Asking me to pick the best fishing kayak is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. I love them all for their unique qualities and individual strengths. So choosing the best fishing kayaks in nine categories is difficult. Over the past 15 years, I’ve tested and reviewed almost every fishing kayak available. I have never met a kayak I didn’t like, but some boats shine brighter than others. To choose the best pedal and paddle kayaks, inflatables, motorized, budget and big boy boats, I evaluated the boats based on their intended purpose and audience and then nitpicked for the features and design I like.
Best Fishing Kayaks of 2025: Top Picks
- Vibe Shearwater 125
- Bonafide P127
- Ascend 133X
- Feelfree Lure 11 Tandem
- Hobie Mirage Outback
- Jackson Knarr
- FeelFree Lure 11.5
- Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
- Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler
Best Fishing Kayak Overall
Bonafide P127
Bonafide P127 Specs
Length: 12’7”
Width: 34”
Weight: 129 lbs
Capacity: 425 lbs
MSRP: $2,899
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Why I Love It
Picking the best fishing kayak overall is one of the toughest choices. There are so many great fishing kayaks with similar features and quality, I chose the Bonafide P127 because it has smart design and a proven pedal drive system.
Bonafide Kayaks married Native Watercraft and the offspring is the P127. Combining Native’s bulletproof Propel pedal system with Bonafide’s high-quality and high-performance hull, the P127 is a premium pedal kayak ready for serious fishing. The P127 also inherited my favorite Bonafide features like the extra-wide seat, gear drawer under the seat, removable bow hatch and aluminum gear tracks.
The weak point on any pedal kayak is the steering system and the P127’s retractable rudder is both efficient and tough. With so many choices for top-of-the-line fishing kayaks, my choice came down to appearances. The P127 resembles a Stealth fighter jet with sharp angles and straight lines for one of the coolest-looking kayaks.
Reasons to Buy
- Propeller drive with instant forward and reverse
- Padded quick-dry seat
- High capacity
Consider Another Model If
- You need a lightweight kayak
- You fish rapids and shallow, rocky areas
- You prefer a fin-style pedal system
Who Should Buy
The Bonafide P127 is a full-sized, full-featured fishing kayak. Before purchasing this boat, be sure you have a trailer or pick-up truck for transportation. To get the boat from the car to the water, you’ll need a heavy-duty cart. While the P127 fits in the full-size kayak class, the 125-pound and slimmed-down Propel pedal system is at the lighter end of the scale. I find the P127 easier to transport and manage on the water than other boats in the category.
The P127 is for serious kayak anglers. The hybrid catamaran hull and efficient pedal system will take anglers from the backwaters to big lakes and the ocean. To push the limits of kayak fishing, the P127 is reliable and capable of going anywhere to find fish. Read my full review of the Bonafide P127 in Kayak Angler, Issue 50.
Best Budget Fishing Kayak
Vibe Shearwater 125
Vibe Shearwater 125 Specs
Length: 12’6”
Width: 35”
Weight: 109 lbs
Capacity: 475 lbs
MSRP: $1,699
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VIBE KAYAKS OUTDOORPLAY PUBLIC LANDS
Why I Love It
I’m a fan of Vibe Kayaks for providing premium features and design at an affordable price. The Shearwater is their flagship, full-feature kayak, which costs less than kayaks with similar features. When I say budget kayak, I’m not talking about cheap. I’m referring to a kayak that is the best value, and Vibe’s Shearwater 125 offers all the amenities of a full-featured kayak with a few unique touches I love.
For example, I can power it with Vibe’s propeller drive or fin drive. The boat accommodates a traditional electric outboard or a special rudder package with a Bixpy impellor motor. Like any serious fishing kayak, standard features include horizontal and vertical rod storage, easy electronics rigging, and plenty of space for tackle and gear.
Reasons to Buy
- Optional fin or prop propeller drive
- Optional motor mounts
- Five position seat
- Removable electronics pod
Consider Another Model If
- You need to save space and weight
- You want a more durable kayak
Who Should Buy
Fishing kayaks are expensive, but I save some money by sacrificing a little durability. Vibe’s Shearwater puts together a pedal kayak package for considerably less money than purchasing a pedal kayak from another brand. And I don’t lose any rigging and storage options. Granted, the Vibe pedal drives are not as robust as a $1,000 pedal drive from another manufacturer. But Vibe allows me to choose a fin or propeller drive, and the Shearwater paddles better than other pedal kayaks. So a little sacrifice is also a gain for versatility and affordability. Read my full review of the Vibe Shearwater in Kayak Angler, Issue 45.
