Kayak Fishing

From oceans to farm ponds, streams to inland lakes, kayak fishing is a spectacular way to enjoy the sport. Coastal fishermen enjoy the extra challenge of landing large offshore catches from kayaks. Inland, kayaks are a great way to reach water where access is not supported by roads or launch ramps, depths are shallower, or regulations prevent motorized watercraft.

Kayaks bring you closer to the water, are eco-friendly, offer a quiet way to stalk fish, and are easy to maintain, transport, launch and store. And they are much less expensive than gas-powered watercraft.

Angler fishing from a Hobie Mirage kayak

Shop Hobie fishing kayaks · Used and demo kayaks · Kayak parts and accessories

A short history

Kayak fishing has its roots in ancient techniques. Kayaks were developed by indigenous Arctic peoples, who used them to hunt on inland lakes, rivers and coastal waters, building them from stitched animal skins stretched over driftwood frames. Archaeologists have found evidence that kayaks are at least 4,000 years old.

Today most fishing kayaks are made from modern materials such as rotationally molded polyethylene, and are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. They include features such as rod holders, catch bags and equipment mounts, and typically have wider beams than other kayaks for stability and extra storage.

Why Hobie MirageDrive?

Kayak fishing took a giant leap forward with the MirageDrive from Hobie. It replaces the paddle with super-efficient pedals that drive a pair of underwater fins, much like a penguin's flippers. You go faster and further with far less effort, whether snapping up to speed or steadily covering water for tracking or trolling.

The real genius is that it frees your hands for fishing. Cast with both hands while you hold yourself in a ripping current, or use the drive to pull a fish out of structure like branches or docks.

Hobie MirageDrive pedal system on a fishing kayak

Built by anglers, for anglers

Hobie's fishing kayak layouts are designed by anglers. Stable platforms, efficient motion and the most comfortable seating available are standard. Customize with rod holders, tackle boxes, fish finders, powered live wells, anchoring systems, outriggers, the eVOLVE electric motor system (with optional solar recharging), or a plug-and-play sail.

Hobie fishing kayaks

Mirage Pro Angler 14

The Pro Angler 14 excels at helping anglers land prizes of every fin, stripe and color. Its super-stable, standing-friendly, rotomolded polyethylene hull (600-pound payload) suits drift casting, dry flying or exploring saltwater. The feature-laden deck packs easy-to-reach rod holders, the fully adjustable Vantage ST seat, and stowage for multiple Plano tackle boxes. Simply put, a no-nonsense fishing boat. Shop Pro Angler 14 · Pro Angler 14 360

Mirage Pro Angler 12

The more compact Pro Angler 12 has a 500-pound capacity and the must-have features kayak anglers demand. Stand and fish with incredible stability, store six rods (four horizontally, two vertically), and reach your tackle easily. Dual-steering controls support left- or right-handed use, Vantage ST seating adds comfort and Boa lumbar support, and the Lowrance Ready system makes adding a fishfinder easy. Shop Pro Angler 12 · Pro Angler 12 360

Mirage Pro Angler 17T

A fishing machine with comfort, stability and room for everything you need, including another person. Fully adjustable Vantage XT seating can be set in-line tandem, face-to-face, or as a single. It is a perfect platform to teach a young one to fish or to fish hard with your best buddy. Front and rear rod storage holds up to 12 rods, and the H-Rail system lets you customize accessory placement.

Mirage Outback

Fishing or just sightseeing, the Outback has the crossover functionality, stability and utility to get the job done. A wide hull lets you cast or reel in the big one without rocking the boat. It is easy to transport on a car-top rack, with plenty of cargo space, and the MirageDrive keeps your hands free for photography, casting or whatever else is on the day's list. Shop the Outback

The complete Hobie lineup also includes the sleeker Revolution series, inflatables for ultimate portability, tandem seat models with room for you and a buddy, and paddled models, all of which make great fishing platforms. See the Hobie kayak guide.

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 on the water

Let Quest help you choose and outfit your kayak

We carry a full Hobie MirageDrive model lineup (including demo units, so call us to try one), along with a great selection of options and accessories to make it uniquely yours. We are in the heart of Illinois' Starved Rock Country, where there is no shortage of fishing destinations. Email or call 815.433.2200, or stop by for a test drive at nearby Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

New to fishing from a kayak? Try a guided outing: Hobie First Cast. Want free demo rides? See demos and rigging.

Fish on!

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