Updated November 12, 2023
With its easy portability, shallow draft, and small size, a kayak can get you to areas that regular boats can never reach where you may find that record fish that others have missed. At the same time, you can get some exercise and commune with nature up close, inches from the water.
What are the features and qualities desirable for a fishing kayak? At a minimum, you want a stable platform that remains comfortable over many hours with space to operate and store all your gear and accessories.
There are many thousands of diverse models on the market, so selecting the best for your needs and budget may be a bit daunting. Below we’ll try to help you in the process by describing some of the best in different sizes and categories with photos and videos, followed by a simple comparison chart, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Ocean Fishing Kayaks / Small Outboard Motors / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Top Rated Fishing Kayaks
- Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- Perception Pescador Pro 12 Fishing Kayak
- Hobie Mirage Passport Fishing Kayak
- Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
- Old Town Predator 13 Angler Fishing Kayak
- Aquaglide Blackfoot HB Angler Kayak XL
- Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Fishing Kayak
- Star Rival Fishing Kayak
Top Rated Fishing Kayaks Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak | Inflatable | 10 feet 10 inches | 1 | $$$ |
  | Perception Pescador Pro 12 Fishing Kayak | Solid | 12 feet | 1 | $$$ |
 | Hobie Mirage Passport Fishing Kayak | Solid/Pedal | 10 feet 6 inches | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak | Solid/Pedal | 12 feet 9 inches | 1 | $$$$$ |
  | Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak | Inflatable | 10 feet 9 inches | 2 | $$ |
  | Old Town Predator 13 Angler Fishing Kayak | Solid | 13 feet 2 inches | 1 | $$$$ |
| Aquaglide Blackfoot HB Angler Kayak XL | Inflatable | 13 feet | 1-2 | $$$ |
  | Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100 | Solid | 10 feet | 2-3 | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Fishing Kayak | Solid/Pedal | 12 feet | 1 | $$$$ |
 | Star Rival Fishing Kayak | Inflatable | 12 feet 6 inches | 1 | $$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak
The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Kayak is great for a single paddler for all styles of fishing and touring.
You’ll be comfortable sitting in the padded high back seat with an adjustable footrest or standing to cast on the stable rigid floor.
Plenty of storage is available with the front bungee webbing and in the rear behind the seat, and a removable skeg is provided for added tracking.
5 hard modular mounts permit you to outfit your kayak with rod holders, downriggers, bait trays, and other fishing accessories (not included).
As an inflatable, the set-up is fast with the included dual-action pump. It packs into a convenient travel bag with backpack straps to aid in the transport of the manageable 40-pound weight.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rugged 1000D laminated PVC
- Rigid drop-stitch floor for stable footing when standing to bait-cast
- Front bow spray shield
- Rear cargo and front bungee storage
- Removable skeg
- Padded, adjustable, high back, EVA seat
- 5 mounting points for rod holders and other fishing accessories
- Drop-in, adjustable footrest
- Dual-action hand pump, handy travel bag with backpack straps, and lightweight breakdown paddle included
- Secure Halkey Roberts locking valves
- Bow, stern, and side carry handles
- 1-year guarantee for workmanship and materials
- 10 feet 10 inches, 40 pounds
- Price: $$$
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Perception Pescador Pro 12 Fishing Kayak
The Pescador Pro 12 is a stable, nimble platform with an efficient hull shape great for fishing on flat lakes and slower-moving waters.
The solid one-piece fabrication of roto-molded polyethylene comes with a replaceable skid plate to withstand any scrapes or bumps.
Fishermen will love the two-level mesh seat that allows a higher position for fishing and can be adjusted lower for paddling efficiency.
It has substantial storage areas in the back and front for fishing gear and a cooler and also two rod holders, a cup holder, and accessory rails for other miscellaneous gear.
- Weight capacity of 375 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable one-piece roto-molded construction of high-density polyethylene
- Replaceable skid plate
- Removable two-level mesh seat
- Easy-adjust footrests
- Large open storage in front and rear
- 2 molded rod holders and a cup holder
- Integrated accessory rails
- Available in 6 color schemes
- Manufacturer’s warranty
- 12 feet, 64 pounds
- Price: $$$
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Hobie Mirage Passport Fishing Kayak
With its pedal system using ST fins, the Hobie Mirage Passport is a great hands-free fishing platform. You can go about the business of fishing without having to manipulate the kayak position with a paddle.
It has an extra stable, wide platform with a weight capacity to handle all sizes of paddlers.
The comfortable mesh aluminum frame seat keeps you cool and there are many options for stowing baggage and positioning gear including front and rear bungee storage, 8 sealed hatches, 2-rod holders, and 2 gear storage rails.
