Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak
Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak Comparison Chart
Best Motorized Fishing Kayak
Has shallow water anchor mounting inserts
4 mounting tracks
3 rod holders
Universal transducer mount
Bow and stern storage space
Large stern tank well with bungee
Dry bow hatch
Universal transducer mount
Side clip for paddle
Cup holder
Custom tackle box
4 accessory tracks
2 double-barrel rod holders
3 mount recesses
Molded-in trays and cup holders
Front and back storage space with elastic cord lacing
36-inch fish rulers
18 D-rings
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak
- 1.1 Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak Comparison Chart
- 1.2 How We Chose the Best Kayaks You Can Stand On?
- 1.3 Top 5 Best Stand Up Kayak for Fishing
- 1.3.1 1. Best Overall and Best Motorized Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman 106 with Minn Kota Motor
- 1.3.2 2. Best Bang for the Buck: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead
- 1.3.3 3. Best Pedal Drive Standup Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132
- 1.3.4 4. Best Paddle Stand Up Kayak Fishing: Perception Outlaw 11.5
- 1.3.5 5. Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Stand Up: Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack
- 1.4 What to Look For When Choosing the Best Stand Up Kayak for Fishing?
- 1.5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fishing kayaks have evolved greatly over the years. From simply sitting on the vessel, you can now stand up on them while casting or reeling in a fish. This is possible as manufacturers come up with the widest fishing kayak models they can make.
That said, not all kayaks are suitable for stand-up fishing. So to find the ones that are capable, here’s our guide on what you need to look out for in stand up fishing kayaks. To also help make your search easier, we have put together a list of the best stable fishing kayak models you can buy today.
How We Chose the Best Kayaks You Can Stand On?
We have spent hours and hours looking for the most stable fishing kayak models offered on Amazon. Once we saw what was available on the market, we were able to create a shortlist of every kayak we liked, those with the highest customer ratings, and the ones most recommended by fishermen.
We then had to cut down our list by putting all the kayaks against each other. We compared them by their features, stability, durability, comfortability, value for money, and overall quality. We then discussed within our team which ones to cut and include. After much deliberation, we were able to narrow down our list to only the 5 most stable fishing kayaks that you can stand on.
That said, all the kayaks on our list are carefully selected and are guaranteed to be among the most stable, comfortable, and wide fishing kayak models available on the market.
Top 5 Best Stand Up Kayak for Fishing
- Best Overall and Best Motorized Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman 106 with Minn Kota Motor
- Best Bang for the Buck:Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- Best Pedal Drive Standup Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132
- Best Paddle Stand Up Kayak Fishing: Perception Outlaw 11.5
- Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Stand Up: Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack
Why we love it:
- Exceptional maneuverability
- Comfortable seat
- Forward and reverse drive
What it is best for:
- Flat water and saltwater
If you’re looking for the most stable kayak for fishing that will help you get to your destination the fastest, then consider the Old Town Sportsman 106 with a motor. It is equipped with a Minn Kota trolling motor that’s ready for anything. It also comes with a powerboat-style throttle control that will allow you to drive both forward and reverse with ease.
What’s great about this kayak is that it’s packed with handy fishing features. It has 3 flush mounted rod holders, a universal transducer mounting system for installing a fish finder, a custom tackle box for your favorite lures, and 4 tracks for your handy accessories. Plus, it has a large tank well to keep your other fishing gear.
On top of that, the Old Town Sportsman 106 maneuvers well on the water. Furthermore, it has a durable, breathable, and comfortable seat, so you can spend the whole day fishing without a problem. It’s also adjustable and you can position it either high or low and is removable for easy transport. Most of all, it offers an extremely stable standing platform with non-slip EVA foam deck pads for extra traction.
Pros:
- ZVersatile and easy to customize
- ZHas ample storage
- ZStable standing platform
- ZCan get to your destination the fastest
Cons:
- QHeavy
Why we love it:
- Rigid floor
- Adjustable seats
- Comes in a complete set
- Can fit 2 people
What it is best for:
- Calm water and up to class III rapids
The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead is one of the few inflatable kayaks with a very rigid floor that can support stand-up fishing. Featuring drop-stitch technology, its floor enables you to stand and move around as you would in a fiberglass canoe or rotomolded kayak. It can also protect you and the vessel from underwater obstacles.
Like most inflatables, this kayak comes in a complete set. It includes 2 paddles, a removable skeg, 2 seats, a travel bag, footrests, and a high-pressure hand air pump. So you can immediately go to the water as soon as it arrives. Now, what makes it different from the others is its versatility. With 7 hard mounting points, you can add rod holders, a fish finder, GPS, a camera, a bait tray, and others. You can even adjust and move the seats to match your and/or your passenger’s height, weight, and storage needs.
