The best fishing kayaking is the only way to enjoy the calming wonder of the water so you don’t feel like you’re about to tip over and ruin your favorite fishing shirt. These kayaks provide the safest balance whether you want to sit, stand or crouch, and make it easier than ever to get the grip you’ve been craving since you were a kid. end.
But it’s not just about stability and balance. You’ll also benefit from easy portability, padded seats for added comfort, and loads of storage options to ensure you don’t leave anything on dry land. If you want to take the kids out and show them why you love sitting on the water all day, we have the kayak for you. If you prefer the solitude of private kayak fishing trips, we also have the kayak for you.
The best fishing kayak goes to assist you fancy a favourite drink, allow you to fish at your leisure, however still keep you safe on the water. Plus, it’s loads cheaper than fishing on a motorized vessel. Fishing kayaks vary from basic styles to a lot of complicated (and pricier) choices.
Before makers started planning kayaks specifically for fishing, it needed quite an little bit of ability and apply to induce the suspend of snagging fish while not tipping over. trendy fishing kayaks, however, are designed for stability. several are therefore stable, in fact, they permit the user to fish whereas standing up!
As with any vessel, though, fishing kayaks aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. There are a spread of hull shapes, lengths, and formats to decide on from.
In fact, we have a kayak for every angler, whether it’s something you’ve loved all your life or something you’re just starting out with. So come see our product of the day.
For more of our suggestions on choosing to buy fishing gear, take a look at the popular links: Spinning Reels, Spinning Rods, Baitcasting Reels, Baitcasting Rods.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Fishing Kayaks For 2023
- BKC UH-TK181 12.5 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak
- Perception Pescador Pilot Fishing Kayak
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
- Perception Pescador Pro Fishing Kayak
- Lifetime Stealth Pro Angler 118 Fishing Kayak
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak
- Point 65 Sweden Tequila Fishing Kayak
Here is an overview of the features of our top 3 choices. Our guide and comparison table of top fishing kayaks will help you find the best choice for yourself.
Best Fishing Kayaks
| BKC UH-TK181 12.5 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak | Perception Pescador Pilot Fishing Kayak | Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Type of Kayak: | Sit On Top / Tandem | Sit On Top | Sit On Top |
| Length/Weight: | 12.5 feet / 68 pounds | 12.5 feet / 95 pounds | 10 feet / 46 pounds |
| Weight Capacity: | 450 pounds | 475 pounds | 250-300 pounds |
 | | |
Fishing Kayak Reviews
#1 BKC UH-TK181 12.5 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak
Highlights of BKC UH-TK181:
- Type: Sit On Top
- Length: 12.5 feet
- Weight: 68 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- Features: 7 fishing rod holders, includes paddles
BKC UH-TK181 by Brooklyn Kayak Company is that the idyllic kayak if you wish solo adventures in ocean or water. This durable kayak will waiting to 450 pounds of weight therefore no worries for weight now! There are a pair of seats during this kayak along side a length of 12.5 Inch. The carrying handles create it simple for transport and also the storage settled between the legs of the paddlers make bearing stuff untroubled.
It is equipped with seven rod holders that embrace four flush mounting holders and three articulated fishing pole. Flush-mounted rod holders are nice for multiple lines quickly within the water and also the adjustable holder will make sure the excellent angle for your compatibility. The secure cargo area and also the 2 paddle rests guarantee your safety.
The paddle rests are a pleasant feature keeping your paddles secure whereas your fishing and four carry handles create it simple to move to and from the water.
The BKC contains a wide 34 in beam for stability, particularly nice if you prefer to square up whereas fishing. With lots of cupboard space, its ideal if you wish to form your fishing trip over sooner or later.
Overall the BKC is my prime choose for the simplest tandem fishing kayak.
#2 Perception Pescador Pilot Fishing Kayak
Highlights of Perception Pescador Pilot:
- Type: Sit On Top
- Length: 12.5 feet
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
- Features: Adjustable Lawn Chair Seat and Tackle Storage Areas
The Perception Pescador Pilot Kayak, in addition to being a great example of allusion, is also a premium option that can easily take your fishing activity to the next level. Inside, there are a considerable number of storage options for fishing gear, lures, problem solvers and the all-important beer cooler. If you run out of space at any point, you can remove the seat and pedals to make more space ready for anything.
The pedal training feature (which, as we said, is detachable if you like working your arms) gives you a simple, uncomplicated movement option, while the four brackets require casting. give you other hands-free capabilities. This allows you to sip a drink, have lunch, or take some interesting photos of your surroundings while you wait to eat.
