Best Beginner Fishing Kayaks: The Top 5 Reviewed [2022]
There is nothing better than going out on the water in your own kayak and casting a line on a calm lake, taking in your surroundings, and exploring nature. Sounds good huh? You may be sitting there thinking that sounds exactly like what you want to do but you've never been out on a kayak before! Well, you have ventured into the correct internet horizon because we are here to help you find, not only the best type of kayak for fishing but the best beginner fishing kayaks on the market today.
In this buying guide, we will help you understand what to look out for, what kind of features are handy and what this kayak fishing malarkey is all about!
Different Types of Fishing Kayak
There are an overwhelming number of features, lengths, shapes, materials and widths to consider when purchasing a kayak but generally it all comes down to sit in or sit on top.
A sit in kayak is one in which you are surrounded by the walls of the cockpit when sat inside. These kayaks are brilliant for multiple day trips, recreational or touring but usually these fishing kayaks tend to have less features than the likes of a sit on top kayak.
A sit on top is widely favored by anglers because of the overseeing more comfortable seated position. From this seat you're able to reach all parts of the boat like your fishing gear storage hatches. Usually sit on top kayaks are more stable and therefore more likely to remain stable when stand up fishing.
Tips for First-Time Kayak Buyers
Fishing kayaks are specifically designed for fishing. This means fishing from a regular boat can be significantly more difficult. Try juggling a paddle, a rod, a hooked fish all while trying not to float too far down the river, you're likely to end up with some expensive kit down the rapids.
Keep your eyes peeled for some fishing kayak features like rod holders, extra storage space, and hatches to make your life easier when you're trying to catch a big one!
Renting vs Buying
When you're taking on a new sport it's always best to make sure you enjoy it before you go investing in expensive kit. We recommend renting kayaks until you are 100% sure you want to splash out on your new boat after all you don't want to find yourself with a boat gather hiring dust in the garage after two outings on the water you want to use it enough to justify the expense.
Should you decide that you would like to buy your own fishing kayak, know that it's fantastic being able to modify it and personalize it to make it your own and suit your needs.
How to Choose the Right Beginners Fishing Kayak?
There are so many things to consider when purchasing a fishing kayak. As a newbie it can be overwhelming. Not to worry! This is why we have put together this buying guide to aid you in your purchasing journey and recommend you the best fishing kayak for beginners. From inflatable kayaks to ocean kayak we will find the best option for you.
1. Size and Weight
When you are a learning paddler it is important to consider the stability of your boat. Long and skinny fishing kayaks will be faster and will track in a straight line better but will be less stable and less easy to maneuver.
For a newbie we recommend a short and wide boat to enhance the maneuverability and increase the stability of the boat. For a newbie it is important the boat is stable but also for an angler should you wish to fish from a standing position.
2. Weight
The boats weight may be a priority if you need to transport the kayak solo or struggle carrying heavier weights. If that's the case you may want to have a look at inflatable fishing kayaks as an alternative or some lighter hard shell options.
3. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a kayak refers to the amount of weight the kayak can take before letting in water. For example an average male weighs 200 lbs so if your fishing kayak has a 300 lbs weight capacity then you are able to fit in around 100 lbs of extra fishing kit and kayaking gear.
In order to calculate exactly how much you can take onto the boat you might want to weigh your kit as well as yourself, then you'll know exactly what weight capacity you'll need from the fishing kayak.
4. Length
The length of the kayak depicts how fast, how maneuverable and how well the kayak tracks on the water. A longer fishing kayak will be faster and will track better as it's able to carve through the water with elegance and speed. However, trying to turn in a longer boat is not so elegant as longer boats struggle to cope with tight turns. A short fishing kayak will be easy to turn and much more stable.
5. Comfort
Some fishing kayaks have plenty of features to aid comfort like padded seating with lumbar support or seats you can adjust to fit your personal preference. Some kayaks have multiple footrests to suit any length of leg and maximize your comfort.
6. Ease of Use
As a newbie it's essential that your kayak is easy to use, this is why we recommend a short, stable and maneuverable kayak.
7. Materials
Most hard shell kayaks are made using a high density polyethylene which is sufficiently durable. More expensive kayaks can be made using fiberglass which is very durable as well as very lightweight.
Inflatable kayaks are slightly different and usually made using a durable UV resistant PVC material.
8. Features
Some fishing kayaks have features specifically to aid you in fishing from your kayak such as flush mounted rod holders which hold your rods so that you can enjoy a relaxed hands free fishing experience. Some kayaks also have rails to mount even more features like fish finders or GPS devices.
9. Portability
If portability is a priority for you, you'll want to search for a lightweight kayak with convenient carry handles or for those lacking in space or a vehicle to transport the boat with an inflatable kayak may be the best option for you.
