Do you want to find the best fishing kayak out there for your needs? Bass Fishing on lakes and creeks?
Finding the right fishing kayak for your angling needs that are unique is essential.
Kayak fishing is an expensive sport, but it can be tough to decide which is the best kayak to buy and fish in, as there are lots of factors to take into consideration.
Not every kayak would operate for you since every angler has his exceptional demands and customs predicated on kind of fish and motivation for fishing, the waters.
This is why I’ve created this fishing kayak buying guide to help you find the best that fits your needs!
Top 10 Kayak For Fishing
1.KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS – Best Ocean Fishing Kayak
Sun Dolphin and KL Industries have collaborated to give us a kayak that’s practical, affordable, and all-inclusive in attributes, so our time on the water is exciting, satisfying and unlike any other experience we’ve ever had. They’re exceptionally helpful and all-inclusive to the serious paddler.
In regards to the seating area of the Journey SS, Sun Dolphin has chosen to go with an open and big cockpit that allows for simple entrance and departure. The sit-on-top layout lets you spend hours on the water without feeling fatigued, and is very conducive for fishing.
In addition, the Journey SS has adjustable foot braces and a cushioned seat back . The outcome is a kayak that’s easy to course and maneuver, as well as a kayak that’ll leave an immense grin in your face as you.
If you’re similar to me, then you definitely want when you’re outside on the water to take adequate equipment and things. That’s the reason the Journey SS has a Mobile Accessory Carrier that may be used as added storage in the shape of a tow or a back pack behind. In addition, the kayak has a dry storage compartment as well as shock cord deck rigging to secure your things.
Among the very significant elements on the Journey SS, in my opinion, is the three pole holders. This tandem kayak has 2 fixed flush mount holders, and an added swivel pole holder that enables you to fish off either side of the boat or the very front of the boat. This is fishing made simple!
Overall, the Journey SS is a superior fishing kayak that could be utilized on rivers and lakes equally. With extensive features, the quality layout and affordable cost, this kayak is certainly one.
2.Lifetime Sport Fisher – Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak was created with a degree of flexibility that enables you to change it to anything you want whenever you want it – tandem or single.
It is a crucial advantage right there, because you need to worry about buying two individual kayaks only in order to get direct access to those two distinct kinds.
This particular version was created to readily be converted into rather than needing to place your cash towards two average quality kayaks, or you can really get your money’s worth from this one high quality kayak.
A large proportion of kayaks which are accessible in the marketplace appear to be a tight fit for one man much less two or three individuals. Another crucial advantage of the Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak is you don’t need to worry about these tight space constraints, up to three individuals can fit in of this top quality tandem kayak.
This kind of version of kayak additionally has a compartment that’s made specifically for dry storage. Thus, you don’t need to worry about finding creative methods to maintain your possessions dry while you’re outside on the water. You only have to store up to three people away either within their compartment that is designated or utilize the ditty tracks and provided shock cord to keep those free things kept too.
There aren’t really many tandem kayaks which may give you the number of advantages and attributes which are produced by the Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with enclosed paddles and backrests for added comfort and support which comes. Thus, it needs to be seemingly clear to you personally this is the version you need to buy.
3.Sun Dolphin Excursion – Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under $600
The Sun Dolphin Excursion Fishing Kayak is excellent sit in fishing kayak made in America.
It comes prepared to go fishing with its swivel stick holder and two flush mount rod holders. It’s one man kayak which could be carried by one individual.
The Sun Dolphin Excursion Fishing Kayak is readily corrected with deluxe flexible seat and its flexible foot braces too. The seat has a high back support while looking forward to the fish, that makes the kayak comfortable to sit down in while paddling and while simply sitting back.
It comes fitted in with nifty flush mount rod holders and one swivel pole holder that’s perfect when fishing as you will not knock your paddles or getting that large game fish. Made from a rough, hardy polyethylene hull you’ll glide through the water and without a lot of sound, which is essential when getting fish.
The Sun Dolphin Excursion Fishing Kayak is refined and slick. It’s simply accessible olive green. This could be a turn off for many people, but for all those folks who like to fish, we all know this colour makes for fish to see as we silently go down the river or upon the lake.
