Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak
Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak
Perception Sound Sit Inside Kayak
Emotion Guster 10 Sit-Inside Kayak
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-In Fishing Kayak
BKC RA220 11.6 Single Fishing Kayak
Bonafide RS117 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
In your search for a river fishing kayak, you should consider the manufacturer’s reputation, the durability of the material, the stability, how spacious it is to fit you and your gear, and the comfort.
Read on to learn more about the best kayaks for river fishing, including the specs and features for each.
Also, we hope you find the links here useful. We may get a commission if you purchase something through a link on this page, so thank you!
Also, for an excellent kayak, take a look at our top pick, the Perception Pescador Sit On Top Kayak:
The INTEX Challenger Inflatable Kayak Series offers an exciting and convenient way to explore lakes and mild rivers. Crafted from SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC, this kayak ensures superior strength and durability with high resistance to impact and abrasion.
The low-profile design enhances maneuverability, making it ideal for easy paddling. The kayak features a spacious cockpit with removable and adjustable seats, providing comfort and ample room for both the paddler and gear.
With a removable skeg for directional stability, maintaining a straight and steady course becomes easier. The kayak has a 1-person capacity, with inflated dimensions of 9 feet x 2.6 feet x 1.1 feet and a weight capacity of 220 pounds.
The package includes deluxe 86-inch aluminum oars, a high-output pump, and a cargo storage net. Additionally, the kayak is easily foldable and comes with a carry bag for convenient transportation.
INTEX’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident with a dedicated support team and a 90-Day Manufacturer Limited Warranty, providing peace of mind to users.
The Sevylor QuickPak K5 1-Person Inflatable Kayak offers a convenient and quick setup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the water. With a 5-minute setup time, this kayak is designed for easy and swift preparation.
The included backpack system not only facilitates effortless transportation but also transforms into a comfortable seat for the user. Constructed with 24-gauge PVC, the kayak is rugged and durable, making it suitable for use on lakes.
The tarpaulin bottom and polyester cover provide robust protection against punctures, ensuring longevity. The kayak features multiple air chambers, allowing one chamber to stay inflated in case of a puncture.
The Double Lock valves streamline the inflation and deflation process with two locking points. Equipped with spray covers, the kayak helps keep you dry by blocking splashes.
D-Rings provide a convenient attachment point for additional equipment, and secure storage areas with bungees allow for the safe storage of items during your kayaking adventures.
3. Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak
The Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Kayak is designed for touring and recreational purposes, offering a sleek hull with a long waterline for enhanced speed and extended glides. Ideal for distance paddling, it performs best on flat water and mild ocean chop.
The kayak comes with EVA-padded high-back seats, providing excellent cushioning and support for comfort during extended paddling sessions.
The hull is crafted from rugged 600D polyester, ensuring durability and UV protection, while the industry-leading 24-gauge air bladders contribute to safety and performance.
The package includes an adjustable EVA-padded seat with high back support, a dual-blade kayak paddle, a deluxe dual-action pump, a quick-release fin, a footrest, and a travel bag.
The kayak’s specifications include an exterior size of 11 feet (L) x 34 inches (W), a weight of 23 lbs., a capacity of 300 lbs. for one adult, gear, or a furry friend, an inflation time of 9 minutes, and inflation pressures of 2 PSI for side tubes and 1 PSI for the floor.
4. Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak glides perfectly along the water and has adequate storage compartments. It is great for all ages, with many reviewers commenting on its safety. Many have also found it to be highly convenient to use and launch.
They don’t feel scared when they bring along their kids to spend quality time with them while boating and fishing. It is one of the best kayaks for river fishing with a friend or even a pet dog.
Made of ultra-durable rotomolded, the Elkton’s dimensions are 12’ 2” in length x 3’ in width. The hull weight is 72 lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 650 lbs.
It is spacious enough to place the cooler or ice chest on its central platform. It is available in three different colors, namely, camouflage, grey, and orange.
Elkton Outdoors offers a full line of affordable tactical, shooting, and fishing gear. The founders established the business to prove that superior quality products don’t have to be costly all the time.
5. Perception Sound Sit Inside Kayak
The Perception Sound Sit Inside Kayak is known for its superior stability. It is not only great for river fishing but is generally ideal for recreational use.
It is great for beginners because it can be easily steered smoothly. The ergonomic seat is comfortably soft, while its backrest and footrests may be adjusted for added comfort. The storage area is large enough to hold and access the cooler, the crate, and the gear.
The Perception Sound Kayak comes in two models, namely, Sound 9.5 and Sound 10.5. Their main differences basically lie in their sizes. Sound 9.5 weighs 38 lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 300 lbs, while Sound 10.5 weighs 46 lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 335 lbs.
