Fishing kayaks are purpose-built for anglers, wider and more stable than recreational kayaks, with rod holders, storage hatches, and mounting points for accessories built in. Whether you are after a budget-friendly entry point or a premium pedal-drive kayak for serious fishing, there is a fishing kayak on this list to suit your needs.
We have reviewed 8 of the best fishing kayaks covering budget, mid-range, premium, inflatable, and tandem options.
1. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 – Best Pedal Drive
- Design: Sit-on-top
- Length: 3.7m (12ft)
- Width: 91cm (36 inches)
- Weight: 58kg (128lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 227kg (500lbs)
The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is the benchmark for pedal-drive fishing kayaks. The MirageDrive 180 system uses underwater fins driven by a natural walking motion that propels the kayak forward and in reverse, keeping both hands free for fishing. The ST Turbo fins are among the most efficient available and cover significant distance with minimal effort.
The adjustable high-back seat provides genuine all-day comfort, and the front storage hatch doubles as a cooler. Four horizontal rod holders, ample gear storage, and excellent stability make it one of the most capable fishing kayaks available at any price point.
Available through Hobie dealers – not available on Amazon.
What We Liked
- MirageDrive 180 forward and reverse pedal system
- Excellent stability for stand-up fishing
- Removable seat doubles as beach chair
- Front hatch converts to cooler
- Ample rod holders and storage
What We Didn’t Like
- Premium price point
- Heavier at 58kg (128lbs)
2. Pelican Catch Classic 120 – Best Budget
- Design: Sit-on-top
- Length: 3.6m (11ft 8 inches)
- Width: 86cm (34 inches)
- Weight: 31kg (69lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 181kg (400lbs)
The Pelican Catch 120 is the best budget fishing kayak on this list. The tunnel hull construction provides excellent primary stability for a kayak at this price point, and the pre-rigged fishing features include two flush-mount rod holders, paddle keepers, and adjustable bungee deck rigging for gear.
The lawn chair-style seat has a high and low position setting and is genuinely comfortable for a full day on the water. The front hatch has a quick-lock closure for secure dry storage. Lightweight at 31kg (69lbs), it is manageable to transport solo. Priced at around USD$699 (AUD$1,050).
Available via the Pelican website (this particular kayak not available on Amazon).
What We Liked
- Excellent stability for the price
- Comfortable adjustable seat
- Pre-rigged with rod holders and paddle keepers
- Lightweight at 31kg (69lbs)
- Quick-lock front hatch
What We Didn’t Like
- No rudder compatibility
- No skid plates
3. Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Best Mid-Range
- Design: Sit-on-top
- Length: 3.7m (12ft)
- Width: 83cm (32.5 inches)
- Weight: 29kg (64lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 170kg (375lbs)
The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is the best mid-range fishing kayak on this list. The removable stadium-style seat adjusts between upright and reclined positions and can be repositioned on the water via the moulded-in accessory track. The centre console provides a dedicated mounting point for a fish finder.
The one-piece hull is abrasion, UV, and impact resistant, and the moulded-in rod holders, paddle park, and cup holder provide practical fishing features without unnecessary complexity. At 29kg (64lbs) it is light enough to manage solo. Priced at around USD$800 to USD$1,000 (AUD$1,200 to AUD$1,500).
What We Liked
- Removable adjustable stadium seat
- Centre console for fish finder
- Lightweight at 29kg (64lbs)
- Good maneuverability
- Durable one-piece hull
What We Didn’t Like
- Only two built-in rod holders
4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 – Best Value
- Design: Sit-on-top
- Length: 3m (10ft)
- Width: 79cm (31 inches)
- Weight: 24kg (52lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 125kg (275lbs)
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is the best value fishing kayak on this list and one of the most popular entry-level fishing kayaks available. The UV-stabilised polyethylene construction is durable and impact resistant, and the chine rails provide better stability than most kayaks at this price point.
Three rod holders — two flush mount and one articulating — provide practical fishing storage, and two round storage compartments at the bow and stern keep tackle and small tools accessible. At 24kg (52lbs) it is one of the lightest hardshell fishing kayaks available. Priced at around USD$400 to USD$600 (AUD$600 to AUD$900).
What We Liked
- Most affordable hardshell option
- Lightweight at 24kg (52lbs)
- UV-stabilised polyethylene construction
- Three rod holders
- Good stability for the size
What We Didn’t Like
- Lower 125kg (275lbs) weight capacity
- Seat comfort could be better
5. Old Town Predator MX – Best Premium
- Design: Sit-on-top
- Length: 3.7m (12ft)
- Width: 86cm (34 inches)
- Weight: 37kg (82lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 181kg (400lbs)
The Old Town Predator MX is the best premium fishing kayak on this list for paddlers who want top-tier features without moving to a pedal drive system. The Exo-ridge deck provides a solid standing platform with non-slip pads, and the fully adjustable seat moves between three positions: travel, attack, and stand-up, to suit different fishing scenarios.
