2024 Fishing Kayak Buyer’s Guide – On The Water

Whether you’re a shore-bound angler getting into a kayak to reach new waters or a boat fisherman who recognizes a fishing kayak as an exciting way to get out on the water, there’s something in kayak fishing for just about anyone. Will you be fishing small ponds, open ocean, or both? Do you want to paddle or pedal? Do you value the stability of a stand-up platform or is a light and nimble hull more important to you? There are dozens of kayaks built specifically for fishing, and each one offers a unique combination of stability, size, speed, and fishing features. While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fishing kayaks, with all the different models available today, there’s a better chance than ever that you can find one to fit your fishing needs.
Which Fishing Kayak is Right for You?
The bottom line in choosing the best fishing kayak for your needs is that there is no one-size-fits all. Before you decide on purchasing a kayak for fishing, the most important thing you can do is to take stock of where and how you plan to do most of your kayaking and fishing. Identify your needs: Will you be fishing in freshwater ponds for largemouth bass? Navigating streams and rivers to catch smallmouth bass and trout? Poking around saltwater harbors, estuaries and flats for striped bass and bluefish? Or do you plan to venture out into the open ocean? Will you be trailering your kayak and launching from boat ramps? Or do you plan to launch from the beach through surf? Also, will this kayak be strictly a fishing vessel, or do you plan to use it for relaxation and recreation with your family?
Once you’ve thought about what you want from a fishing kayak, it’s time to select a handful that appear to match your desired criteria. At that point, try them all! Always demo a kayak before you buy it!
Before you can evaluate the fishing kayaks at your local paddlesport shop or marina, it’s helpful to understand some of the important characteristics of kayaks. Most fishing kayaks can be used for a variety of activities, but no one kayak excels at every activity. Choosing a kayak, like choosing a boat or a car, means mulling over a long list of specifications and deciding what features are “must-haves” and which ones are compromises. Once you understand your options, you can start down the path of choosing the right kayak for your intended purposes. These are some of the basics to consider before you buy your first, or next, fishing kayak.
What Kind of Kayak is Best for Fishing?
Pedal kayaks have become very popular for fishing because they free up your arms for holding a fishing rod. There are several options in pedal-powered kayaks by Old Town, Native Watercraft, Hobie, Ocean Kayak, Pelican and others. Electric-motor-battery-powered kayaks are also becoming a popular option, including the e-bike-style pedal-assist Old Town ePDL. Paddle kayaks tend to be less expensive than pedal kayaks, and some anglers prefer the simplicity and lightweight of paddle kayaks. However, pedal-powered kayaks are the top choice of almost all avid kayak fishermen. Check out our guide on picking the best pedal-powered fishing kayak.
What’s the most stable fishing kayak?
Fishing kayaks are remarkably stable in comparison to touring or whitewater kayaks. In general, wider kayaks are more stable and can support more capacity, which is often advantageous when fishing. However, width is far from the only factor that affects stability. Hull design can have a big effect, so test a fishing kayak before buying.
Is a longer kayak better for fishing?
In general, the longer the kayak, the faster it will be and the more easily it will cover distances. The trade-off is a loss of maneuverability in tight spaces and difficulty in storing and transporting the kayak to launch sites. The ideal length of a fishing kayak is around 12 feet. Smaller anglers might prefer a shorter kayak, while saltwater anglers might prefer a kayak closer to 14 feet.
Can I stand up and fish from a kayak?
Extra-wide and stable fishing kayaks allow an angler to stand and fish. If you are a fly-fishermen, or if you enjoy sight-casting to fish in the shallows, stand-up capability might be very important to you in choosing a fishing kayak.
Do I need a fish finder on a kayak?
A fish finder can be very helpful when fishing from a kayak, but it isn’t necessary. It depends on what types of fishing you will be doing, and if knowing the depth and detecting fish under your kayak would be helpful.
What else should I consider when buying a fishing kayak?
Weight: Fishing kayaks can weigh up to and over 100 pounds. Consider your ability to transport and launch a kayak. If cartopping, you’ll need to consider the capacity of your roof rack. Heavier kayaks might require transport via pickup truck bed or on a kayak trailer. A heavy kayak might require a wheeled cart to move it down to the launch site.
Storage and Extras: Consider how much storage you’ll need on board your kayak. Will you be keeping fish? Is live-bait storage important to you? Will you be doing any kayak-camping? Many kayak fishermen use milk crate systems to store tackle and extra rods.