Best Fishing Kayak with Pedals
Hobie Mirage Outback
Hobie Mirage Outback Specs
Length: 12’9”
Width: 34”
Weight: 103 lbs
Capacity: 425 lbs
MSRP: $3,299
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Why I Love It
In a field of great pedal kayaks from many different brands, nominating the Hobie Outback as the best pedal kayak is going to cause arguments. Since most pedal kayaks are efficient, reliable and easy to use, I had to go to another level to choose the best of the best.
Hobie’s Outback launched a pedal kayak revolution. After Hobie revamped the Outback in 2019, the boat has served as a do-it-all, easy-to-own pedal kayak. Same goes for the Mirage Pedal Drive. Every pedal drive has pluses and minuses, but the MD180 with Kick-Up Fins is light, compact and versatile.
I always favor Hobie’s flippers for instant access to shallow water. To reduce the boat’s draft, I simply kick one pedal forward and the fins flatten against the bottom of the kayak. With a propeller drive, I have to retract the drive with takes time and space in the kayak. There are just as many good reasons to choose a pedal kayak by another manufacturer, but for me the Mirage Outback is the perfect balance between capability and ownability.
Reasons to Buy
- Mirage Drive 180 with Kick-Up Fins
- Dual steering controls
- Adjustable seat back and bottom with lumbar support
- Seat height adjusts
- Six vertical rod holders
- Extensive storage space
Consider Another Model If
- You need a lighter kayak
- You prefer a propeller drive
- You’re on a tight budget
Who Should Buy
The Mirage Outback is Hobie’s middle child between the full-size Pro Angler and the compact and lighter Compass. The utilitarian boat has been tested on everything from open ocean to the deepest, darkest swamps. The Outback has the performance and rigging potential of the Pro Angler in a smaller, lighter package. This makes the Outback easier to own and easier to fish. I can load the boat in the back of my pickup truck and drag it a short distance to the launch. Of course, the Outback sacrifices some of the features and capacity of the Pro Angler, but it gains in simplicity and maneuverability. Find a full review of the Hobie Mirage Outback in Kayak Angler, Issue 37.
Best Fishing Kayak with Electric Motor
Old Town BigWater ePDL
Old Town BigWater ePDL Specs
Length: 13’2”
Width: 36”
Weight: 143 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $5,999.99
Buy from:
AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY ECO FISHING SHOP SCHEELS
Why I Love It
For years, kayak designers have been trying to design the perfect motorized kayak. Old Town’s latest contribution, the BigWater ePDL, takes the category to the next level.
Built on the unstoppable BigWater hull, the ePDL drive allows me to pedal, pedal assist or full auto mode. When I’m running to the next fishing hole, I switch the boat into Cruise Control mode for full motor power. As I search for fish, I set the motor on five levels of pedal assisted power. Then, for ultimate control and quick forward and reverse, I take over the pedaling in Manual mode. The combination of full auto, pedal assist and pedal saves battery power allowing the ePDL to run on a 32V lithium battery, considerably smaller and lighter than the batteries required to run a fully motorized kayak.
Combine this technology with the sea-worthy and utilitarian hull layout that is ready for fishing and the BigWater ePDL hits the water running.
Reasons to Buy
- Pedal, motor or combination power
- Simple to set up and maintain
- Open-water hull
- Easy-to-read display of battery and drive information
Consider Another Model If
- You prefer an aftermarket motor
- You need motor power all day
- You use a trolling motor
- You’re on a budget
Who Should Buy
The BigWater ePDL is perfect for anglers looking for the freedom of a motorized kayak without the hassle of hauling batteries and connecting wires. I carry the ePDL drive on one hand and the battery in my other hand. Rigging the system only takes a few minutes and the components are rugged and foolproof. The ePDL system doesn’t offer the maneuverability and range tournament anglers require, but weekend warriors can go all day and concentrate on fishing without worrying about the power plant. Watch our video walkthrough and read our review of the BigWater ePDL.
