Best Fishing Kayak

When you’re searching for a fishing kayak, you need more than just a basic, vanilla kayak. You need the most stable fishing kayak you can find — one that will stay right side up even when you’re fighting a fat monster muskie. And you need the storage capacity to haul your tackle and cooler.

When choosing our candidates for best fishing kayak, those were more or less the criteria we were looking for, but there were other important factors to consider. Rod holders, for example, are a big help for any angler. Foot pedals can help you back up while you’ve got a fish pulling you forward by both hands. And of course, we considered durability and overall quality.

Our choices for the top fishing kayaks cover a variety of sizes, materials and prices. No matter what you need, at least one of them is going to be right up your alley.

Best Fishing Kayaks Available Online

1. Lifetime Muskie

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler is a durable, sit on top kayak.

Key Features

• Polyethylene body
• 10 feet long
• Sit on top design
• 3 fishing pole holders
• Weighs 52 pounds
• 275-pound capacity

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler is constructed from UV-resistant polyethylene, which is both lightweight and durable. This kayak weighs in at only 52 pounds, making it one of the easiest carrying options on our list.

Of course, its light weight comes with a downside: it has a relatively limited capacity. 275 pounds sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t leave you with much for gear if you’re a big guy. It really doesn’t give you much storage to begin with, though. There’s no cargo rack of any kind, which means you’ll have to jury rig a solution to bring your tackle box along.

That said, there are some things to like about the Tamarack, too. The seat is adjustable, with enough padding for comfort. The footrests are adjustable, too, so you can keep them in different positions when you’re battling a lunker versus paddling along.  There are also three fishing rod holders: a surface mount on either side, and a top mount in front.

The Tamarack has a large tank well. We’re not sure how big, but it’s got a generous, 6-inch lids for easy access, and takes up about a quarter of the kayak.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight
• Large tank well
• Multiple footrest positions
• Adjustable padded seat
• Affordable

Cons

• Limited cargo capacity

This is a solid choice if you’re looking for a more affordable kayak.

2. Hobie Mirage Pro

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is the Cadillac of solo kayaks.

Key Features

• Fiberglass body
• 12 feet long
• Pedal-driven
• Sit on top design
• 2 vertical and 4 horizontal rod holders
• Weighs 120 pounds
• 500-pound weight capacity

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is a serious fishing kayak for serious kayak anglers. And you’d better be serious because this monster costs as much as a used car. The fiberglass body is tougher than polyethylene or polymer, but it’s also significantly heavier at 120 pounds.

This kayak was made for standing and casting. Not only is it 12 feet long, it’s a full 3 feet wide, making a stable platform for folks who really like to let their lure fly. Big guys will have nothing to worry about either; the Mirage Pro is rated to carry 500 pounds, so there’s plenty of room for you, your tackle, and several large fish.

Speaking of tackle, you won’t need to worry about where to keep all your gear. The seat on the Mirage Pro opens up to reveal a large storage compartment, perfect for your lures, knives, and extra line.

Tracking fish on this kayak is a breeze. It’s pedal-driven, so you can drag a line behind you using one of the six rod holders, and trawl any area you’re interested in. A simple switch between your knees changes the direction of the paddles, allowing you to turn left, right, or go straight while focusing on your rod and reel as much as possible.

Pros

• Very stable
• Under seat tackle storage
• Ergonomic, adjustable seat
• Sturdy side rails
• Large capacity

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

This kayak is a good choice if you like to stand and cast.

3. Old Town Predator 13

The Old Town Predator 13 is designed for maximum capacity.

Key Features

• Fiberglass body
• 13 feet long
• Sit on top design
• Weighs 86 pounds
• 425-pound weight capacity

The Old Town Predator 13 is a standard fiberglass kayak. It’s a sit on top design with a very low deck, designed to be stable even in relatively choppy water. Old Town includes plenty of space for storage, with a large center console that’s built to hold as much tackle as you care to bring with you. This storage option comes at a cost, though; it interrupts the deck, making stand and cast fishing a challenge.

This large, 13-foot hull can hold up to 425 pounds, so bigger guys can take it out on the lake with confidence. It weighs 86 pounds, which isn’t the lightest we’ve seen but isn’t absurdly heavy either. You don’t get any fishing pole holders, but you do get an adjustable canvas seat that’s surprisingly supportive. There are two horizontal rod holders on the sides of the kayak to secure your rod while you’re paddling from place to place.

