2015 Fishing Kayak and Canoe Buyer’s Guide
Pick the Perfect Fishing Kayak for You
2017 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide
Check out our 2017 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide to help you find a kayak suited to your fishing needs.
If you haven’t tried kayak fishing yet, or if you are looking to upgrade to a kayak better suited for your fishing needs, what are you waiting for? Kayaks are one of the hottest trends in fishing. Whether you’re a shore-bound fisherman getting into a kayak to reach new waters and distant fish, a recreational kayaker looking to bring his passion for fishing aboard the plastic vessel, or a boat fisherman who recognizes fishing kayaks as an exciting and relatively inexpensive way to get out on the water, there’s something in kayak fishing for just about anyone.
If you’re intimidated by the thought of fishing from a kayak, you should know that kayak fishing is a lot easier, and safer, than it looks. In the past decade, manufacturers have begun constructing kayaks specifically for fishermen, and most of these craft are remarkably stable and comfortable. All of them come with at least a couple of rod holders, and some feature tackle hatches, anchor systems, and even livewells. With all of the options out there, there’s a better chance than ever that you can find a kayak that will fit your needs and work for you.
Which Fishing Kayak is Right for You?
The bottom line in choosing the best fishing kayak for your needs is that there is no one-size-fits all. Before you make a decision on purchasing a kayak for fishing, the most important thing you can do is to take stock of where and how you plan to do most of your paddling and fishing. Identify your needs: Will you be fishing in freshwater ponds for largemouth bass? Navigating streams and rivers to catch smallmouth bass and trout? Poking around saltwater harbors, estuaries and flats for striped bass and bluefish? Or do you plan to venture out into the open ocean and launch through surf? Also, will this kayak be strictly a fishing vessel, or do you plan to use it for relaxation and recreation with your family?
Once you’ve thought about what you want from a fishing kayak, it’s time to select a handful that appear to match your desired criteria. At that point, try them all! Always demo a kayak before you buy it!
Before you can evaluate the fishing kayaks at your local paddlesport shop or marina, it’s helpful to understand some of the important characteristics of kayaks. Most fishing kayaks can be used for a variety of activities, but understand that no one kayak excels at every activity. Choosing a kayak, like choosing a boat or a car, means mulling over a long list of specifications and deciding what features are “must-haves” and which ones are compromises. Once you understand your options, you can start down the path of choosing the right kayak for your intended purposes. These are some of the basics to consider before you buy your first, or next, fishing kayak.
SIK or SOK: Most fishermen prefer sit-on-top kayaks (SOK), especially for saltwater fishing. They are inherently safer, since they can roll over without filling with water, and they give the angler more room to move around or even throw a leg over the side for stability when dealing with a fish. Sit-inside kayaks (SIK) are preferable for moving waters and in situations where a lighter-weight craft is desirable. They also provide a drier ride than a sit-on-top kayak.
Propulsion: Most kayaks are propelled with paddle power, but pedals are an option in the Hobie Mirage Drive line. These leg-powered kayaks are popular with anglers because they free up the hands for fishing. Electric-motor-powered kayaks are also growing in popularity.
Length: In general, the longer the kayak, the more easily it will cover distances. The trade-off is a loss of maneuverability in tight spaces and difficulty in transporting the kayak to launch sites.
Width: In general, wider kayaks are more stable and can support more capacity. However, width is far from the only factor that affects stability.
Weight: Consider your cartop capacity and what you can carry when choosing a kayak. A heavy kayak might require a wheeled cart to move it down to the launch site.
Storage and Extras: Consider how much storage you’ll need on board your kayak. Will you be keeping fish or a change of clothing? Is live-bait storage important to you?
Seat: More fishing kayaks are now offering adjustable seats with firm back support.
Stand-and-Fish Capability: Extra-wide and stable kayaks allow an angler to stand and sight-cast to fish in the shallows.
2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide
Check out our latest 2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide to help you find a kayak suited to your fishing needs.
