With so many on the market these days, it is tough to pick the best fishing kayak for you. The kayak has to meet your personal requirements, be good quality, and fit your budget.

Kayak fishing is an exciting sport, and kayaking gets you a of great benefits. It brings you right into contact with the water and gives you the mobility to follow the bites.

man in fishing kayak headed into the sunset

Well, luckily for you, we have gathered a list of our top five picks for best fishing kayaks on the market this year. When it comes to finding the best rig for you, there are many things to consider, such as your riding style, needs and of course, your budget.

The below list is a mixture of sizes and styles, but the one thing they have in common is quality.

We hope this dutifully researched information matches your prospective fishing kayak dreams with the “perfect-for-you” fishing kayak that you will cherish for years to come.

Comparison Table

How We Selected the Top Models

a man kayaking with paddle

When we choose our top picks for a popular product online, especially such an important purchase such as a fishing kayak, we search for one key factor: transparency.

We only choose products that offer a completely transparent purchase experience — from the time you click “search” in your Google bar to the moment the product arrives on your doorstep. We value your opinions and finances and take the proper steps to ensure our best-ofs truly are that, the best of all.

Other key factors we considered when composing this list are the product’s history and quality, and the company’s track record including customer service.

This list provides you with accurate, well-thought-out and valuable information to assist you in finding the perfect fit in a new fishing kayak. Fishing in a kayak is definitely an art to be mastered and we hope these kayaks help make the catch a little easier for you so you can focus on the fun stuff.

Best Fishing Kayaks: Top 5

Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler Kayak

Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler
  • Inflatable kayak; designed for anglers; features multi-layer material and patented aluminum rib frame
  • Abrasion pads offer maximum durability; wide beam increases kayak's stability
  • High-back seat with two rod holders and inflatable lumbar support; removable mounting rail

Advanced Elements knows what they are doing when it comes to proper fishing kayaks. Their straightedge angler kayak is one of the most popular and widely purchased fishing kayaks. It’s inflatable and specifically designed for anglers.

The kayak has a wide beam providing the user with a stable foundation, allowing them to focus on angling. This inflatable fishing kayak has multi-layer material, multiple air chambers, and extra abrasion pads, making it suitable for any environment.

The straightedge angler features a high-back fishing seat with holders for two different rods so you have multiple lines thrown in the water at one time. The boat offers inflatable lumbar support and a removable mounting rail, making the boat extremely versatile yet reliable.

Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler

The kayak showcases multiple storage areas including a bungee deck and stainless steel D-rings. Personalize your straightedge angler with rod holders, a fish finder and other equipment that can make your fishing trip even better.

The kayak is also equipped with paddle holders so that you never have to worry about where your paddles are when they are not in use. This highly-rated Advanced Elements kayak uses the company’s patented StraightEdge aluminum rib-frame mechanics for quality performance.

The kayak comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty that is an added bonus. The boat itself measures 9 feet and 8 inches by 35 inches and weighs a relatively light 41 pounds.

Perception Kayak Pescador Pro

Perception Kayak Pescador Sit On Top for Recreation
  • Sit-on-Top Kayaking's Most Well-Rounded Performer for Larger Paddlers
  • Easy open front hatch with latching lid and massive rear tank well offer loads of storage
  • Comfort seating system with thick ventilated padding for superior support

Perception Kayaks is a very well known brand producing top-notch and extremely well-made kayaks. The Pescador Pro series made by Perception Kayaks showcase features and performance capabilities that every angler desires.

The Pescador Pro is perfect for all climates and environments including lakes, ponds or flat-water rivers. The hull of the Pescador Pro is durable polyethylene and features a removable, stadium-style Pro Seat with two positions and a recessed track for adjustments.

For storage spaces, the Pescador Pro features a molded-in stern tank well with bungee holders and a mesh gear cover. Dull pole rod holders make it easy to throw two lines and have your hands free when needed.

Perception Kayak Pescador Sit On Top for Recreation

The Pescador Pro showcases a state of the art YakAttack Gear Trac system that allows for the attachment and placement of different fishing and paddling accessories. This kayak is ideal for flat-water, recreational and calm coastal waters.

This watercraft is proudly designed, molded and handmade in the United States of America and is backed by a manufacturer’s 5-year warranty. The kayak weighs 64 pounds and a max capacity of 375 pounds.

The boat length is 12 feet, 32 and a half inches wide, and 14 and a half inches high. It offers a safe, leak-proof construction with built-in buoyancy and a permanent U.S. Coast Guard compliant hull identification number.

Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak

Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrest,...
  • Versatile Design Allows for Solo or Tandem Paddling
  • 10-Foot Compact Length for Easy Transport and Storage
  • 3 Fishing Rod Holders and Rear Storage Hatch

Lifetime is an incredible outdoor brand that is committed to bringing its customers together through the pursuit of adventure. The brand aims to produce quality, durable and reasonably priced outdoor products.

The bow is molded from very durable polyethylene and backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty. The weight capacity sits at 500 pounds and can seat up to two people. The polyethylene offers ultimate stability and UV-Protected HDPE construction that prevents fading, cracking and peeling.

