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Updated on: January 14, 2024
The fish are biting and it’s time to get onto the water! A fishing kayak is the perfect way to quietly float into a hidden cove and catch loads of fish.
You’ve come to the right place to find the best fishing kayak to use on your favorite lake, river, or ocean fishing expedition. We’ll review the reasons why kayak fishing is a great option and help you find the right kayak for you.
Kayaks can be divided into many categories and we'll briefly review them here. We’ll then go into more detail as to how these different types relate to fishing kayaks.
Fishing kayaks are small floating vessels designed to bring a fisherman closer to the water with all of his/her gear within grasp. Fishing kayaks come in many styles and designs.
Why go fishing in a kayak instead of your fast bass boat or old reliable Jon boat? Because a kayak offers the versatility to maneuver closer to your favorite fishing hole and target the fish tucked inside the weeds of a hidden cove. Your big boat and its motor are loud and every fish on the lake will hide when they hear you coming, but with a kayak, you can be stealthy.
There is much to consider when buying a fishing kayak. Do you prefer inflatable or hard shell? What about peddle vs paddle?
We’ll take each option and review the factors that may influence your decision - hang in there!
The baseline critical decision is knowing what you want to use your kayak for. Do you want your kayak decked out in as much fishing gear as possible to portage to a distant wilderness lake? Or do you also want to use a kayak for recreational paddling when the fish aren’t biting?
What kind of environment do you plan to fish? Some fishing kayaks are designed specifically for open ocean fishing, rivers and streams, in addition to small lakes. Other fishing kayaks are not suited for rough water or powerful currents. Once you answer your fishing goals, then you can narrow down the field to find the best fishing kayak.
Kayaks are designed to sit on top (SOT) or sit inside (SIK). Each type of seating arrangement can be advantageous to different situations.
Sit on top kayaks are used most often in fishing. They tend to be safer because they have a sealed hull. If you roll a SIK, the hull will fill with water while a SOT will not. Most SOT kayaks are a single piece of molded polyethylene and would easily turn back to upright if you roll without the need to bail.
Sit on top kayaks tend to have more space to move on the surface and you can even rest your foot over the side to balance when wrestling a big fish. SOT kayaks will usually have more storage space and the capability to attach accessories such as rod holders or fish finders.
Sit on top kayaks might also have the space to stand up while you fish. This can improve your vantage point to see fish and with more space to cast.
Sit inside kayaks contain a seat down within a hull. This protects your legs from spray, and an additional skirt can be added to make it completely waterproof. Many ocean fishermen prefer SIK because they stay more dry in the ocean spray.
SIK are more stable than SOT, and they will be faster. Because your center of gravity is lowered, you are more stable and can use your body to twist and maneuver the kayak. However, being lower inside the kayak also makes it harder to get in and out, so if you plan to kayak as well as wade, a SIK may not be the optimal choice.
SIK are better suited for rapid waters with a current. They are also lightweight and typically easier to transport and control, and the internal storage makes it harder to access your gear as quickly. Additionally, you cannot stand in a SIK.
The next decision is how to power your fishing kayak. There are advantages to each option of paddling or pedaling.
Pedal powered kayaks rely on your legs for propulsion. The biggest benefit of this is the ability to have your hands free for casting and catching fish. Some find pedal power kayaks easier to maneuver than those with a paddle. Most pedal propelled kayaks can operate in forward and reverse. Since legs are typically stronger than arms, you will likely move faster in a pedal powered fishing kayak.
Obviously with paddle propulsion, the faster you paddle – the faster you’ll move. When paddling, you can quietly approach a fishing hole in stealth mode. Paddling is quieter than pedal propulsion. It requires upper body strength and beginners might find paddling more difficult to learn.
Simply put, longer fishing kayaks are faster and more efficient through the water, while a shorter kayak can maneuver and turn better. Deciding on the appropriate length of your fishing kayak will hinge on your fishing environment.