The Predator 13 is a little bit pricey, but just a little bit. What you get is a kayak that’s durable, stable, and capable of hauling in a nice load of fish.

Pros

• Front storage compartment
• Large capacity
• Horizontal rod storage brackets
• Adjustable seat

Cons

• A little pricey
• Deck is not flat

This is a mid-priced kayak that’s big and tough enough to do the job.

4. Sun Dolphin Journey

The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is a good kayak for beginners or backpackers.

Key Features

• Polypropylene body
• 10 feet long
• Sit on top design
• 1 swivel mount and 2 flush mount rod holders
• Weighs 40 pounds
• 250-pound capacity

The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is a polypropylene kayak that’s designed for backpackers, or for anyone who needs to carry their kayak into action. It weighs in at only 40 pounds, making it one of the lightest kayaks we’ve looked at. The low weight has a disadvantage, though. The weight capacity is only 250 pounds.

That said, we wouldn’t recommend the Journey 10 for taller individuals to begin with. If you’re taller than six feet, even if you’re under the weight limit, you’re not going to be comfortable.

If you’re under six feet tall, though, you’re going to have a comfortable trip. Not only is the seat back padded, but there are also pads by your knees to stop them from getting smacked against the hull. There are two flush mount rod holders behind the seat for trolling, and a single swivel mount right between your legs for reeling in a traditional cast. You won’t be able to stand and cast on the Journey 10. It’s too small.

All in all, this kayak is a solid choice for beginners, backpackers, and people who are short enough not to worry about the small size.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Padded interior
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Too small for taller people
• Not stable for standing and casting

This is a good starter kayak, particularly for shorter people.

5. Brooklyn Kayak Company

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-FK184 is comfortable and lightweight.

Key Features

• Polypropylene body
• 9 feet long
• Sit on top design
• 1 swivel mounted and 4 flush mounted rod holders
• Weighs 44 pounds
• 250-pound capacity

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-FK 184 is a well-engineered polypropylene kayak that’s geared towards weight-conscious anglers. The kayak itself weighs only 44 pounds, ideal for hauling down a trail or carrying from your truck to the lake. However, it only has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, so heavier individuals will have a hard time bringing all of their tackle.

This is a relatively small kayak, at only nine feet in length. You won’t be able to stand and cast from it. That said, it has some features that make it useful for tall people. The scalloped foot rests allow you to place your feet in a variety of positions, letting you stretch your legs even if you’re well over six feet tall. The padded seat is slightly reclined, and comfortable for people of all heights.

Storage is easy, thanks to the spacious cargo compartment behind the seat. It’s basically a large open cutout with bungee straps over it, which is perfect for a big tackle box.

As for fishing, you can troll with the rear or side flush mount rod holders, or use the center swivel holder for traditional casting.

Pros

• Comfortable, padded seat
• Lightweight
• Plenty of storage space
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Low weight capacity
• Not stable enough for standing and casting

This kayak is another good option for carrying.

6. Native Watercraft Slayer

The Native Watercraft Slayer 13 is well designed for larger people, or for standing and casting.

Key Features

• Fiberglass body
• 13 feet long
• Pedal-driven design
• 3 fishing rod holders
• Weighs 89 pounds
• 500-pound weight capacity

The Native Watercraft Slayer 13 is a heavy duty, fiberglass kayak with a pedal drive. Your left hand operates the rudder with a rubber joystick, leaving your right hand free to hang onto your rod even if you’re making a hard turn during a fight. Of course, fighting the fish is just part of the experience. In addition to the forward-facing rod holder on the center console, this kayak features two flush mounted rod holsters behind the seat, which makes trolling as easy as riding a bicycle.

If you want capacity, you’ve got it. The Slayer 13 supports up to 500 pounds, with a large, open cargo compartment behind the seat for extra storage. This is a beefy kayak, so it’s a bit heavy — 89 pounds, to be precise. It’s also a bit heavy on your wallet, but the high quality is well worth the investment.

This kayak was built for standing and casting. It’s just under three feet wide, with a flat deck that’s stable when you stand on it. Sitting down is also pleasant The seat is adjustable, with a nylon web seating that has just enough give to be comfortable.