The Sun Dolphin Excursion Fishing Kayak was created especially for fishing on rivers and lakes. This isn’t a kayak to be taken out down swift or on whitewater rapids. It’ll probably survive thanks to its durability, but it wasn’t constructed for that type of rapid steering. However in regards to fishing, this is actually an ideal kayak.
4.Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak- Best Beginner Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under $400
Whether or not you should really go fishing or simply kayaking the Sevylor Tahiti Fishing/Hunting Inflatable Kayak may be an excellent option for your requirements.
This really is truly an inflatable kayak created by Stearns, a brand which exists since 1963.
This inflatable kayak can hold as many as 2 individuals – up to 400 pounds in total with it is built in inflatable seats.
The Tahiti Fish/Hunt Kayak is built of heavy duty 26 gauge PVC and for more security it’s two air chambers, as well as a tubular I beam flooring for more equilibrium.
This inflatable kayak is guaranteed not to leak and it also features double lock valves for the role of preventing atmosphere loss that was inadvertent. In addition, it ensures quite simple and really fast inflation and deflation.
All in all, the Tahiti Fish/Hunt Kayak is a great and nicely built fishing and hunting kayak. It’s created of heavy duty 26 gauge PVC which ensures its durability and no matter in the event you’re an amateur of professional this kayak will definitely serve all your requirements.
Personally, i really like that this version characteristic for firmness and 2 air chambers for additional security is a tubular I beam flooring that’s very good. Moreover, this inflatable kayak features designed inflatable seats that have additionally an extremely cozy back support, letting you spend additional time for your favourite avocation.
Taking into account the standard of the kayak’s building, characteristics and affordable price tag, the Sevylor Tahiti Fishing/Hunting Inflatable Kayak is an excellent option for anybody seeking a dependable kayak at reasonable cost.
5.Sea Eagle SE370K_P – Best Inflatable Tandem Fishing Kayak Under $500
Not only is the Sea Eagle 370 a big-capacity boat, additionally, it works well in the areas of durability, portability, storage, building, tracking and speed.
Therefore, if you’re expecting to hitting the water for some fishing, yacht paddling, skin diving and Whitewater rafting,it’s your most suitable choice.
The Sea Eagle 370 boasts of a 5 tube building, by optimizing chairs placement along with weight distribution, which works to enhance the paddling operation of the kayak.
Most competitive boats that are affordable lack back skegs, as this induces the boat to weave aimlessly, and it is unfortunate;
To prevent this from happening, the Sea Eagle 370 has comprised two skegs that are molded to its kayak. In addition, the molded plastic used in the building of the skegs is exceptionally durable, in order that your skegs aren’t destroyed by rough and sharp things.
A reasonable pressure material is used by sea Eagle in the 370’s building, which is long-lasting and tough. This long lasting material is utilized on the hull, where it experiences a procedure of high frequency welding for a top quality, even and smooth finish.
Also, the Polykrylar’s tear resistance properties help it resist impacts that are sudden, in order for your boat isn’t torn apart when in contact with rocks and other things that are dangerous.
The Sea Eagle SE370K Inflatable Kayak with Pro Bundle is an inflatable and affordable sport kayak, which is unusually long-lasting, mobile, dependable and secure.
This 4.2 star rated kayak is great for all people who adore the Sea Eagle 330 but need more space to take their equipment or an added individual. The advantages of possessing the 370 make the drawbacks trivial though the carry bag really isn’t the finest component of the kayak. So do not hesitate, this Sea Eagle 370 is ideal for your family!
6.Hobie Mirage Revolution 13
So you want to know if the Hobie Revolution 13 is worth the price tag? Keep reading for the most in-depth review on the net.
Hobie was founded back in the late 1950s by Hobart Alter, not making kayaks but making surfboards. In the 1960s Hobart changed his focus away from surfboards to catamarans. At this time, catamarans were a fledgling market and the boats currently in production were clumsy, heavy and relied on long daggerboards to help reduce slippage under sail.
This made them hard to launch from shallow water and beaches (where the majority of people wanted to use them!) Hobart saw a way around this to innovate by using lighter materials and better hull design so that it did not need the long daggerboards.
This made it hugely popular as it was so much easier to launch and beach. His second catamaran, the Hobie 16 is still the best selling catamaran of all time and the most competitive catamaran class in the world.
