Finding a best Fishing kayak requires certain things to consider before selecting one. And, we are going to list some of the best fishing kayaks for you. we have tried to make a comprehensive best fishing kayak buyer’s guide for you so that you can get what you are looking for.
Fishing kayaks come in different size, shape and features so you need to select them as per your preferences. However, I can assure you that fisher kayaks listed here are among the best out there.
Ultimate Guide for The Best Fishing Kayak for Sale
So before taking you to the list of Best Fishing kayaks for budget and usage – you need to make sure that what you are exactly looking for. You need to evaluate your requirements and usage before buying a fishing kayak for yourself.
I have tried to list all the top fishing kayaks available in the market so that you can have the most extensive list available out there. There are lots of brands of fishing kayak that are available in the market with various types as well. I have tried to get you best cheap fishing kayaks and some of the best stand up fishing kayaks in your budget.
Best Fishing Kayak Reviews – Top 10 List!
1- Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler is top rated sit on top fishing kayak available in our list. Its narrow hull provides speed and efficiency.
Despite of its narrow hull, it provides greater stability which is perfect for fishing. As you need an stable kayak for fishing.
As far the storage is concerned, there is a click-open large oval hatch at the bow, a spacious rear tanks to store coolers, crates, tackle boxes, bait wells, and SCUBA tanks. It also features two cup holders at perfect distance. There is also bungee deck rigging in order to board some more stuffs.
There are molded footrests to fit in different height paddler pretty easily. Two flush mounted rod holders behind the back of the seat that makes your fishing experience great.
In order to make your kayaking experience great, it features padded Comfort Plus seat with backres
2- Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 Sit On top Fishing kayak is another amazing kayak available out there. It is a perfect fishing ‘yak that is great to take you to lakes or rivers.
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is the light weight fishing kayak which weighs only 40 pounds. Despite of being a lightweight kayak, it has a capacity of 250 pounds.
Now lets talk about the features which make it a perfect fishing vessel; it has two flush mount and one swivel fishing rod holders.
In order to make your paddling experience comfortable, it features padded backrests, thigh pads, paddle holders, and adjustable foot braces to fit in any size paddler.
It also feature retractable carrying handles which makes it easier to transport to or from the water.
3- Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak
Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak is the most expensive sit-on top fishing kayak in our list. However, the features it has got completely justify the price.
Its multi-chine hull keeps you stable and designed to assist you while tracking. In order to add to your comfort level, it features adjustable and removable seats. The seats are adjustable in two ways: recline and upright and also slides along the rails, if required. It also has adjustable foot braces which makes your paddling comfortable.
Pescador Pro 12.0 has got enough storage to spend a full day on water. It has got a tankwell at the bow covered by fine mesh, a large storage area at rear which is covered by bungee rope to keep it tight. There is also a covered 5 inches hatch compartment which is screwed on and off to keep your essential items safe from water and dry.
It also features a console right which is right in front of the cockpit which is ideal to store any fishfinder or GPS or any other electronic item you may like to bring.
This ‘yak comes up with two molded holders located just behind the seat and if you would like to add more rod holders then you need may add to the GearTrac rails on the side of the cockpit. This rail can be used to add some more gadgets as well – totally depends on your preference.
4- Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak
Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak is a PVC fishing which can be used solo, tandem, or even with three person. It is an extremely stable kayak which makes it a good stand up fishing kayak.
There are scupper holes to drain out the water out of cockpit. This kayak features ergonomic seats with soft backrests which make your seating very comfortable.
As far the storage is concerned, it has 6 inches closed hatch, ditty trays and shock cord straps to hold your loose bags or items. There are around 4 conveniently placed fishing pole holders.
The kayak is made up of high-Density UV-Protected Polyethylene HDPE Construction which resist cracks, peeling and fading.
Your also get a double side paddle along with your kayak.
5- BKC Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-FK184 9’2” Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
BKC UH-FK84 Fishing kayak is a funky style ‘yak which is designed for fishing only. It is shorter in size and weighs only 45 lbs.