If fishing on the open ocean, large lakes, and big rivers, a long kayak over 12’ is recommended to cover more ground in less time. A small kayak under 11’ is best to maneuver the tight spaces in small streams or lakes.
The width of your fishing kayak best determines its stability. The wider a kayak, the more stable. Stability increases more with a flat bottom or pontoon shape hull. Falling overboard is a fisherman’s worst nightmare. Ensure you choose a wide, stable kayak if planning to stand and cast.
Weight factors into your ability to transport and store your fishing kayak. A heavier kayak will be sturdier and resist damage while a lighter kayak is easy to carry to a distant lake or stream. If you didn’t want a boat that you can transport, then why get a kayak instead of a big boat?
If you’re a beginner, consider a heavier kayak that will not flip as easy. However, you must then consider how to get the fishing kayak to the water. Can you carry it? Or do you need a cart to get it to the water?
If you have to put the kayak on the roof of your car to travel, you also need to ensure the weight is not excessive. Sit on top fishing kayaks typically weigh more than sit inside kayaks.
You should know a fishing kayak’s maximum weight capacity before you buy it; you must consider your own weight and that of your gear. If a kayak cannot support the combined weight, you are likely to get wet. A fishing kayak built for one passenger should hold at least 350 lbs in order to hold your weight, your gear, and any accessories you add to rig your boat.
The benefit of an inflatable fishing kayak is extreme portability because of its lightweight design. It also deflates down for easy storage - but the downfall is that you have to inflate it at the water’s edge before each use. This delays getting your line in the water. Inflatable kayaks are constructed with layered PVC, haypalon, or nitrylon. They are durable and will not puncture on rocks or with a fishing hook.
An inflatable kayak will not track as well as a hard shell kayak. Solid kayaks are heavier and sit lower in the water to improve stability. Inflatable kayaks tend to be used for more recreational use, but can still be a useful kayak for some fishermen.
If you plan to kayak solo, you want a vessel that you can transport to the water on your own. An inflatable kayak makes transport easy and storage minimal, except for the additional time needed to inflate and deflate your craft.
Many prefer the stability and storage capacity of a solid kayak, so consider the weight of the kayak. Can you easily bungee it to the roof of your car, or will you need a trailer? Do you need a cart to get it to the water? All of this adds hassle and time.
When fishing season is over, you also need to store your kayak safely. An inflatable kayak can deflate to a small storage bag that takes up minimal space, BUT you need to ensure your inflatable kayak is dry before storage, or you risk mold, which can decrease the life of your kayak. A lightweight, solid kayak might hang from a garage wall easily, or hoist onto an overhead shelf - with the added durability to enjoy for years of use.
If you plan to fish all day and not come home until you catch your dinner, then you’ll want a good seat. Cheaper fishing kayaks will have molded seats or removable seating pads, and after a short time fishing, your sore back will send you home long before you’ve caught your fill.
The best seats are adjustable stadium style lawn chairs with great lumbar support. Some seats even come with a breathable mesh lining so you’re not sweating inside your fishing vest, while others might even have memory foam. Your back will thank you for finding a fishing kayak with a nice seat.
Being able to stand inside a fishing kayak affords a higher vantage point over the water to spot fish or ideal fishing habitat. When standing, you have more freedom and mobility to cast. Fishing kayaks with an extra-wide deck for additional space allow fishermen to stand, yet a wide kayak may forfeit some of your maneuverability.
Any fisherman knows that the more gear you can bring, the more prepared you’ll be. If you’re not able to pack your pliers - that will be the time your bass swallows the hook. If you don’t pack a cooler of drinks, your fishing day will be stopped short by thirst. The ability to accessorize your fishing kayak is an important consideration before you purchase.
Look for open cargo areas in the front or back with bungees to secure a cooler or your tackle. Closed hatches provide a waterproof storage option to keep your phone, clothes, and car keys dry and safe. The most essential accessories are fishing rod holders. It is important to store or mount your rods so your hands are free to paddle your kayak.
