The best fishing kayaks serve as tools to help you explore and fish bodies of water. Offering unmatched mobility and stability, these watercraft come equipped with angler-friendly features like rod holders and storage compartments, ensuring every minute on the water is as comfortable and efficient as can be. For example, our top pick, the Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak, is designed with features like mounting tracks for accessories and a plush, adjustable seat for long days on the water.
A solid fishing kayak turns into a fisherman’s home away from home because it stores essential equipment, including your fishing rods, tackle boxes (filled with bass lures) and a quality fish finder.
We’ve done our homework and paddled on (or in) some of the best fishing kayaks on the market, highlighting the top options with a particular focus on features like size, cost, weight and accessories. And for your kayak fishing questions, we spoke with Ric Burnley, editor of Kayak Angler Magazine and author of The Complete Kayak Fisherman, to shed some light on what you should look for when investing in a fishing kayak.
Best Fishing KayakOverall: Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak
Best Budget Fishing Kayak : Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Best Pedal Fishing Kayak: Reel Yaks Pedal Fishing Kayak
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak: Alpacka Raft Scout Kayak
Best Two-Person/Tandem Fishing Kayak: Kokopelli Platte-Plus Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Best Saltwater Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 Fishing Kayak
Best Fishing KayakOverall
One Raft To Rule Them All
Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak
Style: Sit-on | Weight: 85 pounds | Length: 12 feet | Weight capacity: 500 pounds
The Old Town Sportsman 120 is a classic, versatile fishing kayak with plenty to offer advanced and aspiring anglers. While it is on the heavier side at 85 pounds—and costly at $1,450—it comes with everything you’ll need, and the design should last a lifetime.
The plush, adjustable seat makes it easy to fish for hours, while the double-U pontoon-style hull makes for a stable and silent ride through the water. This kayak also features two tracks on which to mount accessories such as a cooler or additional tackle box, and it boasts a universal transducer mounting system so you can easily bring along a fish finder to track down your catch.
Old Town did well to add accessories, including a paddle clip on the side of the hull to keep your paddle in place while fishing, as well as cushioned floor pads, rod holders and a custom tackle box. Compared to the competition, this kayak offers sound stability with plenty of storage space and a number of dedicated mounting points that are sure to come in handy. With a total weight capacity of 500 pounds, it also holds more weight than most fishing kayaks on the market.
Best Budget Fishing Kayak
A Stable Platform For Less
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Style: Sit-on | Weight: 50.9 pounds | Length: 12 feet | Weight capacity: 275 pounds
For less than $400, Lifetime’s Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak provides all the basics. Constructed of high-density, UV-protected polyethylene, it’s surprisingly strong and stable in the water despite a wallet-friendly price. It features an adjustable seat pad and back to improve comfort and support while paddling and fishing, as well as a top-mounted rod holder and front and rear cord straps to secure boxes or gear. The kayak is 10 feet long and weighs 52 pounds, so it’s relatively easy for one person to transport. It comes with a paddle, which is a great way to start kayak fishing on the cheap.
Best Pedal Fishing Kayak
Free Your Hands For Catching Fish
Style: Sit-on | Weight: 62 pounds | Length: 11 feet | Weight capacity: 500 pounds
Pedal kayaks present a real advantage—powered by a fin pedal drive system that frees up your hands for more fishing, the Reel Yak Pedal Kayak easily maneuvers through the water without getting stuck in grass or debris below the surface. The “W” shaped hull is stable enough to stand on as a fishing platform, and it has four mounting rails for fishing rod holders or a fish finder.
The kayak has a cushioned stadium-style seat and adjustable backrest for additional support. The entire setup, sans gear, weighs 62 pounds, which is easy to carry with secure handles. The boat can support up to 500 pounds, allowing you to bring all of your gear along, or even your dog should your pup enjoy the open water as much as you do.
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
An Ultralight Vessel For Trips Far From Home
Style: Sit-in | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Length: 7.16 feet | Weight capacity: 250 pounds
The Alpacka Raft Scout is a lightweight, easy-to-inflate pack raft that is ideal for fishing on a dedicated backpacking trip. Perfect for accessing lakes and rivers where traditional fishing kayaks can't go, it weighs a mere 3.6 pounds and can easily roll into a compact storage bag before fitting in your backpack. It takes about five minutes to inflate using an airbag that attaches to the inflation valve.
The Scout comes with an inflatable seat and enough legroom for an angler up to six foot, two inches tall. The inflatable design is made from 210d nylon tube fabric and has a durable floor with 420d material for added durability. Small, light and easy to use, the Scout is handmade in Mancos, Colorado.
Best Two-Person/Tandem Fishing Kayak
Room Enough For Company (Or Lots Of Fish)
MOST POPULAR
Style: Sit-on | Weight: 31.75 pounds | Length: 12 feet | Weight capacity: 600 pounds
A two person kayak requires only half the effort to go the same distance. And with the inflatable Kokopelli Platte-Plus, you can go just about anywhere with a friend, partner or canine companion. The light and packable two-person craft is designed specifically for recreational use, so while it isn’t a dedicated fishing kayak, it can serve as one in a pinch. The tracking on these is really efficient too, so there is no wasted paddling.
Like all Kokopelli rafts, this kayak packs down into two parts and is composed of a 1,000-denier reinforced PVC construction that makes the two pontoons and a removable drop-stitch floor incredibly stiff, durable and really easy to track. This means the kayak is not only easy to carry and inflate thanks to the Nano Barrel pump, but also stands up to tougher terrain such as high alpine lakes.