Pros

• High weight capacity
• Comfortable, adjustable seat
• Stable enough for standing and casting
• Large storage capacity
• Bow to stern rail mounts

Cons

• Expensive

This is a wide, stable kayak.

7. Sun Dolphin Aruba

The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is lightweight and keeps your legs dry while you cast a line.

Key Features

• High density polyethylene body
• 12 feet long
• Sit inside design
• 3 flush mount fishing rod holders
• Weighs 47 pounds
• 395-pound capacity

The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS has a polyethylene hull that weighs only 47 pounds. That’s impressive for a 12-foot kayak that’s almost 30 inches wide. Sun Dolphin achieves this by using high density polyethylene, which is extremely thin, but very strong. It keeps the water out, but we’re still leery of such a thin hull.

The weight the Aruba SS saves by utilizing such a thin material, it gains back in padding. Both the bottom and back of the seat are cushioned, and you also have cushions inside the hull by your knees.

This is a sit inside kayak, which means there’s a canopy covering most of your legs. Not only does this design keep your legs dry, it also puts you very low to the water. This keeps the center of gravity on the Aruba SS very low, which makes it exceptionally stable for such a lightweight boat.

The Aruba SS is a good choice for beginners, both due to its low price and due to its stability.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Wide and stable
• Padded cockpit
• Keeps your legs dry
• Affordable

Cons

• Not designed for standing and casting
• Not very durable
• Small storage capacity

This is a solid beginner kayak, virtually impossible to capsize.

8. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks

The Old Town Predator PDL is a 13-foot beast with 500 pounds of capacity.

Key Features

• Fiberglass body
• 13 feet, 2 inches long
• Sit on top design
• Pedal operated
• 1 center mount and 2 flush mount fishing pole holders
• Weighs 130 pounds
• 500-pound weight capacity

The Old Town Predator PDL is 13 feet, 2 inches long, making it one of the longest solo kayaks available. It’s also three feet wide, so it’s stable enough to stand up in. At that size, the fiberglass hull weighs in at 130 pounds, which means it’s better suited for a proper beach than for hiking in.

That said, the Predator PDL boasts an impressive capacity of 500 pounds. Not only will you be carrying yourself, but you’ll have a large bungee strap covered storage area behind your seat, with plenty of room for your tackle box. The seat is crafted from padded, quilted nylon, and is adjustable along a pair of slotted rails. People of almost any size will be comfortable in this kayak.

This kayak has two flush mounted rod holders behind the seat for trolling, and a large holder on the center console for bringing your catch in. The pedal drive is easy to operate, with a fat control knob in the center to adjust the rudder.

Pros

• Plenty of storage
• Wide and stable
• Large rudder control
• Padded, adjustable seat
• High weight capacity
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Long shipping delay
• Heavy
• Expensive

This is a pedal-powered kayak for anglers who want a lot of action.

9. Ocean Kayak Prowler

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is sturdy, stable, and large enough for tall anglers.

Key Features

• Polypropylene body
• 13 feet, 4 inches long
• Sit on top design
• 2 flush mount rod holders
• Weighs 56 pounds
• 325-pound capacity

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is built for speed and stability. It’s 13 feet, 4 inches long and only 28 inches long, allowing it to cut through the water like a knife. While this is fairly narrow for such a long boat, the Prowler 13 stays stable by maintaining a low center of gravity. That said, it’s not designed for standing and casting.

This kayak has a weight capacity of 325 pounds and has a long, scalloped foot well to accommodate people of virtually any size, sitting in virtually any position. It features a pair of flush mount fishing pole holders behind the seat, which gives you the option of trolling.

The seat itself made from padded nylon and has a four-point harness that’s adjustable on all four points. However, it’s not as comfortable as it should be, because the scupper is directly beneath the seat. Unless you’re very light or buy a higher-quality aftermarket scupper plug, your butt is going to get a little bit damp.

Pros

• Large rear tank well
• Fast and stable
• Foot well accommodates almost any sized legs
• Adjustable seat

Cons

• Scupper is directly under the seat
• Not designed for standing and casting

This is an ideal solo rig for high speed.

10. Old Town Predator MX

The Old Town Predator MX Angler is big, stable, and comfortable.

