Fishing Kayak [Best 10 Reviews] 2019

Fishing is an interesting activity which gets even better when you have the best fishing kayak. Many anglers are adopting kayak fishing because it provides fishermen with easy access to places that other watercraft’s cannot reach.

Because of the different manufacturers, fishing kayaks come in different types and models on the market. How do you determine which is the best fishing kayaks for you?

Choosing the best fishing kayak can be a tough job. To help you pick the right kayak for fishing, I have researched and provided you with 10 best reviews of top quality kayaks that you can buy.

Why You Need Fishing Kayak

• Low cost of entry
• Little maintenance cost
• Increased stability in modern kayaks
• Got enough storage space
• They are customizable
• Comfortable and durable designs
• Requires little storage space

Things to Consider When Buying The Best Fishing Kayak

To get excellent service from a kayak, you need to consider several factors that will play utmost importance in seeing to it that you get value for your money. They will ensure A Kayak that you get a comfortable ride through the water and give minimal and close to nil chances of capsizing.

Maximum Capacity

Carefully evaluate the maximum capacity and what you need to use the kayak for. You could be looking for a recreational kayak that you can go out with your wife and kid on, for such you will require a kayak that has a high maximum weight capacity.

Plus factor in the weight of the gears and also the catch. Does the kayak come with net cargo lacing to supplement the storage tank wells? Such are the kind of questions you need to ask yourself.

Make

By the make, I am referring to the type of the boat. Is it from a plastic mold or an inflatable? The make has a lot to do with the portability.

For example, you can carry an inflatable kayak in a backpack, but for a plastic mold one, you will most probably need an SUV or just some kind of car. You will also find that the plastic mold ones are not prone to punctures, unlike the inflatables.

Materials

The materials that make the kayak determine the durability. Mostly for kayaks look for high-grade polyethylene or other related materials that are one, durable and also UV protected.

At some point, you will need to cruise through wood and rocks, so the sturdy material is a must. Some of the materials also have the capability to conceal scratches which are a big deal if you are sensitive to scratches.

The materials should also be in a way light weight so that the kayak remains portable.  To aid in portability, you also need features such as the carry handles and for the inflatable a carry bag.

Color

The color is also an important thing to consider, we all know how sensitive women are when it comes to color. You might need to lure a few with your charm, and the color of your kayak will help you in that.

Away from luring, for photography, for example, you will need camouflage to add to the stealth of the kayak if you need to get close enough to the target animal. I know this is a fishing kayak, but you just might need it for photography.

Cost

Do not leave yourself broke all in the name of buying a fishing kayak. There are so many options in the market, and that’s where the trick comes in, but with the guidelines in this article you will be able to find an outstanding kayak at an affordable bargain, I simply mean you will get what you can pay for great performance.

10 Best Fishing Kayaks Reviews in 2019

I have a list of the ten Kayaks that will see you pay lesser maintenance bills. These kayaks will help you save money that you will throw away if you opt for any other means of transportation during fishing other than the kayak.

1. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

Ocean Kayak brings to us this amazing Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak. The kayak is fast and stable. Stability is very important for any fisherman; instability will mean probably losing your catch and worse getting all wet.

Ocean Kayak Prowler has some incredible storage capacity in the bungee well. The manufacturer also includes some fishing rod holders, if a kayak comes without fishing rod holders which you will always need, it will take you too much time and energy trying to install some.

The limit weight capacity is 400- 450 pounds. With this weight limit, you will take a considerable amount of fishing gears with you and still be safe. The Brown camo and Urban camo colors create a good pattern of colors. The kayak looks good with these colors to choose from.

The Ocean Kayak Prowler is a versatile kayak that you can use on lakes and rivers. It easy to transport the kayak and also it launches easily. The length is great, and the minimal width ensures there is no hull slap.

Highlighted Features:

1. Incredible storage capacity from the bungee well
2. Easy to transport and launches easily
3. Includes fishing rods holder
4. 400- 450 weight capacity
5. Versatile, for use in lakes, ponds, small and also big rivers
6. Minimal width ensures for no hull slap

2. Lifetime Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak

Lifetime Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak, just like the name suggests a kayak of a lifetime. The mold is from high-density polyethylene making it, durable. The mold is also UV protected and impact resistant so calling it lifetime equipment is in order.

During long fishing sprees, you will not hurt your butt and back; the manufacturer incorporates a padded seat and backrest. For safety and stability, the Lifetime Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak has a flat bottom with deep tracking channels and stability chine rails.

After making the Lifetime Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak purchase, you will get to enjoy five years limited warranty quality insurance. People never get to use this warranty. Every component of the kayak is high quality and durable.

The complete kayak design weighs 52 pounds, a weight that is manageable and having rear and front carry handle transporting the kayak will never be an issue. The design allows you to carry everything that you need with you. It has fishing rod holders and two 6” compartments.

