Who owns one?  Please share your thoughts.

 

http://www.hobiefishing.com/?_ga=1.100708738.2055875574.1487535675

 

My friends and I have three Hobies, two Mirage 13 and an 11, but we use them strictly for the ocean and not for fishing. All of them have the paddle system. The build quality of the kayaks is top level. I'm of the opinion you probably aren't going to find a better built kayak on the market. Maybe equal though. Really solid construction all around. Hobie seems to own the kayak game. Nothing has ever broke on any of them and we've had them for years now. The pedal systems are really awesome. Really good engineering and very heavy duty construction on the pedal gear mechanism. Great workout for the legs, more comfortable on the back, more relaxing, and easy to remove. 

 

The downside is Hobie kayaks are the most expensive on the market. Don't know if you looked at prices yet on the angler series but they are serious commitment from your wallet at $3k+. The other downside is because they are built so solid, they weigh a lot. 

 

I'm also researching for buying an angler kayak.

 

I would say first thing you need to decide is whether or not you want a pedal-type system. There are only a few manufacturers with pedal systems and they add significant cost to the kayak. Your budget might determine whether you want their pedal system or not.

 

Second, take into consideration the weight and how you're going to haul it around. They are not only heavy, but awkwardly shaped so getting them on top of the vehicle without banging into the side of your vehicle can be a challenge to say the least. We use my buddy's truck to haul ours around Morro Bay area, and it's so much easier than having to deal with putting the on the roof of my SUV. 

 

I really want to try Predator, Jackson, and some others but don't have any local dealers to check them out. I'm hoping they have a demo day this spring in Norcal where I could test drive things.

 

See my post here on what you have to choose from. 

 

i don't but i'll readily admit that i wish i did.  i have a ride 135 and love it, but the ease of the pedal drive is just incredible!  

I have a pro angler 14 it is the best thing short of a bass boat, they are extremely heavy though but you can take them anywhere and they make fishing easier than having to paddle. I plan to get a power pole micro to help in the windier conditions.

I have a Pro Angler 14 and I'm absolutely enamored with it.  I used to have a 19ft runabout motorboat that I finally sold.  Then, last year, I bought a the PA.  The PA was a way for me to conveniently fish without the hassle and disconnect of a bass boat.  It's stable, easy (for me) to pedal long distances, and easy to put in the back of the pickup if I decide to go fishing on a whim.  Granted, I use a bed extender for my pickup.  I really don't have any bad things to say about it except for the cost.  I've also owned a Jackson Cuda 12 that was a great kayak.  However, I kayak to fish, not the other way around.  The pedal driven yak is simply much easier (for me) to fish out of than a paddle yak.