Last Updated on July 16, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
There’s nothing quite like reeling in a hard-earned catch in anticipation of the delicious dinner to follow. If you’re an angler, it’s probably something you’ve grown used to, but there is something that can make fishing a whole lot more fun—a fishing kayak.
Kayaks provide a cost-effective way to experience boat fishing that you don’t need a huge truck or a dock rental to use. Both of these factors have led to their popularity, and their popularity has led to a flooded market.
If you’re considering investing in a new kayak, it can be challenging to separate a quality buy from a waste of money—but no worries. We’re here to make sure you choose the best fishing kayak for the money. Take a look and find the perfect fishing kayak for you!
My Top Pick
If you just want an answer without reading through all our reviews, our top pick is the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110. This option offers outstanding storage and durability in a comfortable and compact package at a very fair price point. We’ve reviewed it first below for your convenience.
Here Are the Best Fishing Kayaks Reviewed
1. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110 11-Foot Angler
The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost is the ultimate choice for fishers that go on a lot of gear-intensive trips thanks to its impressive storage solutions. Despite its meager 11-foot size, it can tote a lot of gear—or fish.
Key Features
- Multiple storage areas including a 20-inch front hatch
- Toe-rudder system
- Premium Vibe Hero seat
- Spacious center console
- Two flush-mount reel holders
- Weight capacity of 425 lbs.
What You’ll Like About This Product
This is a sit-on-top (SOT) kayak that handles very well on wide open waters. For that, we feel it might be a good option if you fish on lakes. As you would expect with a SOT, the storage on this kayak is very good. There’s a water sealed hatch that is an excellent storage option for your beverages, as well as a molded-in rear tank well for extra storage.
In terms of luxury, the seats are not made of hard plastic. They are plush-style and mesh covered, offering good comfort on long fishing trips. The mesh breathes well and provides welcome support.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
While this model does have a rudder, which is a bonus for stability, it has a steep learning curve and takes quite some time to get the hang of using. Thankfully, this downside fades with experience.
Pros
- Convenient mounts for your accessories
- Pre-installed toe-controlled rubber system that conserves your energy on long paddles and windy days with strong currents
- Ample floor space for your backpack, bucket, and shoes
- Made of a high-density polyethylene material
- Remarkably lightweight considering its capacity, which also makes it easy to handle and deploy
- Two built-in side bungle paddle parks to keep your kayak clutter-free
- A slip-resistant deck that improves safety
Cons
- Rudder control takes some time to learn
The Sea Ghost was an easy choice for our top pick. With this option, you get the whole package—comfort, more than ample storage, durability, and affordability.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
2. Bonafide SS107 – Best Small Kayak for fishing
Our second catch of the day is the Bonafide SS102— we consider it the best small fishing kayak. There are undeniably fishing circumstances that call for a small vessel, such as swamp fishing, where a larger kayak will be a nightmare to navigate, and the SS107 is a perfect fit.
Key Features
- 7 feet in length
- Weight capacity of 425 lbs.
- HiRise Seat
- Multiple standing platforms
- Carrying handle and paddle storage on the side
What You’ll Like About This Product
If you can fit in this small kayak, you’ll have few issues getting around. It’s a good option for young, beginner kayak anglers and smaller adults. This kayak features impressive durability and a host of convenient options.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
“If you can fit” is a serious consideration for this model. Most adult males may find it a bit too tight for comfort. The price tag is also more in the mid-range with an MSRP of around $1,300.
Pros
- Robust build will ensure a long service life
- Sturdy platform for launching a long cast
- Nice elevated and adjustable chair for 360-degree views
- Agile and capable of accessing areas many kayaks won’t
- Has a unique shape that handles and drains water very well
Cons
- Could be too small for some anglers
- Slower than many models on the market
- Relatively expensive
If you need to navigate tricky shallow waters with lots of overgrowth, you can’t get better than the Bonafied SS107. However, if you’re big and tall, this might not be the best fit—literally.
Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5
3. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 – Best Hobby Fisherman Kayak
If you are a recreational kayak angler who needs a kayak with excellent stability and full support, the pedal-driven Hobie Pro Angler 12 could be for you.
Key Features
- Hobie Mirage Drive with turbo fins
- Retractable rudder
- Adjustable Vantage seating
- Six rod holders (two vertical, four horizontal)
- Fishfinder mount included
What You’ll Like About This Product
This kayak is super comfortable and designed with anglers in mind. There are two vertical and four horizontal rod holders.
If you have ever had a lousy angling experience where you ended up in the water, you will love how stable this baby is. You can throw your line, reel the fish in, and never feel like you’re risking tipping over.
This kayak is high-end and comes with all the fancy features you expect in a premium kayak. In terms of size, it’s quite large, with the benefit of ample storage space. A large bow hatch can be used as a cooler.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
The high-end features of this model come with a high-end price—expect well over $3,000. While we feel that the features do justify the price, this puts it well out of range for many anglers budget wise. It’s also quite heavy.
Pros
- A skeg and retractable rudder for great tracking even in windy conditions
- SOT model
- Excellent build quality that guarantees years of trouble-free angling
- Made to please, with all the bells and whistles
Cons
- At 128.5 pounds, this kayak is both heavy and big, which makes it tough to transport and to haul in and out of the water
- All that deck space and alternative storage, as well as the bells and whistles, are great, but they also mean that this is a pricey kayak
If you can afford it, the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is a powerhouse of convenience. Its foot pedal system takes the most back-breaking aspect of kayaking out of the water—paddling.
Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5
4. Jackson Kayak Kilroy DT
We love the Jackson Kayak Kilroy DT for its relatively manageable weight given the fact it seats two people. As far as tandems go, this is one to consider.
Key Features
- 8-foot length
- Sit inside design with SOT hull design features
- Ergo seat
- GoPro mount included
- Weight capacity of 550 lbs.
What You’ll Like About This Product
Being a sit-inside, you might worry that this kayak may lack the deck space of sit-on-top kayaks. Jackson Kayak’s designers have made an effort to offset the space disadvantage sit-insides suffer against SOTs by including molded floors and easy to access cockpit storage. With that and its nearly 15-foot size, this kayak comes with more deck space than you would expect to find on a sit-inside.
You’ll also find stabilizing this kayak is a lot easier than others, even if you are, for example, fishing with a child who has far less weight and bulk than you.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
This model comes without seats. They’ve made it easy to customize seating with full-length rails, but this is still an extra expense and step to get your kayak water ready.
Pros
- Fabulous stability that allows you to walk from bow to stern
- Great comfort and protection against the elements for the lower body
- Remarkably light, which makes transportation and handling easy
- Comes with lots of space for a sit-inside kayak
Cons
- Some may not like the fact the kayak comes with no seats
While you do have to purchase and install your own seats, at least that way you know they’re comfortable. Otherwise, the Jackson Kayak Kilroy DT is an ultra-stable option with lots of interesting features for a sit-in kayak.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
5. Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
An imminently capable fishing vessel that will get you to the best angling spots safely and without breaking the bank, the Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II is worth serious consideration.
Key Features
- 5-foot length
- Adjustable seat
- Oversized rear tank well
- Built-in cup holders and paddle keepers
- Weight capacity of 325 lbs.
What You’ll Like About This Product
One design aspect of this kayak we like a lot are the added battery options. They thought of it all—with mounting points for accessories like your fish finder and GPS systems you can easily wire all your electricals if you want to customize your kayak into a proper pro fishing vessel.
We also like that it was designed with stand areas. The deck is molded to give your feet enough grip and support when in a standing position. That way you won’t be worrying so much about stability.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
The storage space on this model is a little lacking. Both the bow and stern hatches are on the small side, leaving little room for your gear.