Despite of having a shorter size and lightweight, it has a whooping weight capacity of 250 pounds. It features paddle parks which let you keep your hands free without the risk of loosing your paddles – there is also an elastic bungee which keeps the paddles in place.
Being a fishing ‘yak, it has 4 Flush-Mounted and 1 Articulating Fishing Rod Holder which let you deploy multiple fishing rods at ones and make the transportation easier.
BKC UH-FK184 features pair of closed storage hatches and hallowed storage with bungee chord.
Overall, it is a perfect recreational kayak to have which doesn’t take up much space.
6- Sun Dolphin Bali SS10 Foot Sit on Top Kayak
Sun Dolphin Bali SS10 foot sit on top fishing kayak is quiet a famous fishing kayak available in the market. It features great stability which tracks and paddle perfectly.
Like other fishing kayaks, it also features dry storage hatches along with deck bungee chord to board some of your additional stuffs. It also features a portable Accessory Carrier (P.A.C) which can be used for additional storage.
In order to add to your comfort level, it features comfortable backrest, thigh pads, adjustable foot braces, and a paddle holder.
It is among the affordable fishing kayak available out there. Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS only weighs 44 with a whooping weight capacity of 250 pounds.
7- Sun Dolphin Excursion Sit-in Fishing Kayak 10 Feet
Excursion is a sit-in fishing kayak by Sun Dolphin. This kayak works perfect for calm rivers and lakes. It offers great stability and tracks perfectly.
Sun Dolphin Excursion features two flush mount rod holders and one swivel rod holder. It got decent storage for the paddlers. There is a closed storage hatch and shock chord deck rigging. There are also bottle holders.
In order to add to your comfort level, adjustable padded seat and backrest.
It is also a lightweight sit in fishing kayak which weighs only 40 pounds and 10 feet long.
8- Feelfree Lure 10 Kayak
Feelfree Lure 10 kayak is a fishing ‘yak has lots of amazing features. It offers greater stability with spacious deck.
It has enough deck area to perform standup fishing. There are around two Fishing rod holders and track system. Another amazing thing about this kayak is its gravity seat. The gravity seat is one of the most adjustable seat available in the market.
Its wheel in the keel and side carry handles make it easy to transport to or from the water.
There is a decent storage space for your gear and rear storage area for your crate.
9- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
LifeTime Tamarack Angler 100 is a famous name and quiet popular for being an amazing fishing kayak. Its flat bottom ensure greater stability
There are multiple footrest positions for different size paddlers. Its padded seats and padded backrests adds to the comfort level.
There are two flush mounted fishing rod holders and one top mount fishing rod Holder. As far the storage is concerned, there are two closed hatches; one in rear and one in the center. There are also shock chord straps at front and rear.
It features front and rear T handles to easily transport it from one place to another. There are also Deep hull tracking channels.
10 – Vibe Kayak by Skipjack 90
Vibe is another amazing kayak available out there. It is the cheapest 1 person sit on top fishing kayak available in our list. It includes 4 flush-mount rod holders.
As far the storage is concerned, it has V-Wave Center Hatch & storage wells in the bow & stern of the kayak. It has got enough storage to spend a full day on the water.
It also features built-in ergonomic backrest and cushion which adds to the comfort level of your paddling. There are various colors available to choose from.
Inflatable Fishing Kayak to Choose
Inflatable kayaks can be a good option to go for which is perfect for recreational usage. Your most common reaction could be that it may got punctured with fishing hook and all.
But, they won’t otherwise they won’t be selling it!
Inflatable kayaks are quiet durable which is made up of layers including including PVC, nitrylon and haypalon. PVC is most durable material and mostly used into these kayaks.
I am going to be honest with you that they are not going to track as the hardshell kayak. However, for most people these are perfect. They are much cheaper and easily transportable. So if you are an occasional paddler then this can be a good option to go for.
One of the most prime feature of an inflatable kayak is that, it can be deflated quiet easily. It can fit inside your trunk and does not require an storage rack or huge space for storage. You need to inflate and deflate for every use that is why it is a perfect kayak for occasional paddlers.
