2023 Fishing Kayak Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re a shore-bound angler looking 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.
Whether you’re a shore-bound fisherman 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 fishermen, 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 paddling 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 and launch 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 Hobie, Old Town, Native, Ocean Kayak, Pelican and others. Check out our guide on picking the best pedal-powered fishing kayak. Electric-motor-powered kayaks are also becoming a popular option. Paddle kayaks tend to be less expensive than pedal kayaks, and some anglers prefer the simplicity and lightweight of paddle kayaks.
What’s the most stable fishing kayak?
Fishing kayaks are remarkably stable. 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 transporting the kayak to launch sites.
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: Consider your cartop capacity and what you can carry when choosing a kayak. 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. More 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 2023
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: $1,099
Bonafide SS107
Length: 10’7″ | Width: 34.5″ | Weight: 84 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,399
Bonafide SS127
Length: 12’7” | Width: 33.75” | Weight: 94 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 475 lbs. | Retail: $1,749
Bonafide P127
Length: 12’7” | Width: 34” | Weight: 120 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 475 lbs. | Retail: $3,099
Bonafide RVR 119
Length: 11’9” | Width: 35” | Weight: 85 lbs. | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,649
Feelfree Moken 10 V2
Length: 10’ | Width: 33” | Weight: 69 lbs. (hull only) | 440 lbs. | Retail: $799
Feelfree Lure 11.5 V2
Length: 11’6” | Width: 34” | Weight: 87 lbs. (hull only) | 425 lbs. | Retail: $1,299
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: $5,599/$5,799
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: $2,749
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: $3,649
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 Skimmer 116 First Class
Length: 11’6” | Width: 30.5” | Weight: 43 lbs. rigged | Capacity: 300 lbs. | Retail: 1,449
Jackson Bite FD
Length: 11’6” | Width: 35” | Weight: 82 lbs. (hull only) | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,849
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel MAX 12.5
Length: 12’6” | Width: 34” | Weight: 95 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $2,899
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 10
Length: 10’ | Width: 34.15” | 75 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,299
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10
Length: 10’ | Width: 34” | Weight: 62 lbs. (fitted) | Capacity: 400 lbs. | Retail: $2,299
Native Watercraft Titan Propel (10.5/12)
Length: 10’9”/12’ | Width: 37.5”/39″ | Weight: 97/109 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $2,799/$2,999
Native Watercraft Falcon 11
Length: 11’ | Width: 32.5” | Weight: 60 lbs. fitted | Capacity: 325 lbs. | Retail: $1049
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: $4,349/$4,849
Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132
Length: 13’ 2” | Width: 36” | Weight: 96 lbs. hull only | Capacity: 500 lbs. | Retail: $3,249
Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota
Length: 10’6” | Width: 37” | Weight: 121 lbs. assembled | Capacity: 525 lbs. | Retail: $3,349
Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120
Length: 12’ | Width: 34.5” | Weight: 104 lbs. assembled | Capacity: 450 lbs. | Retail: $2,449
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: $2,449/$2,749
Old Town Sportsman Discovery 119 Solo
Length: 11’9” | Width: 32.5” | Weight: 56 lbs. | Capacity: 354 lbs. | Retail: $1,249
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: $1,739.99
Pelican Catch Classic 100
Length: 10’ | Width: 34” | Weight: 57 lbs. | Capacity: 350 lbs. | Retail: $599
Pelican Catch PWR 100
Length: 9’9” | Width: 39.75” | Weight: 75 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. | Retail: $1,249
Perception Outlaw 11.5
Length: 11’6″ | Width: 35” | Weight: 77 lbs. | Capacity: 425 lbs. | Retail: $929
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 Kayaks Big Fish V2 105 | 120
Length: 10’5”/12′ | Width: 33’5”/35 | Weight: 89 lbs./100 lbs | Capacity: 380 lbs/400 | Retail: $799/$899
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: $1,899 / $1,989
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Length: 12’3” | Width: 31” | Weight: 63 lbs. | Capacity: 350 lbs. | Retail: $1,229
Wilderness Systems Recon 120
Length: 12’2” | Width: 38” | Weight: 95 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. Retail: $1,409
Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD
Length: 12’2” | Width: 38” | Weight: 115 lbs. | Capacity: 450 lbs. Retail: $2,819
65 on “2023 Fishing Kayak Buyer’s Guide”
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Chris Fittante Still no mention of Vibe kayaks? You guys should check them out. I have been extremely happy with my Sea Ghost 130.
