2014 Fishing Kayak and Canoe Buyer’s Guide
UPDATE: Check out our
2015 Guide to Fishing Kayaks & Canoes
If you haven’t tried kayak fishing yet, or are looking to upgrade to a kayak better suited for your fishing needs, what are you waiting for? To say that kayaks are one of the hottest trends in fishing is an understatement. Whether you’re a shore-bound fisherman getting into a kayak to reach new waters and distant fish, a recreational kayaker looking to bring his passion for fishing aboard the plastic vessel, or a boat fisherman who recognizes fishing kayaks as an exciting and relatively inexpensive way to get out on the water, there’s something in kayak fishing for just about anyone.
If you’re intimidated by the thought of fishing from a kayak, you should know that kayak fishing is a lot easier, and safer, than it looks. In the past decade, manufacturers have started constructing kayaks specifically for fishermen, and most of these craft are remarkably stable and comfortable. All of them come with at least a couple of rod holders, and some feature tackle hatches, anchor systems, and even livewells. With all of the options out there, there’s a better chance than ever that you can find a kayak that will fit your needs and work for you.
What’s Right for You?
The bottom line in choosing the best fishing kayak for your needs is that there is no one-size-fits all. Before you make a decision on purchasing a kayak for fishing, the most important thing you can do is to take stock of where and how you plan to do most of your paddling and fishing. Identify your needs – will you be fishing in freshwater ponds, saltwater harbors, or do you plan to venture out into the open ocean? Will this kayak be strictly a fishing vessel, or do you plan to share with your family? Then, select a handful of kayaks that appear to match your desired criteria, and at that point, try them all! Always demo a kayak before you buy it.
Before you can evaluate the fishing kayaks at your local paddlesport shop or marina, you’ll need to understand some of the important characteristics of kayaks. Most fishing kayaks can be used for a variety of activities, but understand that no one kayak excels at every activity. Choosing a kayak, like choosing a boat or a car, means mulling over a long list of specifications and deciding what features are “must-haves” and which ones are compromises. Once you understand your options, you can start down the path of choosing the right kayak for your intended purposes. These are some of the basics to consider before you buy your first, or next, fishing kayak.
SIT INSIDE KAYAKS
Jackson Kayak KILROY
A fully decked-out fishing kayak designed for anglers who prefer the dry ride of a sit-inside kayak. Includes the gear mounts, staging systems and seating you’d expect in a Jackson Kayak.
Length: 12′ 4″
Width: 31″
Weight: 69 lbs.
Capacity: 375 lbs.
Price: $1249
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
Pelican Premium INTREPID 100X Angler
Designed with first-timers in mind, the Intrepid’s multichine hull puts a premium on stability and tracking, yet offers impressive acceleration and speed for its size.
Length: 10′
Width: 29″
Weight: 39 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Price: $479.99
Pelican International Inc. • Laval, QC, Canada • pelicansport.com
SIT ON TOP KAYAKS
Eddyline CARIBBEAN 12
Extraordinarily stable yet highly efficient, the Eddyline hull design and smooth Carbonlite material makes travel over distance much easier. Mounting tracks and an abundance of mounting surfaces provide a variety of options for customizing the boat for fishing.
Length: 12′
Width: 30″
Weight: 45 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Price: $1379
Eddyline Kayaks • Burlington, WA • eddyline.com
Hobie Kayaks MIRAGE OUTBACK
The beamy Hobie Mirage Outback offers anglers stability while casting, re-rigging or landing the big one. The pedal-powered MirageDrive keeps hands free for fishing while maneuvering between hotspots.
Length: 12′ 1″
Width: 33″
Weight: 75 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1999
Hobie Cat Company • Oceanside, CA • hobiefishing.com
Feelfree MOKEN
Brimming with features that fishermen crave, the Moken 12.5 is stable enough for standing and fast enough to handle larger lakes and coastal waters, while the Moken 14 is an offshore fishing machine. Both feature Feelfree’s “Wheel in the Keel” that makes rolling to the launch a snap.
Moken 12.5
Length: 12′ 8″
Width: 32″
Weight: 72 lbs.
Capacity: 419 lbs.
Price: $1199
Moken 14
Length: 14′ 8″
Width: 30″
Weight: 79 lbs.