Whilst this has nothing to do with the kayaks on the surface, it speaks volumes on the type of company that Hobie is and just one look at the Hobie range shows you that their models are hugely innovative and game changers.
Whilst other manufacturers were content on paddling their kayaks, Hobie was busy thinking of more innovative ways to propel a kayak.
The Revolution 13 comes in both 11ft and 13ft models, with the 11ft model being better for the smaller waters and people less than 180lbs.
The Revolution 13 is the more streamlined brother, an able open water cruiser that’s tough enough to hit those big lakes and open ocean. Lets move on to the Hobie Revolution 13 Review…
Features
1. Mirage Drive enables you to move fast through the water for longer, with free hands!
2. Very quiet hull design makes sneaking up on unsuspecting fish a breeze
3. Equipped with a rudder as standard, making it extremely manoeuvrable and tracks dead straight
4. Very fast hull design makes you wonder how you got so far in such a short space of time
This kayak is fast. With two factory fitted methods of propulsion available and two more optional add-ons, this kayak can go fast and choose how it wants to do it.
Mirage Drive – This is the jewel in the crown of all the pedal powered kayaks. Lots of people know that the Mirage drive is faster than paddling, but I’m not sure enough people know exactly how much faster and how much easier it is to maintain that speed for as long as you want.
Think of it like this, paddling is like walking (maybe roller-skates at a push!) and Hobie’s Mirage Drive like riding a bike. Whilst both have their merits for different situations, the Revolution comes with a paddle anyway so you have the best of both worlds.
Whilst it doesn’t come with the sail, the Revolution comes ready equipped for a sail should you so wish. Whilst this isn’t much of a plus if you plan to be fishing small creeks and ponds, for those open water situations, it can be a huge help.
This is especially true if you want to troll lures fast for pelagics or just like the idea that at the end of that exhausting hours travelling out to the best fishing spot. You can just flick up the sail and cruise back to shore without any fuss.
For those of you who really like to go all out on distance, fancy a change or just want to relax, Hobie now offers its aftermarket evolve system.
This is an electric propeller that fits into the mirage drive well and has a battery that enables you to go 3 different speeds with the normal speed of 3.7 mph offering a 15 mile range taking 4 hrs 10 mins.
Alternatively, you can use the motor at a very fast speed of 5.8 mph to which only lasts for 50 mins but could get you a whopping 4.6 miles in that time! This also offers yakkers with health problems new horizons.
The Revolution tracks straight as an arrow. Whilst under pedal power, tracking isn’t really an issue as it’s drive is coming from the center of the kayak.
Despite the fact that the Revolution comes with the Mirage Drive in mind, Hobie’s superb hull design (thought to be based on the cult fishing kayak, the Scupper Pro) tracks like a dream whilst paddle.
This superior tracking is due to its sleek design that cuts through the water like a knife which is then enhanced further by the rudder system.
The Revolution 13 certainly is no slouch when it comes to manoeuvring but if you are looking for a kayak that’s main feature is manouverability, I suggest you look at the Revolution 11 which is shorter and therefore more manouverable than its bigger brother, the Revolution 13.
Another note here is that when it comes to turning on a dime, paddling offers smaller turning circles due to the fact that you can paddle backwards and forwards simultaneously and turn on the spot.
Here we have a surprisingly stable kayak considering the speedy hull. The shape of the hull offers lots of what is called secondary stability. Primary stability is the stability that is felt when the water and kayak are both flat.
An extreme example would be a completely flat bottomed kayak, this would be very stable in flat water conditions but slow to paddle as it is all in the water creating drag.
The Revolution’s hull design on the other hand offers more secondary stability. This is because not all of the bottom of the kayak is in contact with the water.
That’s unless you start to tip it enough that the second part of the hull touches the water and then creates the necessary stability. What this offers is a boat that tracks well and is much faster because less of the hull is dragging in the water.
The Revolution 13 is plenty stable for fishing sitting down; its hull design fills you with confidence once you have had a play with it.
Although I do know of a few people that do fish from their Revolution 13s standing up, I would say that it would take a bit of practice compared to some of the other kayaks built solely for that purpose!
the Revolution 13 has plenty of room for storage with a large bow hatch with enough room to fit overnight gear, fish-finder battery and a trolley.
