Best Fishing Kayaks For 2026

Let’s make one thing clear: I don’t believe there is such a thing as a “bad” fishing kayak. After 15 years testing hundreds of kayaks, I have never met a boat I didn’t like.

So instead of proclaiming there is one best fishing kayak, I prefer to talk about the right kayak for how you fish. There are kayaks for casual anglers and kayaks for die-hard fishing maniacs. Some kayaks are better for sheltered water and others are designed for open water. There are even kayaks for people who don’t think they can afford or accommodate a kayak. With those factors in mind, I’ve put together this list of the best fishing kayaks to appeal to every possible angler.

Best Fishing Kayaks: Top Picks

• Best fishing kayak overall: NuCanoe Unlimited Max
• Best budget fishing kayak: Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII
• Best fishing kayak with pedals: Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Pro
• Best for Motorization: Bonafide PWR 129
• Best fishing kayak with an electric motor: Old Town Bigwater ePDL
• Best inflatable fishing kayak: Sea Eagle Fast Track Angler
• Best for big and tall anglers: Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128
• Best paddle fishing kayak: Vibe Hydra 130
• Best fishing kayak under $1000: Ascend 133X
• Best pedal kayak under $1600: Three Waters BigFish PDL 120
• Best two-person fishing kayak: Feelfree Lure 2 Tandem

Best Fishing Kayak Overall

NuCanoe Unlimited Max

Buy from:

ECO FISHING

Why I love it

The Unlimited Max (UMax) is a serious kayak for serious anglers. But it is also an easy-to-own-and-use boat for family, friends and pets. The UMax’s beauty is in the design and layout. The topside layout is geared towards versatility. Rig the boat with a single seat or two seats, add bow and stern motors and load the UMax to the gunwales with tackle and gear.

To power the UMax, I added a Newport NK300 electric outboard and MinnKota Terrova Kayak trolling motor. In the stern, a large storage space with a heavy-duty hatch accommodates two full-size Norsk Lithium batteries to power the motors. NuCanoe cooked up an ingenious method for steering the electric outboard with a single cable and foot pedal.

The benefits of NuCanoe’s formidable fishing team were immediately evident as the Unlimited Max performed flawlessly under heavy load. The design, construction and rigging are the product of hundreds of hours of testing by some of the most fishing-obsessed kayak anglers. The result is a kayak capable of going farther, faster and carrying more tackle and gear.

Who should buy

NuCanoe’s mission is to put a million butts in boats, and the Unlimited Max is appropriate for everything from family fun to serious fishing. The boat is easy to rig with electronics and motors, and it has deck space and 500-pound capacity to carry everything and the kitchen sink.

Best Budget Fishing Kayak

Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII

Buy from:

BASS PRO DICK’S AMAZON PELICAN

Why I love it

The Pelican Catch Kicker is a lightweight, simple, easy-to-own hybrid between a sit-on-top kayak and standup paddleboard. The Kicker’s design and layout reflect an emphasis on easy operation and functionality.

For example, the Catch Kicker is designed to maximize stability with a wide stern supported by a catamaran hull. The deep, sharp bow cuts through the water while the broad, 33-inch beam provides plenty of space for fishing.

Comfort is one of the big advantages of a sit-on-top SUP. The Catch Kicker adds an elevated frame seat with breathable, quick-drying mesh and lower-back-saving lumbar support. Fold the seatback down to expose a standing platform for standup fishing.

I can easily car-top the Kicker and store the boat propped on its side in the yard. The hybrid weighs 59 pounds, considerably lighter than a full-size fishing kayak. I can drag and carry the boat short distances or use a light kayak cart to move the boat from my car to the launch.

To solve the performance problem faced by standup paddleboards, the Kicker has a pedal drive and hand-controlled rudder. Pelican installed a fin drive to reduce weight and keep the system simple. Combined with the matching rudder, the fin drive easily propels and maneuvers the kayak.

Who should buy

The Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII is perfect for beginner anglers looking for an easy entry into kayak fishing. The boat is also a great addition to an experienced angler’s kayak fleet, offering a grab-and-go option that allows you to fish more often by leaving the full-feature kayak at home.

I use the Pelican Catch Kicker for quick trips after work to the local neighborhood pond. The shallow-draft kayak with fin drive and casting platform is the best choice for shallow-water fishing. I use it to sight fish for redfish and go deep into the vegetation to chase snakehead and bass. When I return to the launch, the light, compact boat is quicker to load and transport than my big boat, requiring less time to get on and off the water.

Best Fishing Kayak with Pedals

Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Pro

Buy from:

ECO FISHING SHOP DICK’S BACKCOUNTRY OLD TOWN

Why I love it

The Sportsman 120 PDL Pro is designed for competitive anglers, but the smart features and versatile design are perfect for any type of fishing. Old Town’s engineers worked with their fishing team to update the Sportsman PDL with features to satisfy pro anglers.

