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Fishing kayaks today rival the features of larger fishing boats without the major drawbacks. You get to be out on the water, where shore anglers can’t reach, without the major price tag of a bigger bass boat. You can get into those tricky, shallow spots or fish deep water. You can carry all your gear without needing a big budget to outfit your kayak. Not to mention, you don’t have to spend a fortune on gas.
Now is the perfect time to get on the water in a new kayak, as anglers have better options than ever for getting a fishing kayak that exactly matches their needs. Whether you’re fishing for striped bass on the flats of New England, paddling out for miles in the gulf coast for mahi mahi, or throwing frogs among the lily pads for big largemouth bass—a kayak is often one of the best ways to get on the water. Here are some of the best fishing kayaks around.
The Best Fishing Kayaks
Best Sit-On-Top: Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. 120
Best Pedal: Hobie Mirage
Best Under $1,000: Pelican Catch Classic
Best Sit-In: Native Ultimate FX 12
Best 2-Person: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem
Most Stable: Old Town Topwater
Best Ocean: Wilderness Systems Radar 135
Best Budget: Perception Kayaks Drift 9.5
Best Sit-On-Top: Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. 120
Specs
Length: 14’ 1”
Width: 34”
Weight: 95 pounds
Pros
Hull Design: The ATAK 120 is a joy to paddle, short or long distances
Storage: There’s a giant front storage hatch, a rear tankwell, and in-hull rod storage
Comfortable Seat: A seat with multiple positions means no more sore backs
Cons
Weight: this is a heavy kayak to lug around at 95 pounds
Center Hatch: hard is hard to open while sitting down
Rear Tankwell: smaller than expected on a boat this size
Anglers looking for a sit-on-top will be hard pressed to find a better boat than the Wilderness Systems ATAK 120. Where some boats get blown around on the water, this one keeps a low profile and stays put. The designers of this boat made it open concept. This means you can tailor it to your needs, based on either your fishing style, or your target species that day. The seat can move nearly the length of the deck, and its many positions means you can stay comfortable all day long.
There’s a ton of storage on this boat, and the stability of the hull means you can access the giant bow hatch even while you’re on the water. The boat feels nimble, even at 34” wide, and is enjoyable to paddle long distances. The Flex Pod OS electronics console is handy to use, and can even be swapped out for a Helix MDTM Motor Drive if you get tired of paddling.
Best Pedal: Hobie Mirage
Specs
Length: 12’ 9”
Width: 34”
Weight: 103 pounds
Pros
Width: At 34” wide this fishing kayak is comfortable, but skinny enough to be fast
Speed: The Mirage Drive makes it one of the faster kayaks on the water
Kick-Up Turbo Fins: Advanced fins on the pedal drive make moving fast easier
Cons
Price: Depending on the model, it can be more expensive than many other boats
Weight: At 103 pounds fully rigged, the Mirage Outback is tougher to get to the water
Storage: The front hatch is small, leaving only the exposed tankwell for storage
Hobie’s Mirage Outback has been outperforming and out pedaling the competition for years. It’s often the boat of choice for anglers that have many miles to cover, as the hull is narrower than most pedal drive fishing kayaks. but it’s still wide enough to be stable.
All of the kayaks in Hobie’s Mirage line are fast, nimble, and comparably light. Read our full review of the Mirage Outback here.
I’ve known anglers to get rid of their Mirage Outback only to trade up for the newer model, as Hobie continues to improve on this fishing kayak design. The comfortable seat is one of the biggest highlights, and it continues to get better every year.
Best Under $1,000: Pelican Catch Classic
Specs
Length: 11’ 6”
Width: 34”
Weight: 68 lbs
Pros
Weight: Car topping or carrying this kayak doesn’t break the back.
Seat: The seat is surprisingly comfortable for a boat at this price point.
Rod Holders: This budget boat holds all your rods securely.
Cons
Construction: The hull has some give under your feet, as do the footrests.
Speed: The tunnel hull design has some difficulty tracking in the wind.
Stability: Anglers should stand in one position, near the main balance point.
The Pelican Catch Classic 120 has some drawbacks compared to boats at a higher price point, as should be expected, but it still performs admirably where it counts—the fishing. I’ve fished in kettle ponds and larger lakes across New England in this fishing kayak, with little complaint. One of the best fishing kayaks under $1,000, this boat gets in those tight spaces, and the seat is comfortable for long stretches in the saddle.
