If you intend on using a kayak as a means to get out on the water or if you happen to be a shore-bound angler, you have come to the right spot. Irrespective of whether you are fishing in the ponds or the open ocean, this blog post will guide you to the best fishing kayaks available on the market. Depending on whether you want a pedal or a paddle, or prefer stability over nimbleness, the list presented to you in this blog post has unique offerings with a combination of varying features.
It is important to understand that there is no universal size when it comes to kayaks, but you can find one which is purposely designed to cater to your unique needs and personal preferences. Based on how and where you intend on doing your fishing, you can take a more informed buying decision. The type of kayak you purchase will depend on whether you will be exploring freshwater ponds or largemouth bass, also the type of fish you intend on catching matters.
What are the best fishing kayaks?
Some kayaks are well suited for saltwater, harbors, estuaries, and the open ocean. Besides fishing, you could also utilize your kayak for relaxation and recreational purposes. After deciding on the type of fishing kayak you require, you can deduce the best one based on what matches your criteria. Fishing kayaks can be used for a variety of purposes, but it is important to understand no fishing kayak will excel in all endeavors. Based on the specifications and listed features, you can trace down the right one for your next outdoor adventure.
Best fishing kayaks for beginners – Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Stearns has helped individuals and families enjoy recreation on the waters for over 60 years. All their products meet the safety requirements of the US Coast Guard, and they are an integral part of Coleman’s portfolio of outdoor goods. This fishing kayak lets you go fishing with a buddy. It has an 18-gauge PVC and a thick tarpaulin bottom. With its tough nylon cover, it is durable enough to get you through challenging waters when you are out fishing. It also gets multiple air chambers which will aid you to get back on shore. By adding the Sevylor trolling motor, you can move more easily and also store the paddles in the holders. When kayaking hands-free, it becomes easier to take better care of your gear and store them neatly in the mesh pockets or attach them to the D-rings. It comes with adjustable seats which will help you paddle through the entire trip. It features the Berkley Quick Set Rod holders which let you adjust the pole angle for the ultimate experience in hands-free fishing.
What I liked
- Durable construction
- Versatile seating
- Lot of storage
- High on portability
What I disliked
- Slower compared to hard shell kayaks.
- Can be difficult to paddle solo
- Not as stable as sit-on-top kayaks.
The best fishing kayaks affordable – BlueCoastline Inflatable Fishing Kayak
BLUECOASTLINE AQUA FUN AND LEISURE SPORTS let you enjoy your leisure and exercise time with their portfolio of fishing kayaks. This fishing kayak can be inflated/deflated via a double-action pump within eight minutes. It can carry a maximum weight of up to 440 lbs, and it has a curb weight of 33 lbs. It is easy to store and transport and the bottom portion is constructed with 0.55 MM fabric PVC it has a high-quality hull that is made of 840 D polyester. This fishing kayak is resistant to salt water, oil, ozone, and low temperatures, and it is wear resistant.
This kayak offers the necessary stability in windy weather also. It is advised not to use this fishing kayak in shallow water as it can deteriorate the skeg which is at the bottom of the kayak reducing its maneuverability. Also, the bright yellow color and enhanced graphics improve the visibility of this kayak. Along with the fishing kayak, you also get a 1 pc pressure gauge, carry bag, repair kit, double action hand pump, directional fin, 2 pcs aluminum paddles, and 2 pcs seat. You can use this fishing kayak in lakes and gentle rivers. It has an EVA seat and footrest which helps in additional comfort. It comes with a detachable fin at the bottom which will help you to move in a straight line even in deep waters.
What I liked
- It is lightweight and portable.
- It is affordable
- Stable ride.
- Made with durable materials.
- Comes with useful accessories like – pump, paddles, and a carrying bag.
What I disliked
- Not the fastest kayak in the market.
- Not ideal for whitewater.
- It can be difficult to inflate.
Best tandem – Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2-Person Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Elkton Outdoors has built this kayak keeping anglers in mind. it is built to experience the ultimate day at the lake, and it has all the necessary tools to enjoy a good catch. This fishing kayak inflates in a few minutes. It has a compact storage size and after getting fully inflated it has dimensions of 118in. x 35in x 16in. This gives reassurance of avoiding leaks while in the waters. It comes with all the fishing kayak accessories which include – adjustable seats, rod holders (2 vertical and 4 trolling), double-sided oars, a double action pump, and a carry bag. It also features three removable air chambers which allow for easy adjustments and repairs. Constructed with 18-gauge rip-resistant 1000D PVC, this kayak is tear and hook-resistant. It is compact and lightweight making it a great alternative to traditional kayaks.
What I liked
- It has a durable construction.
- It gets comfortable seats.
- Offers lot of storage.
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
What I disliked
- Not as fast as some other kayaks.
- It can be difficult to paddle alone.
- Not good for whitewater kayaking.
