Kayaking and fishing are two of my favorite outdoor sports. They both allow me to have fun and get closer to nature. But have you ever thought about mixing those two activities together?
If you did, it’s very likely that you also find out there are boats designed for this purpose. With fishing kayaks, you can go paddling and catch some fish at the same time. Now some of you might wonder what they are exactly and what makes them different?
Don’t worry because I was there too, not a long time ago. I enjoy fishing and kayaking, but I never tried doing both simultaneously. So I did some research, and here’s what you should know about fishing kayaks.
What Is A Fishing Kayak?
A fishing kayak is a type of boat in which you can paddle and fish comfortably. It’s generally a sit-on-top kayak that’s stable enough for casting and has space dedicated to fishing gear. There are also features such as fishing rod placeholders and pedals to make the kayak more appropriate for this outdoor sport.
Every model is different, but all fishing kayaks have a similar design. So you should know a few things about them before getting one. Otherwise, you won’t be able to understand whether or not it’s the right type of kayak for your needs and if it’s worth the investment.
First of all, let’s clarify what makes fishing kayaks unique.
What’s The Difference Between A Fishing Kayak & A Regular Kayak?
Compared to standard recreational kayaks, fishing boats are typically wider, have a sit-on-top cockpit, and the hull is either flat or pontoon shaped. The rest of the fishing kayak construction is also meant for the needs of an angler. So it generally has rod holders, room for gear, and other convenient add-ons.
On the contrary, a regular kayak doesn’t have as many features because it’s not designed for a specific purpose. So if you want to go fishing, it’s essential to have a boat suitable for this activity. Now let’s see all the differences regarding certain aspects individually.
Cockpit: Sit-Inside VS Sit-On-Top
The main difference between a traditional and a fishing kayak is the cockpit design. For touring and whitewater kayaking, a large hole in the deck where you can sit is generally more appropriate.
With an enclosed opening on which you can put a spray skirt, you will be able to have a better paddling experience, keep water out of the boat, and roll in case you capsize. That’s why most kayakers (like me) will prefer a sit-inside to a sit-on-top design.
But if you want to go kayak fishing, you have different needs. Performance isn’t necessarily the priority when you paddle and fish at the same time. Stability, convenience, storage, and many other areas might be more important for this outdoor sport.
A sit-on-top kayak is much better for an angler. Fishing in an enclosed cockpit isn’t functional nor safe. With all the gear you will have to access, an open deck would allow you to reach your fishing equipment more easily.
Falling off the kayak and getting back onboard would also be less complicated if you capsize. With all the gear you need to carry, rolling might be impossible, and the spray skirt will restrict you from exiting the boat before it flips over. Thus, a sit-inside design is more dangerous and less appropriate for fishing.
Sit-on-top kayaks usually provide more stability and have a superior weight capacity too, which can help cast comfortably without capsizing, even if you have a lot of gear onboard.
Then, an open deck allows much more features, such as rod holders, a tank well, etc. So the cockpit design has a significant impact on your paddling experience. For fishing, selecting a sit-on-top kayak is a no-brainer.
Hull Shape
The bottom part of a boat will highly influence its performance on the water. A regular kayak either has a round, flat, or V-shaped hull. Each design is made for a specific purpose and will do better in certain water conditions.
Kayaks with rounded edges at the bottom generally provide a good blend of speed and maneuverability, but they feel tippy on calm water. Flat hulls offer a lot of stability and control over the boat, yet they are quite slow.
With a V-shaped bottom, a kayak will track very well and go fast. It can also help handle waves, currents, and strong winds. However, they are often unstable and hard to maneuver in flat water.
Fishing kayaks typically either have a flat or pontoon hull for optimal stability. Pontoon hulls have an inverted rounded shape with deeper edges. So they are often stable enough for the angler to stand up while fishing.
A flat bottom can also be suitable for this activity. However, kayaks with a pontoon design provide more stability and generally track slightly better for more speed. The major downside is maneuverability, but it’s not essential for fishing.
Dimensions (Length & Width)
The average kayak is around 10 feet long and 28 inches wide. But it can vary from 6 to 16 feet in length and 22 to 32 inches in width. Fishing kayaks tend to be slightly bigger at about 12 feet long and over 30 inches wide.
Now, what’s the effect on your paddling experience?
The kayak’s dimensions will influence its tracking, speed, maneuverability, and stability. A long boat tends to be easier to paddle in a straight line and go faster, while a short one provides better maneuverability.
For fishing, the width is an essential factor to consider. The wider a kayak is, the more stable it should be on the water. A narrower model might improve tracking and speed, but it shouldn’t be the priority of an angler.
Features
A major difference between regular and fishing kayaks is their complexity. Standard models were designed for one simple reason: Paddling in the water. On the other hand, a kayak in which you can also fish comfortably will require additional features.
