Best River Fishing Kayaks: Our Top 5 Picks & Buying Guide
River fishing can be peaceful and tranquil as well as exciting with fast water and exploration of the rivers, but you will need a decent kayak to do this. Straddling different types of water, you should use a versatile kayak.The best river fishing kayaks should allow you to enjoy the river while remaining maneuverable and stable. And if you're fishing, extra storage space can be a huge plus to keep all of your fishing equipment and tackle.
In this buying guide, we aim to help you figure out what you should be looking for when purchasing the best river kayaks for fishing and which river fishing kayaks are the best on the market.
Why Do You Need a Kayak That's Best for River Fishing Specifically?
So, why do you need a kayak for river fishing specifically?
Well, river fishing has an added complexity to it than regular kayak fishing because of the moving water. Therefore, the kayak for fishing has to be stable and easily maneuverable to contend with the fast-moving waters without louring to change boats.
We are by no means saying that a flatwater kayak can't be used in a river and vice versa. They most certainly can. However, if you plan on river fishing as well, it's best to get a kayak designed for the job.
How to Choose the Right River Fishing Kayak?
When choosing the best river kayak for fishing, there are a few factors that you should consider. You have to consider the size and shape, the stability and maneuverability, the materials, comfort, versatility, portability, storage, the deck, and the weight and weight capacity.
Once you have considered all of these things, you will have an excellent idea of which river fishing kayak will be the best fishing kayak for your needs.
1. Size and Shape
The general characteristics of a river fishing kayak are its size and shape remain pretty consistent. It is usually shorter in length. Leave the longer boats at home; speed is not the priority here! When you are on a river, you want to turn pretty effortlessly and quickly, and a shorter kayak is so much easier to turn. No more than 13 ft is a rough guide to start with.
The width of the kayak is also crucial in aiding the stability of the kayak. You want the boat to be a wider shape because a river can sometimes throw you around a bit unexpectedly, and therefore you want to be ready for anything it throws at you with a stable wide boat.
2. Stability
The stability is also essential if you plan on standing up to fish in your boat. After all, you don't want to be having to perform a balancing act complete with a gymnastics routine when you're trying to reel in a whopper!
3. Maneuverability
Unlike sea fishing or flat water fishing, river fishing has an added element of kayak navigation. You have to deal with rapids, narrow watercourses, fast-moving water, and rocks to navigate around.
Increased maneuverability will aid you in paddling without the worry of obstacles and allow you to sit back and relax, knowing you can easily maneuver your way out of any situation.
4. Materials
More often than not, hardshell kayaks to fish will be made from a material called polyethylene. This material is durable, high-density, and able to withstand knocks or scrapes heading their way.
Some more expensive kayaks are made using fiberglass materials, which are more flexible and lighter than the likes of polyethylene. So, if you're willing to shell out for a lighter, harder shell, then shell away! However, we find that polyethylene is more than sufficient.
5. Comfort
The comfort of a fishing kayak is super important as you will be out on the water for a significant length of time. Also, fishing is supposed to be relaxing, and how are you supposed to relax with back and neck pain coupled with a numb backside! This is why many fishing kayaks include adjustable or removable seating with adjustable backrests and adjustable footrest positions to maximize comfort.
To further ensure your comfort, some of the best fishing kayaks are equipped with rod holders so that you can truly relax hands-free into your fishing experience.
6. Versatility
As mentioned before, a river fishing kayak needs to be versatile and ready for all sorts of water types. It needs to be ready for narrow rapids as well as vast wider flat water.
7. Weight
The weight of your kayak is very important, especially when it comes to transport. The thing is, when it comes to kayak fishing, the boats start to get heavier because of the added features and sometimes challenging to get to and from the water unless you have a friend to help or a kayak trolley.
Ideally, you want to make sure the weight of the kayak is light enough for you to be able to carry by yourself if fishing solo and get on top of your car or trailer on your own too.
8. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity refers to the amount of weight allowed in a kayak before the water displacement catches up, and you end up going for a swim instead!
For example, the average male should weigh around 200 lbs, and your boat's weight capacity might be 300 lbs, which means you'll only be able to take roughly 100 lbs worth of fishing equipment with you on your boat.
To get the most accurate picture of what kind of weight capacity you may need, it might be worth stepping on the scale and weighing yourself and then weighing your kit.
9. Portability
The one you choose should tend to all your kayaking needs, and portability may be an essential one to you. However, you may need to decide whether fishing features are more of a priority as they come with a price or rather a weight!
Many fishing kayaks are so heavily endowed with useful and complex features that they can become cumbersome and need to be transported using a car, trailer, then using a kayak trolley to get it to the water's edge.