Some folks consider inflatable vessels a pain, as they are supposed to be dried before storing in order to prevent corrosion. So choosing a inflatable fishing kayak solely depends on your preference and choice.
Here are some of the top rated inflatable fishing ‘yaks…
Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Colorado 2 Person fishing kayak is definitely the best out there. Its 18-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use. It has 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover which makes it a durable inflatable fishing kayak.
There are multiple air chambers which is a kind of safety features. If one chamber get punctured then the other one keep it afloat. Its airtight system is guaranteed not to leak.
It features Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders which let you perform ensure hands-free fishing. It also has Sevylor trolling motor which expands your fishing capabilities. There are also paddle holders which keep your paddles secure while fishing.
Its Boston Valves are double threaded for easy inflation and deflation. There are also mesh pockets to keep your gears stored and there are multiple d-rings in-order to attach external storage boxes or bags.
Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler Kayak
Straitedge by Advanced Elements is designed for solo fishing.
It features multi-layer material and patented aluminum rib frame gives it a great structure.
It is quiet short kayak yet has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. This weight capacity makes it a perfect single person fishing kayak to spend a single day.
There are two storage spaces at the front and rear which is enough to carry your basic stuffs. There is a removable bar at the front which can be used to place any gadgets you may have. There are two fishing rod holders.
It features adjustable lumbar which can be inflated as per your choice and requirement.
Tandem Fishing Kayaks: Paddling with Partner!
If you want to share your fishing experience with your partner or dog then you would need a tandem fishing kayak. Tandem kayak which is called two person kayak. Tandem makes your overall fishing experience great.
There are two seats into tandem fishing kayak which makes your paddling experience joyful and fun.
If your partner is not experience in paddling or does not want to paddle then it can be pretty difficult to paddle a tandem fishing ‘yak without the help.
Useful UH-TK181 12.5 foot Sit On Top Tandem Fishing Kayak
UH-TK181 is one of the best tandem fishing kayak available out there. It is capable of carrying a weight of around 450 pounds.
Being a tandem vessel, it is pretty hard to carry this kayak from one place to another so you will need help to move it around. However, it have carrying handles.
It has open storage space at the rear with bungee cords covered around to hold your stuffs. There also two covered hatches to keep your important stuffs dry and safe.
There are around 3 adjustable rod holders which are located in front of the paddlers. Moreover, there are 4 flush rod holders on the deck.
The package comes with 2 aluminum paddles, and two seats. In case you would like to fit a trolling motor then there is an option at the rear.
However, this is not the stable kayak while standing up so you should skip this if you are looking for something to do stand-up fishing.
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T
Skipjack 120T by Vibe Kayaks is another top tandem fishing kayak in the market. It is a perfect tandem kayak for fishing. There are two adjustable seats, each with storage pockets.
It also features two sealed hatches that keep your stuffs dry and safe. There is also rear storage area with bungee cords to tie down your stuffs.
There are two flush mount rod holders behind the rear seat. It is one of the most stable fishing kayak which is ideal for various water conditions. You can also bring a dog with your partner on this kayak.
The package includes two paddles as well!
Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
SE370K_P by Sea Eagle is extremely light weight and budget inflatable fishing kayak available in the market. It weighs only 32 pounds and having a weight capacity of 650 pounds.
It has enough room for fishing gears. SE370K_P considered as the most durable inflatable vessel available out there. It takes less 30 minutes to set up this kayak to go.
There are 2 skegs on the bottom which ensure better speed and tracking.
Choosing a Fishing a Kayak: Things to Consider?
There are few features and things to consider before buying a fishing kayak. I have tried to list all the basic features which you are supposed to consider before getting yourself a fishing ‘yak.
Stability
You have to first consider the stability of your vessel. It is the last you would need to be worried about a kayak tipping over. It has to be stable while you fish even standing up on it. There are lots of kayaks you may choose which offer great stability.
