By Nate Matthews

A new fishing kayak was released today called the Predator (top), which appears to be Old Town's answer to Hobie's popular Pro Angler model. Both yaks are part of a trend toward bigger, more comfortable fishing kayaks that trade range and speed for customizable versatility. Both the Predator and the Pro Angler feature highly stable multi-hull designs, extra-wide beams, and adjustable, removable seats that emphasize angler comfort (they look almost like deck chairs). Both are great kayaks for big-bodied anglers, those who want to stand up while fishing, and those who need lots of cargo space for carrying livewells, coolors, and other bulky gear. Both boats feature slip-resistant decking as well as mounting plates that let you attach rod holders, GPS mounts, or other accessories without having to drill holes in your hull. Both were designed to accomodate trolling motors. 

Which kayak is better? I've not yet fished from either boat, but at first glance note three major differences between the Predator and the Pro Angler. In the Pro Angler's favor: Hobie's patented Mirage Drive lets you pedal your way across the water, leaving your hands free to rig rods, jig while trolling, or send text messages to your buds about all the fish you're catching, all without slowing down. It's an amazing technology that makes a huge difference in the number of fish you catch. In the Predator's favor: The 12-foot Old Town boat weighs just 68 pounds, which is 30 pounds lighter (and two inches narrower) than the 12-foot Pro Angler model. This makes the Predator a lot easier to transport than the Pro Angler, which can be a real challenge to get onto a roof rack. Also, at a $1,199 MSRP the Predator costs less than half of what you pay for a Pro Angler.

Find details for both boats below:

Old Town Predator MX

Length: 12 feet
Width: 34 inches
Weight: 68 pounds
Max Capacity: 375-400 pounds
MSRP: $1,199

Hobie Pro Angler 12

Length: 12 feet
Width: 36 inches
Max Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 98 pounds
MSRP: $2,849

Comments (6)

from mayoaaron wrote 1 day 2 hours ago

the Hobe sure seems like the better of the two but at over twice the price, I think I will stick with a paddling kayak

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from smccardell wrote 10 hours 42 min ago

Also in the predator's favor... because it can hold so much gear and is better colored (camo) I can see this being used for waterfowl hunting. Either float down the river, with no decoys and sneak up on the ducks (low profile without the seat) or paddle out to your favorite island with some deeks and not worry too much about concealment of the kayak. Any time you can use a boat for multiple purposes it increases its value.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from CL3 wrote 8 hours 57 min ago

Cost is the driving factor for me. Plus, the stuff hanging off the bottom of the Pro wouldn't make it in the shallows on the Susquehanna in the summertime.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from CL3 wrote 8 hours 54 min ago

smccardell: Excellent points too. Open up more opportunity for those of us without dogs or all kinds of decoys. Thanks.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 6 hours 3 min ago

I believe the paddle system can be removed from the Hobie to make it a more conventional kayak. Otherwise, the paddle system would be a nightmare for anybody catching fishing. The rudder and the paddles on the bottom would easily cut line and the peddles would no doubt be tangled in fly line.

I like to raised seat for both. Nothing worse than having a wet rear end all day. The Hobie's cargo hole appears closer and easier to reach. Give the Predator the nod for the low profile. Which will be helpful for those windy days.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from split484 wrote 4 sec ago

I don't think the pedals on the Hobie are a problem with fly line as I strip into the water or my lap anyway, but I second that bit about the rudder things and line/tippet issues with a catch; however, I'd love to be able to hover on windy days without anchoring...guess I'll go with the paddle until I can demo one of those Hobie's.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

from smccardell wrote 10 hours 42 min ago

Also in the predator's favor... because it can hold so much gear and is better colored (camo) I can see this being used for waterfowl hunting. Either float down the river, with no decoys and sneak up on the ducks (low profile without the seat) or paddle out to your favorite island with some deeks and not worry too much about concealment of the kayak. Any time you can use a boat for multiple purposes it increases its value.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from mayoaaron wrote 1 day 2 hours ago

the Hobe sure seems like the better of the two but at over twice the price, I think I will stick with a paddling kayak

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from CL3 wrote 8 hours 57 min ago

Cost is the driving factor for me. Plus, the stuff hanging off the bottom of the Pro wouldn't make it in the shallows on the Susquehanna in the summertime.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from CL3 wrote 8 hours 54 min ago

smccardell: Excellent points too. Open up more opportunity for those of us without dogs or all kinds of decoys. Thanks.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 6 hours 3 min ago

I believe the paddle system can be removed from the Hobie to make it a more conventional kayak. Otherwise, the paddle system would be a nightmare for anybody catching fishing. The rudder and the paddles on the bottom would easily cut line and the peddles would no doubt be tangled in fly line.

I like to raised seat for both. Nothing worse than having a wet rear end all day. The Hobie's cargo hole appears closer and easier to reach. Give the Predator the nod for the low profile. Which will be helpful for those windy days.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from split484 wrote 4 sec ago

I don't think the pedals on the Hobie are a problem with fly line as I strip into the water or my lap anyway, but I second that bit about the rudder things and line/tippet issues with a catch; however, I'd love to be able to hover on windy days without anchoring...guess I'll go with the paddle until I can demo one of those Hobie's.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.