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler
Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler Specs
Length: 12’6”
Width: 36”
Weight: 45 lbs
Capacity: 635 lbs
MSRP: $1,099
Why I Love It
Sea Eagle’s FastTrack Angler exemplifies the best qualities of an inflatable kayak. The boat is light, tough and easy to pack into a carrying case.
Inflatable kayaks appeal to anglers with limited storage and transportation options, but some fishing inflatables are heavy and difficult to inflate. The FastTrack Angler uses two low-pressure chambers to provide stability and a high-pressure drop stitch floor to maintain rigidity without increasing the boat’s weight. The design allows the FT Angler to pack into a 15x20x36 case with half the weight of a rotomolded plastic kayak.
I love the FastTrack Angler’s versatility. To improve performance and stability for river fishing, I use inflatable seats. For more comfortable fishing on calm water, I installed the elevated swivel seat. Tracking is one of the downsides of an inflatable kayak. The blow-up boat sits on top of the water without a pronounced keel to cut through the water. The FT Angler has an inflatable keel in the bow and a large skeg in the stern to prevent the wind from blowing the boat off course. When the water is rough, bow and stern spray skirts and drain holes in the deck manage onboard water. The spray skirts include rod holders and space to store tools and lures.
These inflatables are no toys. The FastTrack has double layers of Sea Eagle’s super tough nylon on the deck, gunnels and hull to improve durability. Of course, an inflatable will never match the performance and stability of a plastic kayak, but the FastTrack Angler offers all the advantages of an inflatable with the best possible performance.
Reasons to Buy
- Swivel seat
- Motor-ready
- Easy to pack and inflate
- Durable construction
Consider Another Model If
- You need a better carry case
- You prefer to use a pedal drive
- You’re looking for more rigging options
Who Should Buy
True story. One day I was at the launch with my FastTrack Angler. Two other guys at the put-in had cheap, pool-toy inflatables blocking the landing. One of the inflatables wasn’t inflated and the guys were trying to figure out how to use the patch kit. I dragged my SE around the train wreck, off the trail, through the wood, banging against trees, scrapping over branches and tree stumps then dropped the boat in the water and paddled away.
The biggest limitation to owning a fishing kayak is transportation and storage. An inflatable fishing kayak may seem like the perfect anecdote. However, air-filled boats sacrifice durability, performance and fishing rigging. So, if I am going to buy an inflatable fishing kayak, I want to buy the one with the best performance and most options for rod holders, seats and gear storage. The FastTrack Angler is a serious inflatable fishing kayak certified for rocky rivers and long-distance expeditions. I can rig the boat to fish solo, or add a bow seat to bring a friend fishing. I can purchase the base model or take advantage of Sea Eagle’s packages to custom outfit the boat how I fish. In my review of the FastTrack Angler for Issue 40 of Kayak Angler, I take the boat on a trip from inflation to fishing to packing up and loading in my hatchback.
Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys
Jackson Knarr FD
Jackson Knarr FD Specs
Length: 13’9”
Width: 37”
Weight: 158 lbs
Capacity: 425 lbs
MSRP: $4,199
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Why I Love It
Any fishing kayak is stable enough for a moderately agile person to stay upright while fighting a fish, but big-boy kayaks, like Jackson Kayak’s Knarr are designed for rock-solid standup fishing in any water conditions.
Designed by the Jackson pro staff for tournament competition, the hull is efficient and fast with stability and capacity to rig with electronics and a full assortment of tackle. The pedal drive hangs below the boat like a sailboat keel and plays a big part in a boat’s stability. The Flex Drive has a long shaft that provides increased surface area. When I enter shallow water, the flexible shaft folds into a channel in the bottom of the hull reducing the boat’s draft.
In the Knarr, I can stand on the seat, turn around or stand on the bow. But the Knarr isn’t a flat-bottom barge—the 14-foot-long boat has a rounded hull and flared bow to cut through the water and roll over waves. The incredible stability combined with the efficient Flex Drive Mark IV pedal drive gives me the confidence to cover miles of water and fish all day.