Pros
- At 70 pounds this is a reasonably manageable kayak to handle and transport
- SOT model
- Excellent tracking for a kayak without a skeg or a rudder
Cons
- The bow hatch could have been made bigger, as could the stern
- No rudder
The Prowler Big Game II is an ideal option if you run a lot of battery-powered devices, but if you pack a lot of extra gear, you might not find anywhere to store it.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
6. Emotion Stealth Angler Kayak
The name is a dead giveaway of what this kayak is best used for. This kayak is designed to creep up on fish without making a scene. It’s a great compact model at a fair budget point.
Key Features
- Durable polyethylene UV-protected body
- 3-foot in length
- Fold down seat
- Locking paddle keepers
- Weigh capacity of 275 lbs.
What You’ll Like About This Product
It’s well built for its relatively low price. The seat comes with a quick release mechanism for extra space should you need it. Also, there are additional space possibilities with the solace hatch that you can use for under-deck storage.
There isn’t much in the way of premium features, as is to be expected of a mid-range kayak, but you have a single rod holder and dual flush mount. You can’t go without those at least, right? If you are considering this kayak for its small size, you will also be glad to know the kayak comes with four comfortable carry handles.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
With such a small size, storage and deck space is a concern. The seat is also not the most comfortable thing in the world, but you can replace it.
Pros
- The relatively low price means this is a worthy option for anglers on a limited budget
- Decent build quality makes this the right starter kayak for beginners to grow with and not feel the need to upgrade immediately
- Adjustable seats allow you to customize your seating to your body shape and size
- Self-bailing scupper holes mean you won’t have to worry about the possibility of a flooded boat
- Molded-in footwells are a nice touch that ensures your feet stay secure and comfortable
Cons
- The padding on the seats is too thin to be comfortable on a long day out on the water
Another compact option among the best kayaks, the Emotion Stealth Anglers is sure to get you into tight spots without a lot of noise.
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5
7. Sun Dolphin Boss SS Sit On/Stand On Top Angler Kayak
Are you looking for a kayak that you can stand on safely and comfortably as you fish, even when rough waters mean your fishing vessel is constantly swaying? If so, the Sun Dolphin Boss is for you.
Key Features
- Standing platform with non-slip pads and strap
- Large front and rear storage
- Fold down seat
- Paddle holders and carry handles
- 3-foot length
- Weight capacity of 500 lbs.
What You’ll Like About This Product
Fishing from a sitting position all day can be tiring for your body. That this kayak allows you to angle from a standing position while stretching your back is great. They thought of everything to make sure the kayak is safe and functional when used as a stand-on-top.
It’s fitted with stand-up straps that make it easy and secure to get up. Again, standing up on a wet kayak can mean a nasty fall, most likely into the water. They have made such a prospect less likely with non-slip pads that give your feet good grip while standing.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
There isn’t much we didn’t like about this model, though it doesn’t come with a paddle, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
Pros
- For its stability, ample size, and pro features, this kayak sells at a reasonable price
- Well-built for long service life
- Dual seat positioning allows you to customize sitting positions
- The fold-down seats give the appearance of extra space, which is reassuring when you are fishing from a standing position
- At 78 pounds, this kayak is light for its size, which makes handling less difficult
Cons
- Paddle not included
When it comes to stability, the Sun Dolphin Boss is the best of the best. Just keep in mind you’ll need to buy a paddle separately.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
8. Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-TK 181
This is a sit-on-top tandem kayak that’s ideal for beginners. Among many great features, we love that there are seven fishing rod holders, which you don’t find on many fishing kayaks, even on tandems.
Key Features
- Seats two
- Bungee tie-down front and rear storage area
- Seven rod holders (three adjustable, four flush-mount)
- 5-foot length
- Weight capacity of 450 lbs.
- One-year warranty
What You’ll Like About This Product
For storage, this option has many features you don’t find on many kayaks, such as water-tight storage areas that are meant to store your electronic valuables and protect them from possible water damage. This could be a great space to keep your phone and car keys.
