Hobie Releases New Passport to Fishing Fun

September 16, 2019

Hobie® performance and angler-friendly pricing merge in the all-new Mirage® Passport 12 pedal-driven fishing kayak

OCEANSIDE, Calif.(Sep. 16, 2019) – Building on the wildly successful launch of the Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5 earlier this year, Hobie is proud to introduce the new Mirage Passport 12 for 2020 — a longer, larger and more fishing-centric Passport. Powered by the original MirageDrive® Classic with ST Fins, this highly manageable 12-foot pedal kayak takes kayakers where they want to go with ease and world-class Hobie performance.

“The Passport 12 is an expansion of the simplicity, ease, and versatility we created in the original Passport 10.5,” says Jason Kardas, director of engineering product management for Hobie. “As it was with our introduction of the Passport 10.5, the ultimate goal of the Passport 12 is to be able to bring the premium experience that Hobie’s MirageDrive technology has delivered for more than 20 years to a broader audience than ever before. The Passport 12 does that while offering more room for fun and even more fishing-specific features at an attainable price point.”

Those features begin with tried and true, legendary MirageDrive performance for hands-free propulsion and smooth and efficient cruising through the water. Rudder Control provides intuitive and effortless fingertip steering of the rudder that easily deploys and stows. The additional length supports a host of angling situations, while extra width provides additional stability while both sitting and standing. When sitting, anglers will appreciate the Suspended Mesh Aluminum Frame Seat that’s lightweight and comfortable. Angler-friendly ergonomics continue with an EVA Padded Standing Platform, which accommodates comfortable and confident standing and casting on the redesigned cockpit. The boat is H-Bar-ready, with two forward recesses that provide precise placement for simple H-Bar setup.

The Hobie engineering team also built in loads of storage options, including an 8-inch Twist and Seal Hatch directly in front of the seat for ample and secure in-hull storage. The bow offers a generous cavity with Bungee® and optional Twist and Seal Hatch for below-deck storage. In front of the seat, both right and left, are two recesses with Bungee closures to keep tackle boxes or other items close at hand. Two built-in rod caddies keep rods within easy reach just behind the seat.

Accessorizing the new Passport 12 couldn’t be easier. It comes complete with Accessory H-Track Mounts for infinite mounting options for your phone, action camera or similar items. A Forward Accessory Mount stands ready to accept the Hobie Mirage Sail Kit or Bimini Sunshade. And, of course, Passport 12 is also fully electronics ready, with a handy transducer cavity and mounting plate, making it easy for anglers to add their favored sonar/GPS. Additionally, Passport 12 is equipped with a recessed mounting pad to quickly install a Power-Pole® anchor system.

Easy to transport and store, every Passport 12 comes complete with an aluminum two-piece paddle to negotiate beaches and rocky inlets. Convenient carry handles are provided at the bow and stern.

At home in both freshwater and saltwater, the Passport 12’s excellent value, transportability, simple and sleek design and durable Thermoform construction makes it an exceptional choice for any angler – from novices purchasing their first fishing kayak to experienced anglers looking to add an additional boat to their fleet. It is the ideal kayak for casual recreation and family outings, but stands ready for all kinds of adventures on the water.

The new Hobie Mirage Passport 12 can be purchased at Hobie authorized dealers beginning in late November, 2019 at an introductory MSRP of $1,599 (excluding taxes and shipping). Learn more at https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-passport-12/.

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About Hobie

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes and markets an impressive collection of watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks and fishing boats, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories. To learn more, visit www.hobie.com.