Reasons to Buy
- Durable Flex Drive Mark IV
- Drive shaft increases stability
- Wide beam contributes to the stability
- Electric outboard and trolling motor ready
- Ample storage
- Three-sided gear-tracks
Consider Another Model If
- You prefer a fin-style pedal system
- You transport the kayak on a cartop
- You have limited storage
Who Should Buy
Stability is one of the biggest barriers to kayak fishing. For anglers who struggle in a smaller or narrower kayak, a big, wide boat like the Jackson Kayak Knarr is the best bet. Adding inches and pounds to a kayak makes it more difficult to propel with a paddle or pedal drive. To get the most out of the pedal drive, go with a kayak that combines stability with performance. The trade off is size and weight—the Knarr is almost 14 feet long and weighs as much as a grown man. The boat is for serious anglers looking to expand their horizons with the option to add electric motors, anchor systems and multiple fish finders.
When I’m fishing on the Knarr, I forget about balance and agility and focus on fishing. I gave the Jackson Knarr the full test in Kayak Angler, Issue 51.
Best Paddle Fishing Kayak
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Specs
Length: 12’3”
Width: 31”
Weight: 64.5 lbs
Capacity: 350 lbs
MSRP: $1,229
Buy from:
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY REI
Why I Love It
The Tarpon 120 is a paddler’s kayak. Long, narrow and light, the boat moves through the water with the least effort. The pronounced keel keeps the boat traveling straight and a rounded chine rolls through waves. The low-profile seat is raised off the deck and padded with vented 3D foam wrapped in quick-drying mesh material. I adjusted the backrest and seat bottom to support my lower back and legs. Gear tracks provide space to attach accessories and rod holders. A large bow hatch provides below-deck storage and a small hatch in the stern allows me to add a rudder.
When I’m paddling, I look for a kayak requiring the least energy to go the greatest distance. The Tarpon’s hull design improves paddling performance and the simple layout makes fishing easy.
Reasons to Buy
- Lightest paddle kayak
- Low-profile seat offers support and a better paddling position
Consider Another Model If
- You need more fishing accessories
- You require a stable kayak for standup fishing
- You like an elevated seat
- You need more storage space
- You plan on installing electronics
Who Should Buy
Most fishing kayaks lean more towards fishing than kayaking. Wilderness System’s Tarpon 120 goes the other way with a time-tested hull design that is a joy to paddle and still has the chops for serious fishing.
The boat is available in three sizes: the 100 is great for rivers and grab-and-go fishing, the 120 balances speed and maneuverability, and the 140 has the keel length for long-distance paddling at top speed. I love the simplicity of a well-designed paddle kayak that matches a pedal kayak’s range with the performance to face tough sea conditions. Read my review of the Tarpon in Kayak Angler, Issue 41.
Best Fishing Kayak for Under $1,000
Ascend 133X
Ascend 133X Specs
Length: 13’
Width: 36.5”
Weight: 125 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $1,099
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Why I Love It
You get what you pay for, but the Ascend 133X offers a little more for around $1,000.
The box-store boat is a capable paddle craft pre-rigged for motors, electronics and lights. With 500 pounds capacity, I can rig the 133X with a trolling motor in the bow and an electric outboard in the stern. Rigging is easier with a pre-installed Yak-Power switch system. The lighted push buttons allow me to control power to my electronics and lights from my kayak seat. Flat spaces in the bow and stern are pre-drilled for a standard motor base. Channels in the hull hold rods horizontally so I can sneak the kayak beneath low-hanging branches. Gear tracks on the gunnels and in the stern are ready to hold electronics and accessories.
The Ascend is also available as a motor package with a Minn Kota Xi3 trolling motor and Garmin Striker Plus fish finder. To understand the value, compare these features to more expensive kayaks.
Reasons to Buy
- Motor ready
- Stable catamaran hull
- High back seat
- Switches to control electronics
- Padded open deck
Consider Another Model If
- You don’t plan to motorize
- You have limited space and transportation
Who Should Buy
I couldn’t find a kayak that offered more than the Ascend 133X and costs less than $1,000. In addition to the fishing-ready features like gear tracks and rod holders, the 133X offers rigging potential not seen in kayaks at this price. Most sub-$1,000 boats are devoid of features and difficult to customize. The 133X is ready to fish out of the box with vertical and horizontal rod holders. As my fishing progresses, I plan to add a trolling motor, electric outboard and electronics. And the premium seat is unmatched in any other boat under $1,000. See my full review of the Ascend 133X Tournament in Kayak Angler, Issue 48.