The Lifetime 10 foot, 2-person tandem fishing kayak showcases not 1, not 2, but 3 fishing pole holders. There are recessed footrest positions for multiple comfort options. The kayak includes two kayak paddles and ample storage for gear.

Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrest,...

Seating in the kayak is made for extreme comfort and long days on the water. There are 2 double-sided seat pads, paddle clips, a 6-inch storage hatch in the back, and a high and dry seating keeps riders off of the floor.

The versatile design of the boat allows for solo or tandem paddling and self-bailing scupper holes drain the cockpit area of water. Dimensions of the fishing kayak are 36 inches wide by 121 inches long with a total weight of 60 pounds.

The Lifetime sport fisher angler creates a wonderfully well-rounded boat that takes precedent on our “best fishing kayak” list. The kayak offers a spacious foot area, comfortable seat and incredible access to fishing all types of waters.

Hobie Mirage Outback

Hobie 2019 Mirage Outback (Ivory Dune)
  • Features the multi-adjustable Vantage CTW chair
  • Features H-Track storage pockets, Guardian Transducer shiel
  • Includes a kickup rudder system for easier navigation in shallow water

Hobie’s Mirage Outback is one of the nicest and most equipped angler-aimed pedal-drive kayaks on the market today. It’s a top-of-the-line boat, and comes with a matching price, but it’s worth every penny.

This kayak is outfitted with the outstanding adjustable Vantage CTW seat, and H-track storage pockets for maximum space and optimum comfort. The Vantage seating system provides the comfort needed for long days on the water. The easily adjustable system makes it easy to fit any and everybody.

The Hobie brand is known for its Twist and Stow Rudder is there for its users when necessary and stays out of the way when you do not need it. The built-in transducer mount and already installed through-hull cable plugs allow for premium fishing conditions.

Hobie 2019 Mirage Outback (Ivory Dune)

The MirageDrive 180 is a feature that sets the Hobie Mirage Outback apart from the others like it. The original pedal kayak drive offers incredible abilities for the user to kayak as efficiently as humanly possible. With the Kick-up fins, it also offers great stability.

The kayak’s dimensions are 12 feet, 9 inches in length, and 34 inches in width and hold a capacity of 425 pounds. The fitted hull weight is 85 pounds and the fully-rigged weight is 105 pounds. The Mirage Outback also offers a multitude of color options to match the rider’s personality.

Brooklyn Kayak 2-Person Fishing Kayak

BKC TK181 Angler 12-Foot, 8 inch Tandem 2 or 3 Person Sit On Top...
  • THE PERFECT KAYAK FOR OUTDOOR FUN: Our Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC TK181 tandem kayak has extra space to fit 3 - making...
  • FULLY LOADED ACCESSORIES: Our kayak comes equipped with 2 soft padded seats, 2 adjustable aluminum paddles, 2 waterproof...
  • CRAFTED FOR STABILITY: Our Roto Molded single Piece High density polyethylene material is superior to inflatable kayaks...

Brooklyn Kayak Company is a very reputable kayak company known for its well-equipped kayaks. This tandem kayak offers incredible features and a perfect one-person or two-person kayak made for anglers.

The Brooklyn two-person fishing kayak showcases seven rod holders including three articulated fishing rod holders and four flush-mounted rod holders. This makes for up to seven rods in action at once.

BKC TK181 Angler 12-Foot, 8 inch Tandem 2 or 3 Person Sit On Top...

Waterproof storage hatches allow for the safe storage of personal and important materials such as your wallet, phone, and keys. This kayak comes complete with two secure paddle rests so you do not ever have to worry about losing your paddles.

The Brooklyn Kayak 2-person fishing kayak features multiple carrying handles that allow for super easy transportation. The dimensions of this kayak are 12 feet 5 inches in length with a hell weight of 68 pounds.

Users also can pick from many color combinations including green camo, gray camo, desert sand, blue, red/yellow, army green and yellow/orange.

Buyer’s Guide

colorful kayaks in the beach

We hope the above list helped you narrow down the best fishing kayak for you whether you have been ready to make a purchase for some time or if your search for the best kayak has just begun.

As you can see, there are many options, brands, and features to consider when picking out the right kayak for you, but we hope our list-assisted in making your search easier. Before you make your final decision though, consider pondering the following element first.

Budget

Budget is usually the biggest factor for any purchase, and usually determines the quality of the product you end up with. This holds true in regards to fishing kayaks, as well.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Advanced Elements StraightEdge Angler is a proper choice. If you have a little more to spend, definitely go with the Hobie Outback Mirage. Just like anything in life, you get what you pay for.

Go ahead and invest in a nice fishing boat that you will cherish for years to come. You deserve it!

Hook, Line, and Sinker

​We hope this “best of” guide helped you break down the best fishing kayaks.

From the Brooklyn Kayak Company 2-person fishing kayak to the Perception Kayak Pescador Pro, these three are the leaders when it comes to reasonably priced and quality fishing kayaks with the outstanding qualities you are looking for. Take our advice and choose one of these fishing kayaks to add to your kayak family.

Happy kayaking!

Last update on 2023-06-05 at 12:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API