Capacity: 432 lbs.
Price: $1299
Feelfree US • Swannanoa, NC • feelfreeus.com
Hobie Kayaks MIRAGE REVOLUTION 11 & 13
The lightweight hull of the Mirage Revolution makes this kayak perfect for far-off hotspots, full days on the water, and making quick moves to schools of fish. Ample storage space and the hands-free MirageDrive make this kayak a popular choice for anglers.
Revolution 11
Length: 11′ 6″
Width: 29″
Weight: 57 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.
Price: $1849
Revolution 13
Length: 13′ 5″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 69.5 lbs.
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $1999
Hobie Cat Company • Oceanside, CA • hobiefishing.com
Feelfree LURE 11.5
A feature-packed fishing machine designed for stand-up fishing with standing platform and variable-height seat. Also features Feelfree’s “Wheel in the Keel.”
Length: 11′ 6″
Width: 36″
Weight: 69 lbs.
Capacity: 375 lbs.
Price: $1099
Feelfree US • Swannanoa, NC • feelfreeus.com
Hobie Kayaks MIRAGE PRO ANGLER 12 & 14
With stand-up stability and ample storage, the Mirage Pro Angler was designed for serious kayak fishermen. The easily adjustable Vantage seat makes sitting in the Pro Angler a joy, whether casting or pedaling.
Pro Angler 12
Length: 12′
Width: 36″
Weight: 98 lbs.
Capacity: 500 lbs.
Price: $2899
Pro Angler 14
Length: 13′ 8″
Width: 38″
Weight: 110 lbs.
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $2999
Hobie Cat Company • Oceanside, CA • hobiefishing.com
Jackson Kayak CUDA
Designed for big lakes, rivers and oceans, the Jackson Kayak Cuda is built to cover distance in a hurry. A center hatch and rod tip protector allows anglers to pack along extra rods to cover a wide range of fishing situations.
CUDA 12
Length: 12′ 6″
Width: 31″
Weight: 78 lbs.
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $1299
CUDA 14
Length: 14′ 3″
Width: 30.5″
Weight: 80 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1399
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
Jackson Kayak BIG RIG
Incorporating all the features of Jackson Kayak’s other fishing kayaks into a bigger package, the Big Rig can handle fishing in just about any water here in the Northeast. A wide beam allows for super-stable stand-up fishing, and a leaning post helps anglers transition from sitting to standing without rocking the boat.
Length: 13′ 2″
Width: 37″
Weight: 92 lbs.
Capacity: 450 lbs.
Price: $1499
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
Ocean Kayak TETRA ANGLER 10 & 12
For a smaller kayak, the Tetra Angler has big storage with two flush-mount rod hold- ers and a Mod Pod II center hatch that allows easy access to the rods from the seated position. The Comfort Hybrid Seat Back provides excellent back support.
ANGLER 10
Length: 10′ 8″
Width: 29.5″
Weight: 47 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.
Price: $699
ANGLER 12
Length: 12′ 1″
Width: 28″
Weight: 53 lbs.
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $799
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oceankayak.com
Ocean Kayak TRIDENT 13 ANGLER
With a balance of speed, maneuverability and stability, the Ocean Kayak Trident performs beautifully when breaking through the surf or in rough seas. The transducer- compatible scupper and Sonar Shield compartment make it easy to rig.
Length: 13′ 6″
Width: 29.5″
Weight: 67 lbs.
Capacity: 475 lbs.
Price: $1099
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oceankayak.com
Ocean Kayak PROWLER II BIG GAME
The Prowler Big Game has been updated for 2014. Ample storage, a stable, dry ride and comfortable Element Seating System makes this kayak appealing to fishermen of all experience levels.
Length: 12′ 9″
Width: 34″
Weight: 70 lbs.
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $1249
Ocean Kayak • Old Town, ME • oceankayak.com
Old Town PREDATOR 13 & MX
Engineered above and below the waterline to be the perfect fishing platform, the Predator family from Old Town has what it takes to target everything from small-pond largemouths to rough-seas stripers. The Predator comes loaded with features including a slip-resistant deck and the Element Seating System.
PREDATOR 13
Length: 13′ 2″
Width: 33.5″
Weight: 86 lbs.