Storage
Another thing that you are supposed to consider is having enough storage for your kayak. The kayaks listed above have enough storage. Usually, there are front and rear storage. There should be closed storage hatches as well.
There should be rod holders, paddle holders and other equipment storage compartments in order to freely enjoy fishing.
Transportation
You need to make sure that your kayak is easily transportable. If your kayak is hard to transport from one place to another then it may take up a lot of your energy. So always see if there are carry handles and all before selecting your kayak.
Weight Capacity
This is another most important thing and you are supposed to look for the decent weight capacity of your vessel. You have to do some maths to see how much actually you can load up.
You need to check the weight capacity of the kayak and deduct your and your partner (if any) weight from the weight capacity and then see how much weight is left for you to load up.
Speed vs Turning
It is pretty hard to find both speed and turning into all type of kayaks so this is how it works;
- 1- Longer kayaks are more efficient through water which makes them faster.
- 2- Short kayaks can turn better as compared to longer kayak.
Types of Fishing Kayaks
On campandcanoe.com we will be discussing a lot of fishing kayaks and we will be reviewing them in great detail. And we will be discussing each and every type in great detail.
We have tried to cover and discuss each and every type of Fishing kayak available in the market so that we can be the extensive information provided on them.
There are two basic types: SOT and SIK!
Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak
On this type of kayak, paddler sit on top of the kayak and is not enclosed inside a cockpit. A paddler can easily get in and out of the kayak.
Pros
- Free to Move around
- Easy to get in and out of the kayak
- Does not feel enclosed or suffocating
- Perfect for warm conditions
Cons
- Can get wet pretty easily.
- Speed lacks
SOT fishing Kayaks are perfect for everyone. These are designed for various multi-purpose recreational pastimes. These are also great for fishing. They are pretty easy to get in and out and that what makes them a perfect for fishing kayak.
In case of emergency, it is pretty easy to move away from your vessel and tip it over. It gives you more freedom and control over your movement while fishing.
SOTs are generally wide which makes them stable and stability is the prime thing you need to look for while selecting a fishing kayak. However, their width may slows down the speed a bit.
Sit-in Fishing Kayak
In this kind of kayak, paddler sit inside the kayak. There is a closed cockpit in which paddler sit covered with spray skirt. The spray skirt keeps your lower body dry and protect you water.
Pros
- Great control on the kayak.
- Your lower body is protected from water.
- Speed is the plus point.
Cons
- Pretty hard to get in and out of the kayak.
- Can be a disaster in disasters.
Basic Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners
There are 6 tips I would like to share with you about Kayak fishing that is surely going to help the beginners.
1- Go Prepared!
This is the most important thing you should do. Despite of having enough fishing gears and best fishing kayak – you should carry enough water and food for a day. Carry a sunscreen with you and apply on your exposed body parts.
2- Maintain a Balance
It looks so obvious yet lot of people miss out on to this. You should maintain a good balance while standing up from any coming wave. You don’t want to fall out of your kayak, so maintain the balance to avoid it.
3- Carry a Waterproof Bag
You should always carry a waterproof bag with yourself. Store all your important devices like phone, GPS and other such equipment into such bag.
4- Always keep an eye on Weather Update
Since you will be out in the water, it is very important for you to keep an eye on weather update so that you remain safe and aware. You should have a forecast for a day at least.
5- Paddle with Confidence
It is commonly said that you do more mistakes when you perform any task with doubts or lack of confidence. So if you are beginner then you should always paddle with confidence. First I would recommend you to paddle near the land and keep increasing the distance with the passage of time.
6- Share your exact location and map of Paddling
This is the safety measure that you should share your exact location and map of paddling with someone not paddling with you. So in case of your some unusual delays he/she can track you and reach on time for help.
Fishing up!
So selecting any of the fishing kayak solely depends on the condition and place you are going to fish, your budget and your level of expertise.
I have explained and discussed each and every available fishing kayak in the market so that you can have a clarity about the options and stuffs. We have discussed both pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
Don’t forget to share this best fishing kayak reviews guide with others who might be looking for the same!