The propulsion system and retractable steering make it a breeze on flat surfaces and in mellow conditions.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable polyethylene construction
- MirageDrive with ST fins pedal system
- Retractable steering system with a stowable rudder
- Mesh aluminum frame seat
- Front and rear bungee storage
- 8 sealed hatches
- 2 molded rod holders
- 2 integrated accessory rails
- 2 piece aluminum paddle included
- Available in slate or seagrass (colors)
- 10 feet 6 inches, 65 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak
Similar to the Hobie Mirage Passport model above, the Outback is a little larger and offers more features and options.
It has a pedal system using ST fins with a retractable steering system. It also includes additional storage in a sealed front storage compartment, with side trays and compartments, and numerous sealed hatches.
The seat has adjustable levels and can be shifted for more deck space when you want to land that lunker from a standing position.
It is also set up for electronic options including a Lowrance-ready system for sonar, and it has a sail mount.
It is an especially stable platform for lakes and mild currents and even some saltwater applications.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable polyethylene construction
- MirageDrive with ST fins pedal system
- Retractable steering system with a stowable rudder
- Vantage CT adjustable level seat
- Lowrance-ready system (for sonar installation)
- Sail mount
- Bow storage compartment
- Numerous sealed hatches
- 4 rod holders
- Side trays and storage compartments
- Paddle included
- 12 feet 9 inches, 103 pounds
- Price: $$$$$
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a moderately-priced lightweight inflatable suitable for one or two paddlers and great for a day on the lake fishing.
It’s easy to set up and transport with durable PVC construction, adjustable seats, and paddle and rod holders leaving your hands free to hook and reel in that record walleye.
There is also a mount for an optional trolling motor.
Multiple air chambers provide backup in the unlikely event of a puncture or leakage and there is substantial storage with D-rings and mesh pockets.
- Weight capacity of 470 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- Rugged 18 gauge PVC construction
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
- Multiple chambers
- Paddle holders
- 2 adjustable rod holders
- Double-threaded Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation
- Trolling motor fittings
- Mesh pockets for storage
- D-rings
- Carry bag
- 1-year warranty
- 10 feet 9 inches, 41.2 pounds
- Price: $$
Old Town Predator 13 Angler Fishing Kayak
With a wide design and longer than most, the Old Town Predator 13 provides an extra stable platform with a slip-resistant deck and tank well for stand-up fishing.
Seating is adjustable to higher for when you’re fishing and lower when you’re paddling to the next site.
There are loads of storage options all around the boat for your gear and accessories, easy access to rods, tackle, and the paddle, and even a scupper and battery storage area if you take it to the next level and want to install a transducer for a fish finder.
- Weight capacity of 425 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable polyethylene construction
- Adjustable seating with high and low positioning
- Foot brace system
- Slip-resistant deck
- Removable trays
- Deck and tank wells
- Sealable bow hatch
- Rear bungee storage
- Scupper for fish finder transducer
- Side-mounted retainer bungees
- Rod holders
- Center console
- Available in brown or urban camo
- 13 feet 2 inches, 86 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Aquaglide Blackfoot HB Angler Kayak XL
The Aquaglide Blackfoot XL is fairly light and more easily portable in its own backpack than a solid model.
This one is longer at 13 feet than most with a higher capacity of 600 pounds. Set up with one comfortable seat, a second rider is possible.
The open cockpit has a high-pressure hard bottom inflatable floor that is sturdy and steady enough for standing as well as sitting.
There is ample open space for tackle, cooler, and gear with many accessory straps and tie-downs for storage.
- Weight capacity of 600 pounds
- 1-2 paddlers
- Rugged extra-wide Duratex tubes
- High-pressure hard bottom floor
- Self-draining with built-in scuppers
- Weedless foil fin
- Adjustable seat positioning
- Forward-mounted accessory straps and numerous tie-downs
- 5 mounting plates
- Molded handles
- Backpack travel bag
- High-pressure pump required for inflation (not included)
- 13 feet, 37 pounds
- Price: $$$
Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100
The Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100 has a sturdy and stable polyethylene solid body with 3 seating positions.
Multiple footrest positions and comfortable backrests let you sit high and dry on the open deck or stand up if you prefer.
A storage hatch, numerous straps, and ditty trays, along with three rod holders that are ergonomically positioned for convenient use.
In a choice of olive green or camo, hunters also find this a great model.
