Fishing Kayaks
Top Picks
How we choose: The best fishing kayaks highlighted here were selected based on 16 reviews of 5 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
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If you've used a fishing kayak that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
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Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler
(1 review)
Reviewed
by MaloYaker
A sit-on-top angling kayak that's awesome for freshwater and saltwater fishing!
Reasons to Buy
- Length is great for tracking
- Wide enough for casting standing up
- Scupper holes (self draining)
- Hollow hull (enough room for camping gear)
- Light enough I can put it on my car by myself
- Comes ready to use Scotty rod holders
- Large tankwell in the rear
- Comfy seat
Reasons to Avoid
- Higher priced then the average angling kayak
- Front storage hatch is hard to get to when on the water
This kayak glides through the water! It gives you the ability to set a line out and troll while you paddle down stream or drop anchor and stand up and cast into the weeds for that big bite. The seat is perfectly comfy enough to paddle for numerous hours getting to your favorite spot and can be easily adjusted while sitting in it. It has adjustable foot peddles for tall or short people and the "mod pod" is a great exclusive to only the Ocean Kayak brand (I have only seen it on the Ocean Kayaks).
Read more: Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler review (1)
Old Town Trip 10 Deluxe Angler
(2 reviews)
Featured review
by Daniel Pigg 
Excellent low-cost recreational kayak. This kayak is really nice for flat water and slow moving rivers.
Reasons to Buy
- Large cockpit
- Very stable
- Good cargo capacity
- Priced reasonable for the quality
- Fun to boat in
Reasons to Avoid
- Seat is hard on the behind for long trips
- Foot pegs could be bigger
My wife and I are are new to kayaking and these were our first purchases. So far we have taken ours out on 16 trips in the past two months ranging from 90 min to our longest trip of 8 hours on the water, 2 miles to 14.88 miles. We have paddled in no wind to as high as about 15mph. It tracks reasonable straight and maneuvers pretty well. We kayak on flat water and slow moving rivers. The kayak has a built-in cup holder on the front of the cockpit that you have to stretch to reach and one in the seat.
Read more: Old Town Trip 10 Deluxe Angler reviews (2)
L.L.Bean Manatee 12 Deluxe Angler
(1 review)
Reviewed
by Michael Webster
I purchased this kayak mainly for duck hunting. I bought the 12' version as I am 6'3" tall and over 250 lbs. This kayak is easy to paddle, carries me in full winter clothes plus decoys and gear. I have had it out on the Delaware River in strong crosswinds and had no issues paddling it through the waves. It’s a comfortable kayak that I can sit in for hours duck hunting.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to paddle
- Weight carrying ability
- Comfort
- Rod holders
- Rear storage area is large
Reasons to Avoid
- Difficult to carry. There is no easy way to carry this alone. For two people it has carrying handles at each end.
- Foot pegs can fall out while carrying
I mainly bought this kayak for duck hunting three years ago. I have used it for fishing and for pleasure paddling too. My two sons (ages 20 and 22) have the 10' version. This kayak is made by Perception and branded for LL Bean. All three of us like the kayak. The 10' version being able to get in tighter spots but is slower than the 12'. My sons left their kayaks outside for a few days in the sun after a trip and one of the kayaks ended up with an impression or dent in the bottom from lying against the side rails of our utility trailer while hot.
Read more: L.L.Bean Manatee 12 Deluxe Angler review (1)
Heritage Kayaks Redfish 14
(1 review)
Reviewed
by Swampcat
This is a great fishing kayak designed with an angler in mind. It has usable space, as well as storage for all your gear. Handles on both sides, and at both ends, help with mobility out of the water.
Reasons to Buy
- Stable platform
- Ample storage
- Tons of accessories can be added
- Thick bottom hull takes abuse
Reasons to Avoid
- A bit heavy (~70lbs)
- Sits high in the water, wind can push it around.
Well, I had this kayak for close to 3 years. I bought it used, so it had a bit of oyster rash already on the bottom, but it was solid. The first thing you notice when you get in is how stable it is for such a long kayak. It has a wide beam, so using those floating docks isn't an issue. Once you start paddling though, it tracks straight and true, and has just a touch of rock back and forth, just enough to put you into a nice steady rhythm. The folding seat that comes with it isn't necessarily bad, it's just basic.
Read more: Heritage Kayaks Redfish 14 review (1)
More Reviews of Fishing Kayaks
Trailspace reviewers have shared 16 reviews of 5 different fishing kayaks.
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Other Types of Kayaks
Find more kayaks reviewed in these related categories:
Recreational Kayaks
Sit-on-Top Kayaks
Touring Kayaks
+4 more types
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