Key Features

• Fiberglass body
• 12 feet long
• Sit on top design
• 1 forward and 1 aft pole holder
• Weighs 82 pounds
• 400-pound weight capacity

The Old Town Predator MX Angler is a kayak made for people who want to spend a leisurely day trolling out on the lake. It’s 12 feet long and 34 inches wide, with a relatively deep draft that keeps it stable even when you’re standing up to cast your lure.

This kayak was made with tall people in mind. The footrests are adjustable across a wide variety of positions, and the seat has low and high mounting options depending on what’s most comfortable for you. Behind the seat you’ll find a large storage bin, with bungee straps over the top to restrain your tackle box or your other gear.

The Predator MX’s seat is upholstered from padded nylon, and there’s rubber padding along the inside of the bow rail to protect your knees. It features two flush mounted fishing rod holders: one behind the seat for trolling, and one in front of the seat for active use.

This is a pricey canoe, but it’s a solid, high quality choice that will last you for years. It’s also one of the best options for bigger people, with a 400-pound capacity and plenty of legroom.

Pros

• Plenty of storage space
• Wide and stable
• Comfortable
• High/low seat adjustment
• Adjustable footrests

Cons

• On the pricey side

This is a perfect kayak for very tall people.

11. BKC UH-TK181

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK181 is lightweight for a tandem kayak.

Key Features

• Two seats
• Polypropylene body
• 12 ½ feet long
• Sit on top design
• 3 swivel mount and 4 flush mount rod holders
• Weighs 68 pounds
• 450-pound weight capacity

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK181 is a tandem kayak with a 68-pound polypropylene hull. It measures more than 12 feet in length. With a weight capacity of 450 pounds, you’ll have trouble getting two large people on it, but otherwise it should be sufficient for two people plus tackle.

Both seats have scalloped foot wells, accommodating people of a variety of heights. The seats themselves are padded nylon, secured in an adjustable four-way harness. All in all, the UH-TK181 is better for tall people than most tandem kayaks.

This kayak has seven pole holders, which should be plenty for any fishing duo. The front seat gets one central swivel mount, while the rear seat has a swivel mount on both sides. Each seat also has a flush mounted holder on each side, located right by your shoulders. Behind the rear seat is a storage bin for your tackle box and other supplies.

The only thing we didn’t like about this kayak was the scuppers, which take on water even in light chop. Avoid rough water on this boat, and you’ll do just fine.

Pros

• Lots of rod mounting options
• Plenty of storage space
• Comfortable

Cons

• Takes on water in any kind of chop

This kayak is meant for fishing on calm lakes or bays.

12. Old Town Twin Heron

The Old Town Twin Heron Angler is durable, low, and long.

Key Features

• Two seats
• Fiberglass body
• 13 feet, 6 inches long
• Sit on top design
• 2 flush mount rod holders
• Weighs 62 pounds
• 500-pound capacity

The Old Town Twin Heron Angler is engineered to be as tough as possible while still being lightweight. To do this, the designers built a fiberglass hull that’s as minimalist as possible. The result is a kayak with plenty of legroom, but no storage compartments. You’ll need to keep your gear between your feet, but you and your buddy will have plenty of weight capacity; the Twin Heron supports up to 500 pounds.

This kayak is 13 feet, 6 inches long, and 31 ½ inches wide, with a flat bottom. This makes it very stable, even more so with the low seating position. The bow has a unique curve, which is designed to trim perfectly regardless of the balance of weight in the boat. As a result, you won’t have any trim issues if you decide to take the Twin Heron on a solo outing.

There are two flush mount rod holders on this kayak, one by the right hand on each seat. There are also six plugged holes for mounting aftermarket rod holders, so you can customize the Twin Heron to your heart’s delight.

Pros

• Durable
• Very stable
• Plenty of legroom
• High weight capacity
• Trims well for solo or tandem

Cons

• Limited storage space

This is a high quality, minimalist kayak.

13. Ivory Dune

The Hobie Pro Angler 17T is built first and foremost for luxury.

Key Features

• Two seats
• Fiberglass body
• 12 feet, 8 inches long
• Pedal-driven
• Sit on top design
• 2 swivel mount rod holders
• Weighs 230 pounds
• 425-pound weight capacity

The Hobie Pro Angler 17T is built to be as comfortable and durable as possible. The tandem seats can be adjusted both for height and for front to back placement. They also have inflatable lumbar support for added comfort, and both seats feature built-in mesh bags for accessories. The rear passenger sits up higher than the forward passenger, so both have a clear field of view.

