Paddle kayaks are defined as just that, a kayak that is propelled by physically paddling. They different from motorized and pedal kayaks because you are not "hands-free," needing to switch between paddling and casting regularly. Fishing kayaks also differ from recreational or traditional sit-in paddle kayaks as you are typically elevated in a chair. Paddle fishing kayaks naturally come with more features that are specific to fishing.
Many factors contribute to what makes a paddle fishing kayak efficient and enjoyable. If you buy the wrong kind for you, it can lead to frustration and unnecessary effort. Beyond the kayak itself, paddle selection is a crucial key factor in your paddling success if you do not plan to add a motor or pedal drive.
With endless options, brands and an overwhelming amount of information at times, it can be hard to decide which kayak is right for you or what even makes a good paddle fishing kayak. Let's look at 10 factors you should pay attention to when trying do decide which paddle fishing kayak is the best fit for you. Also be sure to check out our paddle guide to learn more about the different styles, materials and features of kayak paddles.
Stability
Weight & Portability
Maneuverability
Comfort
Storage
Material Durability
Features that Impact Paddling Effort
Versatility
Length
Additional Features
Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak
Length: 11'6" | Width: 35" | Weight: 77lbs | Carrying Capacity: 425lbs
The newest generation in affordable fishing, the Outlaw 11.5 boasts a wide-open deck, an expansive standing platform, seriously elevated seating, and intuitive features throughout, disrupting the notion that an incredibly unique angling platform needs to break the bank.
The Outlaw integrates industry-firsts including a stowaway seat for complete deck walkability and space for up to a 35L cooler, and two "double-barrel" rod holders. Elevated seating allows for the highest fishing vantage ever in a kayak, and the ergonomic and comfortable seat extends time on the water and transition easily from sitting to a standing position. With room to accessorize and several unique attachment points, rigging has never been easier.
$929
Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Fishing Kayak
Length: 12' | Width: 32.5" | Weight: 64lbs | Carrying Capacity: 375lbs
The Perception Pescador Pro kayak series leads the pack with serious fishing performance, stability, and comfort. The sit-on-top design offers generous storage and accessory mount options that make outfitting the boat for all-day excursions easy. The removable and adjustable camp chair is the most comfortable seat on any fishing kayak. The shorter length and lighter weight increase maneuverability and ease of transport, allowing you to fish in quiet waters beyond the reach of other boaters.
Other features of the Pescador Pro 12.0 include the removable pro 2-way adjustable seat, large bow and stern open storage, molded-in gear tracks and an easily replacable skid plate for long-term integrity.
$1,099
Vanhunks Zambezi 12'6" FIshing Kayak
Length: 12' 6" / 384 cm | Width: 33" / 85 cm | Weight: 70 lbs / 32 kg | Carrying Capacity: 407 lbs / 185 kg
At first glance, the vast amount of storage space jumps right out from the Vanhunks Zambezi 12'6" fishing kayak. A large, lockable, rectangular hatch is spacious enough for camping gear or your day's catch. Below the bow hatch, a center console opens towards the paddler allowing easy access while out on the water.
A great kayak for any adventurer, the Vanhunks 12'6" Zambezi did not forget about anglers. Four integrated sloping rod holders make trolling a breeze. Two more rod holders are positioned in front of the seat. Striking a perfect balance between length and width, the Zambezi 12'6" was built for stability and speed. With a whopping 617 pound carrying capacity, no adventurer will need to sacrifice any gear with this kayak. Can be upgraded to include the Vanhunks Fin or Prop drive.
Starting at $1,195
Wilderness Systems Radar 115 Fishing Kayak
Length: 11'8" | Width: 34.5" | Weight: 85lbs | Carrying Capacity: 450lbs
Ready for paddle, pedal or power, the Wilderness Radar 115 features S.M.A.R.T hull technology (stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking) that is best suited for multiple water types and fishing styles.
The Radar boasts functional outfitting including SlideTrax™ rails, a multitude of storage opportunities, and scupper options to deploy the Helix MD™ Motor Drive, the Helix PD™ Pedal Drive and even multiple electronics options including down-imaging, side-scanning or both. When utilizing the Helix PD™, a built-in steering control system affords easy navigation and hands-free fishing, while the AirPro MAX complements the package with optimized positioning for any mode of travel.