There is also a one-handed rudder control so you can steer while fishing and it gives you a 360 degree turning radius which is perfect for those who have difficulty with steering and get stuck in a rocky corner with many crabs.
If you want to stay put or rest, you can lock the pedals in place, but they’re not as reliable as we’d like and can be problematic if they stay where you want them to. We can’t imagine you’ll have so many problems, and limping in itself seems to be rare.
#3 Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Highlights of Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100:
- Type: Sit On Top
- Length: 10 feet
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250-300 pounds
- Features: 2 fixed rod holders, 1 adjustable and includes a paddle
This single person fishing kayak may be a sit on top design with many flexibility and choices. i prefer that they didn’t go overkill with the rod holders – simply 2 flush mounted and one adjustable.
There are 2 dry hatches each 6” for small gear or things that merely can’t get wet. Overall i feel they might have done an improved job with the seat.
The kayak encompasses a flat bottom for stability and is right if you prefer to face up whereas you’re fishing.
However, the general gear storage and flexibility create it a viable possibility for a few anglers. At a bargain price, its most likely the simplest fishing kayak underneath $400!
#4 Perception Pescador Pro Fishing Kayak
Highlights of Perception Pescador Pro:
- Type: Sit On Top
- Length: 12 feet
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
- Features: Large front and rear open storage
The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is a fishing kayak designed for the safety, stability, durability and comfort of anglers, it exhibits excellent performance in all conditions. If you enjoy fishing all day on the water, the Perception Pescador Pro 12 is made for it, providing maximum comfort and stability that keeps you confident, even while standing.
Its spacious, removable mesh allows for free airflow and it can even be tilted backwards for comfortable paddling and a snug fit for optimal molding so you can achieve a comfortable paddling position. This is a perfect sit-down fishing kayak, suitable for fishing in calm coastal waters, slow-moving rivers, lakes and ponds.
The spacious cockpit makes getting in and out very easy and you can easily get your fishing gear. Like other Perception kayaks, the Pescado pilot is very durable, its construction of high-density polyethylene and roto-molded making it remarkably resistant to UV, impact and abrasion.
There’s no reason to fear damage when towing your wheeled kayak through the water, its replaceable skids provide added protection. The longer hull and pointed bow make this 12-legged boat perfect for long hauls in rough seas. He moves very well and is relatively fast.
The Pescador Pilot is equipped with a detachable professional seat with 2-level adjustment and breathable mesh. Storage options include large open storage areas at the front and rear with bungee lanyards for handling, coolers and all other gear, 2 molded bar holders, replaceable sliding panels for keel guards, an adjustable footrest that can accommodate paddlers of all sizes, YakAttack gear rails, and a fish finder panel.
You should also know that the Pescador Pro 12 is not the best choice for stand-up fishing.
#5 Lifetime Stealth Pro Angler 118 Fishing Kayak
Highlights of Lifetime Stealth Pro Angler 118:
- Type: Sit On Top
- Length: 11 feet
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
- Features: Comes with 2 Flambeau Tackle Boxes
The Stealth Pro Angler 118 is designed for serious anglers, providing them with a less expensive but fully equipped fishing kayak. The adjustable footrest allows anglers to paddle with great comfort. It has an adjustable seat system for quick drying, comfort and is very breathable.
The framed seating system has three settings: low for boating, high for fishing, and reclining for relaxing on the lake. The rudder system gives you complete control over the water. The Stealth Pro 118 also features a water-piercing tunnel armor for performance tracking. The hull provides the perfect stability needed for casting and standing fishing.
This kayak comes equipped with 2 torches, innovative tunnel hull, storage box and 2 recessed bar holders, a universal rail for attaching accessories, adjustable seat frame system, system elastomeric system, adjustable footrests, storage bin, 2 paddle holders and one front paddle rack, one stabilizer strap for vertical throwing, one deck channel drainage system with 7 chutes self-draining sprinklers and much more.
#6 Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak
Highlights of Sevylor Coleman Colorado:
- Type: 2-Person
- Length: 10.9 feet
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 470 pounds
- Features: 18-gauge PVC construction
Looking for an inflatable kayak for 2 people all day fishing trips? The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is your target kayak. It’s a fishing kayak capable of finding fishing spots that large flat-bottomed boats can’t.