Perception Kayaks is a well-known designer and producer of kayaks based in South Carolina. The founders are kayaking enthusiasts themselves, and their top 4 priorities when making kayaks are safety, durability, versatility, and comfort.
6. Emotion Guster 10 Sit-Inside Kayak
Many paddlers love the Emotion Guster 10 Sit-Inside Kayak because it is smaller and lighter than the other kayaks available in the market.
Despite the size, getting in and out of it is not a problem at all, even for a person as tall as 6’5”. It is easy to handle and can conveniently turn itself around in the water.
Its dimensions are 120 x 30 x 14 inches. It weighs 48 lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 275 lbs. It features cord straps so that loose items can be secured. Beneath the deck is a hatch for additional storage.
Emotion Kayaks has been operating as a fishing kayak manufacturer for more than a decade now. It has always been known for its innovative designs and quality products.
In 2011, it was acquired by Lifetime Products, a maker of sporting goods equipment worldwide.
7. Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-In Fishing Kayak
Aside from its quality features, the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-In Fishing Kayak is favored by paddlers, particularly for its innovative and tough-looking design.
It is easy to track, and the paddle has a roomy cockpit that won’t give you a problem when you encounter heavy wind or rough water. It is so comfortable to use that you can enjoy fishing for long hours.
Made from rugged ultraviolet-stabilized high-density polyethylene, this kayak features thigh pads, a water bottle holder, and a shock cord deck rigging, among many others. It is available in 3 different colors: Gray Swirl, Olive, and Sand.
Sun Dolphin was initially opened as a family-owned business designing, producing, and selling a single type of pedal boat.
Over the years, it has evolved into a maker of kayaks and other outdoor recreational products in North America. It is now known for offering affordable quality products worldwide.
8. BKC RA220 11.6 Single Fishing Kayak
If you prefer to be alone in your kayak, the BKC RA220 11.6 Single Fishing Kayak is perfect for you. Paddlers who have tried this type of product can genuinely attest to its stability and comfort.
Since it is a single-person kayak, there is ample space for storage. It is definitely ideal for kayak camping and outings with fellow paddlers.
Its dimensions are 138” in length x 34” in width x 20” in height. The hull weight is 68 lbs, and the maximum load capacity is 450 lbs.
It has waterproof storage, rod holders, and rudder control, among others. It is available in six different colors: Sky Blue, Red Yellow, Grey Camo, Camo, Blue Camo, and Army Green.
Brooklyn Kayak Co. aims to encourage the public to appreciate kayaking, fishing, and other water and outdoor activities through its products.
9. Bonafide RS117 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Those who have tried the Bonafide RS117 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak can affirm that anyone can use this product, even a newbie paddler.
The seat is different from the other Bonafide kayaks available in the market, but it is comfortable. This kayak can be paddled effortlessly, it runs smoothly on water, and you can sit down and stand up without any problem.
Made from polyethylene, its dimensions are 11’ 7” in length x 33.5” in width. It weighs 75 lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 425 lbs. It has a transducer scupper with inserts, fat grip oversized handles, a quick-click seating system, and is designed to ensure uncompromised stability.
Bonafide Kayaks is one of the youngest kayak manufacturers and sellers based in the U.S., and it has already started to make a name for itself internationally.
It aims to offer the ultimate kayak experience to customers through its products. Its team is composed of talented people who have been involved in the paddlesports industry for years.
Kayak Care and Maintenance Tips
So, what’s next after you’ve chosen and purchased your kayak? Well, you have to learn how to take care of it.
Like any other “toy” you own, you should also know how to maintain your own watercraft. Here are some tips for you:
Clean it once in a while to prevent cobwebs, dirt, and dust from building up.
Rinse your boat before using it. Then, rinse it thoroughly again when you’re done. Ensure that you remove the seaweed, mud, sand, and other types of dirt from your boat.
Protect your boat from the sun too. There is an ultraviolet protectant spray that you can buy in the market for your kayak. It can help prevent ultraviolet damage and degradation from happening.
Store your boat properly. Keep it inside the garage or cover it under a tarpaulin to minimize heat or frost exposure.
Conclusion – Best Kayaks for River Fishing
So, what are the best kayaks for river fishing? To summarize, here’s the list once again:
Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak
Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak
Perception Sound Sit Inside Kayak
Emotion Guster 10 Sit-Inside Kayak
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-In Fishing Kayak
BKC RA220 11.6 Single Fishing Kayak
Bonafide RS117 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Any one of these kayaks will be excellent for river fishing. They are durable, stable, have enough space for you and your gear, and are comfortable for all-day fishing.