Highlighted Features:

1. Rear and front shock cords
2. Two flush-mounted fishing pole holders
3. Five years limited warranty
4. Comfortable padded seat and backrest
5. High-density polyethylene mold
6. Rear and front carry handles
7. Two 6” center compartments
8. Paddle cradle with shock cord

3. Sun Dolphin Excursion SS 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak

KL Industries is doing its customers proud by producing kayaks that stand out from the rest. Their Sun Dolphin Excursion SS 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak is an incredible sit in kayak that has space to take in even persons with the tallest legs. Sit in kayaks also give a better cruising effect.

Sun Dolphin Excursion SS 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak has a center mounted swivel holder that allows for hands-free trolling. The deluxe version of the sun dolphin has the deck behind the sitting position getting it out of your way. It also includes a high back padded seat for maximum comfort and also places a water bottle holder at a convenient position.

The tough polyethylene mold enables the kayak bounce off rocks and logs without caving into the impact. The manufacturer also selects the color that does not reveal scratches. It weighs 40 lbs making it a lightweight for easy transportation. It also has carry handles to facilitate the same.

Sun Dolphin Excursion SS 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak also has a two years warranty. The deck storage has shock cords to ensure that its contents do not spill even when having a rough ride.

Highlighted Features:

1. Center mounted swivel holder
2. Flush mount fishing rod holder
3. High back padded seat
4. Water bottle holder
5. Has easy carry handles
6. Spray deflector
7. Adjustable footrest
8. Tough and durable polyethylene
9. 250 lbs. capacity

4. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak is a preference for people who want some space but an overall shorter kayak. At 10 feet it meets their length demand, and it is spacious enough.

Often wildlife photographers choose it for its stealth and color that enable the photographers to get close to the wild animals. Fishers utilize the stealth nature of this kayak too.

Standing at over 6 feet, I fit perfectly in the huge cockpit. It tracks incredibly, and the paddling is also easy, this I can tell as my son usually goes for some fun time in the waters alone.

Later on, he never complains of aching muscles or wobbling as the manufacturer makes the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak stable. An anchor trolley comes very much in handy for both fishermen and photographers equally. Whenever I need to hold the kayak steady, I use it, and you will also at some point need to use it.

Highlighted Features:

1. Roomy cockpit
2. Has an anchor trolley
3. Stealth
4. Stable
5. Rod holders

5. Sun Dolphin Journey 12-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

Sun Dolphin Journey 12-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak is more of a big brother to the 10-foot version of the sun dolphin. It is one of the most amazing kayaks in the market. There is something about the two colors, the drab green, and the sand. They give the sun dolphin 12 feet kayak an outstanding outlook.

The design features retractable rod holders and a swivel paddle holder. Sun Dolphin Journey 12-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak paddles and tracks easily and at the same time maintains maximum stability.

The manufacturer sees to it that you get a large sitting surface. To enhance the comfort for long periods of sitting the manufacturer incorporates protective thigh pads. These two features give a comfortable seating area.

The material that makes the mold is UV stabilized Forti flex high-density polyethylene. The material gives the kayak durable yet a light weight mold. A Plus is the portable accessory carrier that increases the cargo space significantly. This is the kayak that you should get for ample storage and sturdy construction.

Highlighted Features:

1. Carrying handles
2. Paddle holder
3. Large comfortable seating area
4. Protective thigh pads
5. Maximum stability
6. UV stabilized Forti flex high-density polyethylene
7. Two flush mount rod holders
8. One swivel rod holder
9. Portable accessory carrier

6. Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak comes in beautiful Colors, the sunrise and yellow a replication of your vibrant mood during recreational outings.

Being a recreational kayak, it would be sad if you cannot have some people accompanying you. To take care of that, the manufacturer sees that the kayak can hold a weight of up to 425 lbs, this way you can enjoy your wife’s and kids company.

The ocean kayak 12- feet Malibu has features that allow for solo paddling or tandem. The seating positions also allow for three seating positions, and that’s how you accommodate two persons plus a kid.

Storage is another thing that the manufacturer sees to it that they take ultimate care about. The kayak has straps where I strap my gears. Also, they include a patented overlapping foot wells design to optimize the storage capacity.

The hull and deck design allow for stacking of multiple hulls. The design facilitates for easy on dock storage. The kayak accommodates persons of all heights comfortably.

Highlighted Features:

1. Maximum capacity 375- 425 lbs
2. Three seating positions
3. Gear straps
4. Patented overlapping foot wells
5. Hull and deck design that allows easy stacking of multiple hulls

7. Old Town Predator 13 Fishing Kayak

The manufacturer of the Old Town Predator 13 Fishing Kayak pushes the design of every single component an extra mile. Quite clear is the length of the kayak, at 13 feet 2 inches that are quite incredible it is like a limousine version of a kayak.