$1,559
Crescent Shoalie Fishing Kayak
Length: 11'10" | Width: 34" | Weight: 77lbs | Carrying Capacity: 450lbs
The Shoalie combines our signature paddling performance and platforms with systems designed specifically for fishing. These systems help anglers efficiently manage their rods, paddles, tackle, electronics, and comfort on the water. This is a truly versatile kayak that caters to every type of angler on any waterway.
The Bow Rod Securing System by Rod Saver keeps your rods strapped down during transport. Rod Butt Stops keep them stationary in the cockpit. The front tankwell features our Thru-Hull Rod Locker for safe storage. Channels along the rails holster two additional rods with bungees.
The hull on the Shoalie is incredibly quiet with no hull slap in rough conditions. The medium rocker profile is agile in tighter water. Our bulbous nose adds volume to keep the bow riding high through rapids and surf. Additional volume to outside chines makes for quicker second stability engagement and greater stability. The compressed hull reduces draft for shallower water navigation. A Pronounced keel makes for excellent tracking/ straight paddling across all waterways.
Additiona features include YakAttack GearTracs throughout with additional GearTrac, dual YakAttack RotoGrip Paddle Holders, an Anchor Wizard can be flush-mounted on either side with rear channels for drag chains or an anchor, rear mounting points to accommodate a Power Pole without affecting the anchor channels and many more.
$1,599
Length: 10'10" | Width: 40" | Weight: 70lbs | Carrying Capacity: 500lbs
The U10 brings tons of features and functionality into a smaller size that puts everything within reach. At 10'10" long, the U10 boasts surprising stability and speed. With enhanced rod storage + staging features and two measuring board shelves, the U10 will excel for weekend anglers and tournament pros alike!
The fishing setup boasts a 360 Fusion seat for unparalleled comfort during long sessions on the water. It includes 2 Reel Bats and Rod Caves for secure storage of fishing gear, along with 6 Rod Staging Channels for easy access to rods. Additionally, there are 2 Measuring Board Shelves for convenient measurement of catches, Knockout Wiring Plates for streamlined electrical installations, and a Tarpon Drainage System to keep the boat dry. On-demand storage is provided with the Gearpod, and it's equipped with a Transducer Retract Ready feature for seamless fish-finder installation.
$1,599
Crescent CK2 Venture Fishing Kayak
Length: 13' | Width: 35" | Weight: 85lbs | Carrying Capacity: 600lbs
The CK2 Venture is a truly versatile, high-weight-capacity fishing kayak built on a proven Crescent platform. We created the CK2 Venture as an adventure-ready platform for those looking to explore further. This kayak is for big trips, big weights, big distances, and big ventures. The hull of the CK2 Venture features a full-length keel and rocker profile designed to track straight and glide through the water. A bulbous nose helps displace water when navigating waves and rapids. Since this craft was designed to accommodate large amounts of weight, the secondary stability is fully-engaged when loaded down adding confidence when standing and fishing.
The standout feature on the CK2 Venture Bow is the large, water-resistant bow cover with a paddle park for easy staging and a zipper pocket for your essentials. It's a great way to compress and manage a ton of gear. Dual YakAttack GearTracs provide forward accessory mounting points. A 6" Deck Plate comes standard with our nylon Kayak Catch Bag for additional gear storage and internal hull access.
The High Chair is fully adjustable and comfortable with an extra 2.5" of closed-cell foam padding. Dual Stash Trays, cupholders, YakAttack GearTracs, and ample room under the seat provide all of the necessary room for your gear and essentials.
The fore tankwell features dual YakAttack GearTracs with Vertical Tie-Down Loops and Cam Straps for securing coolers, BlackPaks, and more. The aft tankwell features dual YakAttack GearTracs with adjustable bungees for everything else you need. The pass-through features two MightyMount II's for additional accessory mounting options. The stern features our Power Plate which was custom designed for this model—allowing the mounting of a Power Pole or various motor options.
$1,699
Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 Fishing Kayak
Length: 13' 2" / 4 m | Width: 34" / 86 cm | Weight: 86 lbs / 39 kg | Carrying Capacity: 425 lbs / 193 kg
At just over 13 feet, the Sportsman BigWater 132 Fishing Kayak provides more stability for standing and in larger bodies of water. Including a non-slip EVA foam deck for extra traction and stand-up comfort, the Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 takes your fishing game to the next level. If you prefer staying seated, you'll love the premium breathable, quick-drying Element seat.
