You will agree with us when we say that searching and choosing the right kayak for fishing can get a little overwhelming.
To find the kayak that fits your specific needs perfectly is tough.
To conserve your time, we have assembled a list of products to help you in your decision.
In the following post, you can find all the important things you need to know about stand-up fishing kayaks with a lot of frequently asked questions.
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| A single person kayak equipped with everything necessary for fishing. Comes with an adjustable chair, amazing foot rests and lots of storage space. | A fully customizable kayak that comes with tons of options to choose from. Lots of storage space for normal and fishing gear. | A highly durable kayak made for more than casual fishing conditions. Equipped with all the fishing essentials to help you with your needs. |
After an elaborate analysis, I have listed some of the best kayaks for fishing to choose from.
Following is a comprehensive review on the best stand up fishing kayaks.
#1. Best Stand-Up Fishing Kayak – Perception Pescador Pro 12 Review
Perception’s Pescador Pro 12 is a modern designed kayak that is outfitted with all necessary features needed for a fishing voyage in a kayak.
It has a wide variety of colors to match your choice, unlike other kayaks that only come with a single color option.
It has been recommended by a lot of people who own it for both casual and a more sporty fishing experience if you choose to do that.
It has been tested in slow and fast moving water bodies along with closed and open water bodies. It proved to be exceptionally good for all of these.
Features of Perception Pescador Pro 12:
- Highly durable build
- Hand assembled
- Built in rod holders
- Single construct body
- Grab handles
- Good weight capacity
Pros | Cons |
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Best Stand-up Fishing Kayak
The Best Stand-up Fishing Kayak is Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak as it is a sturdy and durable kayak. The amount of features it is equipped with are nothing compared to price. The dual storage and a good weight capacity makes a kayaking experience a lot easier.
#2. Best Customizable Fishing Kayak – Wilderness System A.T.A.K 140 Review
Wilderness System A.T.A.K 140 is one of the most customizable kayaks out there. With options ranging from adjustable and detachable fishing rods to a small motor.
A lot of owners have commended this kayak for its enormous leg space. With adjustable foot rests it can easily adjust to the users’ dimensions.
The nimble and stealthy design makes it really good for rough and open body waters. The streamline design makes it very agile in rough waters.
After thorough test runs, it has shown exceptional durability when compared to other counterparts.
Features of A.T.A.K 140:
- Everything customizable
- Center storage
- 2 built in rod holders
- Highly durable body
- Stern and bow storage
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Best Customizable Fishing Kayak
The Best Customizable Fishing Kayak is Wilderness System A.T.A.K 140 Kayak because it is made to provide you with as many options as humanly possible.The high weight capacity and easy access to it really makes a kayaking experience worth a while. The ability to attach a motor with can help you cover great distances if you wish to do that.
#3. Best Compact Fishing Kayak – SunDolphin Journey Review
SunDolphin’s Journey is one of the most compact fishing kayaks out there. Designed to be specifically compact and narrow in design for maximum maneuverability in rough water streams.
A lot of people have recommended this stand up fishing kayak due its small and sturdy build. Being small and streamlined makes this kayak travel long distances with ease.
The thigh protectors on either side give you a reliable grip and protection in uneven waters.
The open cockpit allows for people of different dimensions to sit with ease. This feature is very beneficial for people with big builds.
Features of SunDolphin Journey:
- Small and compact build
- Stern storage
- Adjustable footrests
- Retractable handles on each end
- Adjustable comfortable seat
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Best Compact Fishing Kayak
The Best Compact Fishing Kayak is SunDolphin Journey 10-Foot Fishing Kayak. It is made to make the kayaking experience for a casual user more convenient. Lightweight design with only essentials equipped makes it easier for the user to worry less about gear.
#4. Best Beginner Fishing Kayak – LifeTime Tamarack Angler 100 Review
This product by LifeTime is specifically designed for beginners and casual fishing kayakers. Outfitted with all the necessary things needed for a beginner stand up kayak experience.
