11 Of The Best Fishing Kayaks In 2024: Reviewed

Looking to buy the best fishing kayak on the market? Not sure what to look for? It can be quite confusing and hard to do as there are so many brands, models, styles and price ranges that it is almost impossible to know what the best ones are and what features you need to be look at.

To help you choose and know what the important things in a fishing kayak are, we’ve put together a complete guide of all our research to get you the perfect fishing kayak for your needs! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced fisherman who knows exactly what they want, this guide has something for everyone.

We also review some of our favorite fishing kayaks from budget-friendly options to top-rated high-end boats that are sure to impress even the most seasoned anglers out there. Let’s jump in.

Best Rated Fishing Kayak Reviews

Below are some of our favorite kayaks for fishing.

#1. Sea Eagle 385fta 385fta FastTrack™ Angler Series

The inflatable FastTrack is a mere 20 pounds, so it’s a great kayak to toss into even the smallest car for a day out on the water. It inflates in only seven minutes and has a double-layer bottom to prevent punctures if you bottom out. Inflatable kayaks have a huge fishing advantage over their motor-powered counterparts—they don’t produce noise and a gasoline smell that could deter fish. 

To make fishing convenient, the FastTrack has a built-in fish ruler, rod holders, and lure holders. It also has a crocodile hide EVA foam padding in case you accidentally hook your kayak. Furthermore, the kayak has a high-pressure drop stitch, offering outstanding tracking for when you’re reeling in the big one.

Sea Eagle designed the FastTrack with an impressively narrow, tapered bow. That means you’ll be able to push your way through wind and waves more quickly to arrive at your prized fishing spot. Don’t forget to bring your friends—this kayak holds three people up to 288 kg, although it’s roomier with two people.

#2. Hobie Mirage Passport 10.5 – Pedal Fishing Kayak

If you prefer to pedal your way to fish instead of rowing to them, the Mirage Passport might be a good fit for you. Using ST Fins, this Hobie kayak can help you reach remote beaches and water that’s usually difficult to access by boat. Thanks to adjustable pedals, this is a feasible kayak for people of nearly all statures. 

A vertical accessory tube allows for navigation in both open and shallow water. Hobie hasn’t left a stone unturned with its fishing features—molded-in rod holders are within easy reach, and a dual mounting track ensures you have constant access to your tackle box.

When you’re reeling in your big catch, you won’t have to worry about the fish soaking your belongings that shouldn’t get wet thanks to an 8-inch storage hatch. Even people new to the pedal kayak world will be able to maneuver the Passport with the support of easy-to-use steering and twist-and-stow rudder.

#3. BKC PK14 14’ Tandem Sit On Top Pedal Drive Kayak

The tandem PK14 will get you to your fishing destination quickly because of its dual pedal-driven propeller system. You’ll have complete control of your kayak while fishing, thanks to bicycle-style pedals that allow you to stop your kayak or put it in reverse. If you want even more control, set your rod into one of three built-in fishing holders and use the hand-operated rudder.

Spaciousness is at the forefront of the PK14. The kayak is 34 inches wide, can hold up to two passengers, and offers plenty of room for your fishing supplies. You’ll be hard-pressed to surpass the 670-weight limit! Stability is at the forefront of BKC’s design. A wide, flat bottom means that flipping is nearly impossible, regardless of how big a fish you reel in.

By taking advantage of the qualities of an aluminum frame design, you’ll enjoy optimal ergonomic comfort even if you spend the entire day out on the water. Furthermore, the roto-molded HDPE is resistant to impacts and abrasions. It also has UV protection.

#4. Ocean Kayak Malibu II XL Angler Tandem

The Malibu II XL is a great sit-on-top starter fishing kayak. The kayak has a linear polyethylene construction that makes it lightweight for a non-inflatable kayak—at 74 pounds, you’ll need two people to cart it around, but it’s still manageable. 

Built for all-day fishing outings, the Malibu II XL has two padded seats with backrests that you can adjust. It works best on flat water and slow-moving rivers, although it remains pretty stable on small ocean swells. The 13-foot, four-inch-long Malibu packs in lots of storage room; you’ll have access to a bungee deck on the bow and stern and a center hatch with a Cross Lock Buckle System.

