The 5 Best Fishing Kayaks in 2022
There is just something about a good fishing kayak. It’s an excellent hybrid of great fishing access and a relaxing cruise on the water.
Bringing out your bass boat is always fun, but as we all know it requires a lot of work too.
Wading is always an amazing time as well, but you don’t always have a favorable season for it. Kayaks are a great ‘best of both worlds’ option. With a kayak you can stay pretty dry and with the right clothes use them in many winter conditions.
Kayaks offer better access to banks and structure laden areas than boats, which is great for fishing the spawn and sneaking up in tight slews. If you are looking to become a serious angler, you must have a kayak as a part of your arsenal.
These days they are too affordable and too nice to pass up, and offer a very quick in and out at the ramp. These are some of the reasons kayaks have soared in popularity in the fishing community in the last decade.
There are very successful and popular anglers today who fish almost exclusively out of kayaks, which speaks to their effectiveness and potential.
Which is Safer, Sit In or Sit On Kayak?
I prefer sit-on-top kayaks for fishing. If you have owned sit-in kayaks and prefer them they can certainly be utilized for fishing just as well.
With that said, if you are new to kayaking I believe the sit-on-top is the right choice. It is easy to navigate, it requires no capsize practice, and it offers you the ability to sit slightly higher above the water which is better for casting and vision.
Are Pedal Kayaks Worth It?
Next I would look for whether you want to invest in a foot-pedal kayak or oar propelled only. Again, this may come down to your previous experience with a kayak, but experienced or not this feature changes the game when it comes to angling.
The ability to put down your oar and utilize both hands while moving yourself is one of the most helpful features you can have on a kayak. Many kayaks do have a mount for a small motor, but that often requires turning and twisting around to operate, not to mention the 80lb battery you’ll need to have space and weight allowance for.
I prefer this feature because of it’s incredibly effective simplicity, but again it is an investment as they tend to run a bit more than a basic kayak.
Another feature to consider is storage or the kayak’s weight limit. When considering this you should honestly assess what your intentions are for the kayak.
If you are considering using the kayak for single day outings you probably won’t need to scrutinize the storage capacity too hard; but if you intend on doing multi-day outings and hauling the gear that requires, then you will want to consider the storage space available on your prospective kayak.
This is another reason I prefer sit-on-top kayaks as you can usually squeeze more stuff onto them and strap them down easier than a sit-in.
What Color Kayak is Best for Fishing?
The last major attribute I consider is color scheme.
I know that may sound a bit silly, but I would never purchase a kayak with a loud color.
This in no way alters the fishing so to each their own, but if you follow my articles here on Rugged Man you know that I’m partial to earth tones, camouflage, and generally blending in with the natural environment around me.
This is something to consider if you ever want to use your kayak to hunt waterfowl.
Listed below, in no particular order, are my top five fishing kayaks for this year. My goal in compiling this list is to find the best all around kayak for the various types of angling opportunities out there, so hopefully I’ve found one that is right for your approach.
So, let’s head to the bank and shove off in The 5 Best Fishing Kayaks in 2022!!
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The Top 5 Fishing Kayaks of 2022
Feelfree Moken 10 V2
The FEELFREE MOKEN 10 V2 is the perfect solo kayak for a single day fishing excursion. At 10 feet long and just 65lbs, this kayak was built with the slew stalker in mind.
This kayak is well made and offers two nice Uni-Track rails along the foot rest, this allows you to attach multiple rod holders and other accessories. I chose this kayak with the day tripper in mind because of how lean it is.
At just 65lbs, the storage capacity is limited to two above hull spots at the bow and stern, secured by a bungee. This is more than enough however, if you are just planning on staying out for the day, and could probably even support an overnighter too.
One of my favorite features of this kayak is FEELFREE’s patented Wheel in the Keel technology. This makes transporting your kayak from the vehicle to the water a dream. Not only is this kayak fairly light, at 65lbs, but the Wheel in the Keel tech makes this kayak perfect for anglers who may have back problems.
It also makes it a luxurious starter kayak if you’re trying to get your youngster into fishing. FEELFREE offers the Moken V2 Beaver Tail Rudder, which this kayak is able to attach. This obviously makes this kayak much easier to steer and guide into the direction you wish. This is your typical foot peg system which allows you to steer the rudder with your feet while you paddle.
