Kayaking is a great, exhilarating way to enjoy the outdoors, as it combines some serious upper body strength moves with the primal excitement of catching your own meal. It is also a surprisingly versatile sport, as it allows you to adapt to both deep salty seawaters and local streams alike – wherever your favorite fishing spots happen to be.
Kayak fishing has been experiencing a bit of a revival over the last few years. It’s been practiced for centuries in certain regions, to be sure, but it seems that a lot of us have recently realized the advantages it holds over simply choosing a spot by the pier or renting a full boat and then sticking to that same lake for the foreseeable future.
Whether you are only now dipping your toes into the world of kayak fishing, or have been fishing for years, chances are you are ready to invest in your own specialized fishing kayak. And nothing beats a good deal like buying quality from the get-go. It will save you a lot of trouble later down the road (or stream!) if you don’t have to patch up or repair your new purchase after every trip.
The Best Fishing Kayaks
Feelfree Lure 11.1
One of the top-rated kayaks currently available, the Lure 11.5 is also a pleasant sight. It is a bit wider than average, but still light enough to be easy to carry into any pond.Feelfree is a well-known brand for adventure sports fans, but they have really scored a hit this time with their Lure. It is consistently described as having one of the comfiest seats available, which can withstand long rides without producing any cramps or requiring frequent adjustments.
Weighing 74 pounds and with a 425 pounds capacity, the Lure 11.1 is equipped with a multi-height Gravity Seat with over 10 adjusted options. It also has an electronic pod that allows fish finders and nets to be attached easily and a removable FeelFree sonar.
Brooklyn Kayak UH-220
One of the U.S.’s most established kayak manufacturers, Brooklyn, has oriented the UH-220 to durability above all. Coated in their proprietary Anti Fade color finish, which is meant to endure saltwater and UV radiation alike, this is a stable and comfortable vessel. Despite being designed as a Sit-On-Top model, its standup stability is more than decent to allow you to keep your knees straight during those tricky sections.
This kayak is 11 foot, 6 inches tall, and only weighs 68 pounds. Its high-end articulating rod holders, hull hatches, and bungee tie system make it stand out along with its waterproof storage space.
Jackson Kayak Cuda 14
Jackson Kayak considers the Cuda to be the apple of their eyes, and as one of their top selling models, it definitely deserves the attention. The finish and features clearly show a lot of dedication and love placed on the model’s last iteration. Despite its width, the Cuda remains remarkably fast without sacrificing comfort.
Thirteen feet long and with a highly-endorsed sliding seat, the Cuda HD is also equipped with molded-in rod tip covers and a good tackle box. It is also fully compatible with the YankAttack tracking systems, and can often be purchased together. Add a sturdy standing pad and a bow hatch system, and you have a masterpiece in the making.
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12
The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler ranks as both one of the top-rated and most widely sold fishing kayak models among experts and hobbyists alike. It may be the option providing the most storage space, although it doesn’t have a waterproof compartment. It comes with its own rod holder plus the room to install some extra (or a fish finder). It also offers both pedals and paddle.
As it’s geared at serious fishermen, the Hobie Pro Angler did not bother trying to be light or portable. It weighs 98 pounds when empty and is 12 feet long. Even the paddle is extra-large (260 cm). It’s equipped with dual steering and storage for 4 rods.
Pelican Sentry 100X Angler
Pelican is one of Canada’s major kayak brands, and there is something irresistibly appealing about the Sentry 100X Angler. Despite being usually considered a budget option, it is still a very stable SOT vessel. The sailing experience is remarkably above what you would expect from an inflatable kayak. The storage space is limited, but it is specifically aimed at anglers and those who like to fish solo.
The Sentry is only 45 pounds and 10 feet long, but thanks to its slim design, it can reach some very high speeds. Made of thermoform plastic, it has the capacity for 3 rods, a relatively comfortable backrest, foot rests, and knee pads.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems have long stopped being a newcomer to the kayaking and boating scene, but they have kept their fun, socially-conscious spirit at the forefront for their new high-end creations. The Tarpon 120 is a great example of this. Specifically designed for super performance on rivers and water currents, this vessel is equipped with all the basics and leaves room to expand on the frills. Their limited “Heroes on the Water” edition will put some of your purchase money straight into rehabilitation programs for active combat vets.
Twelve feet-long and 30-inches-wide, the Tarpon 120 has a Phase 3 SOT seat, sturdy drain plugs, self-bailing scupper holes, and good storage space – although it isn’t completely waterproof, so take care of your beer cooler.
Lifetime Sport Fisher, Tandem Version
Fishing often gets an unfair reputation for being a lonely activity. While it’s true that most fishing kayak models are only designed for one person, the Lifetime Sport Fisher is here for those who don’t want to leave their best friend behind. There are single and tandem versions for this model, but we wanted to highlight the tandem one as it has super maneuverability for a kayak of its size. Sturdy, sleek-looking paddles are combined here with a great tracking system, all coated in resistant, durable polyethylene.
At 10 feet long, this kayak feels surprisingly spacious from the inside, and has a carrying capacity of 500 pounds. It has three fishing pole holders. A rear storage hatch, and both the seats and footrests are easily adjustable.
Old Town Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak
Johnson Outdoors has released many flashy kayak models over the past few years, and some of them have had no difficulty finding their way into the top seller lists. There is something extra about their unassuming Old Town line – always ready to serve newcomers and experts alike, but built by those who see fishing as a way of life. The Vapor 10 Angler is a great example of this spirit. They’re compact yet spacious. They have subdued looks but high-quality finishes that are meant to last for countless fishing expeditions.
Despite only being 28.5 inches wide, the Vapor 10’s cockpit is large enough (48 x 19.5 inches) to fit even bigger fishermen inside. An anchor trolley system, rugged hull coating, and an oddly placed drain plug complete the ensemble.
Hobie Mirage Outback
Those who know their kayaks will not be surprised to see Hobie as one of the brands that appear on this list more than once.The Hobie Outback is a great choice for those who can’t choose between speed and stability – so, instead, they go big. Despite its carbon hull and paddles, this is not a light vessel, but it packs anything you may need to stay comfortable while waiting for your catch.
Slightly over 12’’ long, and 33’’ wide, the Outback is equipped with Vantage CT seats and Hobie’s own MirageDrive propelling system. It also has a lot of dry storage and a sail mount for those who want to experiment.
Pelican Catch 100
The Catch 100 is quick to point out what it was built for, starting from the name. This is a quick and light kayak made for fly fishing and bass fishing, and provides the stability and stamina necessary to keep the pursuit going. Thoroughly accessorized with rod holders, straps, and an angler ruler, the tunnel hull is made from durable, multi-layered polyethylene, and is sure to keep you afloat for several fishing seasons on the road.
Ten feet long and 34 inches wide, the Pelican Catch 100 weighs only 58 pounds, but can carry up to 350 pounds, which makes it a well-rounded family option; even the smallest members of the crew will be able to pull their own weight. It also has a dual-position seating system and a quick-lock hatch.