There are also paddle rests where you can place your paddles and keep them out of the way as you fish. Another convenience is the sturdy carrying handles on the kayak. These make transporting and handling easy.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
If you like to fish in rough waters, such as fast-flowing rivers, you might want to skip this kayak. It takes on water easily and is difficult to bail.
Pros
- With a width of 30 inches, the kayak has ample room on the deck
- For its size and range of features, this kayak is a good value for the money
- The threaded bolt holes on the kayak are useful when mounting a motor and other accessories
- The kayak has good stability in calm waters
Cons
- Not as stable in rough weather, which can cause it to take on water
The Brooklyn Kayak Company TK181 boosts some unique features you’re likely to find valuable—it’s a solid choice if you prefer to fish on calm waters.
Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5
9. Perception Pescador Pilot – Best Pedal Kayak
For its price and bundle of features, the Perception Pescador Pilot is a serious contender for the best fishing kayak. It certainly makes our pick for the best pedal fishing kayak.
Key Features
- 12-foot length
- One-piece design
- Adjustable seat with comfortable mesh
- Integrated accessory rails
- Weight capacity of 475 lbs.
- Made in the USA
What You’ll Like About This Product
If you are a beginner angler who prefers a pedal kayak, sans the oft forbidding price, you should find this an efficient option. What it has going for it is its excellent stability, which is the first thing one ought to consider when shopping for a kayak. You need to be safe out there.
The Pilot Drive Pedal system is designed to be fully recessed deep into the hull to eliminate any chances of draft. Storage-wise, there is plenty of storage at the front and rear for your cooler box, tackle, and even accessories that you don’t to use all the time.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
While this design is easier on the water thanks to its pedals, it’s also harder to get to the water due to its weight—95 pounds.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed, removable captain’s chair with mesh covering for added comfort
- Additional storage is available under the seat to complement what’s already provided
- Convenient cup holder for your beverage so you can stay hydrated in the open sun
- The lightweight pedal system is removable for ease of maintenance and cleaning
- One-handed rudder control guarantees excellent tracking
- Built-in buoyancy means this is a kayak that can handle the roughest waters
Cons
- The pedal mounting system could have been better designed
- The kayak is quite big and heavy to carry on your own, so transportation is something you have to keep in mind
If you’re looking for a pedal kayak, the Perception Pescador Pilot is a perfect choice—so long as you have someone to help you move it.
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5
10. Sevylor Coleman Colorado BKC UH-PK 14 – Best Tandem Fishing Kayak
Inflatables aren’t the most popular fishing kayaks, but this one has been well-received, and with its durable, puncture-proof design coupled with supreme portability, it’s not hard to see why.
Key Features
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) certified
- Guaranteed not to leak
- Sevylor trolling motor fittings
- Weight capacity of 470 lbs.
- Easy-transport inflatable model
What You Might Not Like About This Product
First off, let’s talk about its PVC construction, which is what makes inflatables so unpopular with kayak fishers. The PVC tubing is an 18-gauge strength and NMMA-certified, which means it can survive most rugged use situations without much scratching.
To reassure you that it’s not going to puncture and leave you flailing in the middle of the lake, this kayak features multiple air chambers. This means that even with one or two punctures, the kayak will stay buoyant, leaving you a sailable vessel that will get you to shore.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
The biggest issue with this model is its high gunnels. They really get in the way when paddling. While this does have fittings for a trolling motor, as many fishers like the quieter aspect of paddle kayaks, this is a big downside.
Pros
- Paddle holders secure your paddles when not in use
- An airtight construction minimizes air leaks and improves the vessel’s safety
- Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders that are adjustable for enhanced hands-free fishing
- A two-person design that allows you to take your partner or buddy along
- Adjustable seats improve your comfort for longer fishing hours
Cons
- High gunnels that tend to get in the way of your hands when paddling is a notable design flaw
- There are complaints about the seat padding, which anglers say could have been more comfortable
When it comes to kayaks to mount a trolling motor on, this is a fabulous choice, and that’s part of why it’s our favorite tandem pick—no fighting over who paddles.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
11. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak -Most Comfortable
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler is ultimately built for comfort with its multiple leg-rest positions and cushy seat.