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Vibe Tribe Member What Chris Said….dollar for dollar, stellar Yak.
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Don Another vote for vibe…. The 130 is phenomenal…
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Will Second year in a row, that you folks forgot about Lifetime Kayaks. Not all of us have a thousand or thousands to spend on a yak. I paid $550.00 for my Lifetime Teton and will put her up against any of these models, you have shown. I know I have had mine 2 seasons and she is good on ponds, lakes, rivers, and ocean. I’m 70 years old and the only bad thing is she is a bit heavy.
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Kenny Vibe is out of stock bro
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Hugh Back in stock, Kenny, with new models, l8ke the hybrid. This review is dated and not in Buyer’s best interest, dollar for dollar. Vibe all the way
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Bill I plan on fishing the bays, inlets, and ocean off Long Island, NY. Which kayak would best serve the variety I’m looking for?
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Ryan One that is really solid, has a mechanical drive in the form of a gas outboard, is made of fiberglass, and has a tall gunnel optional options include bow mount trolling motor
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Knot Local What kayak would you recommend for the
cape cod canal, and its heavy current?? Want to stay away from the crowds this season-
Citizen Snipps I pedaled out of the Charlestown breechway in RI w/ high tide starting along side a Hobie Pro Angler in my Old Town Pdl. the mirage drive has a lot more torque. hobie > old town > Native as far as drive systems go the rest have to low of gear ratio’s
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Andrew Milmore You cant kayak on the canal, nor would you really even be able to
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Stephen Mcsweeney You can’t boat fish in the canal. It is a waterway. Traffic only. You can fish from the rocks. Boats have the right of way.
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Td I have had 3 lower back surgeries. Bought a Jackson coosa peddle. Love it
And have had no back problems associated with it.
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GregW ?????,
Any one demoed or used multiple pedal drive kayaks.
What brand has most comfortable system. I have lower back issues that I treat with fitness.
Mostly looking at the Native and old town because of reverse. But the new Pelican with light weight hull material looks interesting. I’ll give up reverse if the Hobie style drive is not comfortable.
ANY INFO WOULD HELP.
Thx.-
Citizen Snipps Ive owned a old town pdl since they came out like 3 yrs ago had 0 problems with drive and the kayak.
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C Ball I have fished on rented Hobies w/ Mirage Drive and Old Town Predator w/ pedal drive. The Hobie Mirage is superior as a pedal drive if you enter shallow water frequently. The Mirage drive has the ability to recess the drives fins against the hull justing using your feet. So you can quickly and easily go into shallows. W/ Old Town, you need to unlock the drive and lift it up w/ your hands, so it takes longer and you need at least one hand free to do it. That said, the Predator is stable to stand up in.
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GregW Looking to buy a pedal drive kayak. Any opinions on what system is more comfortable. Hobie, old town, native. I fish an 18 CC slipped maybe 5min from my house. So this will be a travel saltwater and primary freshwater boat.
I’ll be casting and trolling.
My question is purely based on comfort not technology or speed. Are you avoid your knees while casting one over another.
Dose one unit give you lower back pain through out the day?? I’m going to hit the demo tour this season before buying, but 20-45min dose not equal a day of hard fishing.
Any info is good info.
Thx. -
John The prices and weights of these yaks , crazy, you aren’t car topping most of them at those weights. And I think having to trailer a yak is really missing the point of what they were first made for, easily transported .
Lifetime Teton ?
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Yomammy Get yo money up
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Citizen Snipps I think the Vibe Shearwater with a mirage 180 or 360 would be PDL King
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LOU WHEN YOU ARE OUT 5 MILES OUT AND HAVE TO TAKE A DUMP WHAT DO YOU DO ?
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Just A. Burner Slip in the water, remove drawers, do your thing, slide back in, keep on going.
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Glenn You take a dump.
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jasd just go man, just go
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Kenny Noce I don’t see no mention of the nice pelican or lifestyle brand yaks they sell cheap up at the job lot.
Sure, they ain’t got no fancy pedal driving.
Sure, they ain’t got no rod holders.
I rigged mine up for deep sea fishing with just a oil elbow grease- And some good ol’ make America great again ingenuity.
I may just try to stay out at sea for a few months in the yak to avoid the ol’ Covid 19.