There are two-rod holders within reach of your seat. They’ll ensure you have quick access to your fishing pole while paddling. Although two people up to 500 pounds total can use this kayak, if you wish to hit the water on your own, you can center one of the seats using overlapping footwells to turn your ride into a solo kayak.

#5. Wilderness Systems ATAK 120

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You’ll barely miss your buddies with the solo ATAK kayak, thanks to its outstanding fishing features. It has a customizable platform for your comfort, a wind-shedding deck, and excellent stability. The removable FlexPod allows you to mount a fish finder and transducer. 

Gone are the days of uncomfortable kayak seats. The patented AirPro seating has a large, adjustable 3D foam seat. It offers lower back support and has honeycomb vents for optimal airflow while you sweat your way through reeling in fish after fish. You can even take a nap when the fish aren’t biting by utilizing the reclining position. Furthermore, you can adjust the extra-large padded footrests for even more comfort.

Despite only being 12-feet, 3 inches long, a large stern offers plenty of space for your fishing accessories that require mounting, while a covered, removable storage unit can hold your tackle gear and beverages. By utilizing the SlideTrax, you can pull from accessories at the front, rear, and center of your kayak. 

#6. Perception Crank 10

For those more interested in catching big fish than buying big kayaks, the 10-foot Crank is a fabulous choice. As a pedal kayak, it’s ideal for calm water, including lakes and ponds. While you enjoy ergonomic pedaling, you can quickly grab your pole if a fish bites due to two nearby mount recesses.

There’s no need to worry about losing speed from your kayak thanks to Perception’s improved pedal technology—you can quickly move forward and backward at your wish. At the end of your fishing excursion, you might find yourself wanting to spend some extra time in your kayak because of the Captain Chair’s front and back adjustments and breathable mesh.

A huge tankwell in the rear of the Crank offers plenty of room to store your tackle box or cooler. Rattling around to pull out your latest fishing lure is just about all the sound you can expect from this kayak; the lightweight Perception Pedal Drive offers incredibly quiet performance while providing a speed unmatched with other kayak models. 

#7. Pelican Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak 10 Feet Lightweight

At only 50 pounds, the Pelican is an excellent option for beginners and people who don’t want to lug around a heavy fishing kayak. It offers excellent stability and tracking, allowing you to arrive precisely at your favorite fishing spot. Once you’ve hooked a big one, the Pelican provides outstanding maneuverability to ensure fish don’t get off the hook. 

Despite being only 10 feet long, the Pelican offers a large amount of storage space for all your fishing equipment; you’ll have access to a quick lock hatch at the front of your kayak and a 4-inch day hatch that includes a storage bag. To top it all off, you’ll also have access to an open-air storage platform with bungee cords. 

In terms of fishing accessories, you’ll be within reach of gear with a swivel rod holder along with two flush mount rod holders. The Pelican comes with six eyelets to make it easy to attach and access your most frequently used fishing equipment. A padded seat cushion ensures you stay comfortable during a full day out on the water. 

#8. Perception Pescador Pro 12.0

The USA-made Pescador has a 2-level seat adjustment, allowing you to sit up to look for new fishing spots or get down close to the water to net your catch. Its integrated accessory rails ensure you have plenty of space for fish finders, rod holders, and your other fishing accessories.

Thanks to a shorter length and its lightweight design, you’ll be able to squeeze the Pescador through tight spaces that other boaters can’t reach, offering you access to more secluded fishing locations. It has a skid plate that’s easy to replace, so you can drag the Pescador over rough terrain without worrying about damaging it.

The storage style on the Pescador is entirely open air; you’ll have access to large front and rear decks with bungee lashings to secure coolers, tackle boxes, and any other gear you want to take out on the water with you. Comfort is a top priority, so you’ll appreciate that the seat slides back and forth to accommodate your legs. The seat is also roomy with zonal mesh to promote airflow.