Jackson Kayak REALTREE KILROY
Jackson’s popular sit-inside fishing kayak is now offered in a waterfowl camo design, making it a dual-purpose craft for the outdoorsman who likes to cast and blast. Includes the gear mounts, staging systems, and seating you’d expect in a Jackson Kayak, along with features specific to waterfowling, like a fitted blind and decoy bag.
Length: 12′ 4″
Width: 31″
Weight: 69 lbs.
Capacity: 375 lbs.
Price: $1,799 ($1,349 standard version)
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
Old Town HERON 9 ANGLER
A sporty design, the Heron 9 Angler is an easy-to-paddle kayak that can maneuver perfectly into your favorite fishing spot. An affordable choice for casual anglers seeking a lightweight, compact kayak outfitted for fishing and cruising in calm waters.
Length: 9′ 6″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 39 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Price: $459.99
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Pelican Premium INTREPID 100X ANGLER
Designed with first-time kayak anglers in mind, the Intrepid’s multi-chine hull puts a premium on stability and tracking, yet offers impressive acceleration and speed for its size. Equipped with three rod holders and a smartphone holder on the dash.
Length: 10′
Width: 29″
Weight: 39 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Price: $499.99
Pelican International Inc. • Laval, QC, Canada • pelicansport.com
2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide
Check out our 2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide to help you find a kayak suited to your fishing needs.
Feelfree MOKEN
Brimming with features that fishermen crave, the Moken 12.5 is stable enough for standing and fast enough to handle larger lakes and coastal waters, while the Moken 14 is an offshore fishing machine built for speed. Both feature Feelfree’s “Wheel in the Keel” that makes rolling to the launch a snap.
MOKEN 12.5/14
Length: 12′ 8″/14′ 8″
Width: 32″/34″
Weight: 72 lbs./76 lbs.
Capacity: 419 lbs./432 lbs.
Price: $899/$999
Feelfree US • Swannanoa, NC • feelfreekayak.com
Feelfree LURE 11.5
A feature-packed fishing machine designed for stand-up fishing with standing platform and variable-height seat. Also features Feelfree’s “Wheel in the Keel.”
Length: 11’6″
Width: 36″
Weight: 74 lbs.
Capacity: 425 lbs.
Price: $1,149
Feelfree US • Swannanoa, NC • feelfreekayak.com
Hobie Kayaks MIRAGE OUTBACK
The beamy Hobie Mirage Outback offers anglers loads of stability while casting, re-rigging or landing the big one. The pedal-powered MirageDrive keeps hands free for fishing while maneuvering between hotspots, and the comfortable Vantage CT seat is a great update for 2015.
Length: 12’1″
Width: 33″
Weight: 82 lbs./95 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $2,299
Hobie Cat Company • Oceanside, CA • hobiecat.com
Hobie MIRAGE REVOLUTION 13
The lightweight hull of the Mirage Revolution means this kayak is perfect for making quick moves to schools of fish, and the new-for-2015 Vantage CT seat will allow anglers to fish all day in comfort. Ample storage space, an offshore-capable hull, and the hands-free MirageDrive make this kayak a popular choice for anglers.
Length: 13’5″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 72 lbs./91 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $2,299
Hobie Cat Company • Oceanside, CA • hobiecat.com
Hobie MIRAGE PRO ANGLER 14
With stand-up stability and ample storage, the Mirage Pro Angler was designed to take fishermen from fresh water to the open ocean. The easily adjustable Vantage ST seat makes sitting in the Pro Angler a joy, whether casting or pedaling.
Length: 13’8″
Width: 38″
Weight: 124 lbs./151 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $3,199
Hobie Cat Company • Oceanside, CA • hobiecat.com
Jackson Kayak KRAKEN
A beast of a hull designed for the offshore and big lake kayak angler, the Kraken marks the first collaborative design between legendary kayak angler, Jim Sammons, and Jackson Kayak’s design team. Punch through surf and handle big waves and large fish with ease.