The FEELFREE MOKEN 10 V2 kayak is rated for coastal waters, and if you are looking to venture out into a larger saltwater atmosphere, I would recommend investing in the V2 MOKEN BEAVERTAIL RUDDER.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Sit-On-Top
10ft in length
Polyethylene material construction
1 person
33 inches wide
65lbs
2 above hull storage slots
Wheel in the Keel(™) Technology
Uni-Track rail system
Old Town has one of the most reputable names in the kayak and canoe industry. They are a staple and have been performing at the highest level for many years now.
This has allowed them to offer exceptional products that aren’t crazy expensive. That being the case, the PREDATOR MX is not one of their standard models. This kayak is built for action and it’s ready for multi-day expeditions.
The MX stands for Mixed Water, and indicates this kayak's versatility for coastal and inland waterways. The slight rounding on the hull gives the PREDATOR MX an smoother glide through rivers and streams, while not sacrificing the width you’ll want for greater stability on bigger water.
Aside from it’s sheer capability, my favorite feature of this kayak is the Exo-Deck which allows you to stand up on the kayak. The ability to stand up while fishing on the water is the whole reason we go to the trouble of owning a boat.
The OLD TOWN PREDATOR MX gives you this with a not even a fraction of the hassle. There is something to be said for the ability to get up and stretch your legs too. This helps you remain comfortable and reduces soreness in the aftermath of your journey.
At 12 feet in length and 82lbs in weight, it is big enough to give you stability while not being a headache to lug around. The weight capacity is another attribute I love about the PREDATOR MX; at a 400lb limit I have a little over 200lbs of gear capacity, which is more than enough for me to do a week long trek.
This kayak is one of my favorites and I recommend it for any angler looking to do some serious yakin’.
FEATURES & SPECS:
12 feet in length
82lbs in weight
Polyethylene material construction
Sit-On-Top
1 hull storage hatch
48 inches of legroom to pegs
400lb weight capacity
34 inch width
Made in the U.S.A.
The PERCEPTION CRANK 10 is our first kayak with a pedal system on the list, and this one is a great performer.
Perception has earned their place in the kayak industry and deserves a lot of credit for their uptick in quality over the last decade.
Now they make extremely high quality fishing kayaks in addition to their original models, and we are the beneficiaries.
The CRANK 10 is perfect for the lake or stream angler, but is rated for calm coastal areas as well. This kayak has every feature you’ll need to focus on your fishing success, and with the easy stow for the pedal system, it can be used as an expedition kayak as well.
With a 350lb weight capacity, I can pack nearly 160lbs of equipment on this kayak which is more than enough for a multi-day voyage.
Many people find it easier to do long kayak trips with the foot pedal system, as it frees up the hands to fish or eat, and doesn’t require your arms to carry the load of propulsion.
The PERCEPTION CRANK 10 comes equipped with a retractable rudder too, which is a valuable addition and provides better navigational control.
At 35 inches wide and 87lbs in weight, it is the heaviest and widest kayak thus far on this list, and it boasts the stability you would expect. Rated as great for lakes and calm coastal waters, the CRANK 10 is also rated to be “good” in open saltwater scenarios, according to Perception.
This makes the CRANK 10 among the most versatile on this list and a great option if you are fishing for halibut in the north or snook in the south.
FEATURES & SPECS:
10 feet in length
87lbs in weight
350lb weight capacity
One-handed retractable rudder included
35 inches wide
Sit-On-Top
Pedal drive system goes in forward or reverse seamlessly and stows easily
Large rear tank well
Paddle notch with bungee for secure paddle storage
Molded on carry handles on the bow and stern
No fishing kayak list would be complete without a contribution from Hobie. Their kayaks are internationally renowned and have a reputation for quality that is second to none.
Hobie particularly has a reputation for producing some of the best foot pedal kayaks in the world, so it only follows that we should consider one of their most reliable models.
The 2019 MIRAGE PASSPORT may be over a year old, but it is one of the best foot pedal kayaks on the market.
Hobie prides themselves on their sleek ST Fins which allows for more access and quieter access in those slews no one else can reach. I could brag about Hobie’s quality for the rest of this article, so let’s look at the MIRAGE PASSPORT in a bit more detail.
