Try to see if it's worth buying a hobie pro angler 17t for lakes and rivers

For rivers id say most definitely not the ideal yak. Wide open water heck yes...if you are capable of maneuvering a 200 lb kayak. I like them but only for times when I have a strong buddy or if I were guiding a person who couldnt paddle themselves.

Agreed that the 17t would be a poor choice for rivers and likely ponds, too.

And, it is simply too much kayak if you solo most of the time, a waste of unused capacities including space.

I'd buy the PA12 or PA14, then use the extra $2,000, with some left over, for a 16' Meyers Sportspal canoe and use that vessel any time you take out a spouse or friend or head to a river or shallow pond. The S16 is only around 69 pounds so it would be lighter than even your PA 12 or 14 so you could solo in it. Stability-wise, I don't think any kayak even remotely compares including the 17t. You could stand up in it for fly fishing, do a tap dance, just about anything.

Brad

There is no doubt of it being an amazing (boat). Just has kind of a limited niche.

Is there something else that I could fish and take someone also?

Are you taking an adult or a child ? Hobie also produces a couple of other 2 seat Mirage drive yaks that would be a bit easier to handle.
The PA 14 can handle a smaller second person in the tank well or a child on the bow.

There are a lot of folks sporting a lawn chair in the back ( I have done it several times and the Yak was fine,,, but I should never again be locked in tight quarters with a restless child for 4 hours.)

Go to the mariner kayaks link in my signature and go to the fishing kayaks page and click on double person, you will see a lot of offerreings including Hobie.

Best of luck, Phill