Length: 15’7″
Width: 30″
Weight: 85 lbs./110 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1,799
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
Jackson Kayak CUDA 12
The little sibling to the Cuda 14, the Cuda 12 is an all-around fishing kayak designed to handle lakes, rivers and oceans. It combines speed for covering distance with stability for standing, plus the angler-designed deck includes logical tackle and rod storage.
Length: 12’6″
Width: 31″
Weight: 74 lbs.
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $1,299
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
Ocean Kayak TETRA ANGLER 10
For a smaller kayak, the Tetra Angler has big storage, with two flush-mount rod holders and a Mod Pod II center hatch that allows easy access to rods from a seated position. The Comfort Hybrid Seat provides excellent back support.
Length: 10’8″
Width: 29.5″
Weight: 47 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.
Price: $849.99
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oceankayak.com
Ocean Kayak TRIDENT 13 ANGLER
With a balance of speed, maneuverability and stability, the Ocean Kayak Trident performs beautifully when breaking through the surf or handling rough seas. The transducer-compatible scupper and Sonar Shield compartment makes it easy to rig.
Length: 13’6″
Width: 29.5″
Weight: 67 lbs.
Capacity: 475 lbs.
Price: $1,099.99
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oceankayak.com
Ocean Kayak PROWLER II BIG GAME
The Prowler is designed for anglers seeking a high-capacity fishing kayak with ample storage, a stable and dry ride, along with a comfortable seating system. This kayak appeals to both expert fishermen looking for more capacity and beginners looking for stability (and keeping dry).
Length: 12’9″
Width: 34″
Weight: 70 lbs.
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $1299.99
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oceankayak.com
Old Town PREDATOR XL MINN KOTA
The Predator XL Minn Kota bridges the gap between a fishing kayak, a bass boat and a shallow-water skiff. The combination of a Minn Kota motor and a foot-controlled rudder system truly allows hands-free fishing. Work the local shoreline without taking your hands off the rod to reposition your boat.
Length: 13’2″
Width: 36″
Weight: 92 lbs.
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $2,699
Old Town Canoe Co. • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Old Town PREDATOR 13 & MX
Engineered both above and below the waterline to be the perfect fishing platform, the Predator family from Old Town has what it takes to target everything from small-pond largemouths to rough-seas stripers. The Predator comes loaded with features, including a slip-resistant deck and the Element Seating System. The Predator MX, or Mixed Water, features a slightly more rounded hull, designed for moving water conditions without sacrificing its class-leading stability and performance.
Length: 13’2″/12′
Width: 33.5″/34″
Weight: 86 lbs./82 lbs.
Capacity: 425 lbs./400 lbs.
Price: $1,399 /$1,299
Price: $2,699
Old Town Canoe Co. • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Viking Kayak PROFISH GT
New Zealand-based Viking’s latest fishing kayak is designed for anglers seeking a compact casting platform. At just under 12 feet, it has a spacious cockpit and is exceptionally easy to handle both on and off the water. Whether you’re exploring the backwaters or heading out into the surf, the stability and capacity of the Profish GT will surprise you.
Length: 11’9″
Width: 32″
Weight: 53 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1,179
Viking Kayaks • New Zealand • vikingkayaks.com.nz
Wavewalk
The Wavewalk kayak’s unique twin hull allows for maximum stability and back-pain-free paddling. The Wavewalk works as a solo or tandem kayak, and can be operated via paddle or electric motor.
Length: 11’4″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 60 lbs.
Capacity: 360 lbs.
Price: $1,346 – $1,842
Wavewalk, Inc. • Sharon, MA • wavewalk.com
Wilderness Systems THRESHER 140
Built with both the serious and the aspiring offshore angler in mind, the Thresher is efficient and quick, yet stable and predictable to handle ever-changing open water conditions. The deck is sleek and laid out for the maximum gear storage, capacity and accessibility. The FlexPod OS removable console accommodates electronics or removable storage.
