Minnesota Kayak Fishing Calendar Tips For Minnesota kayak anglers, the season is really a progression:…
Which Hobie Fishing Kayak Do Minnesota Anglers Prefer?
When it comes to premium fishing kayaks, the Hobie Outback and Hobie Pro Angler are two of the best on the market—but they’re designed for different anglers. While both feature Hobie’s legendary MirageDrive pedal system (180 or 360 drives depending on the model) and exceptional fishability, the Outback is designed to be a versatile, lightweight, do-it-all fishing kayak, whereas the Pro Angler is built to deliver the closest experience possible to kayak fishing from a fully rigged bass boat. The choice comes down to where you fish, how much gear you carry, and how you transport your kayak. In this comparison, MNKFA (Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association) members gave us valuable user input about the key differences in stability, comfort, storage, performance, transportation and overall fishing experience to help you decide which Hobie is the perfect fit for your style of fishing.
MNKFA Members Outback Versus Pro Angler Input
I have both. If I had to pick just one, it would probably be the Outback, lighter to put in the truck for quick trips to the lake and more maneuverable on the river. Pro Angler is great for bigger water and for tournaments and all day/weekend outings when you want to haul a lot of stuff and six rods.
Loren Pribyl
The Outback is undeniably lighter and faster and more maneuverable. I regularly load mine up with a crate, bait well, and multiple rods, without negatively affecting stability. I fish smaller lakes and rivers as well as Great Lakes and ocean offshore. And I can still easily load it into the back of my truck. There’s a reason the Outback outsells the Pro Angler. However, if I added the extra weight of a motor or forward facing sonar, I might consider a PA (and a trailer!).
Paula Marie Powell
The PA 360 makes fishing incredibly enjoyable, especially on windy days. It offers exceptional stability, comfort, and storage, while making it effortless to maneuver into the perfect fishing angle.
Sae Shawn Yang
I tried out a ton of kayaks before I tried an Outback. Of all the kayaks I have had and tried, the Outback is the most versatile, stable and comfortable kayak I have ever used. From small rivers to the Great Lakes, it handles It all.
Mark Leyde
I mainly fish smaller lakes, ponds and rivers. Outback was my choice, primarily because it’s lighter, quicker and more maneuverable. I do wish it had horizontal rod storage. If I did lots of standing I would look harder at the Pro Angler.
Bob Grampa Brown
Let’s compare the 3 models, Outback, Pro Angler 12 and Pro Angler 14
Let’s look at the specs, that will help learn the differences and compare who each model is designed for.
Length: longer kayaks tend to be more stable and can be used on big water and handle large waves better. Downside is they are not the best for small streams and rivers.
Width: wider kayaks tend to be more stable, easier to stand and fish. They can carry more weight. Downside is they are not the best for small streams and rivers.
Rigged weight: calculated with the seat and drive installed. The heavier the rigged kayak, the more work it is to transport, load and launch. Users of heavier kayaks tend to use a trailer for transportation. Users of lighter kayaks can car top transport or use the bed of a pickup truck.
Load capacity: includes the rigged weight, your weight and any and all gear you are carrying on your kayak. Motors, big batterys and power poles are heavy. Don’t exceed the load capacity for safety reasons.
Benefits: the bells and the whistles. Things you can live without…or you just gotta have!
MirageDrives: currently the Outback is only availabe with the 180 drive. The Pro Angler 12 and 14 are available with the 180 or 360 drive.
![Infographic comparing Outback and Pro Angler kayaks with specs and benefits, including lengths, weights, and storage.] ,](https://mnkayakfishingassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Outback-PA-Specs.jpg "Outback-PA-Specs | Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association")
I’ve used all 3 of these Hobie models
In 2013 I purchased a Hobie Pro Angler 12. I transported it in the back of my pickup. I had to remove some items during road transportation and used a wheel kayak cart to get the kayak to the water and back to my truck. It was a little heavy, but doable for short distances. It was a great boat for years!
I’ve fished from a Hobie Outback several times. It’s much better in certain conditions. One season I fished a very small river that was really bendy and had lots of cutbacks. In my Pro Angler it was extremely difficult to stop and maneuver the kayak. The weight of the boat caused me to just get swept up in the current and all I could do is watch as prime fishing water went by. On subsequent outings I used an Outback, it was much better suited to these conditions.
When the Hobie 360 drive came out, I wanted it. I also eventually wanted to add a motor. I purchased a Hobie PA14 360 and a trailer. Later I added a stern mount Newport motor that required a large, heavy battery. I like having all this stuff and I bring a lot of gear with me. I’m not a small person, so all of this required having a kayak that was designed for the type of fishing I like to do. The Hobie Pro Angler 14 fits my current needs and the way I fish.
Expert Hobie Kayak Fishing advice
If you’re considering any of these premium fishing kayaks, I encourage you to visit a Hobie Dealer, see the kayaks up close, sit in them and even try them on the water. There are lots of options to consider when it comes to rigging, transportation, features and benefits. An expert will help you get the best boat for your needs, here’s a link to who I recommend. HI TEMPO.COM
Get an in-depth YouTube video walk through of these kayaks
WATCH: Why The Hobie Outback Is The Most Popular Fishing Kayak
WATCH: Why The Hobie Pro Angler Is The Ultimate Fishing Machine!
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