#9. Pelican Sit-on-Top Kayak – Sentinel 100X – 9.5 Feet – Lightweight

The sleek-looking Sentinel is another excellent angler kayak by Pelican. At only 9.5 feet and 44 pounds, it’s a great option for solo kayakers. Casting lines can send standard kayaks rocking, but not the Sentinel—it has a multi-chine flat bottom for unmatched stability. Furthermore, the Sentinel surpasses ABYC Standards in terms of floatation.

A removable EXOPAK storage compartment makes it easy to prepare for your fishing trip. You’ll have access to vertical rod holders, two-rod tie-downs, and two accessory eyelets. You’ll love how easy it is to get in and out of the Sentinel, thanks to its spacious cockpit. 

The Sentinel is ideal for fishing in calm or slow-moving water. It’s among the hardiest of fishing kayaks thanks to its multi-layer RAM-X material. Additionally, it has outstanding hydrodynamics. Pelican has an R&D team that tests the hull to ensure maximum speed and maneuverability. Add to that its excellent tracking features, and you’ll be able to enjoy fishing without the stress of constantly managing your kayak.

#10. Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak is a wonderful choice for any fisherman. It’s a versatile and sturdy kayak that has several features that are ideal for kayakers looking to fish.

It’s incredibly well balanced and even beginners find this kayak easy to use due to its wide flat bottom hull which makes it very stable. The adjustable padded seat is comfortable too making it a good option for long fishing excursions.

Hardiness is at the forefront of the Tamarack, thanks to its UV-Protected high-density Polyethylene. It can accommodate any one of practically any height thanks to multiple footrest positions, although it has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds. An adjustable padded seat offers additional comfort.

You’ll be able to quickly access your fishing poles with the support of two flush-mounted rod holders and one top mount holder. The ten-foot Tamarack has two six-inch storage units—one in the back and the other in the center. It also comes with a paddle keeper that has shock cords. You can feel confident moving around your kayak since the Tamarack has Chine Rails for stability and a flat bottom for added stability.

Carrying the Tamarack around is a breeze thanks to front and rear T-handles. Because of its Polyethylene construction, it doesn’t get damaged easily. However, should something go wrong, your kayak will have a five-year Limited Warranty. 

#11. Intex Excursion Inflatable Fishing Kayak

The Intex Excursion is one of the cheapest options on our list and is a great entry-level fishing kayak. As it’s an inflatable, it’s extremely stable and easy to maneuver, and very portable and lightweight.

It’s built with an angler in mind too with built-in brackets to attach your fishing accessories like a GPS or fish-finders, plus it comes with two integrated recessed fishing rod holders. We also loved the comfortable seat and footrests which are a must on any extended kayak fishing trip.

To round off our fishing kayak review, we’ve got another wonderful inflatable kayak option. With durable laminate PVC and a polyester core, you’ll get to enjoy the lightweight benefits of inflatable kayaks without worrying about your kayak experiencing tears or damage from UV rays. High-pressure spring-loaded valves make inflation and deflation quicker than the time most people take to lug a non-inflatable kayak around.

The tandem Intex Excursion has two adjustable bucket seats and mounted footrests. It performs excellently in both deep and shallow water thanks to two removable skews. As a fishing kayak, you’ll have two integrated fishing rod holders and an adjustable mounting bracket that can hold equipment like fish finders and swivel fishing rod holders. 

The storage space is decent, with stainless steel d-rings in the bow and stern. The Excursion can hold up to 400 pounds in weight. Furthermore, you can take it out in fresh or saltwater without worrying about corrosion because of its three-ply construction.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?

Whether you’re a kayaking newbie or a full-time fishing pro, there’s an option for nearly every need and interest. That said, our top pick is the Sea Eagle 385fta 385fta FastTrack™ Angler. We love the Sea Eagle because of its mobility, built-in fishing components, and excellent tracking. It excels at tackling wind and waves so that you can get to—and stay in—the best fishing spots.

We hope this fishing kayak review has shown you the many styles of fishing kayaks on the market. What are you waiting for? Purchase your kayak so you can catch the big one!