Designed with anglers in mind, the Sportsman BigWater 132 has six accessory tracks, multiple rod holders, a center console mod pod for stashing tackle or bait, and a dry storage area. The Sportsman BigWater 132 is structurally similar to the Old Town Predator/BigWater 132 fishing kayak but has different color options available. Kayak anglers looking for more stability on bigger water and more customization options will find the Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 exactly what they need.
$1,699
Wilderness Systems iA.T.A.K. 110 Inflatable Kayak
Length: 11' | Width: 38" | Weight: 44lbs | Carrying Capacity: 650lbs
Discover remote kayak fishing paradises with the Wilderness Systems iA.T.A.K 110 drop stitch inflatable fishing kayak. The iA.T.A.K. 110 drop stitch kayak delivers the conveniences of inflatable kayaks with the rigidity and performance of hardshell kayaks, through patented fishbone technology optimizing speed and tracking to get to your fishing spot.
With the aluminum accessory rail and integrated universal accessory mounts, you can customize and place your kayak fishing accessories at an easy reach. Enjoy the comfort of the ErgoBoost Seat, when folded turns into a booster seat making it easy to sit or stand while casting. When the day is done, towel dry, deflate , and roll up into the included backpack for easy transport and storage.
$1,399
Length: 11'8" | Width: 36" | Weight: 98lbs | Carrying Capacity: 425lbs
Jackson Kayak deepens its roots in river fishing with this updated take on the Coosa line. We’ve taken our extensive knowledge of hull design for moving water and combined it with input from our fishing team to create a true JK Team Signature Watercraft, the Coosa X. The Coosa X is stable, maneuverable, easily rigged, and comes with tons of new and innovative features.
This is the ideal kayak for adventure river trips, kayak camping, river fishing, small lake and pond hopping, or exploring small creeks and tributaries. With added volume in the bow for river running and moving water, and a deck laid out to meet a variety of rigging needs, the Coosa X is designed to be the best river and small water fishing kayak we have ever made.
$1,999
YakGear Backwater Assassin Carbon Fiber Paddle
The Assassin was designed for both high angle and low angle paddlers. The oversized blade helps to pull a lot of water when paddling and makes turning even easier. The shaft is carbon hybrid to reduce overall weight and the oversized ABS injected nylon blade is hard enough to push off on any surface and not crack or flex.
$125
Easy Tourer GS Vario Fiberglass Paddle
Durable low-angle paddle with nylon blades and a fiberglass shaft. Now with 360º angling and telescopic length 210-240cm. This paddle is light, with durable nylon blades oval rubber grips over the fiberglass shaft, and is equipped with drip rings. The shape of the blade is for primarily low-angle strokes.
$135
Old Town Carlisle Magic Angler Paddle
Designed for kayak anglers, the Carlisle Magic Angler is a lightweight, efficient and powerful paddle, with angler specific features. The asymmetrical, slightly curved blade shape, combined with a lightweight, flexible fiberglass shaft produces smooth yet powerful strokes. A cutout in the blade is used to free snagged hooks and the ruler on the shaft can be used to measure your catch!
$129.99
Bending Branches Angler Scout Paddle
The paddle designed to take on abuse while improving the fishing experience with a 40-inch tape measure and hook retrieval system. Built to take tough knocks, the Scout provides beat-it-up durability at a wallet-friendly price with epX engineered polymer blades and ovalized aluminum shaft. A built-in hook retrieval system and a tape measure on the shaft for a perfect sizing guide.
$129
The Lake Paddle is made of an impact resistant nylon composite blade and a fiberglass shaft and is easy to assemble, pack, and use on the water. The center ferrule (joint) and shaft to paddle ferrule is a traditional stainless steel button system for an easy secure fit.
$93.50
Solstice 4-piece Quick Release Paddle
The Solstice 4-piece quick release paddle is great for beginners or for those looking to add a second paddle. Made of aluminum the 4-Piece quick release has 3-Position adjustability and is compact for storage and travel. The outdoors awaits, dip your blade and take off.
$36.75
Kayak Anglers Resource Community
A community for kayak anglers. The discussions are generated by kayak anglers and the kayaking community shares tips, mistakes and suggestions for kayak fishing. Check out a few examples of anglers helping anglers:
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