Why Trust Us
Paddling over waterways is kind of my jam as a professional raft guide in Alaska and Colorado and Maine woods-dweller. Fishing is a bonus in any of these locations. But I’ve grown to appreciate the simplicity of paddling across a loon-lauded lake in misty New England or out in an inlet to drop a line into the seawater of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Who This is For
This guide is for anglers who are looking for a fresh take on the sport of fish wrangling, from seasoned line casters who want a human-powered transport option to get out to new waters to new-to-the-game fisherpeople who are looking for a great deal on a kayak.
We included a few great options for everyone who loves fishing and open water, no matter your budget or experience.
How We Picked
We chose our list from the most popular, highest reviewed, and highly recommended products — plus our own personal picks.
We tested our favorites on our own Alaskan, New England, and Rocky Mountain waterways, and the results are listed above.
How We Tested
As difficult as it was to drag ourselves out onto calm, peaceful, beautifully rippled water spots and spend hours casting lines to catch a fresh fish dinner, we sacrificed ourselves for your sakes, dear readers. We took our tested items out in wind and rain, as well as sun and still waters.
From the Pacific Northwest to the rocky Maine coast, we paddled our hearts out to find you the top fishing kayaks in the business.
Features to Look for in Fishing Kayaks
Stability and storage are the two names of this kayak angling game. Other features — like tracking over short and long distances, handles on the bow and stern for easier transport, and comfortable and adjustable seating — are also great to keep in mind, as are the length and materials used to construct your new kayak.
Size and Dimensions – This will vary with your unique specifications, but in general, the longer and wider, the more stable and more comfortable. However, that also means it’s generally harder to maneuver (in and out of the water) and weighs more.
If you’re taller or bigger, you might opt for a longer kayak. If you’re shorter or leaner, a smaller kayak will be easier to handle and fit more proportionally.
Check out this great resource for finding your optimum kayak length.
Transportability – Most people want to be able to transport their gear easily from place to place — the more compact when folded, the better. Our roto-molded picks all include easy-to-use handles to move from beach to car, but some folks might like the use of kayak carts to help them transport their gear more easily.
Hull Type and Stability - There are several hull designs that help a kayak angler stay afloat and stable while they’re reeling in the big one. For a great resource on the different types of hulls and what they do, check this out.
Sit-In Kayaks (SIK) vs Sit-On-Top Kayaks (SOT) – Sit-in kayaks look more like the traditional Aleut, Inuit, and Yupik watercraft that inspired today’s kayaking phenomenon.
Sit-in kayaks will have sides that come up to about mid-waist, while the paddler’s legs will slide into the open, covered space in front of them. These crafts are great for rougher weather or waterways with waves and stronger currents but can be more difficult to fish from since you’re seated lower inside the boat.
Sit-on-top kayaks are just what they sound like. These stand-up fishing kayaks look more like a stand-up paddleboard with molding — they have lower hull walls and give you a better platform to stand and fish from. They’re slightly more difficult to paddle but can be worth it for the freedom of movement when you’re fishing.
Tracking – We don’t mean fish stalking here. Tracking refers to how straight the kayak travels as you paddle, or how much it can veer from side to side (an example of less-than-ideal tracking). The hull design and/or fins can keep your kayak aligned and allow you to spend less time correcting your kayak and more time spotting fish.
Storage and Extras – the last thing you want is to run out of space for all of your gear on the perfect fishing day! Take into account how much space you’ll need for your equipment.
Depending on how much time you plan to spend on the water, you may not need much (maybe a simple tackle box for an afternoon) or you may need a lot (like space for a cooler and multiple rods, if you’re going for a full day or an overnight trip).
Look for molded stern storage, hull storage, storage tanks, webbing, or bungee cords to hold loose gear in place, as well as included rod holders or grip handles to attach even more of your favorite fishing kayak accessories.
Seat – There is a multitude of seat options in the fishing kayak world, so much of it depends on what you find most comfortable and convenient!
Some of our sit on top kayak choices give you the option to strap in a cooler to use as a seat or hook in a lawn-chair-esque recliner to paddle in style.
Others, like in our sit-in kayak choices, will feature adjustable straps to customize the seat height, angle, and position to fit your back and legs most comfortably.
Stand-and-Fish Capability – Stability, stability, stability! If your wish is to stand and fish from your kayak, the “s” word is now your new favorite phrase.
Look for good flotation with a high weight capacity (the more gear, the better!), a wide base, and a sturdy hull. Pay attention to where the seat is centered to make sure that you have plenty of space to stand, readjust your stance, and sit back down.
Some sit-in kayaks may have less stand-and-fish capability than sit-on-top kayaks but find what works best for you!
Fishing Kayak FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a kayak and a fishing kayak?
A: Fishing kayaks are specifically designed for stability and gear storage to ensure you have everything you need out there when you sink the line. They’re generally wider than “purely recreational” kayaks, have specifically molded or crafted storage areas to accommodate rods, coolers, and tackle boxes, and may even feature engineered holes to sneak a fish finder down into the water.
Recreational kayaks are generally designed with comfort or speed in mind, rather than an abundance of storage.
Q: How wide should a fishing kayak be?
A: There is no overarching recommended width for a fishing kayak; however, wider kayaks generally have greater stability than narrower ones. Make sure you have about 6 inches on either side of your hips when you’re sitting in your kayak, at a minimum.
What is the best type of kayak for fishing? Whatever gets you out on the water! There are advantages and disadvantages to both sit-on-top or sit-in kayaks, but fishing-specific kayaks will all have similar features: great stability, lots of storage space, and hardy materials.
Q: What is the best beginner fishing kayak?
A: The best fishing kayak for beginners is whichever one fits your budget and your body best. There’s not one single kayak to rule them all when it comes to the angling game, particularly because these kayaks can start in the $200 range and get well up into the $1000+ area.
Maybe you prefer an inflatable or foldable kayak to a rotomolded, hard plastic shell. Maybe you want all the bells and whistles, or maybe you want the simplest model out there to get you from Point A to Point B.
For beginners, the best kayak for fishing is the one you can afford and that helps you achieve your fishing goals — getting out to new and fresh waters.
Q: How dangerous is kayak fishing?
A: As with any watersport, kayak fishing comes with inherent risks. While we wouldn’t call it the most dangerous sport in the world, open water can, of course, involve drowning risks, hypothermia, and unexpected interactions with wildlife.
Make sure you follow all local guidelines for your chosen waterway, wear a life jacket, and practice paddling before you go out for a big adventure!
Sources:
- Choosing the Optimal Kayak Length – Height Chart Included - Boat Safe
- A Look At Kayak Hull Designs - Austin Kayak
- Life Jacket Wear / Wearing Your Life Jacket - USCG Boating