This kayak is built with a thick canvas bottom, 18 gauge PVC and a tough nylon shell that’s strong enough to take you to unfamiliar fishing spots. Don’t forget to calculate the cost of a paddle and pump when buying this inflatable. fishing kayak, it is not included.
It offers plenty of space, fits two adults, including your fishing gear, and allows the addition of a trolling motor (preferably a Coleman sled motor) for easy portability. It is so versatile, you can easily fold the Coleman Colorado fishing kayak into your bag, which makes transporting the vehicle into the water very simple. Once inflated, the handle allows you to pull it through the water with ease.
It has an optional trolling motor that expands fishing possibilities, multiple air chambers that keep one compartment inflated even if one is punctured, double threaded Boston valves for easy deflation and inflation, ring rings D allows you to attach other gear, a Berkley Quick Set rod holder to enhance your hands-free fishing experience, a holder to secure the paddle and a net pocket to store gear and other items such as snacks.
#7 Point 65 Sweden Tequila Fishing Kayak
Highlights of Point 65 Sweden Tequila:
- Type: Sit On Top
- Length: 9.7 feet
- Weight: 48.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 265 pounds
- Features: Swedish design & engineering
We’re now moving into mid-to-high end fishing kayak options and the Point 65 Tequila is a great step up for those looking to upgrade from entry-level options to something more meaty than one. little.
First of all, it’s very convenient, with a pre-installed heel wheel that makes it easier than ever to get around the lake, through the mangroves or out to sea. It also helps you conserve and save energy when a mammoth wants to test your mettle.
If you are an experienced kayaker, you know how important comfort is if you have been sitting in one place for a while and the Vibe Hero chair can only provide unparalleled comfort and support. back slowly to prevent soreness. Dual bar or mesh racks and built-in gears offer comfort and customization you won’t find in all kayaks.
However, these features come at a premium, and we’d say that in the literal sense of the word, it takes two people (at least) to transport it from the car to the water, which is not the best if You want to float alone on the water. If you can get over the weight, or find a kayaking partner, you’ll appreciate how fun it is, so those looking to improve their badass position need look no further.
Fishing Kayak Comparison Table
| Fishing Kayak: | Type: | Length: | Weight: | Weight Capacity: | Include: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BKC UH-TK181 12.5 Foot Tandem |  | Sit On Top/Tandem | 12.5 feet | 68 lbs | 450 lbs | Paddle and Seat |
| Perception Pescador Pilot |  | Sit On Top | 12.5 feet | 95 lbs | 475 lbs | Seat |
| Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 |  | Sit On Top | 10 feet | 46 lbs | 275 lbs | Paddle and Seat |
| Perception Pescador Pro |  | Sit On Top | 12 feet | 57 lbs | 325 lbs | Seat |
| Lifetime Stealth Pro Angler 118 |  | Sit On Top | 11 feet | 85 lbs | 375 lbs | Paddle and Seat |
| Sevylor Coleman Colorado |  | Sit On Top/Inflatable | 10.9 feet | 41 lbs | 470 lbs | Paddle and Seat |
| Point 65 Sweden Tequila |  | Sit On Top | 9.7 feet | 48.5 lbs | 265 lbs | Paddle and Seat |
How to Choose the Best Fishing Kayak
- Total Volume
- Hull Type
- Chine
- Rocker
- Footing Area Design
- Stability
- Fishing Kayak Accessories
- Best Fishing Kayak Brands
Kayaks have many totally different style aspects which will play a very important role in your call on the most effective kayak to shop for. These options disagree looking on what sort of waters you’ll be in, what sort of movements you’re thinking that you’ll be doing, what quantity instrumentality you’ll be carrying, and the way comfy you would like to be. We’ll begin by listing a number of the additional vital style aspects of fishing kayaks, likewise as however they have an effect on the craft.
Total Volume
This is the live of the inner area of the kayak that is essentially concerning the number of water it displaces likewise. High volume kayaks are notably a lot of rounded in style and are fairly typical for fishing kayaks. These kayaks typically feature massive amounts of interior storage, larger degrees of stability, and usually wider beams.
Nearly all inflatable kayaks fall under the high volume class, with most of the low-volume kayaks either created for non-fishing use or simply extra small. As for fishing kayaks, these styles sometimes fall under the lower-volume category—although still having ample storage.
Fishing kayaks typically utilize access to interior recesses as a method of providing rod storage, live wells, or simply general storage. the employment of those areas makes fishing kayaks with lower volumes find yourself providing a lot of storage than non-fishing, high-volume kayaks.
