9 Best Kayaks for River Fishing

Kayak river fishing is one of the most fun hobbies anyone can do. But it is only going to be fun if you have the right kayak.

In this article, I list the 9 best kayaks for river fishing, including the features and specs for each.

The 9 best kayaks for river fishing are as follows:

Perception Pescador Sit On Top Kayak – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 13 Kayak – Click here to see it on Amazon
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:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

9 Best Kayaks for River Fishing

1. Perception Pescador Sit On Top Kayak

The entirety of this Perception Pescador Sit On Top Kayak is solid, durable, and ultra-reliable. It is created and tested to be among the safest kayaks available, with built-in buoyancy and stability.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This kayak has a lot of space for you and your gear, two fishing rod holders, and covered dry storage. The Pescador also features a lawn chair-style mesh seat with breathable mesh and seat adjustment for ultimate comfort while fishing.

The Comfort Seating System with thick cushioned padding has a modifiable seatback that reclines for personalized support.

2. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 13 Kayak

The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 13 Kayak is a favorite among kayak enthusiasts. It is easy to set up, launch, and even convenient to stand in it. It is spacious, and you don’t feel stiff after long hours of boating and fishing. In fact, even those with back problems enjoy using it.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Basically, it is straightforward to operate. That’s why even novices are recommended to use this kayak. It is more costly, though, compared to the others available in the market.

However, it is guaranteed to give excellent value for your money. It is my personal top pick among our list of best kayaks for river fishing.

Its dimensions are 13’ in length x 33” in width. It weighs 75 lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 550 lbs.

Aside from its premium seat and ample storage space, it also has a Fish Finder and Accessories Mount, a console with cargo bags and magnetic tray, and a toe-controlled rudder. It is available in two colors, namely, Galaxy and Blue Camouflage.

Vibe Kayaks was founded by a team of kayak fishermen based in Georgia. These fishermen offer products to promote kayaking and fishing not merely as a hobby but as a lifestyle.

3. Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak

The Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak is known to offer comfort and stability. It can accommodate two adults and a child – or you can bring along your furry pal with you!

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This product is a reliable companion on either the river or the ocean, even during windy or choppy weather.

Made of ultraviolet-resistant rotomolded polyethylene, the kayak’s dimensions are 12’ 2” in length x 32” in width. It weighs 72 lbs and can carry a maximum of 500 lbs.

It has padded seats, rod holders, and an adjustable kayak paddle, among others. It is available in three different colors, namely, blue, green, and orange.

A company based in California, Driftsun was established by several adventuresome people who love water sports and other outdoor activities. The owners not only produce and sell quality products, but they personally use their products as well.

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.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

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.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

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.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

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.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

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.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

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.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

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:

Perception Pescador Sit On Top Kayak – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 13 Kayak – Click here to see it on Amazon
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.