This product comes with all the basic stability and durability build to help the user in rowing and maneuvering.
A lot of customers have praised it for its utility and simplicity. This is preferred for a beginner as it is very hard to keep track of all the gear and accessories.
The lightweight design makes it very convenient for a single person to carry it around. It proved to be extremely easy to carry on and off land.
Features of Tamarack Angler 100:
- Small and lightweight design
- Bow and stern shock chords
- Multiple footrest positions
- Side and back handles
- Adjustable fishing rod
Pros | Cons |
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Best Beginner Fishing Kayak
The Best Compact Fishing Kayak is LifeTime Tamarack Angler 100 Kayak as it is made to make the kayaking experience for a beginner user more easy. Equipped with limited accessories that are absolutely necessary for a small casual kayaking journey.
#5. Best Tactical Fishing Kayak – Wilderness System A.T.A.K 120 Review
A.T.A.K 120 is another great product from Wilderness System. Almost like a twin sister to A.T.A.K 140, this fishing kayak is slightly advanced.
With stealthier and more streamlined designs, this kayak is recommended by a lot of people who prefer going into some hardcore adventures.
The comfort levels are unmatched due its adjustable seat and padded bottom. This kayak comes with an ergonomic seat.
The ability to add and remove accessories of your choice makes this kayak very versatile. The middle compartment allows you to keep things at a hand’s distance.
Features of A.T.A.K 120:
- Dual storage option
- Stand up assist strap
- Built in fishing rod holders
- Comfortable foot rests and foot padding
- Helix HD Motor Drive compatibility
- Comfortable seat
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Best Customizable Fishing Kayak
The Best Tactical Fishing Kayak is Wilderness System A.T.A.K 120 Fishing Kayak because it is made to provide you the best of both worlds.The design makes it very easy to maneuver in uneven and rough streams. And the versatility to add fishing gear with ample storage gives a good fishing experience as well.
#6. Best Single Person Fishing Kayak – BKC RA220 Review
BKC RA220 is one of the best single person kayaks out there. Dubbed as the swiss army knife of the kayak world, it has everything a kayak needs.
Multiple users have praised it for its waterproof double storage options. This is helpful to keep your baits and reel water free.
Unlike many kayaks which provide the ability to attach accessories that are sold separately, this kayak comes with a whole lot of them already equipped.
Sliding foot rests are a huge plus when it comes to fit people of different dimensions.
Features of BKC RA220:
- Adjustable aluminum paddle
- 2 flush mount fishing rod holders
- Bungee cargo tie down
- Multiple waterproof hatches
- Paddle enabled rudder
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Best Single Person Fishing Kayak
The Best Single Person Fishing Kayak is BKC RA220 Kayak.Its base design is outfitted with all the good accessories. The huge storage capacity provided by 3 different compartments allows you to experience more than casual fishing. This kayak is exceptionally well performing in still water bodies like lakes and small rivers.
#7. Best Portable Fishing Kayak – LifeTime Lotus Review
Another product from the makers of Tamarack, Lotus is made for people looking for a very casual fishing experience.
Equipped with just a seat and storage compartment on the stern, this kayak is for people looking to carry lesser gear and even lesser kayak accessories.
The bottom is designed to be like tyres for extra stability, grip and maneuverability. This helps the kayak from capsizing easily.
The limited accessories and extremely light weight aspect makes this kayak very easy to carry around.
Features of Lotus:
- Lightweight design
- Multiple footstep positions
- Holes for cockpit drainage
- Adjustable backrest
- T-handles for easy transport
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Best Portable Fishing Kayak
The Best Portable Fishing Kayak is LifeTime Lotus Kayak because it is made for people looking to avoid bulky fishing equipment and kayaks. Suitable for people looking to just quickly hop in and hop out for fishing without worrying about extra fishing gear and accessories.
#8. Best Stable Fishing Kayak – SunDolphin Bali SS Review
SunDolphin’s Bali SS is produced with only one thing in consideration, stability. This kayak is designed to provide maximum stability a kayak can achieve.