Key Features
- Two flush-mount and one top mount rod holder
- Ample front and rear storage
- Padded seat
- Easy-carry T-handles for transport
- Weight capacity of 275 lbs.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
There are quite a few reasons why we agree with people who consider this the most comfortable fishing kayak. No effort seems to have been spared in making sure this kayak cushions your body in all the right places. For starters, the kayak is equipped with multiple feet rests. Also, there is a comfortable seat pad and seat back.
The body is built from a polyurethane material that can be UV-protected. The result is that the kayak will not discolor, deform, or get damaged easily, even after years out in direct sunlight.
What You Might Not Like About This Product
While it’s a repairable flaw, this kayak doesn’t have a stock rudder control. A rudder isn’t a necessity, but it does help add stability.
Pros
- Impact resistance for consistently good looks and long life
- Lifetime has been commended for its good customer service
- Great price for its build quality and features
- Decent legroom, even for big body types
Cons
- No rudder
Using this kayak is like floating on a cloud thanks to its comfort-in-mind design and innovative features.
Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5
Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
Kayaks are an essential piece of equipment, as they allow you to get to the best fishing spots with ease. They are also not cheap, calling for a fairly substantial investment for the higher-end models. When looking for the best fishing kayak, you ought to carefully consider several things. You can also read about other types of fishing kayaks based on your needs in this post.
What design rocks your boat?
There are two basic kayak designs, both of which affect how your kayak functions on the water. You have the choice of a sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak. We can add a third if we consider tandem kayaks to be a type. Let’s talk about sit-on-top kayaks first.
Sit-On-Top (SOT) Kayaks
With a SOT kayak, you sit and paddle from the top of the kayak. For anglers, these are the most popular, for the following reasons:
- SOT kayaks provide ample room on the deck. The extra room can be used for tying your lures and generally organizing your gear.
- They are self-draining. You are going to be involved in one or two battles with your catch, which will result in water getting splashed into your hull. You may also run into a nasty wave that floods your hull and makes paddling difficult. SOT kayaks will have drainage holes through which all of this water can drain out.
- SOTs are also easy to re-enter if the kayak flips over. This ability to self-bail is essential for safety reasons.
Sit-Inside Kayaks
With these, the seat is positioned deep inside the hull where, as you can imagine, your lower body has greater protection from the elements. Sit-inside kayaks are a more high-end, recreational option. That’s not to say they aren’t functional for fishing. You could find them more accessible to paddle, which is something you will be grateful for when you have to move a considerable distance to change fishing spots or return to shore.
There are a few disadvantages to these kayaks, though. They aren’t self-bailing and can be tough to re-enter from the water, both of which makes them a tricky option safety-wise. The storage space on sit-inside kayaks is also limited. Again, something you want to consider, especially if you like to carry a lot of gear with you.
Tandem Kayaks
Tandems have space and seats inside the hull for two people as opposed to one. They are an option worth considering if you fish with a partner. As they are longer and slightly wider, tandems come with more storage space on the deck than the previous options.
As an angler, there is always something you can do with more deck space: cup holders, camera mounts, kayak specific fish finders, or utility tracks for your rod holders. However, the larger size and weight of tandem kayaks also mean that you’ll have to consider how you will transport and haul it into the water.
This puts your choice of the vehicle into question as you may find your truck bed, for example, is too small for the kayak. You will have to hook a trailer, which you may not have, or not prefer.
Inflatable kayaks can be an excellent functional option
These are not an option for everyone, especially for anglers who fish in waters with a lot of debris that could puncture the kayak, but as they can be reduced to a tiny package when deflated, these kayaks are a great space-saving option. You will typically need a way to inflate it on site, though, even if you bring it already inflated, the kayak will still be light enough to transport and haul with ease.
