In 2014 I got a Pro Angler 14…
Submitted by:
guest-paddler
on 6/22/2020
In 2014 I got a Pro Angler 14 and loved it. Then, this year, the 360 drive came out, and I really wanted it, but couldn't justify the price. My wife, however, knew how badly I wanted it and--wonderful woman that she is--gave me one as a Christmas gift. I got it right before Memorial Day, and have been out fishing in it about 12-15 times, which I think is enough for a review.
Overall assessment: I love this boat. Take away the 360 drive, it's generally the same as my prior Pro Angler with some very thoughtful (though mostly minor) upgrades. The pro angler is a very stable boat with a great adjustable seat, and it glides through the water with about half the energy cost of a paddle kayak. You can stand in it, and I've even thrown a cast net from it, but, probably because I'm a bigger guy, I feel a little wobbly standing in it, and wouldn't try to reel in a big fish while standing. It also has some very handy storage areas and is designed to accommodate a fish finder. It's a very well-thought out boat.
With the 360 drive, the Pro Angler is MUCH more maneuverable. Probably the only gripe I had about my original Pro Angler was that it did not go in reverse. I figured if they could fix that, it would be the perfect boat. However, being able to direct the fins in any and all directions adds a major advantage, the main one being that you can turn instantly without having to get up enough speed for the rudder to work. I mostly fish for redfish in tight little tidal creeks that have a current, and in my old boat, I was constantly having to grab the paddle to keep myself from running into the marsh grass or a dock. With the 360 drive, that issue is gone. Now I can position my boat the way I want it and keep it there with ease.
I should also mention the kick-up fins. Fishing at low tide (which I do a lot) means that you're going to hit the occasional sand bar. In my old boat, I was constantly tearing up my fins and bending the rods. One time I hit a crab pot so hard, it nearly tore one of my fins in half. The kick-up fins have solved that problem entirely, and they don't compromise the speed or efficiency of the drive. I'll also note that I can't tell whether the 360 Pro Angler is any faster or slower than my original Pro Angler. They seem to be pretty much the same speed.
As far as I can tell, there are two cons associated with this boat: (1) the cost -- it's very expensive, and (2) weight -- the thing is very heavy; while it is pretty easy to move around with a caddy, you're not getting it on a roof rack (at least not by yourself).
If you've got an older Pro Angler, and you're wondering whether you should upgrade, I can tell you that I'm very glad that I did.