Equipped with paddle enabled rudder feature allows it to maneuver very easily and accurately. This reduces strain on your upper body since you don’t have to guide it with your rowing paddle.
The padded sides of this kayak help you avoid injuries to your thighs when going on long or uneven water bodies.
The length makes it seem very heavy but in reality it is very lightweight.
Features of Bali SS:
- 12 foot build
- Paddle enabled rudder
- Designed for ultimate stability
- Comfortable foam seat
- Waterproof stern storage
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Best Stable Fishing Kayak
The Best Stable Fishing Kayak is SunDolphin Bali SS Kayak as it is made to deliver maximum stability for kayaking and fishing ventures.The long and streamlined design makes it very agile in water. The storage options allow you to carry your choice of gear with you without any worry.
#9. Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak – Sevylor Coleman Colorado Review
Sevylor is a well known name in the inflatable kayak community. This kayak is yet another top of the line product from them.
Made with highly durable and tensile material, this kayak is very resistant to tears and punctures.
After multiple tests, this kayak proved to be very easy to handle and move around in rough and even waters alike.
The ability to inflate and deflate this kayak allows you to carry it around with ease. It can fit in your car and in your back very easily.
Features of Coleman Colorado:
- Adjustable rod holders for hands free fishing
- Multiple air chamber technology
- Highly resistant build
- Very comfortable
- Easy portability
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Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak is Sevylor Coleman Colorado Kayak because it is made to provide you the performance of a solid body kayak and the comfort of an inflatable kayak.The ability to carry 2 people on board makes it a good choice to bring a friend with you. The adjustable handles allow you to keep your hands free while you attend your rowing or other matters.
#10. Best Two Person Fishing Kayak – Sea Eagle SE370 Review
Sea Eagle’s SE370 is a kayak made to accommodate more than a single person for a fishing venture. It allows 2-3 person capacity without any trouble.
Multiple tests in even and uneven waters proved its durability. The highly resistant material proved to be good against tears and punctures in multiple circumstances.
It can carry an exceptional amount of weight considering it is an inflatable kayak. The storage compartments in the stern and bow area also provide even weight distribution.
Multiple air outlets for quick inflation and deflation. This allows you to get on your trip without wasting any time.
Features of Sea Eagle SE370:
- Multiple person capacity
- 3 air chamber (Port, Starboard, Floor)
- Covered bow and stern storage
- Extremely resistant to punctures
- Quick inflation time
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Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak is Sea Eagle SE370 Kayak because it is made to provide you a good kayaking experience on a budget.The ability to carry multiple people at once makes it a good option for a long casual venture. With the sturdiness of a rigid body kayak, it is good for both rough and smooth water bodies.
Buyer’s Guide
1. What should I Look for When Buying a Stand-Up Fishing Kayak?
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to deciding a good fishing kayak. You can get lost in the heap of choices without ever coming to a final decision. Even for a veteran in kayaking’s field, getting a new kayak can be a little hectic. To ease your process of choosing, following are some of the things you should look in a kayak of your choice:
Durability:
Fishing kayaks are usually made from single mold PVC material. This allows it to be extremely resistant in sharp water streams and rough bodies of water.
The other material used for building rigid body kayaks is fiberglass. It is equally if not more, resistant to tears and abrasion in rocky waters. This gives solid body kayaks a huge edge over inflatable ones.
As the price tag gets bigger, the material you are going to get is of very high quality. In general terms, it is entirely on your budget what kind of material you want. But it’s better to get a good material build.
Kayak is not a small term investment. So, it’s better to buy a high-quality material kayak that will pay off in the longer run.
Price:
Rigid body kayaks are usually harder and expensive to make. Since they are made from single build PVC/fibreglass material, it is very costly to attain their final shape.
Fishing kayaks are for people who are passionate about their fishing hobby or are looking for the best of both kayaking and fishing worlds. So, given the requirements for such a kayak, the price tag can climb as you keep on looking.
