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Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review
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Author:  captain ross [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review

Product Review: Angling on the Hobie Pro Angler 14

There are a lot of reviews out there covering the full specs and tech of this boat, so I won’t go into many of them in here. What I would like to elaborate on is my fishing experience on the Hobie Pro Angler 14.

I splashed the boat yesterday for the first time. Unloading this heavy boat wasn’t too bad from the bed of my pickup truck. There was a 40 yard hike from my vehicle to the waters edge, transporting the PA 14 using the trolley wasn’t bad, a little heavy but not too bad.
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Once I got it into the water, the crafts stability was apparent. There was a low surf of about 20″, but getting into the boat wasn’t difficult. I did use a paddle to push out from the surf, then inserted the mirage drive. On a side note, make sure you adjust the pedal height setting before getting in the water. I made that mistake and spent the next 10 minutes getting myself adjusted comfortably.

The mirage drive proved to be an excellent method of propulsion. I was easily doing twice the speed as paddling moving down the river. I compare the resistance from the pedals like being in 10th gear on a 12 speed bike. A moderate amount of resistance, but very easy to keep a good pace with out too much exertion.
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These days it seems like I don’t have nearly as much time to fish as I used to. Long gone are my day long fishing excursions. They have been traded in for short 2-3 hour jaunts when I can sneak one in. One major advantage of the mirage drive system and the Pro Angler 14: Efficiency! I set off on a 2 hour “pedal” and found that I wasn’t in as much of a rush to get there as with other kayaks. The speed I was able to cruise was around 3.2 Knots at a comfortable pace. The hand free accessibility allowed me to effectively double my fishing time on the water. This is fantastic for me and my frequent short trips out on the water.

I cruised at a moderate pace parallel to the shoreline and docks, fishing my way down river. I would have been able to do this in a standard kayak, but it would have taken 3 times as long to cover the same distance. When fishing this length of river, it is all about covering ground. There can be some great fish to catch, but they are often spread out and move often. Moving faster and hands free allows me to spend more time fishing, thus catching more fish!
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I really enjoy the rudder system on the Pro Angler 14 as well. I had read some reviews that it was a little cumbersome, but in my opinion it was very easy to adjust, even when fighting a fish. I really found it handy when I needed to change my heading while fighting a snook out from under a dock. It was very convenient to steer and pedal away to help pull the fish away from structure. Check out my favorite snook lures here: http://www.hogylures.net/category/0124/Snook/1.html

Overall, my first impressions for using the Hobie Pro Angler 14 for fishing are very positive. There are many videos out there showcasing customized setups for these boats, but as I told my self and I recommend to you, get out there a few times and fishing in the factory condition. I’m sure it will give you a much better idea of what you need and where you want to mount various accessories.

While your here, take a moment to look see my favorite Kayak Fishing lures and techniques here: http://www.hogylures.com/category/techniques/hogy-kayak-fishing/

- Capt. Ross

Author:  BentRodyakker [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review

Captain Ross;

Nice report thank you. I purcahsed a PA 14 3 weeks ago and have been out 2 times for about 2 hrs each due to weather. I look forward to a full day of fishing.

I agree with you on everything you reported. If you don't mind I have one suggestion. One thing I noticed in your picture with the PA in the back of your truck that the bow of the PA is facing out the back. My truck is a 6'6" bed and then the tailgate is down. I slide my PA off my saw horses and plywood which are the same height as my tailgate (no high lifting just slide). I slide my PA in bow first and then use rachet straps to secure at the handles.
The reason I go bow first is I then can install the wheel cart into the PA . I have driven to my fishing spots with them installed. they fit perfect next to the tailgate. So when I am at the area I am going to launch ( which you could then install the cart) I slide the PA out and set it on the wheels, roll it a little further back, grab the handle and off I go. This saves me the trouble of turning the PA on it's side to install the cart. I just lift enough on the stern to un-install the cart. This eliminates some lifting and time for me.

Thanks again for the report and pictures

Author:  Jiggy [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review

Outstanding post! I have the same PA 14 as you. :) Well, x2 because I got 2 and a trailer.

I've been out 3 times so far. The first trip I hauled her in the back of the Tacoma short bed because the trailer wasn't in yet and then I had to assemble it. Don't really like the fact that half the boat is hanging out but I had no issues at all.

I love the ease in which I can move through the water, the way the rudder turns the boat so easily. I can usually just drift along adjusting the rudder slightly to keep me tracking correctly.

I've stood up some. I'm 5'11", 260 lbs and it seemed quite stable. Water is a bit cold for me to "test the limits" yet though. LOL

Was able last Saturday to catch some nice bass. Caught two 5lb largies - one in front of a 21' Ranger. Pricesless look on their faces!

Definitely adding anchor trolley(s), H'bar and a fish finder though. Otherwise, she'll likely stay stock for a bit longer.

Tight lines and slime!
Tony

Author:  captain ross [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review

BentRodyakker wrote:
Captain Ross;
If you don't mind I have one suggestion. One thing I noticed in your picture with the PA in the back of your truck that the bow of the PA is facing out the back.


I was sure I'd get remarks on this. I found putting it in "backwards" offered a better way for me to use tie down straps to run through the handle in an X configuration.

I have a friend that runs an aluminum shop, so hopefully in the near future, I will at least have a hitch bed extender to accommodate such a long item in the bed of my truck.

Fortunately, I can splash the PA in a few places that are less than 1 mile from my home. I feel comfortable traveling less than 40mph with the setup while waiting for something more permanent for my truck.

Thanks for the comments too by the way.

Author:  Baja_Traveler [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 11:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review

I picked mine up yesterday, and it is still sitting in the back of my truck - luckily I have an 8' bed, so with the tailgate down the boat only sticks out a further 2-3 feet. Even so, I was still worried about some knucklehead running into it in the dark, so I velcroed a red bike light to the handle. Works great to alert idiot drivers. I'll take my maiden voyage on Saturday.

Author:  uno mas [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fishing on the PA 14: A quick review

i guess im doing it wrong.
when im only going to take one boat out, i pull it off the trailer and put it in my lil tacoma stern first. the stern in heavier with all my junk on it, and i strap it in with one strap, routing thru the mirage drive opening. ive hauled for hundreds of miles like this. i have a red flag that i can put on back. i 'think' FL required 144" sq red flag for things hanging out the back XX number of feet. the 12 fits with no issue, and the 14 will work as well, but i have a hitch extender thing that works better for the 14.
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cheers.
drew

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