Fishing Kayaks
In our opinion, sit-on kayaks are the ultimate choice for fishing because their spacious decks provide unlimited room for movement while casting, reeling, and paddling.
Over the years, kayak fishing has gained popularity for several reasons. Firstly, kayaks are much smaller than traditional fishing boats, allowing access to previously inaccessible waters.
Secondly, non-motorized boats have an advantage when it comes to fishing. Fish are sensitive to sound and vibrations in the water, so using only a paddle minimizes noise and water disturbance.
Apart from these benefits, there are many other advantages to fishing from a kayak. However, let’s dive into the best sit-on fishing kayaks that will transform your fishing experience.
GILI’s Top Picks: By Budget
10 Exceptional Sit-On Fishing Kayaks
Perception Pescador Pro
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 12’ x 32.5”
- 64 lbs
- 375 lbs
- Check Price
The Perception Pescador Pro is a 12-foot fishing kayak made from high-density polyethylene, providing exceptional UV resistance and durability. It features a replaceable skid plate to protect the underside from dragging.
Perception prioritized stability when designing the Pescador Pro, ensuring balance while casting or reeling in. Comfort is crucial for a long day of fishing, so they included a removable captain’s chair with adjustable mesh sections.
In terms of fishing features, the Pescador Pro offers front and rear bungee storage areas, molded rod holders, and a fish-finder console for optional installation.
Specifications and Features
- Made from high-density polyethylene
- UV and abrasion-resistant
- Replaceable skid plate
- Removable and adjustable captain’s chair
- Front and back bungee areas
- Two fishing rod holders
- Fish-finder console
- Gear tracks
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Durable construction with a replaceable skid plate
- Adjustable captain’s chair for personal comfort
- Ample storage with bungee areas
- Hands-free fishing with rod holders and fish-finder console
CONS
- Deck width could be slightly wider for improved balance
Perception Outlaw 11.5
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 11’6” x 35”
- 77 lbs
- 425 lbs
- Check Price
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 is another remarkable sit-on fishing kayak. It is shorter and wider than the Pescador Pro, offering an additional 50 lbs of weight capacity. This kayak also features replaceable skid plates for added protection.
Perception designed the Outlaw 11.5 for improved walkability, allowing easy storage of the seat to create more space. With the seat in place, it sits 5 inches above the deck height, providing better visibility and comfort.
This kayak includes front and back tank wells, molded-in trays and cup holders, three solo mount recesses, and two rod holders for convenient and organized fishing.
Specifications and Features
- Replaceable skid plates
- Removable seat with improved walkability
- Space for a 35 L cooler
- Two molded-in rod holders
- Front and back tank wells
- Molded-in tray and cup holders
- Three solo mount recesses
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Generous weight capacity
- Protection with replaceable skid plates
- Versatile seating and storage options
- Organized fishing experience with rod holders and recesses
CONS
- Heavier kayak at 77 lbs
Pelican Sentinel 100X
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 9’6” x 30”
- 44 lbs
- 275 lbs
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The Pelican Sentinel 100X is a compact sit-on-top fishing kayak weighing only 44 lbs. Its lightweight design is ideal for easy transport and solo paddling.
Pelican designed the Sentinel 100X with a multi-chine flat bottom hull for improved stability and balance. Despite being only 30 inches wide, this kayak offers excellent stability on the water.
The deck features a large back bungee storage area, a front net storage area, two vertical rod holders, two paddle holders, a smartphone holder, and two accessory eyelets for convenient gear storage.
Specifications and Features
- Multi-chine flat bottom hull
- Front and back storage areas
- Two vertical rod holders
- Two paddle holders
- Two accessory eyelets
- Smartphone holder
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Affordable option
- Lightweight and portable
- Stable on the water
- Ample storage and accessory options
CONS
- Lower weight capacity at 275 lbs
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 10’ x 31”
- 52 lbs
- 275 lbs
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For budget shoppers, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is a top choice. Made from UV-protected high-density polyethylene, this kayak offers durability at an affordable price.
Lifetime equipped the Tamarack Angler 100 with multiple footrest positions for paddlers of all sizes. Its flat bottom hull shape and sharp bow enhance stability and speed.
Despite the budget-friendly price, this kayak boasts fishing features such as three rod holders, bungee storage areas, dry storage compartments, and an included paddle and paddle holder.
Specifications and Features
- Made from UV-protected high-density polyethylene
- Built-in footrests
- Flat bottom hull with a sharp bow
- Two flush-mounted fishing rod holders
- One top-mounted fishing rod holder
- Adjustable padded seat
- Front and rear bungee storage areas
- Two 6” dry hatch storage compartments
- Included paddle and paddle holder
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Affordable yet feature-rich
- Multiple rod holders for hands-free fishing
- Ample storage options
- Included paddle and paddle holder
CONS
- Lower weight capacity at 275 lbs
Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 10’ x 36”
- 73 lbs
- 500 lbs
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For those who enjoy kayaking with a companion, the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak is a fantastic option. It offers a weight capacity of 500 lbs and can be paddled solo or tandem.
