Help with My Decision

I've decided to get a Pro Angler and have the dealer holding a PA12 and PA14 for me for 2 days. I've read just about everything there is online about the comparisons between the PA12 and the PA14 and have watched many videos of both kayaks. I'd like to get your recommendations before I make the final decision.

Here is my kayaking profile:

Age: 62
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 250 lbs.
Transport Vehicle: Ford F-150 Supercab with a 6'6" truck bed (8'8" surface with tailgate down). Plan to transport PA in bed of truck.
Usage: Primary use will be in smaller inland lakes in Michigan for panfish. Ocassional use in larger inland lakes and protected harbors of the Great Lakes on calm days for larger species (bass, walleye, salmon, steelhead)
Cargo: I will travel pretty light. Probably 2 rods and a minimal amount of tackle.
Rigging: Small Lowrance sonar, 1 or 2 rod holders, split cooler for fish and lunch, net, heavy duty plug-in cart, anchor and trolley
Dry Land Storage: Space not an issue
Stand-up: Don't see a need for standing up very often to fish.

I have a 18' multi-species aluminum boat that I use several times a week and will continue to use. The PA will be an alternative for me. It will not be my "go-to" watercraft.

So fellow PAers, Would I be happier with the PA12 or the PA14? Any thoughts, advice, recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

You and I are pretty much the same age and size. I currently own both Pro Anglers and fish out of both of them. For comparison, I am pretty comfortable in both of them, but the 14 is just a little more stable, and I prefer it for the little extra room, too. I keep all my tackle in small containers right beside my seat, and the few extra inches of width come in handy. I feel more confident when I want to stand up, either to fish or just to stretch. I use the 12 primarily when I mother ship on my 22' bay boat. It's smaller and lighter and much easier to handle when loading and offloading.

I have carried both PAs individually in my GMC truck, but highly recommend a bed extender and a Hobie wheel set. You will have about 5' sticking out the back of your truck, and I think the bed extender is cheap insurance to protect the boat from bouncing too much. The wheels make handling either boat much easier and prevent ground rash. You have really done your research, and now the decision really comes down to personal preference. For me, I prefer the 14 most of the time unless the smaller size and weight of the 12 becomes more important, like mother shipping. Both handle well in the water, and the difference is too small to notice or care about. Regardless of which you decide on, you will be happy with it.

Since I ended up with 2 boats (not counting my grandson's Outback), I opted for a double jet ski trailer. I have many friends that opted for a single trailer, and they are happier with the trailer rather than carrying via truck bed. Just like any boat on a trailer, I load up all my gear (most of it is already in the boat on the trailer), then back down the ramp, offload the boat, park the truck, and I am off fishing. Without the trailer, I have to carry all my gear from the truck to the boat after it's in the water. It's more trouble, and I have delayed other fishermen from launching until I am done. The same goes for reloading the boat back on the trailer. Courtesy goes a long way, especially at a busy boat ramp.

Good luck, and good fishing.

_________________
Richard Laughlin
Lafayette, LA

Finally Retired, Fish Beware!

2013 Hobie Pro Angler 14
2012 Hobie Pro Angler 12
2001 Hobie Hank Parker Edition Outback

I'll echo what Richard stated in his post. He makes some great points. You'll be fine with either with the truck you have and a bed extender. I can't speak in regards of the PA12 versus PA14 as far as a personal preference, but you can't go wrong with either one. I'm going on 59 years so I'm not far behind you. When I got the second PA, I decided to look into a trailer.

I have yet to back the trailer in the water when launching or getting out. For me I just back up a specific distance from the edge of the water (on the ramp) and slide the PA I want to use off the trailer at the waters edge. Reverse the process for loading.

A small jet ski trailer (whether single or double) is easier to use that the bed extender as most of the trailers sit lower to the ground. That makes loading and unloading easier and the trailer doubles as a storage platform.

Good luck with your decision. You'll love whichever one you get!

_________________
Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Most of this reply is similar to what I posted under the topic "Kayak Fishing" on the subject "Outback vs Pro Angler 12". I'm 63, 6'2", and 250 lbs. When first looking at a PA, I wanted the PA12 but purchased the PA14. I purchased the PA14 after I discussed this subject with the Hobie Rep for my region (whose advice I have trusted since 2009). He advised I purchase the PA14 as the PA12 would excessively dip, due to my size, when I stood. If you are not planning on standing a lot, the difference in the two may be negligible. (Both kayaks will haul more camping and fishing equipment into the wilderness than anyone would ever need.) Hope this may be of help.

In my opinion, the PA 14 would be your best bet. It just gives you a little more of everything. The extra weight is negligible but the extra safety margin, (at our age) IMO, can be priceless. I'm 68 and getting older, (and hopefully wiser) every day!!

Regards

Thanks for all your input folks. I'm glad to report that I just got back from the dealer with a new PA14 hanging out the back of the pickup. I'm looking forward to my maiden voyage which I'll do as soon as the wind and the rain decide to stop. Spring is off to an ugly start here in Michigan. I'm sure I'll be back with some rigging questions before too long. Thanks again for your support!

Congrats on the new PA and welcome to the addiction. You will really enjoy it. I noticed you have bowfin in your handle. Caught this one Saturday evening. She inhaled a crank bait in about 5 feet of water.

_________________
Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Yeah they are a blast to catch....really tear up whatever they hit, especially a spinnerbait. I managed to hook 1 or 2 each year it seems while bass fishing.