You know that’s a hidden project between China and the dems don’t you…
C= China’s
O= own
V= virus
I= includes
D= democrats-
C Nish What does politics have to do with it can’t U just fish or what
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C Nish Yo U come up with that down at the lo trailer park bro
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Kenny Not Nice I’m a Republican and you’re giving us a bad rap. Please stay out there as long as you can.
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LOU I WONDER WHAT THEY USED ON THE MAYFLOWER WHEN THEY HAD TO TAKE A DUMP ?
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Tim That is called a poop deck for a reason
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MOJOasHO Poop Deck!
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C. A. Nishan What does politics have to do with anything ya can’t just fish
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JS Anyone have thoughts on the Ascend kayaks sold by Bass Pro Shops?
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J Shannon I have a 12 ft ascend that I bought from bass pro shops 3 years ago. I forget what model it is but it was relatively cheap($600 I think) I keep my kayak on a rack at the beach and use it in the Long Island Sound (salt water). The seat literally fell apart while I was in the sound the second year I had it. The metal had rusted as well as most of the metal cleats, hooks, etc on the kayak. To be fair, the seats are removable, but I left them in the yak at the beach year round. I bought another seat for it and now I take it with me every time I use it. The yak is wide, stable and has enough room for fishing and keeping gear that I bring. It paddles like a brick. It is very slow and does not track great. I bought the yak because I really needed a SOT for fishing. It serves its purpose, especially for the price. If I had more money at the time, and know what I do now about this yak, I probably would have spent a little more to get something better
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Dave This us a useless article filled with fluff and advertising straight from the manufacturer’s. The first 4 or 5 paragraphs sound like they were written for people with a 65 IQ. How many ways can you say “kayaks are different” duhhh.
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Aril Any experience with the perception pilot in inshore fishing? Stability and speed wise.
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Greg C Anyone have any comments on the dorado 12.5 Made by feelfree kayaks and what about the electric drive upgrade
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Jason I own a Jackson 2020 Bite FD (bought brand new) and love it – the prices on here for the Big Rig and Bite FD are over $1,000 higher than they retail for so don’t know where they are getting their prices from.
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Lisa Any suggestions for kayaks? Looking for one as a gift for my husband. It will be used for fishing mostly in the Eastern Sierras..lake fishing. He’s 6’6 so I’m curious how to buy a kayak for a taller person or does it even matter?? Thanks!
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Glenn Love the idea of some of the more modern robust kayaks, but one has to consider the weight of these kayaks. I have an older Wilderness Systems kayak I have fished from for years, it’s close to 80 lbs and it’s pushing the limits of being able to carry and put on top of my SUV. It would be pointless if I needed a trailer to transport the kayak. I’d get a real boat if it came to that.
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Adam X The fact that the NuCanoe Frontier isn’t even on this list makes me wonder about the legitimacy of this list. The Frontier you could easily customize making it a single or tandem kayak. Also mounting points for trolling motors. Multiple customized rail points for many added options and attachments. That Frontier would easily top majority of the crummy old generic style kayaks with generic hull designs on this list.
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Tim Look at the Eddyline Caribbean series. You will definately pay more, but great features, great to paddle, and lightweight. Caribbean Angler well equipped.
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Paddlingspace Crescent LiteTackle and CK1 Venture, NuCanoe Unlimited, Vibe Shearwater 125, Perception Outlaw 11.5…. This guide needs a serious update.
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NoahBryant Picture yourself paddling leisurely across a serene lake or quiet pond. Whether you re fishing, exercising or just taking a moment to get away from the hustle and bustle back on shore, the waters of smaller lakes and ponds are likely to offer you a calm ride. However, kayaking on a larger lake does increase the chances of facing waves that could pose a danger to you and your vessel. These waterways can come in all shapes and sizes. Some rivers will offer you a peaceful ride downstream while others will give you an adrenaline-filled experience battling through whitewater rapids. Regardless of your experience level, you should be aware that these waterways could change without warning. The speed and activity level of their currents, both on and under the surface, could drastically increase or decrease in an instant.
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Mike Coxmaul Sportsman AutoPilot 136. If i wanted to pedal i’d have stayed on the exercise bike.
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Javier Nieto NuCanoe, are nice kayaks as well.
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David WS I picked up a used Hobie Revo 16 with outriggers Hobie Sidekick Ama Kit, nothing else is faster or as stable.
Easy to load , as it’s length makes it easier to place on the SUV, one end at a time.