The Catch Classic 120 is a breeze to carry from your truck to the water, but that lightness comes at a cost, as the hull feels thin when standing. The slight give to the hull could be destabilizing for some anglers, though most will get used to it quickly. The rear tankwell and front hatch offer plenty of storage space for the sub-12’ length.
Best Sit-In: Native Ultimate FX 12
Specs
Length: 12’ 2”
Width: 30.5”
Weight: 65 pounds
Pros
Weight: Easy to throw over a shoulder and walk to the water
Stability: Lower center of gravity means standing to fish is a breeze
Foot Braces: Anglers with larger feet will love the big, wide foot braces
Cons
Mounting Points: Not as many mounting points as other boats
Range: Agile hull design means paddling for longer distances does wear on you a bit
Color Options: Limited colorways for such a popular boat model among anglers
The Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 12 is a bit of a hybrid, blending the best parts of sit-insides with some of the flavor of a sit-on-top fishing kayak. It has an open cockpit like a canoe, but the angler’s feet sit slightly below the waterline due to the tunnel hull design. This means the boat is incredibly stable, while still being nimble to paddle around in tight spaces. The sharp bow also cuts through the water nicely, helping it track tightly, even in stronger winds. These characteristics have led to a cult-like following over the years; one I have personally participated in. The original version of this boat was my first fishing kayak ever. I was able to paddle all the ponds, lakes, and protected saltwater bays to target fish in skinny water, jig down deep, and everything in between.
The stability makes this boat ideal for fly fishing, or other activities like photography––it’s rock solid and predictable. The low center of gravity means you can shift your body weight from leg to leg and feel the boat react underneath you, unlike some heavier, dead-feeling sit-on-tops. The footwells do leave your feet with limited positions inside the boat however, so standing for a long time can become slightly uncomfortable. Good thing the seat set the standard for comfort in the kayak fishing industry all those years ago.
Best 2-Person: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem
Specs
Length: 13’ 4”
Width: 34”
Weight: 73 pounds
Pros
Weight: Surprisingly light for a boat designed for two people to fish comfortably
Hull Design: Fans of paddling will love this classic hull design
Capacity: 450 plus pounds, so you and a buddy could give it a shot
Cons
Rod Holders: The stern angler will have better access to rods and gear
Storage: Anglers will need to pack lightly if they want to fish from this kayak
Seats: Basic strap seats may leave lower backs tingling after a long day of fishing
Tandem fishing kayaks often get a bad rap. Some paddling guides even nickname them “divorce boats”, as they may lead to some heated arguments between paddling partners. Still, some anglers swear by tandem boats, removing the extra seat and instead opting for extra storage space. It especially helps if you’re landing large fish and need the deck space in front of you to handle your catch safely. If you decide to bring another angler with you, the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Angler gives enough space for both fishermen to cast and land fish comfortably without getting in the way (or getting hooked by their partner).
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Angler is an excellent choice if you are planning on going this route. Over 13 feet of real estate give you plenty of space for gear and can tote the biggest fish you’d target from a kayak. And if you do decide to bring a buddy along, the 450-plus pound weight capacity means you can still bring along plenty of tackle.
Most Stable: Old Town Topwater
Specs
Length: 12’
Width: 36”
Weight: 116 lbs
Pros
Pedal Drive: Can go in both directions, seamlessly.
Stability: Anglers can sit or stand to fish all day long.
Rod Holders: Ample rod storage on the boat makes fishing on the move a breeze.
Cons
Front Hatch: Front hatch in the Topwater 120 PDL feels small.
Weight: This fishing kayak is heavy to carry to and from the water.
Width: Though it aids stability, the width does slow the boat down.
An Old Town fishing kayak is a good choice for most freshwater applications. We tested the Old Town Topwater 120 PDL and found it shines whether you’re going for largemouth bass, or northern pike, in big Maine lakes, or small kettle ponds. The boat is stable, comfortable, and easy to pedal, both forwards and backwards.
Easy to maneuver, forwards or in reverse, the Topwater 120 PDL is the answer for anglers that don’t want to remove their pedal drive system just to reverse directions. Fans of other Old Town fishing kayaks will be at home in the cockpit of this boat, as it’s similar to some of their other boats. Old Town kayaks are one of our top picks for stability. The width of this craft does slow it down some. However, at the same time, this is one of the most comfortable craft for anglers who like to stand up and fish. Mostly because the deck is open and wide enough to shift your feet around a little if needed. Old Town also makes some of the finest pedal drives on the market. We’ve always appreciated just how easy it is to shift between forward and reverse with their PDL models.