Hull Type
The hull is considered the bottom of the boat, the half creating most direct contact with the water, and might be separated as either being displacement sorts or planing types. Displacement hulls are best for speed, because the cross the water like knives. These hulls are narrower and are usually designed with bottoms that come back to some extent. Planing hulls are flat-bottom styles, typically wider overall, and are best fitted to turning and stability. These kinds of hulls are a small amount sluggish for acceleration, and kind of ‘skim’ across the water once they need picked up speed.
Overall, planing hulls are best fitted to fishing kayaks as they provide associate degree overall higher platform for any fisher to perform important tasks while not the fear of overturning.
Chine
The chine of a boat is that the kind of shape as seen from gazing them head-on, notably at the purpose on the aspect wherever the look begins to curve upward. A ‘hard’ chine, is wherever the look takes a sharp angle upward, as seen on several flat-bottom, planing-type kayaks.
Hard chines are nice for allowing a boat to continue planing whereas turning or spinning however are a lot of vulnerable to catching and turning the boat over. A soft chine is taken into account to be a a lot of forgiving style and is related to several displacement hull kind styles. several kayakers request to seek out a balance between the two—pairing speed with maneuverability—and avoid any extremes.
Overall, kayak styles with a tougher chine are thought of to be higher choices for fishing kayaks as they assist give better spinning and turning.
Rocker
If you were to seem at a kayak directly from the side, the curve of the bottom of the boat, because it stretches from bow to stern, would be the rocker. Kick rockers are styles that are comparatively flat and are nearly always seen on coming up with hull designs and bigger volume kayaks.
A continuous rocker could be a style that curves on the whole length of the kayak. These kinds of styles are most frequently seen in non-fishing kayaks and are higher fitted to avoiding changing into stuck on rocks or another massive object.
Footing Area Design
Just about any good kayak design goes to possess some accommodation for your footing, several with extremely specialised formed areas. Footpegs are options that some kayaks provide that enables a better degree of adjustment for various body sorts. whereas these options are a lot of wanted by non-fisherman, it’s one thing to listen to.
For most of the trendy fishing kayaks, a partition is employed in place of foot pegs, that provides a stable resting purpose for your entire foot, as critical the peg kind supports. correct footing in your kayak and facilitate keep you, and your kayak, in a very a lot of stable state throughout your entire adventure.
Stability
For most fisher, stability over speed could be a sacrifice they’re willing to form. Considering abundant of the time spent in a very fishing kayak is pay fishing instead of sport around, stability is usually one in all the foremost necessary options to contemplate. Wider beams, planing hulls, larger volumes, onerous chines, and kick rockers are all variations of a kayak style that facilitate promote a bigger overall stability. Stability, however, are often softened into 2 variations—primary stability and secondary stability.
Primary stability is that the degree to that a boat is stable once resting right-side au courant the water. Secondary stability is directly concerning the side of a kayaks sides and comes into play once you could also be leaning, or preparing to tip over. a lot of rounded, higher-volume kayaks tend to possess a bigger secondary stability rating and are typically suggested nearly as good decisions for fishing kayaks.
Fishing Kayak Accessories
Let’s check out some accessories you’ll wish to think about to make your day fishing easier.
Rod Holders: are universally crucial parts of any fishing kayak. Most fishing kayaks have a minimum of 2 rod holders situated behind the cockpit. Rod holder location is crucial although as a result of you don’t wish to smack into your keep rods whereas attempting to forged. One smart location for your primary rod is in an exceedingly rod holder between your legs, then the 2 behind you’ll be use for backup or secondary rods.
Anchor Trolleys: are rigged directly into the kayak. you’ll install these aftermarket kits, however several advanced fishing kayaks accompany anchor trolleys already in-built.
I like these as a result of there’s less likelihood of messing up the boat by attempting to put in your own. primarily the anchor tramcar permits you to alter the situation of the anchor on the fly therefore you’ll float down stream, up stream, or sideways from your anchor’s location.
Dry Storage: if you wish to stay your keys, phone, and GPS safe and sound you would like dry storage. These are typically 6 inch bulkhead storage containers. They’re typically simply large enough for a phone and a few keys, however they assist keep your dear things dry and safe. within the event that your boat happens to flip, having your things within the storage means that they can’t sink to the bottom!
Paddle Holders: These are typically a bungee cord on either facet of the kayak that you simply place your paddle underneath and secure it. this permits you to stay the paddle out of the manner and secure therefore it doesn’t fall overboard.