Another thing we liked about the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead is its price. With its solid build, versatility, and efficiency in the water, this inflatable is such a great steal. For just under a grand, you can have an easy-to-transport and easy-to-store tandem kayak that you can stand on and fish from.
Pros:
- ZVersatile
- ZLightweight
- ZEasy to transport
- ZVery stable
Cons:
- QIncluded paddles are too short
Why we love it:
- Plenty of handy features for fishing
- Instant forward and reverse
- Comfortable and adjustable seat
What it is best for:
- Calm water
- Open and coastal waters
Our next pick for the best stand up kayak for fishing is the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132. It is highly customizable with 4 accessory tracks and a universal transducer mount. It also offers lots of storage options, including a large stern tank well that can fit a bait bucket, cooler, tackle crate, or the custom tackle box that it comes with. It even has a sealed bow hatch to keep your additional gear safe and dry.
This kayak is equipped with a pedal drive system that will allow you to go forward and backward without breaking a sweat. With it, you can glide through the water, stay in the same spot with ease, and get to your favorite fishing spots faster. It will also help you maneuver around a fishing hole better and keep your hands free, so you can focus more on catching a fish.
Now, the best thing about the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 is its efficiency in open water while providing you the stability you need to comfortably stand on it while fishing. It even has non-slip EVA foam deck pads to give you more traction as you do so.
Pros:
- ZGreat performance
- ZExtremely stable
- ZCustomizable
- ZHas ample storage
Cons:
- QHeavy
Why we love it:
- Customizable
- Elevated and removable seat
- Roomy deck
What it is best for:
- Lakes and ponds, slow-moving rivers, and calm coastal
With a wide-open deck and rugged body, the Perception Outlaw 11.5 is no doubt the most stable fishing kayak for standing available on the market. You can even stow away the seat to make the deck completely walkable. This gives you an expansive platform where you can stand and sit while fishing for hours.
Speaking of the seat, this kayak has seriously elevated seating. As a result, you’ll have a higher fishing vantage. More importantly, it’s comfortable and ergonomic. So you can spend as much time in the water, shifting from sitting to standing with ease.
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 offers lots of storage spaces, too. It has large bow and stern tank wells where you can put crates and fishing gear, molded-in trays for your small items, and cup holders to keep your beverage always within reach. When you remove the framed seat, you can also put in a 35-liter cooler for additional storage. As if that’s not enough, it also comes with 2 double-barrel rod holders, 3 solo mount recesses, and side handles that double as gear tracks.
Pros:
- ZComfortable for small to large paddlers
- ZHas ample storage
- ZProvides a very stable platform for fishing
Cons:
- QSlow on the water
Why we love it:
- Includes everything you need
- Durable and stable
- Can fit 2 people
What it is best for:
- Flatwater and up to class II whitewater
If you’re looking for an easy-to-transport and easy-to-store fishing kayak that you can stand on, then consider the Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack. With a tough external keel and a thick nearly indestructible hull, this is one of the most durable inflatable kayaks around. It also has a rigid floor with a non-slip crocodile hide EVA foam floor pad to prevent slipping while at the same time providing extra protection against damage and punctures from hooks, fish, and tools.
While this inflatable kayak does not have as many storage options as hardshell kayaks, it does offer some places to put your gear. For instance, the spray skirts in front and rear have storage below and elastic cord lacing on top. It also has built-in holders for your rods, tools, hooks, and lures.
Furthermore, the Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack performs better than most inflatable kayaks. It paddles faster and straighter. Plus, with its sharp bow and stern molds, it’s easier for it to slice through waves, wind, and current.
Pros:
- ZPacks small
- ZEasy to transport
- ZPerforms well on the water
Cons:
- QLimited storage options
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Stand Up Kayak for Fishing?
There are lots of stable fishing kayaks on the market. However, not all of them allow stand-up fishing. So to make sure that you end up with a fishing kayak you can stand on and something that you can fish comfortably in for hours, here are a few features you need to look out for:
Type
When it comes to choosing fishing kayaks you can stand on, the first thing you have to consider is the type. You can choose between a hardshell and an inflatable. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs.
If you’re all about performance, then a hardshell kayak is the best choice for you. It moves better on the water, maneuvers well, and is solid and rugged. When taken care of properly, it can last for a very long time. On the downside, it’s often heavier, bulkier, and pricier than inflatables.
On the other hand, inflatable kayaks are lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to store. It’s also cheaper. However, they aren’t as versatile as they don’t have as many features for fishing and don’t offer the after-market customizability as hard shells.
