Kayaking and fishing go together like peanut butter and jelly. While you can fish from any kayak, some boats are better suited for the task than others. So which kayaks are the best for fishing?
In evaluating kayaks for angling prowess we focused on things like stability, capacity, and compatibility with different fishing accessories. We also take into consideration things like value, included accessories, and options for both inflatable kayaks and hard shell fishing kayaks.
So if you are ready to chase lunkers in all the best fishing holes, check out our list of the Top 7 Fishing Kayaks for 2025!
Best Kayaks for Fishing Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Top-Rated Fishing Kayaks |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| Bote Lono Aero | Bote Lono Aero
| BEST Fishing IK + Pedal Drive 12’6" x 35.5" 51 pounds | 400 lbs | 2 years, 30-Day Return Period | Review Coming SoonCheck Best Price |
| Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 | Old Town Sportsman PDL 120
| BEST Fishing Hard Shell + Pedal Drive 12’0" x 36" 116 pounds | 385 lbs | Lifetime, 30-Day Return Period | Review Coming SoonCheck Best Price |
| Sea Eagle 385FTA | Sea Eagle 385FTA
| BEST Fishing IK/SUP Hybrid 12'6" x 36" 45 pounds | 635 lbs | 3 years, 120-Day Return Period | Review Coming SoonCheck Best Price |
| Old Town Loon 126 Angler | Old Town Loon 126 Angler
| BEST Fishing/Rec Hybrid Hard Shell 12’6" x 31" 61 pounds | 390 lbs | Lifetime, 30-Day Return Period | Review Coming SoonCheck Best Price |
| Nixy Tahoe | Nixy Tahoe
| BEST Tandem Fishing/Rec IK 12'6" x 39" 33 pounds | 600 lbs | 2 years, 30-Day Return Period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Thurso Compass 150 | Thurso Compass 150
| BEST Fly Fishing IK 12’6" x 34" 42 pounds | 600 lbs | 2 years, 30-Day Return Period | Read Full ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Wilderness Systems Pungo 105 | Wilderness Systems Pungo 105
| BEST Recreational Hard Shell for Fishing 10'6" x 30"" 47 pounds | 300 lbs | Lifetime, 90-Day Return Period | Review Coming SoonCheck Best Price |
Bote Lono Aero – BEST Fishing Inflatable Kayak + Pedal Drive
12’6” x 3\5.58” | 51 lbs
Full Review Coming Soon
Topping our list of the Best Fishing Kayaks is the Bote Lono Aero. The Lono has so much going for it for kayak anglers that it’s almost unfair. This inflatable kayak is portable, but extremely capable with full drop stitch construction for seated or standing use (paddling and fishing), and is compatible with Bote’s Apex Pedal Drive system and rudder steering control for hands-free locomotion.
The Lono is built up to work with Bote’s complete line of fishing accessories including rack holders, coolers, paddle holders, anchor poles, and more.
While it may seem heavy at 51 pounds, the Lono is actually very light when compared to other dedicated fishing kayaks with a similar feature set. It also comes with a set of basic kayak accessories including a paddle.
Bottom Line: The Bote Lono Aero is our top pick as the Best Fishing Kayak for its versatility, portability, and overall value.
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 – BEST Fishing Hard Shell + Pedal Drive
12’ x 36” | 116 lbs
Full Review Coming Soon
Hardcore kayak fishing enthusiasts and tournament anglers demand the most from their fishing kayaks – the most durable, the most compatible, the most functional – and the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 meets those demands.
At 12’ x 36” and 116 pounds, The Sportsman PDL 120 doesn’t mess around. The triple-layer polyethylene hull can take any abuse you run it through, while the included pedal drive system and rudder control let you cover more water than you’ve ever thought possible.
The Sportsman PDL also features twin accessory tracks, three recessed rod holders, dry hatch, rudder lift and steering controls, and fully adjustable seat system.
Bottom Line:The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is the all-in one boat for the dedicated kayak angler who wants no compromises.
Sea Eagle 385FTA – BEST Fishing IK/SUP Hybrid
12’6” x 36” | 45 lbs
Full Review Coming Soon
The Sea Eagle 385FTA (Fast Track Angler) straddles the worlds of kayaking and SUP with a low-profile design with a drop stitch deck.
The smaller side tubes of the 385FTA help reduce its wind profile while still providing plenty of capacity to bring everything you want for a day (or two) fishing – including motor mount options. The built-in rod holders, two Scotty plates, casting bar mounts, and 14 D-rings make it easy to rig however you please. It’s also available in four different kit configurations to get you started with the accessories that suit your needs.
Bottom Line: The Sea Eagle 385FTA is a fantastic choice for anglers seeking the best of seated kayaking and stand up paddling while fishing.
Old Town Loon 126 Angler – BEST Fishing/Rec Hybrid Hard Shell Kayak
12’6” x 31” | 61 lbs
Full Review Coming Soon
While we would all love to have a collection of dedicated kayaks for fishing, touring, recreational paddling, etc. we don’t always have the luxury of all that space or budget! While one kayak can’t do everything perfectly, boats like the Old Town Loon 126 Angler offer you a great balance between fishing compatibility and recreational performance.
