10 Best Fishing Kayaks of 2018

If you are a true fisherman and sportsman at heart, fishing gives you the opportunity to become one with nature. People have been fishing for thousands of years, first as a means for survival and then as an opportunity to relax and/or compete with other fishermen.

Over the years, kayaks have been designed to help fishermen have a practical platform from which to fish. They are light, durable, sturdy, easy to store, provide plenty of storage space for fishing gear and camping supplies and are made from materials that are puncture proof, which is important for a fisherman wielding a rod with a hook on it.

Best of all, fishing kayaks come in a wide range of prices that would fit any budget.

RankImageItemPrice
1Intex Excursion 4Check Price

2

Lifetime Sport Fisher
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3
Intex Challenger K1
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4

KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS
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5
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game Angler
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6

Coleman Colorado(TM) 2-Person
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7
Coleman Quikpak(TM) K1 Check Price
8Old Town Canoes Vapor 10 Angler Check Price
9
Emotion Renegade XT Check Price
10Perception Pescador Check Price

10 Best Fishing Kayaks

With a wide range of fishing kayaks from which to choose, the following fishing kayak reviews are being provided to help interested parties determine which of the top rated fishing kayaks might best meet their needs.

In order to be considered a best kayak for fishing, a kayak must be designed to act as an extension of the owner. The top fishing kayaks must be functional, sturdy, dependable and contain the kinds of features that will make the fisherman’s time on the water all the more enjoyable.

After determining which features you might want on your vessel, you will be better equipped to find the best fishing kayak for your needs.

1. Intex Excursion 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set


This is one of the most popular models for families of up to four. It comes with two bench style cushioned seats, one on the bow and the other on the stern. It is made from a robust vinyl material with an I-Beam floor to provide durability and stability under almost any water conditions.

While the vessel is best suited for lake fishing, it would work just find in the ocean. It comes with motor mount fittings, 2 oars, oar holders, 2 fishing rod holders, a gear pouch and an air pump. Best of all, it might be considered the best fishing kayak for the money.

>> Find the best available price for Intex Excursion 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set here <<

2. Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak, 10 Feet, Olive Green


For functionality, anyone would be hard pressed to find a better kayak. This is a sit-on-top fishing kayak that was designed for two adults and a third small passenger. It would work well in most water conditions as it is made from a durable PVC material that is light and stable.

It comes with two sport paddles, a dry storage compartment with shock cord, three fishing pole holders and two detachable seat backs. From a pricing standpoint, they are available starting in the mid $500s.

>> Find the best available price for Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak, 10 Feet, Olive Green here <<

3. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak


If you like fishing solo and want a cheap fishing kayak, this is the one for you. It measures 30-by-15-by-108 inches with a 220 pound weight maximum.

It is made from a strong vinyl material that provides great maneuverability. The one in-hull seat cushion sits in a spacious cockpit designed for maximum comfort.

It is best suited for lake and river conditions, but would also fair well along ocean shorelines. It comes with a cargo net for bow storage, 1 oar and an air pump. It is priced at less that $100 in most locations.

>> Find the best available price for Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak here <<

4. KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS Kayak


This is the ideal option for a single fisherman looking to head out to the sea. It is made from a hard polyurethane material that glides easily over water surfaces.

There is a one-person in-hull seating area with a spacious cockpit for maximum comfort. It comes with 2 mount fishing rod holders and one swivel rod holder, on deck storage with shock cord, dry storage area and adjustable foot braces. Priced from $400-%1,600.

>> Find the best available price for KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS Kayak here <<

5. Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game Angler Kayak – Sit-On-Top


For the serious big game fisherman, the would be a great choice. At almost 13 feet in length, this one might qualify as the most stable fishing kayak on the water. It is made from a very durable polyurethane plastic that provides a light-weight option that can endure rough river and ocean conditions.

It comes with one folding cushioned seating area in the hull located towards the stern in front of a storage area with shock cord. It also comes with a dry storage compartment with hatch and a cockpit console in the middle. This is one of the more expensive options, coming in around $1,500.

>> Find the best available price for Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game Angler Kayak – Sit-On-Top here <<

6. Coleman Colorado(TM) 2-Person Fishing Kayak


Priced in the mid-$500 range, this is a highly functional inflatable kayak for one or two persons. Made with 18-gauge PVC construction and a tarpaulin bottom, it has been design to resist puncturing and harsh lake conditions. The Airtight® System comes with a no-leak guarantee.

The vessel is equipped with dual oar holders, dual fishing rod holders, trolling motor fittings and bow and stern storage areas. Air pump not included.

>> Find the best available price for Coleman Colorado(TM) 2-Person Fishing Kayak here <<

7. Coleman Quikpak(TM) K1 1-Person Kayak


For the single fisherman, Coleman also offers this sit-on-top inflatable kayak. Made with 21-gauge PVC construction and a tarpaulin bottom, this option is well-suited for lake conditions. The materials are also puncture proof.