Mounting rails provide attachment for fish finder transducers, extra rods, or a GPS. You could even rig up your GoPro for video verification of the monster pike you’ve caught. A paddle holder is also essential to safely rest your paddle while you concentrate on fishing. Some kayaks even allow attachments points for a trolling motor or sails to make travel fast and easy.
Narrowing down the field of best fishing kayaks is a daunting task, but we’ve made your work easy for you! Here is our Top 10 list of best fishing kayaks. You will notice that all of them are sit on top - the optimal choice for most kayak fishing.
2. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler
3. Perception Pescador Pro 12.0
5. Lifetime Tamarack Angler Fishing Kayak
9. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
The Old Town Predator MX is a sit on top (SOT) kayak and it’s often touted as the best fishing kayak. Stable and great for beginners, it is built for solo riders - and is made specifically for fishermen and water sports. It’s a great fishing kayak to use in faster water given its curved rocker-bottom hull design, but it also works for lakes, rivers, or ponds.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 12’ | 34" | 82 lbs | 400 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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Rated by many as the best fishing kayak, the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler has everything needed for a productive day of fishing. It is a stable sit on top kayak that is great in most any water condition and performs well. Because of its added length and streamlined design, it is a fast kayak to quickly get to your fishing hole.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 13'4" | 28" | 56 lbs | 450 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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The Perception Pescador makes the list for best fishing kayak for its high performance build, large amount of storage space, and particularly comfortable captain's seat. A great sit on top kayak for many water conditions.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 12' | 32.5" | 64 lbs | 375 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 has pedal propulsion to allow hands-free fishing. It is a stable sit on top fishing kayak with a high weight capacity and a great pedal-powered option. The MirageDrive 180 pedal propulsion system is adapted to go in forward or reverse with collapsible fins to dodge shallow water or obstacles. A stable fishing kayak for multiple water environments that is stable and with potential for more speed.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 12' | 36" | 129 lbs (fully rigged) | 500 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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An inexpensive sit on top kayak with a wide, flat base for great stability. The Lifetime Tamarack Angler Fishing Kayak has no frills, but has everything you need for a great day fishing with rod holders, storage capacity, and a comfortable seat. Lifetime also offers a 5 year warranty.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 10' | 31" | 52 lbs | 275 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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The Sun Dolphin Journey is a sit on top kayak that is easy to transport to hidden lakes or streams., thanks to its retractable carry handles and light weight. This fishing kayak is not designed for ocean use, but is perfect for freshwater. An inexpensive option for freshwater kayak fisherman who like to target hidden fishing holes.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 10' | 30" | 44 lbs | 250 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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The Vibe Skipjack is a sit on top fishing kayak that is lightweight, compact, and ideal for maneuvering into tight fishing holes. The short length makes it maneuver well and be easily transported to distant fishing locales. A stable fishing kayak that adapts to many water environments, but not ideal for open ocean.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 9' | 32" | 46 lbs | 300 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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The Hobie Mirage Outback is a pedal powered fishing kayak that is longer and narrower than the Hobie Pro Angler mentioned previously, which means increased speed for faster arrival to your fishing hole. A large deck offers standing room to cast into tight spaces and a fishing kayak that adapts to most any fishing environment.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 12'9 | 34" | 103 lbs (rigged) | 425 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is an excellent fishing kayak to use on ocean, rivers, or lakes. It’s streamlined design tracks well and offers increased speed. It is a sit on top kayak that is powered by a paddle.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 12'3 | 31" | 63 lbs | 350 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC 181 is a perfect fishing kayak to bring your best fishing buddy or make it a family trip. It is a sit on top tandem kayak built for 1-3 riders who can both paddle for more power. It has two adjustable seats with plenty of deck room to add another rider or your dog.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
| 12'8 | 34" | 68 lbs | 595 lbs | Price |
| PROS | CONS |
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The best kayaks for fishing depends on your individual goals. If you’re new to kayak fishing, you might want to consider a wide, stable solid kayak. If heading out into the open ocean, you might want a long kayak to track through waves or current, or even consider a sit inside kayak with a skirt to keep you dry.