Length: 14’3″
Width: 29″
Weight: 75 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1,405
Wilderness Systems • Greenville, SC • wildernesssystems.com
2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide
Check out our 2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide to help you find a kayak suited to your fishing needs.
Old Town NEXT
The NEXT is a totally fresh and uniquely fun solo experience that brings a century of expertise into one truly amazing personal watercraft. Built for one, but designed for all, the NEXT represents a new generation of boating for today’s generation of paddle, outdoors and fitness enthusiasts.
Length: 13′
Width: 29″
Weight: 59 lbs.
Capacity: 450 lbs.
Price: $999.99
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Old Town SARANAC 146
Old Town started from scratch with the new Saranac series of canoes. By narrowing the shape and slightly lowering the seats, the company developed a model that paddles better than most recreational canoes.
Length: 14’6″
Width: 36″
Weight: 79 lbs.
Price: $649.99
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Sun Dolphin MACKINAW
The Mackinaw provides optimal stability and tracking, plus room for three. It was created from durable high-density polyethylene for years of trouble-free fun. Features include comfortably molded seats that aid in flotation, a protective rub rail, built-in transport handles, and bow and stern tie-down eyelets.
Length: 15′ 6″
Width: 42″
Weight: 94 lbs.
Price: $516.99
Sun Dolphin • Muskegon, MI • sundolphin.com/mackinaw
2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide
Check out our latest 2016 Fishing Kayak & Canoe Buyer’s Guide to help you find a kayak suited to your fishing needs.
38 on “2015 Fishing Kayak and Canoe Buyer’s Guide”
-
Harold Turpin (ibsailin) MadRiver Canoe, 16′, with trolling motor, lake and river fishing.
-
spinner I use a hobie floatkat 75
-
-
Mike Tucker I won the 2014 Striper Cup silent auction for a great cause for the Old Town Predator MX kayak and am chomping at the bit to try my first fishing adventure in this awesome fishing platform. I have never fished in a kayak as I have always enjoyed the boating experience to date. This will be totally new and based upon all the articles and show segments on this process, I hope to add to my fishing options. Can’t wait for that first launch this spring.
-
Marc Di Verdi Mike you will enjoy the predator mx
I’m purchasing self adhesive neoprene to cover areas that rods and gear come into contact with the deck and such that plastic is noisy
Tight lines
Marc
-
-
Marc Di Verdi In the spring of 2014 I purchased the oldtown predator mx. I have owned and fished from every type of craft made or made myself and I can honestly say this kayak is by far the most fun I have ever experanced fishing from. I never looked twice at kayaks in the past due to my lower back issues, but now with the new seat designs the comfort level is outstanding, not to mention having the ability to stand when fishing. I personally unknowingly fished for 9 hours straight one day, I returned to the shore got out of the predator and walked over to my Cherokee when I noticed I was walking standing tall and not hunched over like I normaly would after sitting that long ( by the way the only reason I came in was due to hunger lol). The predator MX is very maneuverable and stable and I am now looking at the Viking, Jackson, or predator 13 for my ocean fishing, my brother has two hobbies which I tried before making my purchase but just not my thing when we fish together on windy days he seems to have to deal with it more so that I and I think simple is better especially with water craft. Ohya and one more it is very addictive lol
P.s. my first trip I feel back into my seat which had a rod resting on it so you guessed it that rod is in two pieces now not to mention in all the excitement of catching so many big fish that a rod or two went over the side but I managed to grab them in time my point being be prepared with leashes, anchor, life jacket, whistle, sunscreen, water, change of cloths, etc.. You will end up further away from your launch area than you planned and in cold water conditions if you do go in its a long row back
Tight lines
Marc -
Ralph I have use a Hobie Outback to fish from the cape and florida for the last 4 year, lot of fun.
-
MARK STEARNS I can’t believe you don’t show the FREEDOM HAWK kayak.