Seat: Less expensive kayaks have molded-in seats or basic removable seating pads. Most fishing kayaks are now offering adjustable “lawn chair” style seats with excellent back support. Test them out to see what you find comfortable.
Best Fishing Kayaks of 2024
Old Town Sportsman Fishing Kayaks
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132
Length: 13’ 2” | Width: 36” | Weight: 95 lbs. hull only | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $5,999
Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120/136
Length: 12’/13’6” | Width: 37”/37” | Weight: 152 lbs./158 lbs. (assembled) | Capacity: 558 lbs./660 lbs. | Retail: $4,499/$4,999
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132
Length: 13’ 2” | Width: 36” | Weight: 96 lbs. hull only | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $2,999
Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota
Length: 10’6” | Width: 37” | Weight: 121 lbs. assembled | Capacity: 525 lbs. | Retail: $3,499
Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120
Length: 12’ | Width: 34.5” | Weight: 104 lbs. assembled | Capacity: 450 lbs. | Retail: $2,599
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 | 120
Length: 10’6’/12” | Width: 36”/36” | Weight: 107 lbs./116 lbs assembled | Capacity: 450 lbs./500 lbs. | Retail: $2,599/$2,899
Old Town Sportsman Discovery 119 Solo
Length: 11’9” | Width: 32.5” | Weight: 56 lbs. | Capacity: 354 lbs. | Retail: $1,299
Bonafide Fishing Kayaks
Bonafide XTR 130
Length: 12’ 7” | Width: 40.5” | Weight: 170 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 730 lbs. | Retail: $2,899.00
Bonafide EX123
Length: 12’3″ | Width: 29.5″ | Weight: 67 lbs. w/seat | Capacity: 375 lbs. | Retail: $1,099
Bonafide RS117
Length: 11’7” | Width: 33.5” | Weight: 77 lbs. w/ seat | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,049
Bonafide SS107/SS127
Length: 10’7″/12’7″ | Width: 34.5″/33.75″ | Weight: 84/94 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 425/475 lbs. | Retail: $1,399/$1,749
Bonafide P127
Length: 12’7” | Width: 34” | Weight: 120 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 475 lbs. | Retail: $2,999
Bonafide RVR 119
Length: 11’9” | Width: 35” | Weight: 85 lbs. | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,699
Native Watercraft Fishing Kayaks
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel MAX 12.5
Length: 12’6” | Width: 34” | Weight: 95 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $2,999
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 10
Length: 10’ | Width: 34.15” | 75 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,699
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10
Length: 10’ | Width: 34” | Weight: 62 lbs. (fitted) | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,299
Native Watercraft Titan X Propel (10.5/12.5)
Length: 10’8”/12’8″ | Width: 37.5”/39″ | Weight: 115/138 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 475/500 lbs. | Retail: $3,249/$3,599
Native Watercraft Falcon 11
Length: 11’ | Width: 32.5” | Weight: 60 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 325 lbs. | Retail: $999
Pelican Fishing Kayaks
Pelican Catch 110 HyDryve II
Length: 10’6” | Width: 34” | Weight: 78 lbs. | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,499
Pelican Catch 130 HyDryve II
Length: 12’6” | Width: 34” | Weight: 78 lbs. | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,699
Pelican Catch Classic 100
Length: 10’ | Width: 34” | Weight: 57 lbs. | Capacity: 350 lbs. | Retail: $479
Pelican Catch PWR 100
Length: 9’9” | Width: 39.63” | Weight: 75 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. | Retail: $1,249
Pelican Catch Mode 110TR
Length: 10’ 8” | Width: 34.5” | Weight: 67 lbs. | Capacity: 375 lbs. | Retail: $799
Pelican Getaway 110 HDII
Length: 10’ 5.5” | Width: 33” | Weight: 75 lbs. | Capacity: 300 lbs. | Retail: $1,149
Hobie Fishing Kayaks
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 360 Series (12/14)
Length: 12’/13’8” | Width: 36”/38” | Weight: 109.5 lbs./124.5 lbs. (rigged) | Capacity: 500 lbs./600 lbs. | Retail: $5,699/$5,899
Hobie Mirage Lynx