Best for big waters – Sentinel 100X Angler Fishing Kayak
Pelican is a world leader in paddle sports, and this kayak is ideal for paddlers who intend to enjoy a stable and relaxing kayaking experience. It works well in all seasons, and it is built using the brand’s Twin arched multi-chine hull, which provides excellent stability. It has roomy cockpits which allow for easier ingress. This kayak comes equipped with ExoPack which is a removable storage compartment that fits perfectly into the tank. This kayak surpasses ABYC standards and can carry a maximum weight of 275 lbs. This fishing kayak has a multi-chine flat bottom hull which provides the stability required while casting lines and reeling in fish. This kayak is constructed with Ram-X materials making it a long-lasting product.
What I liked
- At 44 pounds it is lightweight.
- It is incredibly stable.
- It is easily maneuverable.
- It is great value for the price.
- It has rod holders, paddle holders, and a removable storage compartment.
What I liked
- The seat is not as padded as some other kayak seats.
- Does not come with a paddle, so you will have to purchase one separately.
- Not suitable for larger anglers, as its weight capacity is only 275 lbs.
- Storage is limited, and you cannot stand up in the kayak.
Best motor – Newport Vessels NK180 Kayak Trolling Motor
This is a 24 V brushless motor capable of churning 1.8 hp direct drive. This motor provides quiet and efficient power delivery and does not require internal gears. It can power you up to five knots. It features a four-bolt motor mount that gets attached directly to the power pole on fishing kayaks and can be installed using a drill on other kayaks.
This motor can be used with lead acid deep cycle or lithium deep cycle batteries. It comes with a motor, speed controller, emergency stop key, motor mount with quick release, 5 ft battery cable kit, steering triangle, height adjustment collar, motor lift arm, steering cables, 4X nylon cords, reverse lock handles, installation hardware, and an owner’s manual.
Factors affecting best fishing kayaks –
Stability
This is one important factor to look at before getting your fishing kayaks. If your kayak is not stable enough it will not allow the angler to stand and fish properly. Kayaks without stability fail to give the best of experiences while on water. Prior research has to be done before getting a fishing kayak.
Capacity
Calculating the total weight that the kayak will carry is important. Apart from your weight, the kayak you intend on getting should handle the weight of your clothes, food, drinks, and fishing gear. It is also advised not to load your kayak beyond 80% of its maximum capacity which will result in a drier ride and optimized performance. Choosing kayaks with higher weight capacity is always a good idea.
Adjustable Seat
The seat is an essential component of fishing kayaks, and it is advised to have a seat that is comfortable and functional. Having a great seat enhances the overall experience on the water. Having a seat that can be adjusted into multiple positions gives added comfort and a happy experience at the water.
Dry Storage
Your kayak should have ample amounts of dry storage which will allow you to stash your gear without worrying too much about it getting wet. So, if you happen to be a beginner or a seasoned professional, ensuring you have ideal storage is critical to your fishing kayak experience.
Types of best fishing kayaks –
Sit-on-top fishing kayaks
These fishing kayaks are by far the most popular and they are the preferred choice amongst anglers because they are more stable in comparison to sit-in kayaks. They are also traditionally wider and can handle more weight. Traditional kayaks have a long and narrow frame but sit-on-top fishing kayaks have a shorter and wider body.
Sit-inside fishing kayaks
They are purposely designed for optimal on-water performance and may not be best suited for fishing. Anglers opt for sit-on-top kayaks because sit-inside ones are limited to one seating position always. Also, problems of less surface space for mounting things like – rod holders, fish finders, and camera gear are prevalent.
Inflatable fishing kayak
This is a highly convenient fishing kayak and it can be stored and transported easily. These kayaks are lightweight and portable in comparison to traditional kayaks, but they have their own set of limitations. A drawback however is that performance will be limited on inflatable kayaks. They are not necessarily fast or agile in water and could cause fatigue on long courses of paddling.
Paddle kayaks
Paddle-powered kayaks are a relatively inexpensive option and many anglers may choose a paddle kayak over hands-free models. Many experienced anglers opt for paddle kayaks as they are more familiar and provide greater control in comparison to kayaks using peddles or propellers.
Pedal kayaks
These are evolving to become a popular version of fishing kayaks. They allow users to freely traverse while in the waters. This is particularly useful for anglers who prefer to troll or cast around docks while traveling at a steady pace. Pedal kayaks are designed to attain optimal speeds with much ease.
Motorized kayaks
These kayaks provide the ultimate fishing experience and allow you to travel anywhere without much effort. These kayaks also reach high speeds in less time and are easier to maintain a steady speed. Many motorized kayaks are equipped with GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and other kinds of technology providing advanced fishing experiences. On the downside, they tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance.
In conclusion, whether you fish recreationally or professionally, these best fishing kayaks will meet your requirements. These kayaks are affordable and easy to use and they come with the apt fishing features. These kayaks are available in varying options and the number of models in fishing kayaks is enormous. The fishing kayaks I suggested help in doing what you love most which is fishing.