There are then two smaller round hatches, one in the stern and one in the center which has a built in tackle box which is fantastic.
As you can expect from Hobie, the hatches are as solid as they get and the general feel is top notch quality and a pleasure to use.
Weight capacity here is what you would expect for a kayak, at 350lbs it’s perfectly adequate for most users. If you need more here, I would suggest the Hobie Outback or Pro Angler.
A pleasure to fish from, perfect for fishing in salt water or lakes. The Mirage Drive makes it possible to both move about and cast at the same time, allowing you to cast to areas that you just can’t troll but still covering the same amount if not more water.
The Mirage Drive and rudder system also allows you to fish in fast flows where an anchor might not be suitable as you can point into the current, set the rudder and just slowly pedal against the flow whilst fishing cut baits, livebaits or even jigging.
If you’re looking for a kayak that you can use out in the open water but is still at home on smaller waters this is a great kayak for you. I don’t want to call it an all-rounder because that makes it sound boring, and that’s one thing this kayak is not.
The thing about this kayak is that even though it’s a fishing kayak, it’s just a pleasure to use. It’s the kind of kayak that you can go out on the water, not catch a thing, and still go home with a smile on your face.
7.Wilderness Systems Ride 115 Fishing Kayak
Wilderness Systems have been making kayaks since 1985 using innovative designs tuned for performance, premium outfitting and top-notch quality.
Wilderness systems currently have 4 models of fishing kayak on the market, each offering different lengths to accommodate for different size yakkers but also for the differing needs of individuals.
The Ride comes in both a 115 and a 135 model, with the 115 being the short distance, maneuverable kayak, perfect for ponds, flat water lakes and skinny water. The 135 is of course longer but also slimmer and so is better for longer distances but is not as stable because of it.
5 Features that set this model apart
- Enough stability to fly fish standing up!
- Big load capacity for lots of gear or bigger anglers
- Comfy seat that can be slid backwards and forwards for comfort and to aid stability and tracking
- Short length makes it very maneuverable, easy to store and transport
- Advance angler model comes pre-rigged with Scotty rod holders
If you’re looking for a kayak that is short enough to put in the corner of your garage, put in the back of your truck for easy transport but still want enough stability to stand up and fish, I suggest you keep on reading! This boat really is the first on the market that offers a sub 12ft size but allows all anglers the ability to fish standing up and more importantly, fish standing up comfortably.
OK so since this boat is made short and wide, it isn’t exactly the fastest kayak in the world. BUT It’s not really an issue as this yak is really suited to smaller bodies of flat water and fishing the margins with a fly or bait-casting. I’m not going to write too much here as it’s like saying a Ferrari isn’t great for transporting the weekly shopping, two kids, the wife and a dog. We all know that and this yak isn’t designed for speed, but for what it was designed for it’s great.
The Wilderness Ride 115 has to features that enable great tracking. First of all, the hull is shaped in such a way that makes it super stable, but also has a keel in the center. If you look at the hull, it’s shaped like pontoon boat with a keel running down the middle to keep it dead straight when paddling.
The Ride 115 has a second trick up its sleeve when it comes to tracking. The sliding seat like in a car allows you to shift your weight forwards and back. By shifting your weight forward, it helps to dig the nose in and track super straight when paddling up river but then allows you to shift the weight back for increased stability for fishing, stop the nose digging in when going met with white water or getting out through surf. The other ability of the sliding seat is that it allows you to slide it all the way back, making way for a large flat area to stand from and get sight casting to those fish you never thought you could get from a kayak.
This is where the sliding seat really comes in to play again. The sliding seat allows you to shift your weight so that it is dead center so that you can get the best possible handling out of it. As a sub 12ft kayak, it really does perform well in the maneuverability stakes but Wilderness Systems have also made an aftermarket rudder system available for those that want the ultimate in both tracking and maneuverability.
Well, If you have read this far I think you have a pretty good idea of how stable this kayak really is. I won’t say any more than if you want a stable kayak, you really can’t get more stable than this.