A generous 5-year warranty shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality and durability.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 2-3 paddlers
- UV-protected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rotational molded construction
- 2 padded backrests
- Multiple footrest positions
- Molded front and rear carry handles
- 6-inch storage hatch
- Shock cord straps, ditty trays
- 3 fishing rod holders
- Self-bailing cockpit drainage holes
- 2 paddles included
- Paddle clip
- Choice of olive green or camo
- 5-year limited warranty
- 10 feet, 60 pounds
- Price: $$$
Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Fishing Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal has the same durable polyethylene construction as the others in the line and also an advanced PDL drive system that frees up your hands for fishing.
The rudder controls make for easy navigation while you pedal to speeds up to 5.5 mph.
It’s a stable platform with bow and stern tank wells, 2 accessory tracks, and storage around the seating, as well.
There’s even a kid’s jump seat with handles in the back so you have an audience for how it is done on a family outing.
- Weight capacity of 450 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable polyethylene construction
- PDL pedal drive system
- Easy-to-use rudder controls
- Seat with mesh storage pocket and click seal hatch underneath
- Bow tank well with bungees
- Stern tank well
- Two 8-inch accessory tracks
- Bow and stern carry handles
- 3 cup holders
- 12 feet, 100 pounds
- Price: $$$$
The Star Rival with its 6-inch thick rigid inflatable deck is an exceptionally stable platform for sitting or standing, great for flatwater kayaking and fishing.
Made of advanced formula PVC, it is durable with a comfortable, removable suspended mesh aluminum-framed seat that can be adjusted and folded down allowing easy standing access to the entire deck.
There are 5 mount bases for attaching gear as well as daisy chain rigging along the bow and stern for storage.
Some have said that it also fits into the Stand-up Paddleboard category.
- Weight capacity unavailable
- 1 paddler
- High-quality PVC with welded seams
- 6-inch thick inflatable rigid deck with 9-inch inflatable side tubes
- Leafield C7 valves for easy inflation/deflation
- Suspended mesh aluminum-framed seat
- Removable seat easily connects to D-rings and folds down
- Deck drains from a screened drain port under the seat
- 5 Scotty mount bases for attaching fish finders, rod holders, and anchor locks
- Daisy chain rigging in the bow and stern for storage
- 5-inch removable fin
- Includes pump, repair kit, and carry bag
- 13 feet 6 inches, 31 pounds
- Price: $$$
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Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
Benefits of Fishing Kayaks
- Improved Access – When compared to most other types of boats, kayaks are much more portable and can be launched from virtually any shoreline. Shallow and rocky areas can still be reached along with small streams and backwaters.
- Economical – Compared to boats, fuel costs are little to non-existent, depending on the type of kayak. Maintenance is low as is the initial investment. Also, kayaks powered by pedals or paddles do not require a permit in the U.S.
- Stealth – They’re quiet so the fish won’t receive a major signal of your presence.
- Customization – Your personal kayak can be purchased with a range of features or options that you can build on from there. This can be with added storage capabilities or features like fish finders and trolling motors to make it suit your needs.
Important Considerations in the Selection of a Fishing Kayak
Where Do You Want to Fish?
Water conditions will help determine the optimal features of any kayak you choose. Slow-moving water like in lakes and streams with a mild current will be best served by long models for the easiest paddling. For ocean paddling even longer narrower models often work best, whereas in faster-moving streams shorter and wider models are more stable and maneuverable. For fishing, stability is the key factor in making the width important. If you are accessing a more difficult-to-reach spot requiring lengthy portage, then the size and weight become major factors.
Weight
Fishing kayaks are often heavier than models for touring or ocean use for a couple of reasons. They include additional features and equipment and are wider for stability requiring more structural materials. This is an area where inflatables have the major advantage of being much lighter and easier to transport.
Onboard Storage
The amount of storage space is a major consideration for fishing kayaks. You will bring fishing gear that needs a means of attachment or place for safe-keeping and easy access, and also a place to put fish (thinking optimistically). Many paddlers bring a cooler for that or for food, beverages, and bait.
Propulsion
Fishing kayaks use two methods of propulsion, pedal-driven, and paddle-driven. Pedal-driven kayaks free up the hands for the handling of the fishing rod(s) and gear. These models will also have a rudder that has simple hand controls for steering. The standard paddle-driven kayaks demand the use of a paddle for propulsion. These models often have rod holders that allow you to troll while still paddling. Some also have a rudder system controlled with your feet.
Standing
Many fishermen like to stand at least some of the time, especially when casting or fighting that big one. If that is a priority for you, make sure the model you choose is built wider creating a stable platform for standing.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Ocean Fishing Kayaks / Small Outboard Motors / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
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