Rudders: are typically foot operated and management the direction of the kayak. These are amazing for serving to to correct paddle strokes or wind direction once paddling.
Because most fishing is completed once the kayak isn’t moving, they won’t add abundant to your fishing expertise. However, if it takes tons of paddling to urge to your fishing spot, they may be useful.
Transom trolling Motors: will typically be fitted on to inflatable kayaks and catarafts. Most traditional kayaks cannot support a trolling motor however just in case you wish one, it’s possible! If you wish to do to suit an electrical motor onto your kayak or raft make certain to envision that it’s supported before you get – modifying your boat doesn’t forever go as planned.
GPS Units: are a good addition. typically you won’t be paddling up to now that you simply would possibly stray, however typically it’s useful to mark a location or notice your way home in unfamiliar waters.
They can simply be mounted to kayaks by drilling 2 or 3 small holes within the high of the decking and easily nookie a GPS holder to the boat. instead, you’ll notice GPS unit holders created to suit bound models of kayak.
Fish Finders: If your fishing in unknown waters and don’t apprehend wherever the fish prefer to hide, you’ll notice a kayak fish finder a awfully useful accent. Knowing wherever the fish are, is half the battle!
Best Brands of Fishing Kayaks
With the increasing quality of kayak fishing, there are a lot of and more manufacturers of kayaks. Some specializing in bound kinds of kayaks. Since we have a tendency to are solely gazing fishing kayaks, lets solely think about them:
Ocean Kayak -We feature this complete of kayak permanently reason! they need been around for many years and have a good vary of kayaks as well as many glorious fishing models.
Old town Canoes & Kayaks -Now a subsidiary of Ocean, they need kept the name and their lineup of kayaks separate. currently a section of Ocean we are able to assume they’re going to keep an equivalent level of quality they forever have.
BKC – The Brooklyn Kayak Company, founded by New York fishermen who needed to form the simplest attainable fishing kayak. i feel they need it with the TK181.
Vibe – a true newcomer to kayaking, Vibe founded in 2013 by Josh Thomas and John Ewald. they’re self described kayak junkies and have created a solid lineup of fishing kayaks.
Our tips for fishing with a fishing kayak
- For starters, learn how to paddle and go straight. This is a necessary step before starting in the water.
- Don’t forget safety equipment, such as a life jacket or flotation device. Remember to bring your own hat to avoid heatstroke.
- Remember to recharge your phone and provide it with a waterproof bag.
- Check before you leave to make sure you can properly store all your fishing gear.
- Remember to bring a backpack for personal belongings and some spares.
- To improve your fishing experience and ensure your catch, consider getting yourself a bait boat or depth gauge.
- Don’t forget the first aid kit.
- If you have an inflatable kayak, consider a repair kit.
- Choose clothes that match the season
- Once aboard your kayak, be sure to safely anchor all your gear. You are not safe from a shipwreck.
FAQs About Fishing Kayaks
Which fishing kayak to choose?
The kayak that sits on top is appreciated for its excellent stability. It is especially suitable for beginners and stable card players. A seated kayak is for the more athletic people who want more flexibility in their use of their boat.
How to maintain your fishing kayak?
After a session of fishing, be sure to clean your kayak, inside and out. Let dry without sun exposure. Regularly check the condition of the hull and carry out repairs if necessary. When it’s out of season, store it in a dry place, ideally in a kayak.
How much does a fishing kayak cost?
A fishing kayak can be found at all price points. However, opt for quality equipment that can certainly ensure your safety during your fishing sessions. Bet on safety, comfort, storage and sturdiness for a longer lifespan.
How to transport a fishing kayak?
To transport your fishing kayak, you can either mount a trailer in the back of your car or a roof rack, depending on the volume and weight of your kayak. To get to the waterhole, a kayak stroller can help.
If a fishing kayak is too cumbersome for you, a pontoon tube is an alternative. It gives you a different way of fishing, but with less frills. Finally, with regards to choosing your fishing kayak, invest in models that are stable and robust, have good load-carrying capacity and are light enough to maneuver it with ease.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right product is not easy and for many of them, it can be a time consuming task. With this guide, however, my goal is to help you find the perfect fishing kayak for your needs. I have done a lot of research as well as interviewed a lot of experts to make sure that the options I have listed are among the best.
I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best fishing kayak to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a kayak I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.
Good luck on your next fishing trip!
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