It comes with a large inflatable seat and cargo net that fits over the small storage area located on the bow. Priced between $100-$200, this is one of the best priced kayaks in Coleman’s line of good fishing kayaks.

>> Find the best available price for Coleman Quikpak(TM) K1 1-Person Kayak here <<

8. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak


The polyethylene hull with roomy cockpit with adjustable cushioned seat makes this one of the most comfortable single angler kayaks on the market. This item is great for rough river conditions.

It comes with a cockpit tray, skid plates, rear-mounted fishing rod holders and front and rear storage areas with shock cords. This item is available in the $500-$600 range.

>> Find the best available price for Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak here <<

9. Emotion Renegade XT Fishing Kayak, Forest Green


For maximum safety, the design of this particular single person kayak provides excellent tracking and water stability. The sit-on-top vinyl seat is comfortable and sits with plenty of room for the feet.

This item comes with a rear storage hatch, mounted rod holders and a small bow storage area with shock cord. Pricing ranges from $400-$600.

>> Find the best available price for Emotion Renegade XT Fishing Kayak, Forest Green here <<

10. Perception Pescador Kayak


This item is ideally suited for flat-water fishing areas. It is beyond comfortable and functional with ergonomic seating–thick cushioned padding, adjustable seatback, and easily adjustable footrests for that custom fit.

Designed for durability and functionality with high-density polyethylene construction with exceptional UV and strong impact and abrasion resistance.

Bungee cords along the stern and watertight container at the bow allow you to secure gear of all shapes and sizes so you are set on the water to catch those award winning fish!

>> Find the best available price for Perception Pescador Fishing Kayak here <<
 

RankImageItemPrice
1Intex Excursion 4Check Price

2

Lifetime Sport Fisher
Check Price
3
Intex Challenger K1
Check Price
4

KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS
Check Price
5
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game Angler
Check Price
6

Coleman Colorado(TM) 2-Person
Check Price
7
Coleman Quikpak(TM) K1 Check Price
8Old Town Canoes Vapor 10 Angler Check Price
9
Emotion Renegade XT Check Price
10Perception Pescador Check Price

Types of Fishing Kayaks

Based on your needs, there is a wide range of fishing kayaks for 1-4 people who match up with a variety of water ways and types of fishing. The most popular types include:

Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

This type of kayak provides seating for 1-2 people in seats that sit on top of the hull, either fastened in or molded in. This type is generally used for flat waters found in lakes and calm rivers.

SeaKayakerMag.com’s selection for the best sit on top fishing kayak is the lifetime sport fisher single or tandem kayak.

>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Sit in Fishing Kayak

With this type of fishing kayak, the angles will be sitting in a cockpit area dug out of the hull area. It usually comes with ample dry storage and fishing rod holders. Best-suited for ocean or sea fishing and rough river streams. They are usually designed for up to as many as four anglers.

SeaKayakerMag.com’s choice for the best sit in fishing kayak is the Intex Excursion 4, 4-Person Inflatable Boat Set.

>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

River Fishing Kayak

The inflatable kayaks for 1-2 anglers are well-designed to operate on rivers and lakes regardless of water conditions. They are usually a little longer in length to provide plenty of room for the storage of both fishing and camping gear.

A premium is placed on the durability of the PVC or vinyl materials due to the possibility of encountering rocks and floating branches.

SeaKayakerMag.com’s choice for the best river fishing kayak is the Coleman Colorado(TM) 2-Person Fishing Kayak.

>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Ocean Fishing Kayak

Due to typical ocean conditions, ocean fishing kayaks are built from durable materials with in-hull seating for protection for the water elements. Some of the larger sit-on-top kayaks also work well in ocean conditions. They usually come with spray skirts and plenty of dry storage area. They are also a little shorter and wider than those used for river fishing, helping to maximize stability.

SeaKayakerMag.com’s selection for the best ocean fishing kayak is the Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game Angler Kayak.

>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Pedal Fishing Kayak

Pedal powered kayaks provide a variety of extra benefits. They create less fatigue when traveling longer distances, they allow the angler to be moving while still fishing and they are easier to guide.

They also come with a paddle in case the pedaling mechanism malfunctions and are best-suited for flat water conditions. Note: this type of kayak is significantly more expensive than the paddle varieties.

SeaKayakerMag.com’s selection for the best pedal fishing kayak is the Hobie Mirage i9S.

>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Stand Up Fishing Kayak

Often referred to as paddle-boards, the stand up fishing kayaks provide a stable vessel structure with a flat surface that is suitable for standing up while fishing.

They are usually a little larger than standard kayaks and come with plenty of shock cords for strapping down supplies. SeaKayakerMag.com’s selction for the Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak is the Imagine Surf V2 Wizard Angler SUP Stand Up Paddle-board Sand.

>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<