Best Saltwater Fishing Kayak
Paddle To Open Waters
Style: Sit-on | Weight: 104 pounds | Length: 12 feet | Weight capacity: 450 pounds
When it comes to saltwater fishing, you need a kayak that’s up to the task. Similar in many ways to the Old Town Sportsman 120 (our choice for best overall kayak), the Old Town Sportman Salty PDL 120 is great for coastal fishing adventures thanks to the 12-foot hull that’s designed to maneuver in strong, moving water. In addition, it weighs only 104 pounds, making it easy to paddle such a sizable raft.
The kayak has a forward and reverse pedal drive system that offers hands-free navigating, though you can also remove the pedal system (which recovers 19 pounds) if you’d rather paddle by hand. There’s plenty of storage space and accessory tracks for all your gear, and the kayak has a solid seat with adequate lumbar support for long days on the water. The kayak can support up to 450 pounds, which should be more than enough for those rare deep sea catches.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- In addition to writing, researching and publishing dozens of water sports stories, the Forbes Vetted team has spent many hours on the water with inflatable paddle boards, kayaks and assorted fishing gear.
- Product selections are overseen by gear editor Cam Vigliotta, a seasoned equipment expert who grew up near coastal New England.
- This article is regularly updated to ensure all product selections still meet the criteria for their respective categories. In its most recent March 2024 update, fishing writer David Young reevaluated our picks and introduced the Kokopelli Platte-Plus Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak to the list while removing several kayaks that were no longer available.
What To Consider When Buying A Fishing Kayak
Kayak Type
There are more kayak types on the market today than ever before, but the most common types include sit-on-top, sit-inside, inflatable and pedal-driven kayaks. The one that’s right for you is mostly a matter of preference, but where you intend to fish can help you decide.
Sit-on-top kayaks are ideal in calmer waters, while sit-inside kayaks fare better in open water. Inflatable kayaks perform well on rivers or ponds, while pedal-driven kayaks free up your hands. An open-water kayak that’s designed for long distances looks different from a kayak for stand-up fishing or for operating in sheltered water. Burnley believes that for long distances and all-day fishing, a pedal or motor kayak would be best.
Length
Longer kayaks are generally faster and more stable, whereas shorter kayaks are more maneuverable. Consider your intended use to determine what kayak length you need.
Weight Capacity
Ensure that the kayak has enough weight capacity to support your body weight and any fishing gear you intend to bring along. Most hard-sided fishing kayaks support up to 500 pounds, while inflatable kayaks support a little less.
Stability
A stable kayak is important for fishing, as it will allow you to cast and reel in a fish without tipping over. Larger kayaks with wider platforms offer more stability, but they may be less maneuverable. Smaller kayaks, on the other hand, aren’t quite as stable, especially in rough or moving waters, but they’re far easier to maneuver.
Storage Space
Look for a kayak that has enough storage space for your fishing gear, food, water and other essentials. Larger kayaks offer more storage space and mounting points, though they may be a bit harder to maneuver as a result of all the heavy gear you’re likely to bring. If you have a massive yard and cavernous garage, Burnley notes your options will be broader than if you live in an apartment with a porch. Make sure you buy a fishing kayak that fits in with your lifestyle at home.
“Many people choose a fishing kayak for easy transport and storage. Inflatable or folding kayaks are the most convenient—these compact boats fit in a closet or car trunk,” he explains. “However, inflatable and folding kayaks take some work to assemble, and unfortunately, they are also slower and more difficult to maneuver.”
Comfort
Consider the comfort of the kayak, including the seat, backrest and footrest. These elements should be adjustable and provide adequate support during long fishing trips. High-end kayaks will feature plush padding, additional lumbar support and greater adjustability, whereas budget-friendly kayaks will offer less versatility.
Portability
Consider how easy it is to transport and store your kayak, especially if you plan to fish in different locations. Most models weigh less than 100 pounds, but others, like the Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120, weigh over 100 pounds as a result of their length, storage compartments and various bells and whistles. Burnley notes that putting a kayak in a pickup truck with a trailer looks different from in the hatchback of your car. Do you have a roof rack ready to carry the kayak to and from the water or just a bicycle trailer? The answers to these important questions play into what size kayak you can get.
Is It Better To Paddle Or Pedal While Fishing?
When it comes to ease of use and maintenance, Burnley recommends investing in a paddle kayak if you’re in need of a lightweight frame that makes storage and transportation a breeze. Pedal kayaks, on the other hand, require a little more skill and energy to operate, but they make kayak fishing a no-brainer. “The frame seat is as comfortable as a lawn chair and pedaling takes less energy to go farther,” notes Burnley. “Simply sit back, kick the pedals, and control direction with the rudder.”
Burnley is also quick to point out that motorized kayaks are all the rage right now. Adding an electric motor to the mix makes kayak fishing a lot easier because electric outboards quickly and efficiently zoom to the fishing spot or use a modified trolling motor to maneuver around the fishing grounds like a pro.
Are Sit-In Kayaks Good For Fishing?
The enclosed co*ckpit of a sit-in kayak provides protection from the elements, notes Burnley. These boats are less stable, and they don’t offer as much space for tackle and gear. Sit-in kayaks also lack mounting points for rod holders and electronics.
“Serious kayak anglers choose a sit-on-top kayak,” says Burnley. “Sit-on-top kayaks are more comfortable, easier to enter and exit and provide plenty of space for tackle and gear. A sit-on-top kayak is more stable with a large, wide seat. Space behind the seat fits a storage crate and inside the hull is room for more tackle and gear. Open space around the seat and co*ckpit is perfect for mounting rod holders, electronics and other accessories.”