Length: 11’ | Width: 36” | Weight: 47 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 350 lbs. | Retail: $3,299
Hobie Mirage Passport 12 R
Length: 12” | Width: 34” | Weight: 83 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $1,999
Hobie Mirage Compass
Length: 12’ | Width: 34” | Weight: 87 lbs. (rigged) | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,799
Hobie Mirage iTrek (9/11)
Length: 9’5”/10’8” | Width: 40”/40” | Weight: 20 lbs./28 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 350 lbs./400 lbs. | Retail: $2,599/$2,979
Hobie Mirage Outback
Length: 12’9” | Width: 34” | Weight: 85 lbs. (fitted) | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $3,699
Hobie Mirage Revolution (11/13)
Length: 11’6”/13’5” | Width: 29”/28.5” | Weight: 64/70 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 275/350 lbs. | Retail: $3,149/$3,399
Hurricane Fishing Kayaks
Hurricane Skimmer 116 First Class
Length: 11’6” | Width: 30.5” | Weight: 43 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 300 lbs. | Retail: $1,449
Jackson Fishing Kayaks
Jackson Bite FD
Length: 11’6” | Width: 35” | Weight: 82 lbs. (hull only) | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,849
Perception Fishing Kayaks
Perception Outlaw 11.5
Length: 11’ 6″ | Width: 35” | Weight: 77 lbs. | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $929
Pescador 10.0
Length: 10’ 6″ | Width: 32” | Weight: 52 lbs. | Capacity: 325 lbs. | Retail: $679
Pescador 12.0
Length: 12′ | Width: 32.5” | Weight: 60 lbs. | Capacity: 375 lbs. | Retail: $849
Pescador Pilot 12.0
Length: 12’ 5″ | Width: 33.5” | Weight: 93 lbs. | Capacity: 475 lbs. | Retail: $2,249
Pescador Pro 10.0
Length: 10’ 6″ | Width: 32” | Weight: 62 lbs. | Capacity: 325 lbs. | Retail: $919
Pescador Pro 12.0
Length: 12’ | Width: 32.5” | Weight: 64 lbs. | Capacity: 375 lbs. | Retail: $1,099
Perception Showdown 11.5
Length: 11’ 6″ | Width: 36” | Weight: 110 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. | Retail: $2,249
Sea Eagle Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
Sea Eagle 350fx Fishing Explorer
Length: 11’6” | Width: 39” | Weight: 51 lbs. | Capacity: 575 lbs. | Retail: $1,099
Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler
Length: 12’6” | Width: 36” | Weight: 45 lbs. | Capacity: 635 lbs. | Retail: $1,199
Sea Eagle FishSUP 126
Length: 12’6” | Width: 40” | Weight: 45 lbs. | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $999
3 Waters Fishing Kayaks
3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish V2 105 | 120
Length: 10’5”/12′ | Width: 33’5”/35 | Weight: 89 lbs./100 lbs | Capacity: 380 lbs/400 | Retail: $849/$949
3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 103 | 108
Length: 10’6” / 11’ | Width: 35” / 38” | Weight: 110 / 135 lbs. (without seat and drive) | Capacity: 397 lbs / 450 lbs. | Retail: $1,799 / $1,899
Wilderness Systems Fishing Kayaks
Wilderness Systems iA.T.A.K. 110
Length: 11′ | Width: 38” | Weight: 50 lbs. | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $1,399
Wilderness Systems Recon 120 with AirPro ACES seat
Length: 12’ | Width: 38” | Weight: 101.4 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. Retail: $1,409
Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD with AirPro ACES seat
Length: 12’ | Width: 38” | Weight: 122 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. Retail: $2,819
Wilderness Systems Radar 115
Length: 11’ 8″ | Width: 34.5” | Weight: 85 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. Retail: $1,559
Wilderness Systems Radar 135
Length: 13’ 6″ | Width: 33.5” | Weight: 90 lbs. | Capacity: 475 lbs. Retail: $1,719
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105
Length: 10’ 6″ | Width: 32” | Weight: 57.5 lbs. | Capacity: 325 lbs. Retail: $1,119.00
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Length: 12’ 3″ | Width: 31” | Weight: 64.5 lbs. | Capacity: 350 lbs. Retail: $1,229
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140
Length: 14′ | Width: 28” | Weight: 68 lbs. | Capacity: 375 lbs. Retail: $1,319.00
Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. 120
Length: 12′ 3″ | Width: 35” | Weight: 89.5 lbs. | Capacity: 400 lbs. Retail: $1729.00