If you fish in clear, wide open waters, inflatable kayaks are a cheap and viable option. You’ll also find that many of them are made with ample space on the deck, which is another great benefit.
A stable kayak is a safe kayak
Fishing from a kayak has many advantages. You can fish out on the water, meaning you can go where you know the big game fish are known to bite, but that ability to maneuver your way to the best fishing spots with ease comes with issues of safety.
Your kayak needs to be stable on the water and not tip over easily. You need to be able to stand to cast your line, paddle from a standing position if you so wish, or reel in your catch. If you are a fly fisher and prefer to sight fish, you might find it easier to cast your line from a standing position.
Big game fish are known to put up a fight, and your kayak is going to tip over if it’s not stable. Also, your kayak must be easy to paddle so you can get to where you’re going with ease. A stable kayak is a safe kayak.
The best kayaks come with floats on either side. This stabilizes them, preventing them from tipping over during fights with your fish or when happen to run into some choppy waters. It is important to ensure that you always wear a life jacket when kayaking for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Comfort
You are probably going to be fishing for hours on end. If your kayak isn’t comfortable, you are going to nursing a very sore back and muscles after your day out on the water. It is a good idea to try out kayaks by actually sitting in them to see if the model cushions you in the right places. To determine the correct size kayak for you, consider your height, paddle-style, as well as the width of the kayak.
You will like that modern kayaks now come with very good seating systems. These are made for ease of adjusting to either casting or paddling, but though fancy and quite comfortable, they do add to the weight of the kayak. So, that’s something else you’ll want to consider before buying. These elevated seats also mean you are sitting higher up on the kayak, which makes it less stable and not as easy to paddle. Remember, it’s better to be safe than comfortable.
How will you propel the kayak?
You have two options where kayak propulsion is concerned. One is to pedal, and the second is to paddle. Paddle driven kayaks are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and considered easy to maneuver by most. Here are a few other benefits of paddle-powered kayaks:
- Should you happen to lose your paddle while out on the water, which admittedly does occasionally happen to some anglers, you can use pretty much anything to paddle your way to shore (or safety).
- Many anglers also opine that paddle driven kayaks are a stealthier option that allows you to sneak up on your fish.
With pedal propelled kayaks, there is a pedal mechanism that you rotate with your legs to drive the kayak forward with the aid of fins fitted to the base of the kayak.
It is debatable which kayak type is faster or less taxing on the body. The consensus seems to be that pedals are faster for the reason that your legs are more powerful than your arms.
One irrefutable advantage of pedal-powered kayaks is that they free your hands to do other things. The benefit here is you can cast your line while the kayak is in motion, which can come in quite handy if you are a fly fisherman. If you’ve been fishing long, you’ll know that paddling and holding your rod at the same time takes a level of skill that may take a while to learn.
The apparent downside to choosing pedal kayaks is that they tend to be a high-end option, with a higher price tag. Another is since they are deeper than paddle kayaks because of the fins fitted to the bottom, pedals aren’t a viable option if you fish in swampy, shallower waters.
There is a good reason to consider the kayak’s color
You would think the color of your kayak is something you might only consider for aesthetic purposes, but there is a more important reason than that. To be safe, a brightly colored kayak is your best option. They are easier to spot from larger boats when you are out on the water, especially during rainstorms when visibility tends to be poor. A camouflage or any dull-colored kayak will not be easy to spot from a distance. If you opt for such a kayak, be sure to wear a brightly colored vest to ensure you are easy to spot.
Final Word
Well, that was quite a lot to get through. We certainly hope you can now shop for your kayak with confidence.
If you forgot through all that word count, our top pick was the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110. While we’re of the firm opinion the best kayak is going to depend on your preferences and fishing style, we feel this model is a good fit for most anglers.
We trust that you will now be able to find the best fishing kayak for your needs. Safe angling!
