In the market for a fishing kayak? You may be wondering what to look for in a fishing kayak? If the task of finding the best one seems daunting, this handy guide will do a lot to help you focus on the features that really matter!
A lot of people who love to go fishing while kayaking at the same time are keen on knowing what to look for. This is understandable, given that fishing kayaks are investments. You should, therefore, get the most out of it.
Here are some fishing kayak considerations that you need to keep an eye out for when you are checking out the options that are available to you:
What to look for in a fishing kayak:
- A “sit on top” feature for quick drainage
- Provision for all of your essential fishing accessories
- Adjustable legroom and seating options for your body type
- Flat bottom or tunnel hull for stability
- Bright colors or design for visibility
Our top 5 recommended fishing kayaks are as follows:
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100 – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90
- Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110
Ready to know more about fishing kayaks? Read on to learn more about some of the most highly-rated options around!
Also, for an excellent fishing kayak, take a look at our top pick, the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
What to Look for in a Fishing Kayak
1. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130
A fishing kayak that is revered for its choice of stellar features is the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130. The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 is a single-user, sit on top fishing kayak that is popular for its speed and stability.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This high-ranking model is also known for other must-have features, such as a mount for fishing accessories (which include 2 flush-mount rod holders and customized rigging options with four integrated gear tracks).
The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 saves your energy at times when you need it, especially during 1) long paddles, 2) strong currents, and 3) windy days.
The Sea Ghost also offers multiple storage options, which is good news for those who like to bring a number of fishing accessories with them while out in the open water.
A large, 20” oval-shaped center console hatch, a rear hatch, and a sizable rear tank complete with a bungee make for roomy storage solutions for all your fishing gear.
Customers who loved the experience of owning the Sea Ghost laud these three things the most: speed, stability, and comfort. The hull design is purposefully made sleek for those who need to get from Point A to Point B in the least amount of time.
The rudder is toe-controlled, which delivers anglers to the fish in no time at all. You’ll appreciate this when you realize the amount of energy you save when you have to paddle for a long time to get back to shore.
Second, it assures owners of stability in both sitting and standing positions with its slip-resistant platform. If you’re a professional angler, you know how essential stability is for getting things done.
And finally, in terms of comfort, the Sea Ghost delivers with an airy and breathable Hero seat for two, along with adjustable foot braces and ample storage.
This YouTube review of the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 as a cool set-up will help you further visualize the various features discussed above!
2. Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100
Fishing Kayak enthusiasts who love a good balance between compact size and ample storage will definitely want to check out the Vibe Yellowfin 100 Kayak.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
At 10 feet in length, it’s one of the shortest fishing kayaks around without compromising on top-notch features. The Vibe Yellowfin 100 Kayak is touted as the compact SUV of the fishing kayak world. This is great for those who like to go to places that are ultra-shallow as well as deep.
It’s design and construction make it perfect for common fishing spots, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
The super-compact design considers your tackle and gear, which get their storage space through seven different options (2 deck plates that have waterproof cargo bags, 2 tackle tray holders, a rear storage area, and a tackle toss tray).
Made from rotomolded polyethylene, the Yellowfin is also lightweight apart from being compact. Its unibody construction means you won’t have to worry about water entering and filling in the kayak since there are virtually no small open slits for water to pass through.
Just like its bigger and longer fishing kayak siblings, it also features a slip-resistant deck and comfortable and adjustable seating and legroom. Setting it up and taking it out of the water is very easy because it is lightweight.
The Yellowfin 100 Kayak might seem like a diminutive model next to others from Vibe, but it’ll impress with all the nifty features you’d find in more expensive models.
The below detailed video review on YouTube captures all the essential features any kayak fishing enthusiast will love about the Yellowfin 100.
3. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90
In a contest of the best portable fishing kayaks, one of the standouts will always be the Vibe Skipjack 90 Kayak. This 9 feet little number is so easy to handle, whether you are in the water or out.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It’s a fast and stable kayak that you can rely on as much as you do its bigger and longer counterparts, proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to reliability and fun when fishing.
The Skipjack 90’s portability means you can bring it around on all of your fishing adventures without it taking too much space on your car’s top compartment or hooked up to the back.
It works well on various bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, ocean surf, and even ponds. Comfort-wise, the backrest was ergonomically designed to reduce back strain, while the molded-in foot braces assure you of a comfy and stable footing for all paddler sizes.
Made from a single piece of polyethylene, you can confidently fish on it without worrying about leaks that might find their way in.
Such makes the Vibe Skipjack 90 an attractive option in the compact fishing kayak category. And the fact that it can fit in so many essential elements really allows it to outshine its rivals.
This fishing kayak video review of the Vibe Skipjack 90 on YouTube is a great way to learn more about this short but solidly built (and designed!) unit while enjoying live-action footage of it as well.
4. Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219
If you enjoy company while on a fishing kayak, one of the best options for you to consider is the highly-rated Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219. Its 12.2 feet long body is designed to deliver maximum stability and hold a maximum load of 440 pounds.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The TK219 is well-loved by both professional anglers who spend the majority of time in the water as well as on-again, off-again fishing kayak enthusiasts looking to get away on the weekends.
The kayak features three seats that promise balance even through swift currents and choppy water, with a 34-inch beam providing stability necessary for all-weather fishing conditions.
This is a very noteworthy feature because you are talking about managing balance with a maximum of three moving adults seated (or standing up) in the kayak, all at the same time.
Your fishing group will remain comfy with the padded seats, and there are nifty paddle rests on the side for when you are looking to take an opportunity for a group photo.
Even when paddling through choppy waters, the stability it provides is reassuring to know – especially if you have a first-timer on kayak fishing on board with you.
A 20-liter cooler can fit in its rear cargo compartment, as well as snacks and other essential small group fishing gear for everyone in your team.
Here’s a short, video experience on YouTube recounting first-timers loving the TK219.
5. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110
If you are looking for a sizable fishing kayak for one person, a top option to check out would be the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110. It is a good combination of speed and stability, resulting in a perfect balance that kayak anglers often look out for.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The speed allows you to travel from one side of the river (or pond/stream) to the other without a lot of effort in paddling or while standing at the same time.
The design is also lauded for its customizable work deck, the impressive amount of gear space, and the ability to haul off as much as 425 pounds worth of fishing gear.
While it’s designed to carry a single passenger, it makes provisions for a lot of gear and tackle, thanks to its ample front and back storage options and multiple options for mounting your fishing gear.
Its integrated Rudder System, storage options, and rigging features make the Sea Ghost 110 at the top of its class, besting its competitors in the angling kayak category.
Also, it’s a favorite among those who consider angler kayaking a professional hobby or sport as it is well worth the purchase for all the features that you can expect to enjoy.
This succinct but thorough YouTube video review of the Sea Ghost 110 will walk you through six months’ worth of testing it out so you can get an idea of how it fared in actual kayak fishing settings.
Conclusion – What to Look for in a Fishing Kayak
So to revisit the question: “What to look for in a fishing kayak?” The five main considerations are:
- A “sit on top” feature for quick drainage
- Provision for all of your essential fishing accessories
- Adjustable legroom and seating options for your body type
- Flat bottom or tunnel hull for stability
- Bright colors or design for visibility
And our top 5 recommended fishing kayaks are:
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100 – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90
- Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110
Related reading:
Best Sit on Top Kayak Under 300 – Our Top 5 Picks
Kayak Weight Limit [What Size Do You Need for Your Weight]
Is Fishing a Sport? (or Just a Hobby)