Tournament anglers want to carry every color lure and a quiver of fishing rods rigged for every anticipated fishing scenario. The Sportsman PDL 120 Pro has a massive tankwell accommodating a 13-inch-by-16-inch gear crate with space to spare. The area below the seat fits full-size tackle trays. Molded spaces beside the seat hold tools and tackle. A giant bow hatch has space for tons of gear and tackle.

The star of the show is Old Town’s tried-and-true PDL drive. The propeller and bicycle pedals offer the advantage of instant reverse. Not only is reverse handy for maneuvering the boat, but it allows me to throw on the brakes when I see fish.

The sealed housing makes the drive saltwater-ready. Granted, the PDL is larger and heavier than a flipper system, but it is also more robust and comes with a five-year warranty. The Sportsman PDL Pro has space to mount motors and electronics with access plates to run the wires through the hull.

In my experience, Old Town kayaks always perform as expected. The Sportsman PDL 120 Pro is more expensive than a budget boat, but the extra money pays for comfort, function and peace of mind. The rigging is rock solid and bulletproof. From the seat to the pedal system and rudder, everything works without hesitation. There are no gimmicks—every feature has a well-thought-out purpose.

Who should buy

Even though the Old Town Sportsman PDL Pro is built for pro anglers, the full-feature boat is more than a tournament sled. The PDL pedal system makes the Sportsman Pro a great choice for serious anglers looking for a reliable and convenient way to fish. When it’s time to upgrade, the boat is pre-rigged to run a trolling motor and electronic systems.

Best Fishing Kayak for Motorization

Bonafide PWR129

Buy from:

ECO FISHING

Why I love it

The Bonafide PWR129 is a sit-on-top designed for two motors and full electronics, and still capable of paddling.

To qualify as a motor-ready kayak, the PWR129 has space for a bow-mount trolling motor and a stern-mounted electric outboard. The PWR129 has five Powerlink access panels in the bow, near the seat and in the stern to run wires from motors and accessories to the batteries. The PWR129 is equally ready to accept multiple fish finders with a removable pod capable of hosting the display, transducer and wires.

For the electric outboard, I installed a Newport NK300 in the stern. For a trolling motor, I installed a MinnKota Riptide Kayak Terrova with a 36-inch shaft and 55 foot-pounds of thrust. To complete the package, I added a 10-inch Humminbird Helix G4N with Mega Side Imaging and Mega Live Imaging transducers. The Helix transducer is bolted to the underside of the removable electronics pod with a YakHobby transducer mount. To install the Mega Live transducer, I used a Railblaza Live Pole attached to the starboard gear track.

Of course, this entire system’s success rides on the PWR’s hull performance. Bonafide is known for high-quality kayaks that deliver promises. The boat is overbuilt to handle the weight and forces of motor power. A modified catamaran hull keeps the PWR stable and improves tracking. The hull shape also balances stability at rest with a solid ride at speed. Even with a motor on the bow and stern and three batteries, the PWR sits level in the water. Best of all, I can paddle the PWR if the batteries die or the motor gives out.

Who should buy

Off the shelf, the Bonafide PWR 129 is a great paddle kayak with space for gear and tackle. But this boat begs for full electronics, an electric outboard, and a trolling motor. Once rigged with all the bells and whistles, the PWR is a formidable fishing machine capable of reaching distant destinations and maneuvering into the tightest fishing spots. The PWR129 is not as large and heavy as other motor-ready kayaks, making the PWR129 easier to maneuver, transport and store.

Best Fishing Kayak with Electric Motor

Old Town Bigwater ePDL+ 132

Buy from:

DICK’S ECO FISHING OLD TOWN

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.

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. 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 full review of the Bigwater ePDL.

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler

Buy from:

AMAZON SEA EAGLE

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 travel bag and weigh half the typical 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 help 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 tough nylon on the deck, gunwales 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.

Who should buy

The biggest limitation to owning a fishing kayak is transportation and storage. An inflatable fishing kayak may seem like the perfect alternative. However, air-filled boats sacrifice durability, performance and 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 the answer.

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 Kayak Angler volume 13 issue 4, 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

Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128

Buy from:

ECO FISHING WILDERNESS SYSTEMS

Why I love it

At almost 13 feet long, 38 inches wide, 150 pounds with an 800-pound capacity, the Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128 is designed for high capacity and solid stability.

The pontoon hull provides maximum stability and capacity. A large, flat, open cockpit and wide, padded swivel seat provide ample space for the angler. I can stand up and walk to the bow or spin the seat and fish off the stern without the boat wobbling or lurching.

Who should buy

The Tactical Pro is for anglers who are looking for unlimited fishing potential with dependable stability and tons of space. The combination of high capacity, ample space and motor power makes the Tactical Pro 128 a confident choice for big and tall anglers.

Best Paddle Fishing Kayak

Vibe Hydra 130

Buy from:

VIBE

Why I love it

The current landscape for fishing kayaks is dominated by pedals and motors, but a throwback paddle kayak may be the most important new boat of the year. While the technology, weight and price of fishing kayaks is on the rise, many anglers are asking for a simple, paddle-powered kayak that won’t break the bank. Vibe delivered with the Hydra 130.