The carrying capacity of this fishing kayak should be more than enough for carrying all of your gear, and the universal transducer mount means you can install a fishfinder to see down below. The short length makes it easy to cruise the lily pads or tighter banks of your favorite bass hole to get the perfect angle for your next cast.
Best Ocean: Wilderness Systems Radar 135
Specs
Length: 13’ 6”
Width: 34”
Weight: 90 pounds
Pros
Hull Design: This boat paddles well and slices through chop, tides, and surf.
Tri-Power: Paddle, pedal, or power your kayak across the ocean.
Comfortable Seat: The AirPro MAX makes fishing all day enjoyable.
Cons
Weight: This boat is best paired with a kayak cart for launches at long beaches.
Small Scuppers: Waves drain a little slowly from inside the cockpit.
Side Handles: Lack of side handles makes it awkward to move the boat around.
Saltwater anglers are an interesting bunch, and they need a special fishing kayak to handle the harsher elements of the ocean. The Wilderness Systems Radar 135 carefully balances those needs with a boat that’s a joy to paddle, while still being wide enough to feel stable, even in rocking surf conditions. At the same time it has a comfortable length that can be paddled over long or short distances, and the stability to land fish and battle waves. It also has enough storage to carry all of the gear needed for a long day in the salt.
The storage areas include a giant rear tankwell, a small center hatch, and another front sealed hatch. The Flex Pod OS electronics console is a game changer, allowing you to install a fishfinder, or swap in alternative propulsion modes, such as pedal and power options. The large cockpit offers plenty of space for a long day of fishing. This is a comfortable workhorse for anyone looking for a solid saltwater fishing kayak.
Best Budget: Perception Drift 9.5
Specs
Length: 9’ 6”
Width: 28.5”
Weight: 40 lbs
Pros
Weight: Anglers should have no problem transporting this boat where it needs to go.
Cup Holder: A front cup holder can add some relaxation to your day of fishing.
Bungee Cords: Hold your paddle, or other gear in place on the deck of the boat.
Cons
Storage: The rear hatch is likely to leave some anglers wanting for storage.
Stability: Anglers looking to stand up to fish should avoid narrow boats like this.
Adjustability: The construction of this boat means there is little to adjust for comfort.
Some anglers are minimalistic, they like to fish with just the essentials: one tackle box, one rod, and go. Basic sit-inside models like the Perception Kayaks Drift 9.5 are a great way to test the waters of a new sport like kayak fishing without blowing the bank on a top-of-the-line fishing kayak that you may end up not liking. This bare bones boat is a sit inside kayak, great for those anglers that don’t like to get wet while they’re out fishing.
Fishing small ponds for freshwater species like crappie or bass are ideal for boats like this. The relatively flat bottom means the Drift 9.5 is stable enough to land fish, but the width is small enough that anglers can spin the boat around easily with the flick of a paddle. The rear hatch offers some storage for a small tackle box, not to mention the storage under the front deck, where most anglers will place the gear they need to access on the water.
How We Tested Fishing Kayaks
We narrowed down our selections of the best fishing kayaks by scouring the current offerings of the top brands throughout the fishing kayak industry, and matching them up with the needs of most anglers across the country. We made sure that most anglers could pick up one of these fishing kayaks, bring it to their local fishery, and get after their target species while having the a great time doing so.
Many factors were considered while drafting this list, such as fishability, price, weight, common features, brand reputation, and more, as well as the experience of our editorial team. We don’t make these decisions lightly––we consider all of the brands and products available to anglers today.
Buying Guide
With so many different fishing kayaks available on the market, anglers can feel overwhelmed with choice. What brands are the ones that stand out from the rest? What kind of kayak suits your fishing needs the most? How much does the boat of your dreams cost? Will you flip over the first time you hit the water? All of these question are important to think about. Let’s look into other crucial considerations before you buy a fishing kayak.
Hull Type
The first thing you need to think about is hull type. Do you want a sit-on-top or a sit-inside kayak? Most fishing kayaks nowadays are sit-on-tops, because they are self-bailing. This means there are holes in the bottom of the hull that allow water to drain freely, so you don’t swamp your boat and sink. They usually offer a greater weight capacity, which is good for anglers that carry a lot of gear. But, the boats themselves are often heavier. Plus, they leave you open to the elements and often offer a wetter ride than a sit inside.
