth it

[@aaanglers]

Totally

[@1FishinAddict]

Is $2900 with a fish finder, netter, wheels worth the price ?

[@aaanglers]

Absolutely! Did you find one used? Good condition? If so thats a steal

[@1FishinAddict]

I didn’t buy it. It is used. Reason being the 2020 with 360 drive is just too darn awesome. I’ll wait for a used 360

[@aaanglers]

Wise choice

[@FISHINGWITHFRISBY]

I’m picking up a Hobie in the next couple of weeks after paddling for years. I’m really torn between a PA14 and a PA12. I am mainly on skinny waters, but I am keeping a paddle kayak for the really skinny waters. What’s your opinion now that you have a PA14? Do you ever miss the smaller size? I do have a trailer. Thanks.

[@aaanglers]

I wouldn’t say I miss it. It has a place for sure. But I love the extra room of the 14

[@pernamore4224]

Buy the boat if you have the money, you're going to end up upgrading later on anyway. Save yourself some money. Also,are you related to Gabe Kapler? Lol you dang well look and sound like him lol

[@djones4113]

Im looking at this or the Outback.

[@aaanglers]

I started out looking at the outback too. But ultimately the size, storage and casting area stability sold me on the PA

[@djones4113]

@@aaanglers I think I'm gonna buy a used PA. There's tons of them now that everyone wants the 360. From 2100-2700 used. Ya the PA just seems well designed for anglers.

[@aaanglers]

@@djones4113 Good call! Tons of deals out there

[@djones4113]

@@aaanglers ya man. NOW is the time to buy if you want a Hobie Kayak! There's one I seen with a trailer, PA 14 2018, sand dolly, fish finder, Hobie live well, net, tons of ad ons for $2900! So now I'm deciding.😊

[@aaanglers]

+D Jones thats a steal for sure

[@rachelburlingame3993]

Cool!

[@aaanglers]

Thanks

[@smokenjoe4022]

You have a volume issue in your video!

[@aaanglers]

Smoken Joe unfortunately I didn’t pic up a microphone until after this video 😞. I will be shooting a much better one soon

[@antoniomontoy7137]

Why would I be throwing my money away? This would be my first kayak. I don’t see the logic of buying a crappy kayak first and then figure out its a piece of crap and then get a good kayak. Stopped watching the video after that comment.

[@aaanglers]

+Antonio Montoy totally agree, if you know what you want. That comment was more for someone just getting into kayak fishing, or someone not able to put the money down on a higher end yak.

[@thebacklasher8426]

His comment was for people who don’t know if they will like kayak fishing so it makes more sense to get “beginner” gear first and try it. Like any other hobby. When you first start fishing most people don’t buy a $500 combo, they maybe get a $100 combo and see if they like it or not.

[@MySpinner]

Kayak no motor no bueno lol

[@aaanglers]

Bahaha, manual power only

[@MotorjockMike]

Lost me due to poor quality audio

[@aaanglers]

Unfortunately I didn't have a mic at the time. If you want to see a video with better audio check this one out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIa4mo18gKmJd9U

[@videojoe7]

@@aaanglers Audio was low but, seems like some do not have a volume control. Nice review! 👍

[@aaanglers]

@@videojoe7 Appreciate the support thanks man! Stay tuned for my new Hobie 360 review in a couple weeks!