Rod holders, a tank well, hatches for storage, and other details of the layout will make a boat suitable for this outdoor sport. You might also want a specific design to install a fishfinder, anchor trolley, rudder, or any other accessory to make kayak fishing possible and enjoyable.
On a regular model, you won’t need as many features. As long as you can sit and paddle comfortably, everything should be alright. So fishing kayaks have a lot of special characteristics to be ideal for the specific needs of an angler.
Price
With all the features you will find on a fishing kayak, you should be ready to pay more than for a regular one. Specialized products also tend to be more expensive than standard items. The average cost of a kayak is around $600, with all types included.
For a fishing kayak, you should expect to pay approximately $1,000. Although the price will vary a lot from one model to another, it’s still generally on the higher end. So it’s essential to make sure it’s really what you need and worth the extra money.
Propelling Method: Paddle VS Pedal
Since you need your hands both for fishing and paddling, it would be nice to free them while kayaking. Well, it’s now possible with the new foot-driven propelling systems. Pedal kayaks will allow you to maneuver the boat while still having your hands available for fishing.
Not all fishing kayaks are powered by pedals, but several models do. So it’s a huge distinction between a regular kayak, where you always have to deal with the paddle. A hands-free navigation system could be very helpful and convenient for an angler.
Overall, the difference between a fishing kayak and a regular one is everything that makes it suitable for its intended use. You will need a very specific type of boat to paddle and fish at the same time. Here’s a comparison table to sum up what makes fishing kayaks unique.
Fishing Kayak VS Regular Kayak
| Fishing Kayak | Regular Kayak | |
| Dimensions | Width: 30 in + Length: 12 ft + | Width: 28 in Length: 10 ft |
| Hull | Flat or Pontoon | Flat, Rounded or V-Shaped |
| Features | Rod Holders, Tank Well, Pedal System, Hatches, etc. | Depend On The Model, But Not A Lot. |
| Price | ~ $1,000 | ~ $600 |
| Best For | Fishing, Stability & Anglers. | Paddling, Ease Of Use & Beginners. |
What Is A Fishing Kayak Good For?
A fishing kayak is good for its typical user, which is generally an angler. Thus, it’s stable enough to fish and paddle comfortably. Some models even allow you to stand up. Most fishing kayaks also have extra space for storage, rod holders, a tank well, and other convenient features an angler might need on the water.
On the other hand, it’s not an excellent option for other purposes. With a kayak designed specifically for fishing, you won’t have the best paddling experience. Its optimal stability in flat water will sacrifice tracking performance, speed, and versatility.
So it won’t be suitable for long paddling trips and environments such as whitewater. If you’re really into kayaking and fishing, I highly recommend you get a different boat for each activity. Because a model made for anglers won’t be ideal for avid paddlers and vice-versa.
Can You Fish From A Regular Kayak?
You might already have a regular kayak not designed for fishing. In this case, it’s normal to wonder if it’s possible to fish in it safely and comfortably. Well, it’s a tricky question.
You can fish from any type of kayak. Getting started in a regular kayak can be an excellent idea for beginners to figure out whether or not they like fishing in this type of vessel. But regular kayaks aren’t designed for this purpose. So avid and serious anglers should invest in a fishing kayak for a better experience.
Some regular models might be well-suited for this activity too. Any kayak that’s stable and has enough space for your fishing gear should allow you to fish safely. However, choosing the right boat for the intended use will enhance your overall experience on the water.
Is A Fishing Kayak Worth It?
With all the advantages fishing kayaks can offer to an angler, it’s generally worth the extra money. The kayak design will allow you to go fishing in water bodies that aren’t accessible to other boats. Compared to regular models, fishing kayaks are designed for this activity. So it’s worth the investment.
On the other hand, you might not need a boat specifically meant for this purpose. Although it’s very convenient and performant for an angler to fish, it’s not the ideal option for everyone. Some alternatives can be more appropriate for your situation.
For example, you might not have to invest in a fishing kayak if you already have another boat and only fish a couple of times per year. As long as the watercraft provides good stability and is suitable for this outdoor sport, everything should be alright.
However, your fishing experience will be affected if you don’t have the proper equipment. That’s why I highly recommend you choose a suitable kayak made for this purpose. Otherwise, you’re more likely to capsize or take the fun out of your fishing trips.
How To Choose The Right Fishing Kayak?
Once you know a fishing kayak is what you should get, it’s time to find the best one for your needs. Although every angler shares the same passion, the boat you’re looking for is unique to your situation. So here are some factors to consider for choosing the right fishing kayak.