Only drawback – not a lot of space in the cockpit, but since I only target 1 or 2 species at a time it’s not a problem.
(without the outriggers it would not be stable, but with it’s fine.) -
Jason Melaugh Nobody ever mentions the BlueSky Boatworks Angler 360. Love mine
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Joey You guys missed the proverbial boat my not including Malibu Kayaks here. I have the Steakth 15 with an installed Bass Yaks package and it is BEAST in the waters around Martha’s Vineyard. Check em out.
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michael mcnally Got my catch 100 for $450 and only used once as long as the wind ain’t blowing too hard this thing is a beast on the water. Small enough for me to get in and out by myself and some hard fit ponds. This thing’s a dream for the money money. I would love an autopilot 120 from old town but I got to wait for all the kids to get through college first.
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John you can’t list pelican kayaks as fishing kayaks without listing the pelican catch mode 110, which supports your claim about this list being outdated. It’s a cheap, light, stable most affordable kayak easy to accessories and power and many of us are looking for that, I believe made in Canada not sure
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Bob This Buyer’s guide is from 2019. On the water is misleading people for clicks.
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Robin Bjork I see nothing about nucanoe humm are they anygood
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John I love my perception sport Stryker 2, super stable vessel.
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Tom You did a disservice to the readers by excluding FeelFree kayaks. Best pedal system on the market.
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Raoul Souliere I have a ride inside ultra light 12′ wilderness systems kayak. It weighs 40 pounds perfect for car top. Best boat for me at 81 years old.
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marc foley There is a lot to be said for Lifetime sit on tops for around $400-$600. About 10 ft and 50lbs.Well
thought out -perfect for lakes,streams and back bays. Can easily be outfitted with more than enough
extras to get you through. We’re all not rich and what’s wrong with some old fashioned excersise.
Why be a pedal pusher when you can have arms like Popye.All kayaks are fun! just get out there! -
Serge Robert good morning..which pedal kayak “High seat ” do you recommend,,,for cruising on Peace River , Bowling Green Florida..
thank you -
Amelia@fishing kayak Best artical review Fishing Kayak Buyer’s Guide – On The Water
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Amelia@fishing kayak very informative artical by learning fishing kayak on the water
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Dave Vanhunks Kayaks are up and coming, check them out! Plenty of sit on anglers, SUPs and pdl or fin drive options. I own the Shad 10 for a couple of years now and I love it. Stable enough for standing and plenty of cargo room.
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Ted D’Alessio I would like to purchase a two man fishing kayak. Any suggestions?
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JimN MIght be tough. Weight capacity is one issue. Remember you should only load a Yak to 70% of its capacity. Regretfully my weight plus my gear (and it is the body weight being most of the issue) takes me to about 55% ofmy yaks capacity. Maybe a 8 year old son could be added.
The second is , and maybe it is just me, but I really have to concentrate that my backcasts don’t snag another pole or the rudder control etc. Once in a while they do. I sure would not the snag to be my fishing partner. Pitching or jigging might be the only techniques I would employ in a two person kayak
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JimN I realize that a 2000 /3000 dollar kayak is out of range for lots of people, but I owned a 600 dollar Perception fishing sit in kayak for a while and it was OK. It got me on the water. But the difference between that as a fishing platform and a quality PDL sit on top super stable boat is night and day. Probably about the same comparison as moving up from a 20 hp tincan boat to a entry level bass fishing boat.
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Anarchy Fishing There is a lot to be said about the Oldtown Auto Pilot line of kayak when it comes to hard core fishermen. While yes, it is on the top side of the price and weight understand that it is arguably one of the most stable kayaks on the market due to width of the kayak and hull design as well. Maneuverability of these kayaks is limitless you can do 360 in this kayak sitting in place. With the combination of the Minn Kota trolling motor and rudder I am able to position myself in any way i need in seconds. With spotlock capability not only can I target and pinpoint a ledge, hole, schooling fish it also eliminates the need for an anchor all together. Paired with a Minn Kota puck i can move my kayak in 5ft section while still in spot lock and not have to continually reset my position or when hitting structure, docks, so forth and so on. Using the True North setting i can fix my motor in a direction keeping my bow in the direction I need it to be set my motor to a lower speed and slow my drift down when currents are pulling hard and achieve the target drift speed for the fish that I’m targeting. Are these kayaks expensive? Yes but you are buying the top-of-the-line technology as well as quality, and weight capacity. The sky is the limit with these kayaks!
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