

Many factors were considered while drafting this list, such as fishability, price, weight, common features, brand reputation, and more, as well as the experience of our editorial team. We made sure that most anglers could pick up one of these fishing kayaks, bring it to their local fishery, and get after their target species while having the a great time doing so. We narrowed down our selections of the best fishing kayaks by scouring the current offerings of the top brands throughout the fishing kayak industry, and matching them up with the needs of most anglers across the country. Best Under $500: Perception Kayaks Drift 9.5.Best for Saltwater Fishing: Wilderness Systems Radar 135.Best for Freshwater Fishing: Old Town Topwater 120 PDL.Best Tandem Kayak: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Angler.Best Sit Inside Kayak: Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 12.Best Under $1,000: Pelican Catch Classic 120.Best Sit-On-Top Kayak: Wilderness Systems ATAK 120.Here are some of the best fishing kayaks around. Whether you’re fishing for striped bass on the flats of New England, paddling out for miles in the gulf coast for mahi mahi, or throwing frogs among the lily pads for big largemouth bass-a kayak is often one of the best ways to get on the water. Now is the perfect time to get on the water in a new kayak, as anglers have better options than ever for getting a fishing kayak that exactly matches their needs. Not to mention, you don’t have to spend a fortune on gas. You can carry all your gear without needing a big budget to outfit your kayak. You can get into those tricky, shallow spots or fish deep water.

You get to be out on the water, where shore anglers can’t reach, without the major price tag of a bigger bass boat. The best fishing kayaks today rival the features of larger fishing boats without the major drawbacks.