The price of a fishing kayak can range somewhere from $500 to $1800 based on the material, attachments and accessories you desire. Some kayaks come outfitted with basic fishing equipment but some allow you to customize it to your choice.
The best option would be to choose from the range of $750 to $1000. Kayaks in this area will provide you with all the necessary features required in a fishing kayak while also upholding the quality.
Size and Capacity:
When it comes to buying a kayak people often overlook the size and dimensions of the kayak. One thing you should not forget to check is the dimensions of it’s cockpit, kayak and the storage capacity it provides.
A lot of kayaks come with pretty open and spacious cockpits. Adjustable footrests also help you fit in easily and accurately adjust your footrest in regard to your height.
Carrying your fishing gear which includes bait, reels, rods and hooks can be a bit too much. So, try to choose something that provides enough space for your gear and other stuff you wish to bring on your journey.
Another important thing is the rod holders, you don’t want to worry about carrying them in your hands all the time. A kayak with fishing rod holders is usually a good option.
2. What is a stand up fishing kayak?
A stand up fishing kayak is just like a conventional kayak. Equipped with a seat, rowed with the help of the paddles and have storage space in the bow and stern area.
The main difference comes at the centre of it. A stand up kayak has a reinforced centre area with pads to stand which help you fishing without losing your balance.
The main purpose of a stand up kayak is to help and make your fishing experience more streamlined. They are usually longer in length than a conventional kayak to provide you with all the space you need.
What is the difference between a stand up fishing kayak and sit-in/sit down fishing kayak?
There is not much difference between a stand-up and sit-in fishing kayak. Both almost have the same features and utility.
However, the aspect of stability is greatly enhanced in stand up fishing kayaks. It is because standing up greatly increases your centre of gravity. To counter this, the middle area is equipped with high grip pads on the bottom.
Stand-up fishing kayaks are all open wide decks while some of the sit down kayak for fishing can be closed deck. Other than this there isn’t much to differentiate between a stand up fishing kayak and a sit on top fishing kayak.
3. What kind of gear is required for stand up fishing?
Along with normal kayaking gear, fishing gear is obviously required if you are going for such a thing.
This includes your bait, fishing rods, reels and a container to keep your fishes in. Other than this is entirely a personal choice. You can bring a knife if you wish to gut them out right on the kayak.
But make sure that you always bring the essentials on your trip. Sometimes, the storage capacity of fishing kayaks is not enough to carry all the extra things.
Try to be compact and essential driven when packing up your gear.
4. What kind of features are necessary for a stand up fishing kayak?
The necessary features for a stand-up fishing kayak include rod holders, middle area foot pads and a lot of storage space.
When it comes to fishing, the gear you have to carry can greatly increase and you will require that extra storage space for it.
Adjustable rod holders are always good for stand up kayaks and sit on top kayaks alike. It allows you to steer your kayak while fishing.
5. What is capsizing?
Capsizing is a common phenomenon in kayaking that is known as a kayak tipping upside down. It happens when a kayak loses its balance.
This can happen due to a lot of reasons; rough waters, uneven rowing or just personal inexperience.
A lot of people think and consider this aspect to be life threatening but it is not and can be avoided very easily.
To avoid capsizing, try not go into streams with uneven or rough waters, try not to take sharp turns and avoid uneven rowing.
6. Does capsizing matter?
As scary as the concept of capsizing sounds, it doesn’t happen very often. Kayaks are built to be extremely stable, especially fishing kayaks.
They are made to be wide and long to avoid your chances of tipping over. Even if you try to deliberately tip it over, it will prove to be quite difficult.
FAQs:
1. Can you stand up in a fishing kayak?
Yes, you can easily stand up in a fishing kayak as it is made for such a purpose. They are wide enough for you to stand up facing any direction.
Stand up kayaks have a lot of legroom for you to use. They are usually equipped with adjustable footrests and paddles or multiple footrest positions.
A kayak for fishing is also equipped with an adjustable seat so you can make more space for yourself in order to help you in your trip.