If you fly fish and like to stand and cast and not worry about falling in
there is no finer way to go. -
Dave I use an Old Town Pack solo canoe with a double-bladed kayak paddle. I have tried kayaks for fishing before but they don’t offer the interior space that the Pack has. This space is welcomed for extra tackle storage, coolers (for the catch – everything for the table is immediately iced), and when on a river a small camp stove and cooking supplies. The Pack ways only 30 pounds and is easily carried short or long distances to the water. It is much more comfortable to be in than any kayak because you are not confined to only one sitting position. The flexible nature of this canoe absorbs waves, providing an ideal stable casting platform. I have fished from this rig in Cape Cod bay, Nantucket Sound (on calm days), Bass River, and all over on freshwater lakes and streams.
-
James I agree with your assessments!
I’ve had my Pack for over 15 yrs now, and simply can’t replace her. @ only 33lbs, everything else they make today, leaves you exhausted by the time you carry them to the water and launch.
Today’s crafts = heavier, NOT BETTER!
I will miss the Royalex boats, especially since todays boats, are Royalex priced, without the weight savings.
-
-
Buck I have fished a mojo kayak for 13 years never a problem lots of fish. Be sure to
Buy a premium life jacket one that inflates with the pull of a ring. I fish a lot
At night there is no better way to sneak up on that 40 pounder than a kayak
Good luck -
RJ 2014 and 2015 Hobie Kayaks MIRAGE OUTBACK. Fish Manasquan Reservoir, Navisink and Shrewsbury Rivers, ocean and the Raritan/NY Bay.
Never had a problem with either yak. The 2014 Outback I won from the MN Kayak Association Club, that my son is the VP of. Shipped it to me in Jersey. Use that as a backup and installed a childe seat. Sent my son the Ocean Kayak Trident for his second, but he gets a free PA-14 every year being on the Hobie fishing team.-
DrJ What does he do with the old ones??? I’ll take (buy) a used beat up fishing kayak
-
-
me I have an Ocean Kayak torque. It is now discontinued, however I really enjoy it . It is not too wide but it is still very stable. I can even stand and troll. It maneuvers fine. Having the electric motor option really gives you a sense of security when you get caught in some difficult weather and want to get off the water in hurry.
-
Joey Eyermam I fish frim a Old town dirigo angler
-
Dan Next year you need to expand this guide to include Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP)!
-
Bret B Most of the time I fish from a Malibu Kayak Stealth 14. Very stable and lots of storage – it’s 100% fishing machine. Pretty efficient for such a large craft. Also fish from my wife’s sit-in Old Town Vapor 12XT to which I added rod holders and anchor trolley. Has a large cockpit so easy to handle tackle & tools. Also very stable, maneuverable and fast.
-
E Wiggins What should I buy small lakes big and Med size rivers Cuda 12,kilroy,predator,prowler or native fx12
-
-
Mark 1st gen ocean trident 13
-
E Wiggins Want that hi low seat does it have it
-
mike c I use the Feelfree Mokena 10, it has low seat and even lower center of gravity. The best all around fishing Kayak I have used.
-
D. Papale I fish from an Esquif Rangeley 17′ with a 6hp mercury, one badass wilderness rig.
-
Jim I’ve been fly fishing from my Jackson Cuda 14 since July 2015. It’s design and features are perfect for this purpose. I do like it’s initial and secondary stability due to it’s 31 in be and hull design. Great rod staging for multiple rigs for various conditions. Lots of room for gear in the hull plus a handy compartment just fore of the seat (water tight for cell phone, wallet and other things.) My big issue is it’s weight (empty – 84 lbs.) Equipped for day trip fishing it’s close to 100 lbs. So I have a wheeled dolly that makes it manageable at launch and take out. The seat is very comfortable and it has 3 possible positions. It’s December so I have it stored until March. I will be able to give it more time on the water in 2016. I’m thinking that I will be moving up to the Big Rig next year.
-
Derek Has anyone used the feelfree lure 13.5?
What did you think? And if you’re gonna spend $1500 on anything, is it worth upgrading to a kayak with a propel system? -
Mark Copley I fish from a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 in Ohio. Mostly lakes and river fishing and find it is fast enough to get to the right places plus comfortable enough to fish all day. Nice experience.