Capacity: 425 lbs.
Price: $1299
MX
Length: 12′
Width: 34″
Weight: 82 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1199
Old Town Canoe Co. • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Pelican Premium STRIKE 120 ANGLER
Clean lines and sleek design define the agile and sporty Strike series of kayaks. Maneuverable and stable, these sit-on-top kayaks offer plenty of speed, capacity and storage space.
Length: 13′
Width: 30″
Weight: 69 lbs.
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $599
Pelican International Inc. • Laval, QC, Canada • pelicansport.com
Wavewalk
The Wavewalk Kayak’s unique twin hull allows for maximum stability and back-pain- free paddling. The Wavewalk works as a solo or tandem kayak, and can be operated via paddle or electric motor.
Length: 11′ 4″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 60 lbs.
Capacity: 360 lbs.
Price: $1346 – $1842
Wavewalk, Inc. • Sharon, MA • wavewalk.com
Wilderness RIDE 115x ANGLER
The Wilderness Ride 115x provides big stability in a small kayak. The Phase 3 Airpro Elevated Seat gives an angler a higher vantage point and a more comfortable position to paddle and fish.
Length: 11′ 6″
Width: 33″
Weight: 80 lbs.
Capacity: 500 lbs.
Price: $1229
Wilderness Systems • Greenville, SC • wildernesssystems.com
FISHING CANOES
Clipper Canoes MacKenzie
The 20-foot MacKenzie paddles like a wilderness-tripping canoe, yet handles loads like a freighter canoe. Well suited for 3 to 4 adults with fishing and camping gear, this canoe could be your ticket to the fishing adventure of a lifetime.
Length: 20′
Width: 40″
Weight: Fiberglass 98lbs/ Kevlar 84lbs/ Ultralight 76lbs
Price: Fiberglass $2173/ Kevlar $2965/ Ultralight $3119
Clipper Canoes • Abbotsford, BC, Canada • clippercanoes.com
Old Town Discovery 158
Three-layer construction makes the Discovery a tough and rugged ride, designed to take a beating. It is also designed to be agile, stable and easy to handle.
Length: 15′ 8″
Width: 35.5″
Weight: 87 lbs.
Price: $899
Old Town Canoe Co. • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Clipper Canoes Yukon
The Yukon is a great value in a versatile canoe that is built to last. It glides nicely, tracks well and resists being blown around in the wind.
Length: 16′ 8″
Width: 36″
Weight: 70 lbs.
Price: $1312
Clipper Canoes • Abbotsford, BC, Canada • clippercanoes.com
Wenonah Canoe Fisherman
This short, wide canoe is stable enough to allow big hooksets and lying back and relaxing. The slightly rockered bottom makes the Fisherman maneuverable, while the boat’s shallow draft will get you into places other boats only desire to go.
Length: 14′
Width: 39″
Weight: Royalex 59lbs/ Tuf-Weave Flex Core 49lbs/ Kevlar Flex Core 46lbs/ Kevlar Ultra-Light 36lbs
Price:Royalex $1399/ Tuf-Weave Flex Core $1899/ Kevlar Flex Core $2199/ Kevlar Ultra-Light $2399
Wenonah Canoe • Winona, MN • wenonah.com
Old Town Camper 15
The Camper 15 is a highly responsive boat that’s easy to maneuver and built with added depth for an extra margin of security. This canoe is lightweight and versatile enough to explore backwaters and take a solo daytrip on local streams.
Length: 14′ 10″
Width: 36″
Weight: 57 lbs.
Price: $1599
Old Town Canoe Co. • Old Town, ME • oldtowncanoe.com
Mad River Canoe Adventure 14
The multi-chine shallow arch hull design provides smooth tracking and comforting stability and is constructed with polyethylene for superior durability. The Adventure 14 is packed with features like comfortable, padded molded seats with adjustable backrests, and plenty of space to store drinks, coolers, and cargo.
Length: 14′
Width: 37″
Weight: 75 lbs.
Price: $719
Mad River Canoe • Greenville, SC • madrivercanoe.com
22 on “2014 Fishing Kayak and Canoe Buyer’s Guide”
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Tim Salmon What are you thinking? At Saltwater Kayak fishing tournaments the most popular brand is Hobie with Mirage drive. It looks like these kayaks were picked out by kayak salesmen.
about 60% or more are Hobie
The Author of most kayak fishing articles in your magazine (Eric Harrison) fishes from a Hobie Adventure,,,
Please Put your biases aside and report on all kayaks.