Use our guide above to determine the best size fishing kayak to support your weight and to accommodate the gear you plan to bring. The difference between a recreational kayak and a fishing kayak lies in the ability to accessorize with fishing rod holders, fish finders, and having plenty of room for tackle.
Don’t risk dumping yourself into the water if you’re not a seasoned kayaker, find a stable kayak. A wider kayak will be more stable. A flat or pontoon shaped hull will increase stability as does a kayak with less rocker (curvature) of the base.
As with any purchase, you get what you pay for. The cheapest kayaks on the market are likely to have less storage capacity with an uncomfortable seat, and they are less likely to withstand the weight capacity needed for all of your gear. These limitations will shorten your fishing time on the water and be less satisfying in the long run.
From our list, the most inexpensive and decent option is the Sun Dolphin Journey 10SS. This kayak is often purchased from “big box” retailers. The downfall of buying from these retailers is that you are less likely to talk to someone if you have issues or concerns with your kayak. The Sun Dolphin has the basic necessities needed for a day of fishing, but the hard molded seat and limited storage may cut your trip short.
Yes. Fishing kayaks are safe - if you do your research. To avoid toppling into the water on your maiden kayak voyage, determine the appropriate size, weight capacity, and length of your kayak before purchase. Assessing the construction materials of the kayak will determine its durability. If you’re planning to fish in the open ocean, you want to find a kayak that can manage waves and current without capsizing.
Balance your gear before you hit the water for a more stable float. Bungee down a cooler with a few drinks to avoid dehydration and throw a bottle of sunscreen in the dry hatch to avoid sunburn. Remember that anything that does not float, will be lost to the fishing gods if you capsize. Consider a waterproof dry bag to protect any gear that cannot fit inside sealed hatches.
Kayaks are an excellent option for fishing. The portability of a lightweight kayak means you can fish the hidden lakes or narrow streams that a heavy boat could never reach. A fishing kayak allows you to be closer to the water with the ability to maneuver into tight coves. And you get a little exercise!
Another option is using a paddle board as another versatile fishing gear. On a paddle board, you have the height advantage to see fish and target fishing holes that are harder to access with a boat. Stand up paddle boards can be accessorized with fishing rod holders and have plenty of cargo space to store your cooler and tackle. Consider the 11’6 GILI Meno for a stable paddle board option with plenty of space to accessorize for a SUP fishing adventure. Here's 5 things you need to know before buying a paddle board. With built-in action and Scotty mounts, you can attach your GoPro, rod holders, and even a cup holder. And you look pretty cool while you’re fishing!
The term angler kayak is another way of saying a fishing kayak. An angler or fishing kayak is rigged with the cargo room for tackle and fishing gear. They usually contain many rod holders and the ability to store your paddle in order to keep your hands free to reel in fish or to cast toward the shoreline.
Yes - a kayak can take your fishing adventure to a new level! With the ability to maneuver into tight spaces - you’re destined to find more fish than you can in a noisy, cumbersome bass boat. Kayak fishing also has added health benefits whether you’re pedaling or paddling.
Kayaks are less expensive than boats, and you don’t need a big garage or storage unit in the off-season. The easy transport and storage of a fishing kayak make it a great option to travel to distant fishing destinations.
A fishing kayak offers many advantages over the typical fishing boat. After reviewing the factors (described in this article) necessary to choose the best fishing kayak, you’re ready to hit the water and slay some fish! Your fishing kayak opens up the possibility of travelling to a quiet Montana trout stream or a sunny bay in the Gulf of Mexico. So what are you waiting for?
Happy fishing!
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