-
Tater 10-20 % of the usage would be for Spin Casting shallow / still waters of Tennessee.. looking for a stable platform for Bird Photography calm river~ creek ~ stream / lake / swamp / single person lite weight for roof rack usage .. I am 70+ looking for input.. plain & simple no frills..
-
Chuck P I fish from a Perception Tribe 11.5, have added roldholders and ram mounts, cheap way to go to fish and very stable. Also have a Necky Vector 14, built for touring and not fishing but added what I need and it’s fast and stable for 25″ beam, only problem wet seat. Will be adding a Vibe Skipjack 90, only 9 ft but everything already included, roldholders seat and paddle, two hatches amazing for a small kayak. Would buy a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 to fish and stand from, but it’s overkill with what I have already. Check it out if you like to fish, great price, many features straight from the factory.
-
Moose Drool What would be the best fishing kayak to navigate through rapids/whitewater on rivers?
-
Alex Coosa 11′ by Jackson Kayak.
It’s designed for river fishing. The bottom is relatively wide and smooth, so it can slide over moving water without biting in. I’ve used mine all over. It was perfect on a 4 day river camping trip on the St. Croix in northern Maine (Class I-II with lots of flat sections). In fact, I preferred it to using a canoe!
-
The King of the Land and Seas This is a very insightful article that will help me attain the perfect kayak for my needs. I really appreciate your wisdom as it will help me throughout the rest of my life. As a token of my gratitude, I will share this article to my friends who also happen to love kayak fishing. Again, it is a pleasure to read this article as it adds yet another valuable wisdom and insight for a curious man like me who wanted to rule, not only the land and the seas, but eventually the solar system and the galaxy.
-
Tucker Not to brag or anything but I use a $185 sun dolphin kayak from Walmart even though it’s 8’6 it’s shreds major waves. And it comes with not even a paddle or rod holders that just shows how good it is
-
Blake My parents just bought me a sun dolphin from Walmart. I want to fish inshore near Tampa bay near the mangroves for Redfish, Snook, etc. What anchor, (possibly seat) or could I put a trolling motor on it? I am new to kayak fishing in calm, inshore bay waters. But, without an anchor, motor, or a sit on top it is difficult. What would you recommend that wouldn’t be too expensive? Please help! I love that a viable kayak for fishing is available that isn’t too expensive. However, I do not think I am properly equipped.
-Blake
-
-
Tommie White This is really a helpful writing. I appreciate your soul try to make a clear comparison.
It’s a gateway for the beginners to understand what to do and choose! -
Butch I’m a beginner. Want to be able to stand up comfortably (6’2″, 190#). Will fish 100-200 acre freshwater lakes. Lots of info to sift through. Recommendations?
-
Logan I bought a 12′ long 3’wide Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak its nice and allows you to bring a partner or exra gear, plus you can find them for an unbeatable price of around $120.00.
-
C Guys go look up VIBE KAYAKS they are a great deal
-
Kat Walden August 1st 2016 63 yr old five ft female.Hubby passed after 39 years with a brain tumor. Fishing was our greatest happiness in SC. Had 2 seater Bass 9 ft.on trailor.I can’t manuever trailor and truck with son now. I want desperately to find something safe ,affordable,under 1,000,that I can load and unload from my SUV for ponds and lake.The unloading np, but solo and getting back into SUV major problem. I want safety first , stable , manageable mainly not speed. Thank ya’ll in advance….signed Missin Fishin & Life is Short…I know Thanks guys or girls
-
Craig I have the Jackson Cuda 12 and if anyone is looking to purchase this kayak, just know it is not very stable at all. I was led to believe that you could stand and fish out of it and, instead of going with a model I could test out first, I purchased this one. In my opinion, you would have to be a kid or very lightweight at least to stand in this boat. I will probably be going with the Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 for my next one..
Leave a Reply