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Eric Out of 17+ Kayaks in this article, 3 Were Hobie models. I think they did report on a variety of Kayaks. If you’re going to be dramatic, at least get your facts straight.
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Paul Where’s Native kayaks? You left out the most important kayak of the year! The Slayer Propel.
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margaret beresford Curious about any commentary from kayak association possibly having a problem with those that use peddle kayaks? I belong to a kayak club/association and wondered if my showing up with a sit-on-top peddle kayak would produce a question or two on authenticity? Respond please? Thanks and take care.
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rob fernandes I think you should have included the Cobra brand, Fish+Dive and the Marauder. I have both,and I’ve fished Chatham,and Westport when small boats couldn’t. They both handle the ocean really well.
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gary flynn NuCanoe is another choice that makes sense for in-shore fishing. Lots of room, very stable and not too heavy.
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Rick NuCanoe (Frontier 12):
“Lots of room”? Yes but very limited in internal hatch/storage space. “very stable”? Yes due to its width but its width (and elevated seat) detracts from its “paddle-ability” and tracking across or against currents/flowing water and in wind conditions anything above a mild breeze. “not too heavy” but heavier than some other brands/models of fishing kayaks of comparable length.
NuCanoe is “another choice” for in-shore fishing but not necessarily a choice that “makes sense” where relatively longer paddling distances, stronger tidal flows and currents and higher winds are factors.
Some NuCanoe owners have had problems, issues and warranty claims related to warped decks (water doesn’t flow to scupper holes in the rear) and cracked decks (“wide” deck has too much “flex”). The multi seat base (lower than the rigid seat base) has too much “flex” for a “safe and secure” feel particularly for paddlers of relatively greater height/weight.
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Curt For the price I don’t think you can beat the Ascend fs12t. Especially for the weekend angler
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Theo They are all tanks. Give me a Hornbeck Blackjack 12′ any day.
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Charles Thank you for this overview / cross section of the fishing kayak / canoe market. I’m entering the market and this is a good resource.
Thanks!
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Brian What about the X-Factor by Malibu kayaks? 14’4″ 34 1\2″ wide, you can stand and fish, it caries 600+ pounds of gear. Far better than the predator I tried them both and went with the X-Factor and then added a Falcon Sail. I love it.
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BigGun Not saying if it should or should not be on this list, but curious where the Tarpon 120 stands compared to the ones on this list. It’s the only kayak I’ve ever owned and love it, fishing both lakes and small rivers with ease. I’m in the market for a second one and would like to hear opinions.
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Oscar never comment on a post where the person is getting Paid to bash you. Tim made himself sound like an ass with that comment. Hey guess what Tim, most of us can’t afford to rig out a kayak with $10,000 worth of equipment Plus pay $3000 for the yak. Tim acts like a “common man” on TV but he’s lost sight of reality.
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Julio im reading alot of reviews on kayaks because im trying to start kayak fishing. my price range is from 400 to 700. tax included. i want something to start with between that price range. i will be fishing in salt water, not too far offshore. maeby 1 mile or 2 miles out. not looking for big fish, jus the right side to eat and to spend some time relaxing. please let me know of any, since i read most of the comments here and u guys have pretty good knowledge. Dont mind my english, i live in the US but not from here. thanx!!
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Ken What do you think of the Emotion Wasatch
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Meatball What do you think of vibe kayak sea ghost 130 pro’s & con’s. this will be my first time in or on a kayak.
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Meatball What do you think of vibe kayak sea ghost 130? pro’s & con’s. this will be my first time in or on a kayak.
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Roger I don’t know how you can write an article about fishing canoes/kayaks without including at least one of the great boats produced by native watercraft. They are excellent, stable fishing platforms with one of the most comfortable seats I have ever fished from.
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Greg I have a Sun Dolphin Excursion at the mo which has been great for creek and rivers. Looking to upgrade and hit the salt… I originally bought the Sun Dolphin from here http://www.bestfishingkayakhub.com but i think going to a store also helps.. .
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