Fishing kayaks come in many different styles and sizes. Ask any kayak fisherman what type of kayak he prefers and you will get a different answer every time.
Choosing the best fishing kayak for you means really knowing your own preferences.
Some people, usual beginners to the sport, prefer to buy rigged kayaks that are already set up for fishing.
Other people like to buy a standard stock model kayak and rig it themselves so they can set it up exactly the way they want.
- How to Choose the best Fishing Kayak
- Do you prefer a sit-in kayak or a sit on top kayak?
- What type of water will you be using the kayak in mostly?
- Beginner level low end range: $150 – $550
- Experienced/Advanced level high end range: $550+
- 2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ Fishing Kayak
- 3. Old Town Dirigo 106
- Conclusion
How to Choose the best Fishing Kayak
In order to choose a kayak, you should consider where you are going to use it for fishing the most. If you’re going to be using it in saltwater instead of freshwater or in water that has a strong current instead of flat water those factors will make a difference in what type of kayak will work best for you.
You will also need to choose between a kayak where you sit on top of the boat and a kayak where you sit inside the boat.
Some kayak fishermen prefer to sit on top because that makes it easier to get out and wade.
But if you don’t plan on getting out to fish then a sit-inside kayak might be a better fit for you because they have a lower center of gravity.
The lower center of gravity will make the boat more stable.
There’s a lot of information to process when you’re buying a fishing kayak. Here are some reviews of top fishing kayaks to help you choose.
Some common questions to answer are below which will help you with the initial decision-making process.
Do you prefer a sit-in kayak or a sit on top kayak?
The sit-in kayak has been around since the beginning and for that reason is a very popular go-to kayak. These kayaks limit your mobility while sitting inside and you forego storage space on most of these.
The sit-on-top kayaks tend to be more agile and you can move around much easier without your legs being restricted to the inside of the kayak.
There is room inside for storage and you can move around while casting and retrieving much easier.
What type of water will you be using the kayak in mostly?
Some kayaks are designed for stability and some are designed for maneuverability and speed. Wider, flatter kayaks will be more stable but you’ll lack speed due to their design.
Other kayaks are narrow and have fine contours that are designed for agility and speed.
These are for more experienced kayakers who plan to be encountering rough water or fast, rolling currents.
If you plan on fishing calm ponds and lakes, you will likely want a more stable kayak so you can move around without tipping.
If it’s a wider kayak, you may even be able to stand and fish.
Of course, there is a wide range of kayaks from high-end to low-end beginner kayaks.
Beginner level low end range: $150 – $550
These kayaks will have few amenities such as waterproof storage compartments and rail guides.
The seats are not designed for long-term kayak trips and are not as comfortable as the high-end models.
The construction of the kayak will likely be a hollow hull design which can make it a little tougher to steer in a straight line.
Experienced/Advanced level high end range: $550+
Once you get in this range your options open up greatly. Common amenities include ample storage, a solidly constructed hull, rail guides, superior seat design, and more.
These kayaks are designed with the avid kayaker in mind so you will notice a difference if you are an experienced paddler.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intex Excursion Pro | Color: Red | Check Price |
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Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ | Color: Green | Check Price |
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Cordless Blower | Color: Camouflage | Check Price |
If you plan on using your kayak on a regular basis it’s probably worth spending the extra money for one that will grow with you.
If it’s going to sit in the garage most of the year, the cheaper kayaks will be just fine.
1. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Are you looking for the ultimate kayak for your next adventure? You’ve found it with Intex Excursion Pro Kayak.
Weighing in at only 36 pounds, the Excursion Pro Kayak is great for easy portability and comfortable paddling.
The high-impact, high-abrasion resistant polyester plastic is sealed with laminate material to ensure strength and durability.
| Brand | Intex |
| Item Weight | 43.64 Pounds |
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Red |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
Explore the world from the water with Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. Made from super-tough laminate material with a polyester core, you can explore even with high impact and abrasion resistance. Plus, it’s light weight and portable for convenience.
2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ Fishing Kayak
The Sevylor Colorado fishing kayak is perfect for anglers or families looking to explore. It has a heavy-duty PVC hull with a tough nylon cover to keep it safe from the elements while out on the water.
The boat features two seats and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need, including gear.
| Brand | Sevylor |
| Item Weight | 37 Pounds |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
The best two-person fishing kayak in the business. Coleman’s Colorado is an unbeatable way to get out on the water and reel in your catch.
Tough and durable, it’s perfect for fishing, camping trips or just enjoying an afternoon splash. With a roomy cockpit and plenty of storage you’ll stay dry and organized all day long.
3. Old Town Dirigo 106
The Old Town Dirigo 106 is a small fishing kayak that is just over 10 feet long. The smaller size gives it really great maneuverability but the trade-off is that it is not quite as stable as some of the 12 footers.
If you are an advanced beginner or beyond you shouldn’t have a problem with this kayak. It’s a sit-in kayak as opposed to a sit-on-top kayak but some people prefer the extra stability that comes with a sit-in model.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 127 x 29 x 12 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 52 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 128 x 27.75 x 14 inches |
| Item Weight | 44 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Old Town Canoes & Kayaks |
| Color | Camouflage |
It has a very handy dry hatch built in to hold things like cell phones, keys, cameras, or other things that you really don’t want to get wet.
The steering is great and it can turn well and get into very small or tight spaces easily. It has several built-in rod holders that make it easy to fish.
The seat is fairly comfortable although if you are going out on the water for several hours or more you will probably want to get a seat cushion to provide a little extra comfort.
The most common complaint about the Dirigo 106 is the footpads. They are made so that you rest the ball of your foot on the pad which doesn’t provide a lot of support.
A lot of users, especially users who are 6 feet tall or taller, find that after a while those foot pads can become uncomfortable. They are adjustable though so you can move them around to find a position that works the best for your height.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to buy a new fishing kayak, consider what the boat is made of and how it handles. You want one that’s durable enough to stand up to saltwater or freshwater, yet light enough for easy carrying so you can easily transport your gear from place to place.
If this sounds like something you need help with go ahead and reach out! One of our experts will be happy to explain more about these options in detail and offer advice on which kayaks are best suited for your needs right now.
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