The kayak’s wide and stable 36-inch deck ensures unrivaled stability on the water. However, the seats only feature padded backrests, so an additional kayak seat cushion may be necessary for extended comfort.
Despite its basic appearance, the Lifetime Tandem Kayak provides three rod holders, a dry hatch storage area, paddle parks, and accessory rails for customization.
Specifications and Features
- Ability to be paddled solo or tandem
- Padded backrests
- Three flush-mounted rod holders
- 6” dry hatch storage area
- Molded paddle cradles
- Multiple footrests
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Versatile for solo or tandem use
- High weight capacity
- Excellent stability
- Hands-free fishing with rod holders
CONS
- Additional cushioning may be required for seat comfort
Wilderness Systems ATAK 120
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 12’3” x 35”
- 86 lbs
- 400 lbs
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The Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 boasts a range of premium features. It offers compatibility with the Helix MD motor drive, allowing you to transform it into a motorized kayak. The kayak also includes a patented suspension-style seat for optimum comfort.
To enhance comfort further, Wilderness Systems added adjustable XL foot braces to the kayak. The rear tank well and circular stern dry hatch provide ample storage for gear and belongings.
Other features include a paddle park, removable console, accessory rails, and a removable skid plate.
Specifications and Features
- Compatible with the Helix MD motor drive
- Suspension-style seat
- Adjustable XL foot braces
- Rear tank well with bungees
- Rear circular dry hatch
- Paddle park
- Removable console
- Accessory rails
- Removable skid plate
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Option to transform into a motorized kayak
- Optimum comfort with suspension-style seat and adjustable foot braces
- Ample storage options
- Customization with accessory rails
CONS
- Higher price compared to other options
Wilderness Systems Tarpon
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 12’3” x 31”
- 63 lbs
- 350 lbs
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The Wilderness Systems Tarpon provides great value at a lower price than the ATAK 120. It is lighter and narrower, making it easier to transport. The Tarpon features a cool touch seat system to keep paddlers comfortable.
Wilderness Systems equipped the Tarpon with padded footrests, rear storage areas, front dry hatch storage, a magnetic water bottle strap, and accessory rails for customization.
Specifications and Features
- Cool touch seat
- Large padded footrests
- Rear storage area
- Front dry hatch storage area
- Magnetic water bottle strap
- Accessory rails
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Lightweight and portable
- Comfortable cool touch seat system
- Storage options for gear and belongings
- Convenient water bottle holder
CONS
- Still relatively expensive compared to other options
Sevylor Coleman Colorado
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 10’9” x 39.6”
- 41 lbs
- 470 lbs
- Check Price
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado offers an inflatable option for kayak fishing. It is made from durable materials and remains stable on the water with its 39.6-inch width.
This inflatable kayak is highly portable, weighing only 41 lbs, and can be deflated and folded into a bag after use. It features multiple air chambers for safety in case of punctures and adjustable Berkley rod holders for hands-free fishing.
Additional features include paddle holders, mesh storage pockets, and D-rings for gear attachment.
Specifications and Features
- Made from 18 gauge PVC
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
- Multiple air chambers
- Berkley quick set rod holders
- Paddle holders
- Mesh storage pockets
- D-rings
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Portable and lightweight
- High weight capacity
- Stability on the water
- Hands-free fishing with rod holders
CONS
- Limited storage space for two people
- Paddles and pump not included
BKC Tandem Fishing Kayak
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 12’8” x 34”
- 74 lbs
- 770 lbs
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The BKC Tandem Fishing Kayak offers an impressive weight capacity of 770 lbs, making it perfect for larger anglers or those needing extra gear space. It can be paddled solo or tandem by removing one of the aluminum padded frame seats.
BKC designed the kayak with a high-density polyethylene construction for stability. It includes two waterproof hatches, four built-in rod holders, two paddle parks, and a rear bungee tie-down area.
Specifications and Features
- Made from a single piece of high-density polyethylene
- Aluminum padded frame seats
- Two waterproof hatches
- Four built-in rod holders
- Two paddle parks
- Rear bungee tie-down area
Pros & Cons
PROS
- High weight capacity
- Versatile solo or tandem use
- Comfortable aluminum frame seats
- Ample storage options
- Included paddles
CONS
- Limited storage for larger gear
BKC 11.6 Angler Kayak
Dimensions Weight Capacity Check Price
- 11’6” x 34”
- 68 lbs
- 550 lbs
- Check Price
The BKC 11.6 Angler Kayak is a solo fishing kayak with exceptional fishing features. It is made from high-density polyethylene and provides a weight capacity of 550 lbs.
This kayak offers premium features such as an ergonomic aluminum frame seat and a pedal-operated rudder for improved tracking. It includes three waterproof hatches, two flush mount rod holders, two paddle parks, and a bungee tie-down area for gear storage.
Specifications and Features
- Made from a single piece of high-density polyethylene
- Aluminum frame seat
- Pedal-operated rudder
- Three waterproof hatches
- Two flush mount rod holders
- Two paddle parks
- Rear bungee tie-down area
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Large weight capacity
- Improved tracking with pedal-operated rudder
- Dry storage options for belongings
- Hands-free fishing with included rod holders
CONS
- Higher price compared to other options