Stability
One of the most important factors of a fishing stand up kayak is stability. This will keep the vessel upright while on the water and will allow you to cast farther. With a more stable kayak, you will also be able to stand more confidently.
When it comes to kayaks, there are two types of stability. The first is primary stability, which is a boat’s ability to keep its balance in calm water. The other one is secondary stability, which will allow the boat to stay balanced and not capsize, even in choppy conditions. With that said, when choosing a standing fishing kayak, you have to look at the primary stability more. This is because most fishing trips occur in flat and calm water.
Now, to check a kayak’s primary stability, you have to look at the following features:
- Width: Generally, the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. So if you want a more steady fishing platform, then opt for a wide fishing kayak. Keep in mind, however, that as you go wider, the slower your vessel will be.
- Hull Shape: Kayaks have different hull designs, all with different purposes. But as for stand-up fishing kayaks, you’d want to look for a mostly flat hull or those with a more pontoon design. Such designs will give you the stability you need on flat water. Pontoon hulls are also called tunnel hulls, dual hulls, catamaran hulls, or double hulls.
- Rocker and Chines: The rocker is defined as the boat’s curvature from the bow to the stern, and the chines are the hull’s edges. Typically, the less rocker or flatter the hull is and the sharper the chines, the better the primary stability. In addition, a lesser rocker will also help you track long distances better, which is ideal if your favorite fishing spots are far apart.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is another important feature to look out for. You should look for a kayak that can handle your weight and the gear you are hauling. You should also consider the weight of the fish you’re hoping to catch. If you’re planning to fish with another person or pet, then you may want a vessel with a bigger weight capacity or a tandem type.
Keep in mind that you should never max out a boat’s weight capacity. As you go near the limit, its performance and stability will decline. When you exceed the limit, you are also more likely to capsize.
Length
You should check a kayak’s length as it will help you determine its performance and the type of water it is best designed for. To give you an idea, long kayaks or those 12ft and longer are more efficient and faster. Thus, making them a great choice for large and open water. On the other hand, short kayaks or those that are not more than 11ft in length are easier to maneuver. This makes them ideal for small bodies of water.
Additionally, the length can affect the deck layout and its comfortability. For instance, a longer kayak will have more space for you to stand up. It will also have more legroom and for you to move around more freely.
Weight
Another important feature that you should look for in a kayak is weight. Along with that, you should also consider how you’ll transport your new stand up fishing kayak. Are you planning to hoist it on top of your SUV? If so, then you’re better off with a lightweight model. If you have a trailer or a truck, then you’d have no trouble getting a slightly heavier one. However, if you have a small car, then you may want to consider an inflatable.
Comfort
Since you’ll be staying and sitting in your kayak for an extended time, you’ll need a seat that will provide you with the most comfort and support. It should also be elevated as it will be easier to stand up from. Furthermore, look for a seat that is well–ventilated and will allow you to stay dry while on the water.
Propulsion
When choosing a kayak, you should also consider how you want it to move on the water. If you’re looking for the quietest, lightest, and cheapest method, then consider paddling. If you want to get to your fishing spots faster and go hands-free, you can choose a pedal drive. Or if you have the budget and the fastest way to get to your destination without breaking a sweat, then you can go with a motor-powered kayak.
If you want, you can also upgrade paddle-drive kayaks and add in a pedal drive or trolling motor later on.
Fishing-Specific Features and Storage Options
Finally, try to look for a standup fishing kayak that offers as many fishing-specific features as possible. This will make your trips more convenient and comfortable. Ideally, there should be fishing rod holders and track mounts for your accessories like GPS, phone, camera, and others. Other handy features that you should keep an eye out for are transducer mounts for a fish finder and tackle box storage.
Speaking of storage, look for a kayak that offers plenty of space for all your gear. A sizeable rear tank well and bow area are usually enough. But having one or two dry hatches for your smaller items is also very handy. Other useful storage options that you should look out for are paddle parks and drink holders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you stand up in a fishing kayak?
A:Yes, you can stand up in a fishing kayak. However, not all kayaks are suitable for standing. You have to make sure that it’s wide and stable enough to support you.
Q: What is the most stable fishing kayak?
A: The most stable fishing kayak is a wide sit-on-top with a pontoon-style hull. With this type of hull, the kayak sits flat on the water while resisting rocking from side to side. As a result, it’s harder to tip over.
Q: Should you stand in a kayak?
A: Yes, you should stand in a kayak. But only if your kayak is wide and stable enough. Similar to fishing in a boat, there are plenty of advantages to standing in a kayak. For one, you can have a higher vantage point and better visibility. You will also have better reach for casting and more leverage when you’ve set the hook.