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak
Feelfree Lure II Tandem
Feelfree Lure II Tandem Specs
Length: 14’2”
Width: 36”
Weight: 105 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $1,499
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Why I Love It
A tandem kayak seems like a good idea, but in practice, two paddlers and two anglers in one kayak is challenging. Not only are there arguments with backseat drivers, but swinging paddles and fishing rods is going to lead to a fight. I love Feelfree’s Lure II Tandem because it provides plenty of room for fishing and paddling and has comfortable seats to ease any soreness.
The Lure II is rigged for fishing with electronics pods in the fore and aft cockpits. Paddle holders on either side of the kayak hold my paddle while I’m casting. Feelfree also has a Tandem model with pedal drives to propel the kayak without swinging paddles. The cherry on top is a pair of Feelfree’s famous padded, mesh-covered, height-adjustable Gravity seats certified for all-day fishing comfort. The tandem kayak is stable, comfortable and easy to operate, making tandem fishing more enjoyable for both parties.
Reasons to Buy
- Premium seats
- Wheel in the Keel to roll the boat on land
- Gear tracks for electronics and accessories
- Transducer pods
- Reasonable price
Consider Another Model If
- You need a lightweight kayak
- You prefer the speed and agility of a tandem sit-inside kayak
Who Should Buy
Despite the challenge of squeezing two anglers in a small space, fishing out of a tandem fishing kayak is fun. The key is the right kayak. I like to fish with my daughter or my wife and we always create great memories fishing out of the Lure II Tandem. The boat is super stable so we can stand and fish. There isn’t a lot of space for tackle and gear, so our two-person-kayak trips are short and simple. No one complains about the comfortable Gravity seats. We can set them in the low position for paddling or lift the seat six inches when we’re fishing. And, at $1,499, I can add the Lure II Tandem to my kayak livery for fun trips with the family. Take a ride with me on the Feelfree Lure II Tandem in Issue 36 of Kayak Angler.
How We Tested the Best Fishing Kayaks
I have personally tested and approved every kayak in this review. I’m sure my choices for the best kayaks will cause arguments and create enemies—that’s because there are so many great kayaks, and each angler has his or her favorite.
To choose the best fishing kayak, I looked beyond standard features to the special qualities of each boat. Every fishing kayak has rod holders and gear storage. To be the best, I looked at the number and placement of rod holders and the security and size of the storage.
All serious fishing kayaks have a comfortable seat, and my legs, spine and butt require a fully adjustable seat-back and bottom. Does the seat double as a standing platform? Is it easy to remove? Can I use the seat outside of the kayak? These qualities push a kayak seat over the top.
Electronics are the first accessory I add to a fishing kayak. I look for a kayak prerigged to mount the fish finder display, route the cables and install the transducer below the water. I like a boat with a gear pod that makes it easy to remove the fish finder between fishing trips.
The final test is build quality. Kayak fishing is brutal and a fishing kayak has to be tough. I test the quality of the materials and the durability of the parts before approving a kayak as the best.
Most of the kayaks in this review are designed with the input of professional anglers. While I paddled, pedaled and fished all of these kayaks, pro-staffers spend their lives and make a living in these boats. They demand the highest performance and quality and these boats comply. Pro staffers also offer advice on rigging and design to produce a boat ready for serious fishing.
Sure, readers will argue there are cheaper kayaks or better pedal systems or faster and more maneuverable hulls, but I am confident the kayaks in this review are the best at what they are designed to do: catch fish.
Kayak Angler’s Tested and Approved Fishing Kayak Brands
- Vibe Kayaks
- Native Watercraft
- Perception Kayaks
- NuCanoe
- Kaku Kayaks
- Blackfoot Kayaks
- Jackson Kayak
- FeelFree Kayaks
- Ascend
- Brooklyn Kayak Company
- Crescent Kayaks
- BOTE
- Wilderness Systems
- Hobie
- Sea Eagle Boats
- Old Town
- Bonafide Kayaks
- Pelican Sport
Feature photo: Roberto Westbrook