Environment
Where you plan to go kayak fishing is the most important factor to keep in mind while selecting a boat. Every model is designed to perform well in specific water conditions. Therefore, the environment in which you will fish is an essential consideration.
Calm Waters (Small Lakes & Ponds)
In flatwater, where there are no waves, currents, or strong winds, you don’t have to worry about speed or performance too much. Instead, you should choose a stable and convenient boat for fishing. Thus, a sit-on-top kayak with a pontoon hull would be ideal.
Open Water (Large Waterways)
If you have to paddle over long-distance before you can fish, you must invest in a kayak suitable for this purpose. A long and relatively narrow kayak might be more appropriate because it will provide better tracking and help you go faster on the water.
Rivers (Stream & Rapids)
Kayaking and fishing in slow currents is possible, but you should have the right boat for this environment. Rivers are unpredictable, so maneuverability is essential to paddling in downstream water. So you should opt for a fishing kayak that’s easy to control and turn.
Ocean/Sea (Waves & Currents)
Fishing and paddling in the ocean require a specific type of kayak. With the waves, currents, and strong winds, you need a boat suitable for such water conditions. If you plan to go in the sea, you should be looking for a long, narrow, and stable kayak that can handle waves.
Type Of Fishing
Another factor you have to consider is your fishing method. Depending on the technique you use, some kayaks might be more appropriate for your needs. For example, fly anglers should choose a model on which they can stand up to fish comfortably and effectively.
The way you’re fishing will highly influence what features you should have on the boat. For trolling, you probably want a kayak with rod holders adapted for this fishing type. Most flush mounts are designed for transportation not for trolling, so make sure to find the right model.
Quality, Design & Features
Apart from the details of your fishing adventures, you also need to take a look at the kayak itself. With all the different options available, it can be complicated to understand what you need to analyze. So let me help you with that.
The first element to consider is quality. Some fishing kayaks are better and will last longer than others. Roto-molding is the construction process used by most brands, and it usually gives the best results, so you should opt for a model designed that way.
Apart from the material, the overall design will also influence the performance of a kayak. Its size, hull shape, and many other details might impact the experience it will provide you.
Then, you probably also have preferences concerning storage, transportation, and convenience. A long, wide, and heavy fishing kayak might be stable and performant on the water, but it won’t be as easy to carry as a smaller model.
Even if a boat has excellent technical specifications, it’s useless if you can’t bring it to your fishing spot. So it’s essential to not only focus on the paddling and fishing experience. You should also get a kayak that’s well-suited for your needs once it’s out of the water.
As you probably have noticed, there are many features you can have on a fishing kayak. From the rod holders to the propelling system, you have a lot of options. So I highly recommend you write down what you need before looking at the models on the market.
One of the first elements you should decide is whether you want to paddle, pedal, or use a trolling motor. Another essential part of a fishing kayak is the seat. Do you want it to provide back support, be comfortable, adjustable, or removable for more space when you stand up?
Then, you can start analyzing more specific features such as rod holders, storage options, and extra accessories. A rudder, paddle clip, standing desk, tank well, hatch, and several other features can be useful while fishing in a kayak.
Once you know what you want your boat to look like, it’s time to figure out what size you will need. As I already told you, fishing kayaks are generally around 12 feet long and over 30 inches wide. But the kayak’s size can vary from one model to another.
What Size Kayak Do You Need For Fishing?
The size of a fishing kayak (length and width) will impact its performance on the water. For the length, a shorter model will be easier to maneuver, while a longer one should track better and go faster. On the other hand, the width mainly affects how stable a fishing kayak is.
The size will also determine how much space you have to store gear and move on the boat. Larger models usually have more features too. So it’s essential to consider the length and width of a fishing kayak.
What Are The Best Fishing Kayaks?
Now you may have no idea where to start looking for your fishing boat. And with all the options available, it can be complicated to find the best one for your needs. Thus, let me share with you a few of the best kayaks for anglers!
- Best Fishing Kayak For Beginners → Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
- Best Pedal Kayak For Fishing→ Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
- Best Tandem Fishing Kayak → Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem
- Best Fishing Kayak For Big Guys → Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K 140
- Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak → NRS Pike Angler
The ultimate way to know if a fishing kayak fits your criteria and needs is to give it a try. Fortunately, most paddling stores offer free demos to make sure you’re getting the right model. It’s always better to test a boat before you buy it.
Last Thoughts About Fishing Kayaks!
Finally, a fishing kayak is a boat designed for an angler to improve his paddling experience. It’s generally stable, offers a lot of storage room, and has many convenient features to help its user fish comfortably.
So it’s the type of boat you need to combine your passion for kayaking and fishing. With all the models on the market, there’s no way you can’t find the right one for your needs. Now it’s time to choose a kayak and get ready for your next fishing trip.
See You On The Water!