Sit inside kayaks are without holes. Often their gunwales, the sides of the hull, come up higher so that you’re sitting deep inside the hull, like a canoe. These are nicknamed “sinks” because when water comes inside the hull it has nowhere to go. They do offer better protection from the elements, so many cold water anglers prefer a sit-inside. They’re also lighter than most sit-on-tops, which makes getting to and from the water easier.
Length
When considering the length of your ideal fishing kayak, think of how much distance you’ll need to cover to get to the fishing grounds. The longer and thinner a boat is, the faster it will be. Speed plays a large role in how tired you’ll feel at the end of a long paddle. But longer boats are harder to maneuver. If you need to spin on a dime, like on a river, then shorter, more nimble kayaks are your best bet.
Weight
The weight of a fishing kayak plays a huge role in how it will behave on the water, and how you get it there. Many anglers transport their boats on the roof of a car, which means they’ll be lifting the kayak frequently. Even if it’s thrown into the bed of a truck, you’ll still need to get it to the water. Kayak carts make your life a little easier with a heavy kayak, but consider what those extra pounds are worth before you have to drag it a quarter mile down the beach.
On the water, heavier boats are generally slower boats. So, if performance is a top priority, choose a lighter boat. Even if performance isn’t a factor, heavier boats require more effort to paddle, so be prepared for your arms to be tired if you choose the heavier kayak. Pedal drive systems make heavier boats easier to live with, as your legs use larger muscles to move the boat than your arms. Still, those pedal boats need to make it back to your truck.
Price
Budget is often one of the most important considerations for a fishing kayak. It’s often the reason an angler chooses to fish from a kayak in the first place, instead of a shiny new motorized bass boat. While bass boats will set you back upwards of $60K, a great fishing kayak can be found, and fully outfitted, for just a few thousand bucks.
Paddle vs. Pedal Kayaks
The fishing kayak industry is constantly changing. Nowadays, it’s just as common to see a fishing kayak with a pedal drive system as it is to see one propelled by a paddle. Even fishing kayaks with electric motors are becoming more and more common.
I’m a paddler myself, and that’s always what I’ll choose for my personal fishing kayak. Paddling is fun for its own sake. Much like fishing, paddling offers its own learning curve, its own skills and techniques, and its own rewards. Done well, paddling can be just as efficient, if not more efficient than pedaling can be. And there’s nothing like showing off to a group of pedal drive anglers that you can move sideways with a simple draw stroke of your paddle when moving up tightly against a dock or piece of structure. Anglers that fish in the best pedal kayaks will often talk about the ability to fish while moving, or fishing “hands-free”. This is a large selling point. Paddlers are often forced to choose between fishing or moving their boat. One-handed paddling works in a pinch, but if you need to fish while moving, a pedal boat is likely to work better for your fishing style.
FAQs
Q: What sort of paddle should I buy?
The type of kayak paddle you should buy depends mostly on your budget, and the size of your kayak. Simply put, you should buy the best paddle you can afford: Think of your paddle as the engine of your car, you want the most powerful one you can afford. That way your paddle strokes are transferring the most power from your arms as possible, wasting the least amount of energy. Wasted energy is just going to leave you tired at the end of a long day of paddling, with a few more miles to go before you get back to the launch.
Q: Do I need to wear a PFD (personal flotation device)?
Wearing a PFD, or personal flotation device, like a kayak life vest shouldn’t be optional. That is a lifesaving piece of equipment, which should be enough reason on its own, but it’s also a handy tool while fishing. Many fishing PFDs have handy features such as tool clips, pouches to stash gear or snacks, and usually a lash point for knives, another essential piece of safety, and useful gear. Plus, it should be noted again, that PFD could save your life if you find yourself overboard, conscious or not.
Q: Will I flip my kayak, and what happens if I do flip?
Flipping your kayak is not likely to happen every time you go out on the water, but it could happen any time you paddle away from shore. It’s best to be prepared. Lash down all of your gear that doesn’t float. It often helps to lash things together so that your gear floats as one big piece, rather than ten separate pieces of gear you need to chase down. It’s also crucial to practice re-entering your kayak from the water so that if you do flip over, you can safely right your boat and get back inside. Worry about getting yourself back on board before thinking about any of your gear floating away.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