Obviously as this is a 12ft kayak its space isn’t going to be the same as a larger kayak but still, the Ride 115 has plenty of space for a days fishing gear. The center area has plenty of features such as a drinks holder and little areas to store lures, hooks and sinkers. The 10 inch center hatch has a really great feature of being cantered to allow you to put rods inside much more easily than other kayaks on the market. Behind the seat there is a fairly large area for a milk crate or bags to be stored. Up at the front, there is a big, oval hatch which has plenty of storage space. Both hatches offer leashes inside to attach your items and are gasket sealed so no water gets inside.
Crazy weight capacity for its size. At 500lbs this is as good as it gets in terms of weight capacity considering it’s under 12ft long.
If this kayak was designed for one thing, it’s fishing, and fishing standing up at that. It’s not a kayak first that’s been retro-fitted with some rod holders and then been called a fishing kayak.
If you’re looking for a kayak that you can fish standing up, throw in the truck and doesn’t take up too much room in the garage, this is your kayak.
How to Choose the Best Fishing Kayak
From our list above we have created the perfect selection of fishing kayaks to choose from, that are suitable for all experience levels with different uses.
However, before considering on any kayak to go fishing with you must take some factors into account first. These are the main factors to consider when choosing your fishing kayak:
- How much money you have/want to spend
- Weight + Size of kayak
- Single Or Tandem?
- How much do you weigh and how tall are you?
- Maximum load capacity taking into account the weight of your gear and yourself as well
- Where do you intend to fish the most? On a Lake, in a river or in the Ocean?
- Do you prefer to paddle or peddle?
- How often do you intend to fish? If not very often then choosing a simple and light weight model is advisable
Make sure you take all of these elements into consideration before purchasing your kayak, then you will have a much better idea of what you want and what you will be getting with no annoying surprises!
Now our check list here is self explanatory mostly, but these are necessary tips and questions to help and guide you with your choice.
How to Determine which one is best for you
After going through our checklist above, you should get a much better idea of what you are looking for and what’s best suited to you.
When choosing your kayak these important details will help you understand what works for you. The weight of the kayak will determine how well it performs on the water and how much weight it can hold as well.
What adds to the weight are the fittings like rod holders, extras, gear and of course you! Generally a lighter model makes lighter work of hauling around when on land and is also easier to paddle for longer periods.
Paddle Or Peddle
This is a little bit like the difference of having wind-up or electric windows in your car! Ok not quite like that perhaps, because we would all prefer electric windows! It is up to you whether you choose a model that is peddle power or operates by you paddling.
The benefits of peddling are better however, simply because you then have the use of your hands as you fish. Most professionals swear by peddle power these days.
Length
Generally, the longer the kayak is, the faster it can go. A longer kayak also tracks better which basically means it is easier to paddle in a straight line without traversing off to one side. There is a downside to long kayaks, being they are more difficult to turn and manoeuvre, whereas you can turn a short kayak much more easily which is ideal if you’re on a narrow river or small lake.
As a rule, long kayaks are more suitable and appropriate for sea fishing and shorter ones are best for lakes and rivers.
The length will range from 8 feet to 15 feet long, and 12 or 13 feet long fishing kayaks are the most suitable for ocean fishing.
Anything below 12 feet is much better for lake and river fishing. Also remember that you need to store your kayak somewhere, so check to see what space you have in your garage or where you plan to keep it safe when not in use.
Weight/Load Capacity(Maximum)
The weight of the kayak will determine how well it performs on the water and how much weight it can hold as well. You must get an overall idea of the maximum weight of all your gear and yourself combined together.
What adds to the weight are the fitting, extras, gear and of course you! Generally a lighter model makes lighter work of hauling around when on land and is also easier to paddle for longer periods. So just make sure you check the maximum load capacity of the kayak before buying.
Price
Now the price of a fishing kayak 99 percent of the time will justify the quality that you are getting as well as the features and benefits that it will provide you.
You can get decent kayaks starting at around the $600+ mark, but don’t expect to get the best fishing kayak for less than this!
Yes there are models below the $500 mark, but don’t expect to be wowed by it’s capabilities. Having said that, we do recommend the Sun Dolphin Excursion as a great model to get started with and obviously it is a little fish compared to a shark like Hobie per say. As a rule with anything you buy, only buy what you can afford!
Conclusion
Above all else, stay safe and enjoy your kayak fishing, and please feel free to comment below or ask me any questions regarding the best fishing kayak for the money.