10 Best Fishing Kayaks 2025 in the United States

The Perception Kayaks Outlaw 11.5 is a robust sit-on-top fishing kayak that suits both beginners and seasoned anglers. With a length of 11 feet 6 inches and a width of 35 inches, it offers excellent stability, ideal for fishing activities. Its significant weight capacity of 425 pounds ensures that you can bring along all necessary gear without worrying about overloading.

The kayak's wide hull design enhances stability, making it easier to maneuver and providing a steady platform for fishing even in choppy waters. The fold-away lawn chair seat is a highlight, providing great comfort for extended periods on the water. The integrated tackle trays and four rod holders are practical features that keep your fishing tools organized and within easy reach. Additionally, the large rear tankwell and front storage area offer ample space for coolers, crates, and dry bags, which is great for those long trips.

However, the kayak's weight of approximately 70 pounds can be a bit cumbersome to handle alone, especially during transport to and from the water. The polyethylene material ensures durability but does add to the weight. Despite its size, the Outlaw 11.5 lacks a propulsion system, meaning you'll have to rely on paddling, which might be a downside for some users looking for more convenience. In summary, the Perception Outlaw 11.5 is an excellent choice for those seeking a stable, comfortable, and well-equipped fishing kayak, though its weight and lack of a propulsion system could be potential negatives for some users.

The Reel Yaks Raider Modular Fishing Kayak is a compact and innovative option for anglers looking for portability and ease of use. At 9.5 feet long and 35.4 inches wide, it offers good stability thanks to its W-shaped hull, making it comfortable for standing and fishing in various water conditions. With a weight capacity of 380 pounds, it can accommodate most adults along with some gear without worry. One standout feature is its propeller pedal drive system, which allows hands-free movement and precise control, including reverse, which is handy when fishing near obstacles. This propulsion method is more efficient than paddling and helps conserve energy.

The kayak is made from durable high-density polyethylene, ensuring it can handle rough use. It comes with a comfortable stadium-style seat and includes a 360-degree rod holder, catering well to fishing needs. A unique advantage is its modular design—split into lightweight sections (around 31 pounds each) with handles, making transport much easier for those without trucks or roof racks and allowing storage in small spaces like closets or car trunks. Assembly and disassembly are quick and straightforward, adding to the convenience. Although this modular build may affect overall sturdiness compared to a one-piece kayak, customer reviews suggest it remains stable.

Weighing in at 66 pounds total, it’s not the lightest kayak but manageable given the portability features. The sit-on-top style and hull shape favor stability over speed, which is typical for fishing kayaks but may not suit users wanting fast travel. While the kayak includes basic fishing accessories, additional storage for gear is somewhat limited, so users may need to add custom mounts or containers. The Reel Yaks Raider is a great choice for anglers who prioritize easy transport, hands-free propulsion, and a stable fishing platform, especially if storage space is limited. It balances convenience with solid performance, though it may not satisfy those needing maximum speed or large gear capacity.

The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 is a well-equipped fishing kayak designed for anglers who want to reach fishing spots quickly and stay put without hassle. At 13 feet 6 inches long with a robust 660-pound weight capacity, it comfortably supports one person along with gear or catches. Its single-layer polyethylene hull offers a good balance of durability and stability, making it suitable for various water conditions. One standout feature is the integrated Minn Kota trolling motor, which is saltwater-ready and GPS-enabled; it can be controlled via a Bluetooth i-Pilot remote to easily maneuver or lock the kayak in place using Spot-Lock technology. This frees up your hands for fishing, which is a big plus.

The kayak includes practical storage options like a custom tackle box, multiple rod holders (both forward- and rear-facing), and accessory mounting tracks, helping organize fishing gear efficiently. Comfort-wise, the premium dual-layer mesh seat is removable and breathable, and adjustable foot braces combined with a large rudder provide good control and ease of steering. Non-slip deck pads add safety when standing. However, note that the kayak itself is quite heavy at 158 pounds, plus 24 pounds for the motor console, which might make transportation and launching more challenging for some users. Also, the motor battery is not included, so you'll need to purchase that separately.

This kayak is well suited for serious anglers looking for a stable, motor-powered platform with smart features to enhance fishing convenience, though it might be less ideal if you prioritize lightweight or purely manual kayaking.