The Best Fishing Kayaks to Get You on the Fish
1. Ascend 128X Sit-on-Top Kayak - Editor's Pick
Stable and ready for fishing gear
I remember the first Ascend product I ever saw. It was a few years ago at a Bass Pro Shops store. I couldn’t believe the quality compared to the price. As the sport of fishing kayaks has exploded, there are a lot more boats out there, and Ascend has kept pace, with fishing kayaks that have features and quality that are among the best out there.
The Ascend 128X Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak is simply amazing. The big news here is the Ascend Yak-Power system that has the fishing kayak pre-wired for your electronics. This system has a wiring harness, master controller and 3 power plugs that let you run your fish finder, GPS, lighting rig, and other powered accessories without a major hassle. This lets you set up your fishing kayak how you want it, and makes it perfect for all of your angling adventures.
The 128X is a 12-foot, 8-inches long kayak with Ascend’s enhanced seating system with a high back. It makes it amazingly comfortable to use for all-day trips. The kayak is laid out perfectly for fishing and has a 450-pound capacity. It is also 100% made in the USA.
2. BOTE Lono Aero- Most Innovative
Kayak and SUP in one
When it comes to portability, it’s hard to beat an inflatable kayak. However, the problem with an inflatable fishing kayak has always been structure. They just don’t feel like a kayak should for fishing. That’s where the BOTE comes comes in. These are a sweet inflatable boat that looks and feels just like a rigid-body kayak would. There is some storage, but not as much as a solid kayak, but there is one extremely coo feature that the other kayaks can’t touch. Remove the top panel and the BOTE turns into a stand-up paddle board (SUP).
SUPs are exploding in popularity right now, and fly fishermen have found them to be cool ways to cast a line to spots all across lakes. The BOTE uses a 4-chamber air system with their exclusive AEROTech construction system that brings excellent rigidity and stability – two things I find very important in a fishing kayak or SUP.
The best part, the whole thing folds down and can be carried in a backpack-style case. The BOTE is 12.6 feet long and has a 400-pound capacity.
3. Perception Pescador 12
A stable and easy-to-paddle kayak
One of our editors has been using this fishing kayak for a couple of seasons now and really likes it. In fact, his father-in-law just bought one, after borrowing his a few times. The Pescador is a 12-foot sit-on-top kayak from Perception with a very comfortable lawn-chair style seat that is adjustable for height and tilt. It is extremely stable on the water and has plenty of storage for your fishing gear, coolers and more. Accessory rails allow for adding rod holders and fish finders.
The Pescador 12 has a 375lb max capacity. It tracks straight and true in the water, and does well when the chop picks up. The weight is 57lbs, so it can be portaged when needed. Carry handles help with that too.
4. Sun Dolphin Journey 10 - Budget Pick
An economical way to get into kayak fishing
It can be a hard pill to swallow to spend big bucks for a fishing kayak. For the angler looking for the best fishing kayak to fit a modest budget, the Sun Dolphin Journey is a great buy. It is a 1o-foot sit-on-top kayak with a max capacity of 395 pounds. It is a great, basic fishing kayak that comes with a lot of storage capability and three rod holders, two flush-mount and one swivel mount. It is UV protected for long life. At under $300, it is a great buy for any angler.
5. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak - 2 Pack
As good as a two-fer gets!
It’s a lot of fun to go fishing with a buddy, but kayak fishing can be a solitary thing unless you have a buddy with one, or you buy two. That can get pricey, unless you get the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak Pair. For what you’d expect to pay for one fishing kayak, you get two – with free shipping! These stable kayaks have storage capacity and padded, adjustable seating. They come with a moveable rod holder and additional rod carry capacity. These fishing kayaks also include the paddles, making this an even better deal. This is a great way to take your child, wife or buddy fishing with you.
6. ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket - A MUST Have!
No fish is worth your life!
If you’re going to kayak, you need a life jacket. Seriously – you NEED a lifejacket. No fish is worth the risk. For kayak fishing, we really like the ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket. It has pockets and fold-out platforms making it easier to change lures, re-tie line and more. Plus, it is very comfortable, as it was designed for fishing from a kayak.
Casting from a kayak
When you try to cast for the first time from a kayak, it’s going to feel extremely awkward. You’re most likely going to feel like the boat’s going to flip over on you and it may just freak you out. I know I did. WHen it gets all wobbly and stuff just try to remember – the kayak was designed for this. It will get a little squirrelly, but you’ll be fine. It’s kind of like flying for the first time and you hit some turbulence. The plane is going to jump up and down and you think you’re going to crash, but the plane was built to handle rough air. It’s fine.
If you want to build up your trust factor, take the kayak and get it on some smooth, calm water. This is like a practice run. Start wiggling your hips so that the boat starts bouncing from side to side, just like when you’re going to cast. Feel how the boat reacts to the motion. That should help build your confidence in the boat’s ability to stay upright. Remember to just flow with the boat.
When you decide to take a standing cast, if you have a wide enough fishing kayak to do so, the same principle applies. Practice your standing balance and learn to move with the kayak before you try it when you have all your gear on the boat, too.
The advantages of kayak fishing
Fishing from a kayak has grown in popularity to the point that now there are competitive leagues of anglers who chase big cash prizes for the best catch. Kayaks allow you to have the advantages of fishing from a boat without the costs associated with most fishing boats. In other words, it is MUCH cheaper to get into a fishing kayak than it is to buy most used boats, let alone new ones.
Kayaks also have an incredibly shallow draft, so they can get into spots on the lakes and rives that are too shallow for most boats. They also have less disturbance of the water, so fish can be less spooked and increases the chances of a good bite.
Kayak regulations
Currently only seven states in the United States require a registration, or additional taxes, on kayaks used on public waters. This includes fishing kayaks. There are several states looking at adding these fees, so it is important that you check your local regulations before venturing out for the fist time on your new kayak.
When using a trolling motor, such as the Old Town kaka above, you also need to check those regulations because you may now be classified as a motorboat. California requires registration and fees, and there are other states that follow suit.
How do I land a fish from a kayak?
This is the tricky part of fishing kayaks. The best practice is to get the fish close to the kayak and then place your rod in the hand opposite of the side the fish is on. Use the rod hand to pull the fish toward the kayak, while also helping to balance the kayak while you land the fish. It’ll feel awkward at first, but will get better with practice.
Do I need to register my kayak?
It depends on where you live, or where you plan to use your kayak. Check local regulations before heading out.
Can I stand up in my kayak?
Some kayaks are stable enough and are designed to allow you to stand up while using one. Check your kayaks design and give it a try in shallow water first. Always wear your PFD!
Do I need to wear a life jacket in a fishing kayak?
Check your local regulations first. Of course, we suggest ALWAYS wearing a life jacket when on the water. No fish is worth your life.
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