The Loon 126 Angler takes one of Old Town’s best recreational kayaks and outfits it for kayak fishing. In addition to the Loon’s great paddling performance and ACS adjustable seat system, you also get a stern hatch, flush-mount rod holders, and removable work deck with dry storage that attaches directly to the front of the cockpit.
Bottom Line: The Old Town Loon 126 Angler balances high quality recreational paddling boat design with a full fishing feature set.
Nixy Tahoe – BEST Tandem Fishing Inflatable Kayak
12’6” x 39” | 33 lbs
Read Full Review Here
Kayak fishing is great, but kayak fishing with your best friend, significant other, or kids makes for an unforgettable day on the water. The Nixy Tahoe is a tandem-designed inflatable kayak that blends high quality drop stitch construction with high capacity PVC tubes to make paddling with a partner easy as pie. But they didn’t stop there.
The Tahoe is also a great fishing kayak. It has four Scotty plates and 6 threaded accessory mounts built in to make rigging for your fishing trip simple. It also has 10 D-rings and two large cargo bungees to bring all of your other paddling and fishing essentials.
The Tahoe also includes a full tandem paddling kit including two hybrid inflatable seats, two hybrid carbon fiber kayak paddles, and a rolling bag to keep it all organized when you are off the water.
Bottom Line: The Nixy Tahoe is a fishing-ready tandem IK with a complete kit and excellent value.
Thurso Compass 150 – BEST Fly Fishing Inflatable Kayak
12’6” x 34” | 42 lbs
Read Full Review Here
Drop stitch construction kayaks like the Thurso Compass 150 and Bote Lono are incredibly durable, rigid, and stable on the water. WIth high sidewalls they also have high capacity. The Compass 150 is designed as a tandem kayak that offers some unique opportunities for fly fishing.
In addition to easily accommodating two adults – including fully inflatable seats and adjustable paddles for both – the rigid drop stitch construction and open platform makes the Compass ideal for standing while sight casting. The clean design of the Compass also makes it easy for fly line management while stripping your line.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Compass 150 is a great value drop-stitch kayak for fly fishing.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 105 – BEST Recreational Hard Shell Kayak for Fishing
10’6” x 30” | 47 lbs
Full Review Coming Soon
While the Loon 126 takes the spot for the best hardshell fishing kayak for recreational paddling, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 105 reverses the role as the best recreational kayak for fishing. It might seem like a small distinction, but it does make a difference.
The Pungo is built specifically for recreational and day touring paddling. It doesn’t come stock with any fishing-specific accessories or attachments, but it does come with a removable dashboard to help organize your small accessories while fishing, especially with lightweight rods and tackle that can easily stow in the cockpit or large rear dry hatch.
Bottom Line: The Wilderness Systems Pungo 105 is ideal for the recreational paddler who likes to occasionally bring along their ultralight fishing setup.
Best Fishing Kayaks FAQs
What Should Paddlers Look for in a Fishing Kayak
There are three things that every dedicated fishing kayak should have. First, and maybe most obvious, are fishing-specific amenities. Rod holders, accessory mounting points, cargo and tackle management systems, anchor systems, and even things like built-in measuring tapes make kayak fishing easier and more enjoyable.
Next, fishing kayaks should have excellent stability. Nothing is going to ruin your day like capsizing while casting, fighting, or landing the big one. So it’s crucial that your fishing kayak be capable of comfortably supporting you and all of your fishing equipment.
Lastly, a good fishing kayak still needs to be a kayak. It should be easy to paddle (or pedal) to help you reach those far off fishing holes, and maneuverable enough to manage rivers and set you up for ideal casting angles.
Recommended Gear for Kayak Fishing
Most kayaks come with very few additional accessories. A few (Nixy, Thurso and Bote) include kits with paddles and more, but otherwise you’ll be left to figure out what other items you need to safely get paddling on the water.
- Paddle – Choosing a paddle can be just as personal as choosing the kayak. For most users in a traditional Inflatable Kayak you’ll want a paddle that is between 240-260cm long with narrower “low-angle” blades. For kayakers in narrower boats (30-34”) you’ll want a paddle between 220-240cm long. One of our top recommendations on a budget is the Old Town/Carlisle Magic Plus. For river paddlers and packrafters the Aquabound Shred 4-piece is a great value. For dedicated kayak anglers with a larger boat, the Wilderness Systems Origin Angler gives you more power and a built-in line hook.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your kayak and may be required by local law. There are thousands of options for PFDs, and it is important to choose one that not only fits you well but is designed for paddling. A quality, well-fit PFD is not noticeable when being worn. See our Best PFD reviews here.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring with us in our kayak should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. See our Best Dry Bag reviews here.
- Coolers – Whether you are keeping your drinks cold or your catch fresh, a great cooler can make the difference after hours out in the sun. Plus, hard coolers make a great seat to take a break from standing! See our Best Cooler reviews here.
- Electric Pumps – If you choose an inflatable kayak, using the hand pump that comes with your boat is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But every now and then, it’s nice to relax while getting ready, too. Electric pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your kayak. See our Best Electric Pump reviews here.
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