The Hydra has the hull of a true paddling kayak, long and sleek with a significant rocker to cut through the water and cleave the waves. The low-profile seat puts me close to the water where I get more paddling power and better boat control.

The topside of the kayak is littered with fishing features including flush-mount rod holders behind and in front of the seat, large storage hatches and strategically placed gear tracks. The console has a space to mount a fish finder and transducer with routing to a battery.

The proof is in the pudding, and the Vibe Hydra 130 performed flawlessly on the water. Paddling easily through 15-knot wind and strong tidal currents, the Hydra 130 gave me confidence to cover miles of open water under paddle power.

Who should buy

I am the perfect example of the Vibe Hydra 130 owner. I enjoy paddling. I often leave my tackle at home and paddle my kayak for fun. Mostly, I enjoy the simplicity of the paddle kayak. I fish out of a kayak for the quick and easy transport, low maintenance, convenient access and independence. I can’t be sidelined by a busted pedal drive, dead battery or broken rudder. The Vibe Hydra 130 is the best paddling kayak with versatile fishing features.

Best Fishing Kayak for Under $1,000

Ascend 133X Tournament YakPower

Buy from:

BASS PRO SHOP

Why I love it

You get what you pay for, but the Ascend 133X offers a little more for around $1000.

This box-store boat is a capable paddle craft pre-rigged for motors, electronics and lights. With 500 pounds of capacity, I can rig the 133X with a trolling motor in the bow and an electric outboard in the stern. Rigging is made easier with the pre-installed Yak-Power switch system. The lighted push buttons gave me control to power electronics and lights right from the seat. Flat spaces in the bow and stern are pre-drilled for a standard motor base. Channels in the hull hold rods horizontally to sneak the kayak beneath low-hanging branches. Gear tracks on the gunwales and in the stern are ready to hold electronics and accessories.

The Ascend is also available as a motor package with a MinnKota Xi3 trolling motor and Garmin Striker Plus fish finder. To understand the value, compare these features to more expensive kayaks.

Who should buy

I couldn’t find a kayak that offered more than the Ascend 133X and costs less than $1000. 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. See my full review of the Ascend 133X Tournament in Kayak Angler magazine Issue 48, Summer 2022.

Best Pedal Kayak Under $1600

3 Waters Big Fish 120 PDL

Buy from:

ECO FISHING

Why I love it

The design and features of 3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 120 PDL are on par with a premium pedal kayak, but the price is about $1000 less. The Big Fish 120 PDL is 3 Waters’ new flagship performance fishing kayak.

The 12-foot waterline and 35.4-inch beam lead to a narrow bow and stern for a hull that moves easily through the water. I use the Big Fish pedal drive to travel to the fishing grounds. Then, I switch over to paddle power to maneuver the boat for fishing. I also use the paddle to propel the kayak while I stand and fish, so I need a kayak I can operate with pedals or a paddle.

The brand’s famous cathedral hull adds stability to the equation without sacrificing straight-line tracking. The hull features two outer pontoons transitioning into a flared bow. The design allows the hull to cut through waves while the pontoons work to keep the boat paddling straight without increasing drag.

The pedal drive drops into the Big Fish pedal well and is secured with a quick-release system that allows me to lift the drive in shallow water. The new EZ Steer System is low profile and combines steering with a rudder lift mechanism, making the EZ Steer one of the best controllers I’ve tested.

The Big Fish really shines when it’s time for fishing. I can stand and move around the cockpit with confidence and turn in the seat to reach my gear crate or sit sideways to dangle my feet in the water. I like the flushmount rod holders behind the seat to secure my fishing rod while I’m unhooking a fish or changing my lure. The features and design come together to make the Big Fish 120 PDL into a capable fishing machine.

Who should buy

While the Big Fish doesn’t have the rigging capacity for full electronics and motors to make it “tournament ready,” an angler looking to confidently and comfortably travel to distant fishing spots will appreciate the speed and seaworthiness. When it comes time for fishing, the hull’s stability and the open cockpit make casting and retrieving second nature. For an angler with space for a full-size kayak (including a trailer or pickup truck to transport the boat) who doesn’t have room in his budget for a high-dollar premium pedal kayak, the Big Fish 120 PDL is a perfect fit.

Best Tandem Fishing Kayak

Feelfree Lure II Tandem

Buy from:

FEELFREE

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 around 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.

Who should buy

Despite the challenge of squeezing two anglers in a small space, fishing out of a tandem 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. Take a ride with me on the Feelfree Lure II Tandem in the Summer 2018 issue of Kayak Angler magazine.

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 pre-rigged 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 magazine’s tested and approved fishing kayak brands

• NuCanoe
• Pelican Kayaks
• Bonafide Kayaks
• Old Town Watercraft
• Stealth Kayaks
• Swell Watercraft
• Vibe Kayaks
• Native Watercraft
• Perception Kayaks
• Kaku Kayaks
• Jackson Kayak
• Feelfree Kayaks
• Ascend
• Brooklyn Kayak Company
• Crescent Kayaks
• BOTE
• Wilderness Systems
• Hobie
• Sea Eagle Boats