The 8 inch twist-and-seal hatch is great for dry storage, which is an invaluable feature on a kayak. The security of putting your dry box in a dry hatch is peace of mind you can’t put a price on.
At 10 and a half feet in length and 75lbs in weight it’s a nice balance between light and swift, while being sturdy and durable. The 325lb weight capacity makes the MIRAGE PASSPORT an option for a weekend kayak trip, as you’ll have ample storage space for a few days worth of supplies.
This kayak is both luxurious and gritty, which is one reason I love it. The HOBIE MIRAGE PASSPORT may be my overall favorite on this list due not just to its overall performance, but Hobie’s reputation for extremely high quality.
Unless you are looking for a kayak to only take on week long excursions, you will not go wrong with the HOBIE MIRAGE PASSPORT.
FEATURES & SPECS:
10.5 feet long
75lb in weight
275lb - 1 person limit
325lb total weight limit
34 inches in width
Sit-On-Top
Miragedrive GT pedal system
Thermoformed Polyethylene construction
Dry hull with 8 inch twist-and-seal hatch
If you are wanting to fit nearly all of the comforts of your bass boat into a kayak, the WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR 135 is the kayak for you.
The RADAR 135 is Wilderness Systems’ first tri-powered kayak, meaning it has mounts for a helix motor, compatibility for the helix foot pedal system, and of course your trusty paddle. This gives you options allowing you to tailor your approach to the type of outing you are about to enjoy.
The RADAR is designed with a large and hearty standing platform for greater comfort and fishing, and the S.M.A.R.T hull technology (stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness, tracking) makes this kayak a top performer in pretty much any type of water.
The SlideTrax rail system is built to last and is great for not just attracting rod holders, but equipping fish finders and other sonar technology to give you the luxury of your boat on the convenience of your kayak.
With all these bells and whistles it may surprise you that one of my very favorite features of the RADAR 135 is the adjustable seat. The Phase 3 AirPro may be the best kayak seat on the market, and I particularly like the honeycomb venting system which keeps your backside cool and less sweaty than standard ‘yak seats.
While the seat is amazing, my overall favorite thing about this kayak is the weight capacity. At 475lbs the RADAR 135 is the heartiest kayak on this list, and at 90lbs in weight, is not going to be a major headache to pack around.
Storage compartments in the bow and middle of the kayak offers you easier access to stored goods while on the move, and keeps that extra gear out of your way!
I recommend this kayak if you regularly seek saltwater venues and/or if you do a lot of multi-day kayak journeys.
The WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR 135 will provide you with the durability and load capacity you’ll want and need in those scenarios.
I do recommend the helix foot pedal system, Wilderness Systems Helix PD Pedal Drive, because hands free propulsion is the game changer when kayak fishing.
FEATURES & SPECS:
13 feet 6 inches long
90lbs in weight
34 inches in width
16 inch deck height
Phase 3 AirPro seat
475lbs weight capacity ( I could carry up to 280lbs of gear!)
Exceptional standing platform
S.M.A.R.T hull technology
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles”
—Doug Larson
Remember that fun and safety are the most important considerations when kayak fishing, or any type of fishing. Remember to never get on the water unless you are properly fitted with a life-jacket and a great attitude.
Always triple check your supplies, such as food/water and emergency equipment. Putting in the effort to make sure you are properly equipped not only makes the outing more enjoyable and carefree, but it may just save your life or make a tough situation easier.
Kayaks are a lot of fun, but require taking a certain level of precaution.
If you prefer sit-in kayaks, which I did not encourage on this list, then you are likely already familiar with capsize training and how to calmly get yourself out of danger.
The sit-on-top kayaks I prefer do not require this training, but it is best you familiarize yourself with a capsize no matter what. Make sure your equipment is secured to combat losses in such a mishap, and that you are ready to react if and when your boat gets rocked.
Put in the preparation and you’ll turn any mishap into something to laugh about rather than learning a lesson. With all that said, get out and traverse the waterways, comb the shorelines and pick apart the slews.
Kayaking is one of the most fun and relaxing ways to fish, so remember, you can’t catch a state record if you don’t have a line in the water!
Tight lines my friends.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky. Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
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