Inflatable boats are the perfect boat for anyone with portability as the top requirement as some boats you can deflate, fold up and throw in the back of your car or into a backpack.
Our Top 5 Recommendations
Now you can picture what type of kayak you might want and what types of features you might need let's take a look at the best fishing boats for kayak fishing on the market.
1. Sun Dolphin Boss
The Sun Dolphin Boss is designed specifically for fishing encompassing lots of fishing features at a reasonable price.
Firstly, this boat is stable due to its wide shape, perfect for river fishing so you can easily perform tight turns when needed. It also has a non-slip deck so that you can take advantage of its stability and stand up while fishing if that's your preference.
The sun dolphin 10 doesn't just provide one rod holder, not two, but four for your hands-free experience. On top of that, you are able to hook your paddle into a paddle bracket so you can fully concentrate on fishing.
However, this sun dolphin kayak isn't all sun dolphins and rainbows. Although it comes at a fairly light price point, it does not necessarily come lightweight. That's right, the kayak comes in at a weight of 78 lbs which is a lot for one person to try and transport on your own.
If you are a newbie that wants to treat themselves to the very best in river fishing then perhaps the Old town predator is the best fishing kayak for you. This pedal kayak will make sure that you can fish confidently on the water.
This Kayak is among the more premium fishing Kayaks on the market. It features rod holders, accessory racks plenty of storage space, and a comfortable seat.
Unlike the other options on this list, the Old town predator is a pedal kayak. This can be incredibly useful especially if you struggle to decide whether to cast or paddle and just wish you could do both at the same time. Well, now you can! You can even easily pedal the boat during a harsh wind or current making it perfect for river fishing or as an ocean kayak.
The boat is also wide, stable, and sturdy with deck pads for traction so that you feel confident pushing while standing.
The only downside to this boat is the weight and the price. As with most pedal kayaks, the weight is significantly increased by the extra gear attached to the boat which may become an issue for those looking for a boat they can transport on their own without an issue.
The Old Town Predator is a great kayak for anyone from newbies to professionals.
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a two-person almost 11-feet long inflatable kayak made with 18-gauge PVC and a reinforced 1000D tarpaulin bottom. This tandem kayak is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors with a friend or indeed a canine companion.
Even though this kayak is an inflatable one is should not be underestimated in regards to kayak fishing. It packs plenty of the best fishing features as well as itself into a small and convenient carry bag. It has a Berkley quick set rod holder at either side of the boat as well as paddle holders to secure your paddles to ensure a hands-free fishing experience.
To further maximize your comfort, the seats are adjustable so you can easily personalize the boat to suit your preferences.
If you want to make sure you are able to transport your kayak on your own look no further as this kayak fishing inflatable blows up and deflates quickly and only weighs 41 lbs. This is perhaps the best fishing kayak for ease of transport to fish with friends.
Are you looking for a fun recreational Ocean kayak for the whole family to use when you aren't kayak fishing in it? Are the other boats on this list a little too pricey for your very first kayak? Well, then the Ocean Kayak Frenzy might be the best fishing boat for you.
This boat is simple and fun. Its wide shape offers a great start for any paddling newbie to get used to choppy waves or harsh conditions.
The kayak is also really lightweight and transportable for a hard shell kayak, coming in at 44 lbs. On top of that, the boat is sufficiently comfortable offering multiple foot braces and padded seating. There are two bungee storage compartments at the bow and stern and a weight capacity of 275 lbs so depending on what size of kayak paddler, you have some room for basic fishing gear.
This is a perfect kayak for a budget first boat to dip your toe into kayak fishing on any waters.
If you are looking for a stylish, easy to transport, maneuverable Kayak then this is the one for you! Ideal for the beginners who want to use kayaking as part of a camping trip or vacation. This Kayak can be easily folded, fitted and placed in the trunk of your car, giving you a ready to access Kayak for whenever the mood takes you.
Its bright color, as well as being a safety feature, provide a stylish and eye-catching finish to this lightweight, low-drag option.
The Airhead Montana Kayak has an adjustable seat with supported backrest and mesh storage. Additionally, this kayak has 6 D-rings at the bow and stern for securing all of your essential fishing gear and comfortable grab handles for easy handling.
You get all of this on a budget price but with maximum size. This Kayak weighs 36.3 pounds but has a capacity of up to 500 pounds, giving a lot of bang for your buck. This one is definitely an option for those looking to get into Kayaking as a hobby.
Our Favorite!
The best beginner fishing kayaks we've reviewed, this Sevylor Coleman Colorado kayak takes the bait! With its additional seat, reinforced tarpaulin bottom and quick set rod holders, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado ensures that you won't only have a great time out on the water but you will likely bring home dinner too. Easy to inflate and deflate, this kayak is perfect for those summer trips with your friends or on your own!