Six removable accessory plates allow customised rigging without drilling into the hull, and the foot-controlled rudder system provides intuitive directional control in wind and current. The rectangular click-seal hatch and gear pockets provide ample secure storage. Priced at around USD$1,200 to USD$1,500 (AUD$1,800 to AUD$2,250).
What We Liked
- Three-position adjustable seat
- Non-slip standing platform
- Foot-controlled rudder
- Six removable accessory plates
- Ample secure storage
What We Didn’t Like
- Seat is not removable
- Heavier at 37kg (82lbs)
6. Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler – Best Inflatable
- Design: Sit-on-top inflatable
- Length: 2.9m (9ft 8 inches)
- Width: 89cm (35 inches)
- Weight: 15kg (34lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 136kg (300lbs)
- Packed Size: 76cm x 43cm x 25cm (30 x 17 x 10 inches)
The Advanced Elements Strait Edge Angler is the best inflatable fishing kayak on this list. The aluminium rib frame at the bow and stern provides significantly better tracking than standard inflatables, and the hull design closely mirrors a traditional hardshell sit-on-top.
The self-bailing port can be opened in rough conditions and closed in calm water for enhanced tracking. Abrasion-resistant pads at the bow and stern protect against rock contact, and the heavy-duty tarpaulin PVC construction is highly puncture resistant. Two rod holders and a removable accessory mounting rail at the bow provide practical fishing features. Priced at around USD$500 to USD$700 (AUD$750 to AUD$1,050).
What We Liked
- Aluminium frame for better tracking
- Self-bailing port
- Abrasion-resistant construction
- Removable accessory rail
- Packs into carry bag at 15kg (34lbs)
What We Didn’t Like
- Slower than hardshell alternatives
7. Brooklyn Kayak Company (BKC) 12.5 Tandem Kayak – Best Tandem
- Design: Sit-on-top tandem
- Length: 3.8m (12.5ft)
- Width: 76cm (30 inches)
- Weight: 31kg (68lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 204kg (450lbs)
The BKC 12.5 is the best tandem fishing kayak on this list. Seven rod holders, three adjustable and four flush-mounted, provide exceptional fishing capacity for two anglers, and the longer hull provides better speed and tracking than most tandem fishing kayaks.
Two watertight storage compartments between each paddler’s legs and a rear cargo area provide ample storage for gear. The kayak can also be paddled solo from the rear seat, making it versatile for both solo and tandem use. Four easy-grip carry handles make transport manageable. Priced at around USD$600 to USD$800 (AUD$900 to AUD$1,200).
Available through BKC website (not available on Amazon).
What We Liked
- Seven rod holders
- Can be paddled solo or tandem
- Good speed and tracking for a tandem
- Ample storage
- Four carry handles
What We Didn’t Like
- Seats could be more rigid
- Less stable when standing
8. Sevylor Coleman Colorado – Best Budget Inflatable Tandem
- Design: Inflatable sit-on-top tandem
- Length: 3.3m (10ft 9 inches)
- Weight: 17kg (37lbs)
- Weight Capacity: 213kg (470lbs)
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is the best budget inflatable tandem on this list. The 18 gauge PVC construction with tarpaulin bottom provides good puncture resistance for an inflatable at this price point, and multiple air chambers mean a single puncture will not sink the kayak.
Two adjustable ergonomic seats provide comfortable seating for two paddlers, and the rod holders and D-rings for attaching additional gear make it a practical fishing setup. Fittings for a trolling motor are included for hands-free fishing. The entire kayak packs into a carry bag at 17kg (37lbs) for easy transport and storage. Priced at around USD$300 to USD$500 (AUD$450 to AUD$750).
What We Liked
- Most affordable tandem inflatable
- Trolling motor fittings
- Multiple air chambers
- Packs into carry bag at 17kg (37lbs)
- D-rings for extra gear attachment
What We Didn’t Like
- Best suited to calm water
- Lower speed than hardshell alternatives
Final Thoughts
The right fishing kayak depends on how and where you fish. For the best pedal drive performance, the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is the benchmark. For budget buyers, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 provides the best value. For inflatable portability, the Advanced Elements Strait Edge Angler is the best performing option. For tandem fishing, the BKC 12.5 offers the most fishing features at an accessible price.
For more on fishing kayaks, read our guide on 12 of the best fishing kayak brands.