This fully-loaded fishing machine is built for every conceivable fishing expedition, whether you're prowling the ocean for monster gamefish or stalking bass in your favorite freshwater fishing hole.
April 26, 2021
By Florida Sportsman
Ideal Application: A true all-around platform suitable for every type of fishing and all waters, though rough seas can wash water over the bow. Fast, stable, easy to pedal and paddle, this is a maneuverable and highly versatile fishing platform, with a decently manageable overall weight. An ideal multi-species tournament machine with every conceivable feature pre-installed.
Overview: The Swiss Army knife of kayaks, the Outback is masterfully equipped. If you want a rig that can handle it all and is ready to go right off the showroom floor – this is your kayak. An extremely well thought out interior provides a place for everything – and organizes everything in its place. The cockpit offers comprehensive, built-in storage with H-Track Deluxe organizers with integrated RAM Hand Tracks, complete with hookless map pockets and multiple slots for knife, grippers and hook outs, and even retractable bungees to secure 3600-sized boxes horizontally. Each side also has dedicated retractable bungee cords to secure your most used items like pliers or snippers. Molded in utility trays beside the seat catch any other stray items.
Custom mods? Hobie's already taken care of just about anything you could imagine, on the latest incarnation of the popular Mirage Outback.
A decently sized bow hatch up front can take dry bags, battery holders and spare clothes. A water-tight, rectangular hatch in front of the seat is ideal for terminal tackle, leader material, and storage of soft plastics and other lures, and the twist-and-seal lid has an internal bottle opener and rubber mesh packet for smaller items. The rear tank well has H-Track Deluxe organizers with elastic retainers and storage slots galore, plus retractable bungees to capture additional 3600-sized tackle boxes. An adjustable primary rear bungee can secure a storage cart and tackle crate. Dual cup holders and four molded-in rod holders, two each in front of and behind the seat, round out the abundant storage appointments.
Silent, hands-free propulsion via the MirageDrive pedal system keeps the Outback angler on the fish—and the paddle mostly on the rack.
Notable: Powered by the super-smooth and length-adjustable Mirage Drive 180, a pull of a lever allows quick switching between forward and reverse. Copious speed and current-fighting power is generated by the drives Turbo Kick-Up Fins, which not only fold flat to the hull for navigating skinny water without need to remove the drive, but also swing back when impacted by obstructions, instantly re-engaging as pedaling is resumed. The famous Vantage CTW seat is now 1 1/2-inches wider and features easy, four-way adjustment for superior comfort. EVA floor pads allow for sure footing in a kayak that's easy to stand and sight fish in. While pricey at $3,150 – it has every interior storage and mounting feature you could think of or need, along with the proven Mirage Drive.
Featuring the Kick-Up Rudder system with dual steering capabilities, combating drift and navigating tight water has never been easier.
Hobie Outback with 180 Mirage Drive
Length: 12' 9” Width: 34” Weight: 103 lbs. fully rigged, 85 lbs. fitted hull weight Overall Capacity: 425 lbs. Seat Capacity: 275 lbs. Propulsion: Pedal or Paddle www.hobie.com
The extra-wide standing deck offers an improved casting platform and convenient vantage point for sight fishing.
Piercing bow helps cut effortlessly through the water, wind, wake, and chop while reducing hull slap.
Looking at the front of this rig you'll see it has a large bow hatch and a forward accessory mount,
where you can add an optional Mirage Sail Kit or Bimini Sunshade.
Includes side accessory tracks, plier holder, knife slot, Tackle Storage Retainers and an integrated Bungee retraction system to keep all gear close at hand.
Advanced EVA pads provide better grip, extra comfort, and improved stability while standing and sound dampening properties.
New vertical orientation allows for more standing area and ease of access to your tackle bins. Comes standard with an easily removable tackle bucket and bottle opener on the inside lid.
Hobie H-Rail with integrated RAM Hand-Track.
The forward and reversing MirageDrive 180 pedal propulsion system with Kick-Up Fins features legendary bioengineered performance.
A pull of a lever allows quick switching between forward and reverse.
The new Vantage CTW seat provides extra width for unmatched room and comfort.
New state-of-the-art design, with 4-way adjustablity and an added 1.5" on the seat base for more comfort in the cockpit or on the beach.
4 molded-in holsters securely tote your rods, are perfectly angled for trolling and can accommodate a gaff, nets and other gear.
The Outback features a large rear cargo molded areas and Bungee® tie-downs ensure your gear is still there when you get to camp.
Want more kayak content? Be sure to pick up a copy of Kayak Fishing Fun magazine available on newsstands now.