Old Town Predator 13 Fishing Kayak will see you through catching the big fish in the waters; this fishing kayak is a real predator. Old Town Predator 13 has features that see to it does not tip even when you are struggling with a big catch; it maintains perfect stability at all times. It has the best stability and tracking in town.

The deck utilizes a slip resistant exo-ridge deck. The design is such that it is long and narrow mimicking a perfect streamline hence very suitable for large and still volumes of water bodies. It embraces technology by having the latest side imaging transducer that fits on the hummingbird transducer scupper.

It has a total of six detachable high strength mounts. You will have total freedom on when to attach the mounts and how. It has a big exo- ridge tank well where you can put your catch and anything else that you might need during the trip.

Highlighted Features:

1. Polyethylene hull material
2. 13” 2’ length
3. Maximum capacity of 425 lb
4. Element seating system

8. Emotion Stealth Fishing Kayak

The Emotion Stealth Kayaks easily gets a five-star rating. The reason being during its existence it has won awards such as the recreational kayak of the year back in 2009 and several others. It owes it honor from the excellent effort put in by the manufacturer.

At the back, the kayak has a cargo net lacing. The cargo net lacing helps me hold the tackle boxes and some of my gears. A tank well that has a cover does well in helping me carry my catch. You can also put other items in the tank well as you wish.

You can fold down the seat when not in use and also this kayak features a cup holder near the front seat that you can reach your convenience. Behind the seat there are two flush mount rod holders so apart from recreation this kayak is still a fishing kayak with a great level of versatility.

By incorporating foot wells, the manufacturer makes using this kayak so much fun throughout the day. Loading and unloading is so easy a task as you do it with the help of carry handles on both sides of the kayak.

Highlighted Features:

1. ST performance hull offers exceptional speed and stability
2. Ultra durable UV protected linear polyethylene plastic
3. Tank well with cargo net lacing and solace hatch
4. Molded-in foot wells provide secure foot bracing
5. Roomy and stable sit on design

9. Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ 2-Person Fishing Kayak is an inflatable and foldable kayak. It uses multiple air chambers to ensure that in the case of a puncture you will remain afloat. Talking of punctures, the manufacturer ensures that they reduce the chances of a puncture to a minimum by use of 1000D Tarpaulin bottom and 840 nylon cover.

The entire construction utilizes 18 gauge PVC which is tough enough for lake use. Being an inflatable, the kayak is airtight to ensure it does not let you down in the middle of deep waters. You could be having a life jacket, or you are an excellent but deflation will cause you so much panic.

Sevylor trolley motor fittings see to it that you can extend the capabilities of this kayak to motorized capability. For storage purpose, the kayak has mesh storage pockets. D-rings enable for attaching other equipment.

For comfort either when carrying or sitting on the kayak it has carry handles and also the sit is adjustable to fit what you want. Also once you deflate the kayak, you can use the carry bag to move it. A one-year limited warranty gives you a one-year quality assurance.

Highlighted Features:

1. 18 gauge PVC construction suitable for lake use
2. 1000D Tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
3. Multiple air chamber
4. Airtight system
5. Berkley quick set rod holders
6. Sevylor trolley motor fittings
7. Mesh storage pockets
8. D-rings offer an easy way to attach other equipment
9. Adjustable sit moves to fit
10. Carry handles
11. One year limited warranty

10. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak

You may be wondering why a lot of people sort for this Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak? It is because of its awesomeness. For the price, you will be getting so much quality and performance. It is from the very durable UV stabilized Forti flex high-density polyethylene.

An open cockpit allows for easy entry and exit. For storage, the kayak has a portable accessory carrier. You can use this accessory carrier as a trolley at the back of the kayak or attach it to the kayak, and also you can use it as a backpack.

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak paddles and tracks with ease thanks to the excellent design. It maintains maximum stability which is a great plus as tipping while right in the middle of the waters would make you rate any kayak at one star only.

The seating area is large and comfortable. To push the comfort, the manufacturer has protective thigh pads on the sitting area so you can go for long hours of fishing without feeling a pinch. It also has a paddle holder and adjustable foot braces.

Highlighted Features:

1. Tracks and paddles with ease and at the same time offering maximum stability
2. Portable accessory carrier
3. Dry storage compartment
4. Open cockpit allows for easy entry
5. Large comfortable sitting area with protective thigh pads
6. Adjustable foot braces
7. Paddle holder

Final verdict

The above varieties of the best fishing kayaks pass the mark of average kayaks by far. They are excellent kayaks you can use for fishing. Out of the ten, you will find one that your performance need at a price that is affordable.

Some of us like a little more comfort and there are the deluxe versions of some of the kayaks that will give you exactly that.

These kayaks make kayak fishing fun and comfortable and also you will enjoy those recreational cruises in the deep waters with the above-listed kayaks.