When it comes to fishing, most of us have our favorite go-to fishing locations near our homes. However, traveling offers a welcome change of pace to experience fresh scenery, different fish species, and innovative fishing strategies.
To that end, over 100 seasoned anglers traveled from across the country to compete in the third annual Hobie Bass Open at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. However, traveling with a kayak presents a unique set of logistical considerations, from transporting the kayak to unloading, launching, and re-loading it at your destination. Whether you already own one of Hobie Cat® Company’s foot-powered MirageDrive kayaks, are considering a purchase, or simply want to maximize your kayak’s traveling versatility, I’ve rounded up my favorite Hobie fishing recommendations for cross-country, international, tournament, and recreational travel.
Let’s start with a kayak ideal for the globe-trotting angler as well as any local solo angler.
Hobie Mirage i11s
Retail: $1,999.00
Ideal for: Solo kayakers, anglers, travelers, and kayakers who want one boat for multiple uses
Most of the Hobie MirageDrive kayak fleet consists of rotomolded polyethylene boats that weigh anywhere from 78 to over 200 pounds when fully rigged. The inflatable Hobie Mirage i11s, however, is perfect for solo kayakers, anglers of all experience levels, and even airline travelers.
At only 64.5 pounds when fully rigged, one person can easily launch the Hobie Mirage i11s with the included hand pump. When deflated, the kayak and its accessories pack into a compact rolling bag that complies with most airline luggage weight limits or fits easily into a vehicle.
The Hobie Mirage i11s includes a fully adjustable Vantage CTi Seat, Integrated Rudder system for left- or right-hand steering, and, of course, the MirageDrive foot pedals. For added versatility, the Hobie Mirage i11s doubles as an inflatable stand-up paddleboard with an optional Skeg Fin.
The Hobie Mirage i11s blends versatility, durability, portability, and affordability in a user-friendly kayaking experience. To use this kayak for fishing, anglers just need one more accessory.
Hobie H-Crate
Retail: $139.00
Ideal for: Anglers who want to maximize the storage capacity of their Hobie MirageDrive kayaks
The Hobie H-Crate accessory is a minimal investment to maximize the utility of the Hobie Mirage i11s as a fishing kayak and add more storage to any of the Hobie MirageDrive fleet. The H-Crate has plenty of space to hold tackle boxes, food, and water for a day of fishing, and features four built-in rod holders. The carrying handles, known as H-Rails, offer extra customization to install additional Hobie H-Rail accessories, such as extra rod holders and cup holders.
When not in use, the H-Crate easily collapses for travel or storage.
If most of your kayak-related journeys involve tournaments and cross-country destinations with no airline travel, Hobie has designed a series of MirageDrive kayaks specifically for serious anglers.
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler Series
Retail: $3,149.00 to $5,399.00
Ideal for: Tournament anglers, kayak fishing guides, or anglers who prioritize storage and stability
Hobie designed the Mirage Pro Angler Series with serious anglers in mind, and these kayaks were the gold standard for tournament anglers at the Hobie Bass Open. They come in 12-foot (Mirage Pro Angler 12, $3,149.00), 14-foot (Mirage Pro Angler 14, $3,299.00), and even tandem 17-foot (Mirage Pro Angler 17T, $5,399.00) models with plenty of storage capacity for fishing tackle and supplies.
Despite their size, the Hobie Mirage Pro Anglers come with ST Turbo Fins for extra speed, and they are remarkably maneuverable in tight quarters. The Hobie Mirage Pro Anglers are also stable enough for anglers to stand on while casting, although the next accessory makes the experience even easier.
Hobie H-Bar
Retail: $209.00
Ideal for: Anglers who want a handrail while standing on a Hobie Mirage Pro Angler
I have demoed the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler Series before. Standing on one feels remarkably similar to the stability of a flats boat, making them fantastic for fly rods, spinning rods, and bait casters. While these kayaks are stable enough on their own, sometimes anglers want a little help with standing or sitting.
The Hobie H-Bar easily installs on any of the Mirage Pro Anglers. It can be used as a leaning post while casting or as a handrail to aid with transitioning to and from the seat. It is compatible with any of the Hobie H-Rail accessories, such as cup or rod holders.
The H-Bar folds down to deck level when not in use, making them ideal for travel when trailering the kayak.
For more information about the entire Hobie Mirage kayak fleet, or to find a dealer, please visit hobiecat.com.