2. Is a stand up fishing kayak better or a sit-in?
Both are good in their own way. But to say one is better than the other is a completely personal opinion. Some people prefer stand-up experience and some like the sit-in kayaks better. It is your personal choice on which version suits you best.
Stand up fishing kayak helps you move around in a small area without disturbing your fishing rods that are attached to your kayak. It also provides for good scouting and visibility of fish underwater over good distances.
While a sit in or a sit on top kayak can prove to be troublesome if you have attached a fishing rod and are trying to move.
3. What color is best for kayaking?
There isn’t a hard and fast rule when it comes to the color scheme of kayaks. You can choose any color or combination of colors you want. But generally, bright and neon colors are preferred because they are easily visible.
The bright colors help you to be located easily in case you get lost or get stranded over some distance. Dark and dull colors are often very hard to locate even in bright sunlight.
4. Is a wetsuit necessary when kayaking?
Getting a wetsuit is always preferable when going kayaking especially while fishing. As it can cause a lot of splashing and get you wet very easily.
The option to bring a wetsuit can be weather dependent too. If you are expecting cloudy or rainy weather then it is a good option to bring a weather coat or a water resistant clothing.
5. What kind of gear is ideal to bring on a fishing trip?
Along with your kayaking essentials such as a compass, a knife and a repair kit, there is not much to bring. On the other hand, you can bring as much fishing gear as your kayak’s storage capacity allows.
It is always good that you pack spare things for your kayak in case you lose or misplace something.
6. Is there any training required?
Normal kayaking experience is required when it comes to fishing and kayaking. Fishing on a kayak gets a little tough. It is preferred to bring a guide or an experienced friend for the first couple of tries.
There is not much to learn besides the basics for fishing kayaks. That includes rowing, balancing, assessment of water flows among other things.
7. What kind of physical fitness is preferred?
Normal physical fitness is required for such a venture. Since you will not only be kayaking but also fishing. A good stamina is essential because you don’t want to be stranded in the middle of the lake unable to reach shore.
It is always good to do normal exercise before going on a trip to warm up your body and keep your blood flowing. Going on a trip instantly will most likely cause you to wear out quickly on water.
8. Is offshore fishing preferred with a stand up kayak?
Offshore fishing involves deep and open sea. Kayaks are usually preferred for fishing where the shore is near and the water flows are predictable. Offshore fishing involves a lot of experience and luck that you don’t meet uneven water flows or unpredictable weather.
Offshore fishing is preferred for people who have been kayaking for a long period. It includes dealing with uneven water waves and good stamina for rowing great distances.
9. Is stand up kayaking harder than normal kayaking?
Stand up kayaking is easier than normal sit in kayaking when going to small distances of a few hundred yards. But when it comes to covering longer distances, stand-up paddling can prove to be harder and strength demanding.
On the other hand, sit-in kayaking is preferred when going to long distances. It is easier when rowing in a sitting position because of the stability from the footrest and the backrest.
Although, in lakes and small water bodies, stand up fishing is beneficial.
10. What to do if the kayak capsizes or flips?
The first thing to do when a kayak capsizes is not to panic. Try to push and roll over on your either side. Kayaks are generally made to stay in their original upside position. So, with a little force you can easily come right back up.
You should consult a guide to help you with the training and basics of getting out of capsizing. Even though it is highly unlikely that this would happen, one should always be prepared for it.
11. Is alcohol allowed on a fishing tour?
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on a fishing or kayaking trip. The law in multiple states that its consumption is prohibited.
Even though the consumption is not allowed, the law still allows you to bring it with you.
Final Verdict:
Selecting a good fishing kayak can help you in your kayaking and fishing experience alike.
After testing and reviewing a number of fishing kayaks over a period of time, we have concluded that Perception Pescador Pro 12 is the most viable kayak for stand-up fishing. It is outfitted with every feature required for a nice and sound fishing experience while also maintaining its kayaking abilities.
With that, we come to the end of our review on best stand-up kayaks.
Do let us know what you think is the best stand-up kayak.