10. Storage
If there is one thing that should be consistent throughout all the best fishing kayaks, it's having sufficient storage space!
Fishing kayaks should have an abundance of storage at the front and rear to hold all the fishing tackle, tackle box and rods you need for your fishing trip.
Additional storage features could include rod holders so you can enjoy a hands-free fishing experience or cup holders so you can enjoy a hot brew on a crisp winter paddle.
11. Deck
A fishing kayak tends to have open deck space to enable more storage and tie-down storage opportunities.
An extra-wide deck makes for better stand-up fishing opportunities adding to its stability.
Our Top Picks!
From Florida rivers to the rivers of Arizona, are you ready to find out what the best kayak for river fishing is? Yes? Then read on!
1. Sun Dolphin Journey 10
The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 is designed as a simple, stripped-back version of a river fish kayak. Made from polyethylene, this boat is durable and is designed with comfort as a priority. Featuring a large seating area with additional protective thigh pads as well as adjustable foot rests to suit any weight of paddler.
It has a length of loft and a width of 30 inches, and despite its narrow profile, its width offers sufficient stability and better yet provides good tracking making it a versatile kayak.
It hosts enough storage space for a trip on the water, including a small storage compartment watertight and suitable for handy essential small items that you want to prevent from getting wet. The remaining storage space comes in the form of bungee cord secured spaces in the hall. Perfect for any of your kit in dry bags.
As for fishing features, this boat has two mounted rod holders on the will as well as a swivel-mounted rod holder in the center so you can enjoy the hands-free experience.
With a length of 12ft 4 inches, a width of 33 inches, and two-rod holders at the front as well as two-rod holders at the back, this kayak is ready to wit the water and cast a line. The sit on top boat has generous storage space at the front and back of the boat, which is perfect for lots of extra fishing gear. There is a removable plastic cover that protects your kit and straps it in securely.
An excellent fishing feature the Malibu kayaks stealth offers is a live bait tank located in the center of the kayak, making it very accessible.
The kayak is wide enough and therefore stable enough to allow the angler to fish while standing up if you so wish. In fact, there are two footwells on either side of the were bait tank to place your feet while standing.
Comfort is also a priority for this kayak. It sports adjustable foot rests to allow you to find what position is most comfortable for you, and there is no need to worry about how you'll transport this boat to the water as it has convenient carry handles on the side. A perfect kayak for river anglers who take their fishing seriously!
This little guy from Vibe Kayaks is perfect for those looking for a versatile recreational kayak that is light and easy to transport. It only weighs 46 lbs, and with convenient rubberized carry handles, you'll have no problems getting this kayak to the water's edge. Once in the water, you're able to experience how truly easy to maneuver this kayak is. Due to the kayak's short length and high rocker, the boat can be effortlessly turned and moved even in faster rivers. On top of that, its tracking isn't bad, either!
The Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 has multiple options for storage space. In the center, there is a dry storage space for any handy items like a phone, wallet, or camera that you don't want going for a dip, splash, or a swim. There's a scaled hatch at the bow and an additional well complete with hunger cords at the stern. There are four mounted rod holders, too, giving you a flexible hands-free fishing option. This is a perfect option for the paddler in need of a versatile kayak that is also ready for river fishing.
This 12.6ft sit on top kayak has plenty of storage space and a weight capacity of 480 pounds, enabling any angler to bring an abundance of extra fishing gear. There are convenient dry storage hatches at the kayak, which is perfect for any items you need to be kept dry. There is a well at the back of the kayak with bungee cord ties. You'll also find two rod holders at the bow of these kayaks and two on the sides, as well as grippy footwells so you can stand up while you fish. The Moken 12.5 comes with a kingfisher seat, which is adjustable and has sufficient lumbar support to ensure maximum comfort.
This is a brilliant boat with kayak features perfect for fishing on the river.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, then this 10-foot fishing kayak may be the best for you. Don't worry; there are plenty of features on these kayaks that don't have to be exclusive to expensive kayaks.
There are some hands, reels running down both sides of the boat where you can attach rod holders or mount fishfinder GPS devices. It also does not skimp on storage. There are two covered storage areas, one at the bow and one in front of the seat. There is also open bungee cord storage for any waterproof gear. It also comes with a padded seat, which can fold away for convenient transport. This is perhaps the best budget Kayak on our list.
Our Favorite
The best of the best river fishing kayaks we've gone over, the Malibu Kayaks Stealth 12 Fish and Drive Package Sit on Top Kayak is our favorite. This kayak is ready for the rivers and more than useful for fishing. With that many features, complete with its unique live bait tank, how could we not choose this boat!