The fiberglass hull is 12 feet, 8 inches long and has a wide, flat bottom for stability. The kayak itself weighs 230 pounds, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it has a relatively low weight capacity — only 425 pounds, which isn’t much for two people and equipment.

This kayak includes two swivel mount rod holders, one next to each seat. It also has beautiful, bow to stern rail mounts for attaching other accessories or just tying your kayak in.

The Pro Angler 17T is pedal-operated, so you won’t need to worry about paddling while your buddy battles a fish. Either person can control the steering, thanks to dual knobs located in front of both seats.

Pros

• Extremely stable
• Ergonomic seats
• Dual steering control
• Bow to stern rail mounts

Cons

• Heavy
• Low weight capacity
• Very expensive

This is an absolutely gorgeous tandem kayak.

14. Lifetime Sport Fisher

The Lifetime 10-Foot Fishing Kayak is an affordable, lightweight tandem kayak.

Key Features

• Seats up to 3 people
• Polyethylene body
• 10 feet long
• Sit on top design
• 4 flush mount fishing rod holders
• Weighs 60 pounds
• 500-pound weight capacity

The Lifetime 10-Foot Fishing Kayak is one of the shortest, lightest tandem kayaks you’ll find. Its polyethylene hull measures only 10 feet in length and weighs only 60 pounds. It’s built as a tandem but has a small third seat for carrying a small child between the two main seats. This kayak has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.

This kayak features four flush mount fishing rod holders, one on either side of each seat. The seats themselves are mounted on four-point harnesses, which can be adjusted independently.

The Lifetime is an inexpensive kayak, so you can get into it without dropping a whole bundle of coin. That said, it does have its flaws. For one, it’s wide and stable enough for standing and casting, but there’s nowhere to stand that isn’t part of the scalloped bottom or one of the seats.

Far more annoying is the storage. The 6-inch cap opens into the inside of the hull, which means anything you put in there is liable to be sliding around up near the bow, inaccessible. You’ll be limited to the small storage space under the bungee cords, on the bow.

Pros

• Lightweight for a tandem
• High weight capacity
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Poorly designed on-board storage
• Not designed for standing and casting

This is a good choice for couples, especially couples with small children.

15. BIC Trinidad

The BIC Trinidad is an excellent family kayak.

Key Features

• Seats 2 adults and 1 child
• Polyethylene body
• 12 feet long
• Sit on top design
• 2 flush mount rod holders
• Weighs 65 pounds
• 440-pound capacity

The BIC Trinidad is designed to seat two adults, with one small child seated between them. While this is nice in theory, and the 12-foot polyethylene hull is long enough for three people, the weight capacity of the Trinidad is only 440 pounds, which is barely enough for two buddies and some gear, much less a couple and child.

There’s still a lot to like about this kayak, though. To begin with, the bow has a wide, upward-curved profile that allows the hull to glide over the water, easily outpacing most tandem kayaks. The seats are minimalist, with multiple foot rests in the leg wells to accomodate people of different sizes.

The Trinidad weighs only 65 pounds. It includes two built-in rod holsters, one on each side just behind the front seat. It’s also relatively wide, with a flat, stable bottom that won’t rock significantly while your buddy is baiting his line.

Pros

• Wide and stable
• Fast

Cons

• Low weight capacity

This is a fast, lightweight tandem kayak.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for the best budget fishing kayak or a premium rig, there are plenty of choices available. You can choose a low riding sit inside kayak with plenty of space for your gear, or a capsize-proof sit on top model to protect yourself from the inevitable turnover.

The important thing to consider is whether the product you’re buying makes sense. If it’s inexpensive and has a ton of features, it’s probably not very good quality. If it’s premium priced and barebones, it had better be gold plated, or you’re getting a bad deal. If you have to go with an inexpensive model, focus on weight, balance, and durability before you start looking at all the bells and whistles.

No matter what you ended up choosing, we hope our fishing kayak reviews were helpful and informative. Even if you decided to go with something that wasn’t on our list, we hope you learned more about how to find the best fishing kayak for the money.