10 Best Fishing Kayaks 2025 in the United States

The Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota Motorized Fishing Kayak is a solid choice for anglers looking for a feature-rich, motorized kayak. One of its standout features is the saltwater-ready Minn Kota trolling motor, which offers 45 pounds of thrust and makes navigation easier. However, it's worth noting that the motor battery is not included, so you'll need to purchase that separately.

This kayak is 10 feet, 6 inches long and has a weight capacity of 525 pounds, making it suitable for carrying a good amount of gear and still having room for a comfortable ride. The polyethylene hull ensures durability, but the weight of the kayak, at 121 pounds plus an additional 17 pounds for the motor console, might make transportation a bit challenging, especially for a single person. Storage is well thought out with customizable accessory tracks, cushioned floor pads, a custom tackle box, and multiple rod holders.

The seat comfort is enhanced by a dual-layer Textilene mesh seat that is both breathable and adjustable, which is great for long days on the water. Stability is another key advantage, thanks to the extra-large rudder and adjustable foot braces that provide excellent control. Additionally, the non-slip EVA foam deck pads offer good traction for standing. The kayak's design includes shallow water anchor mounting inserts and a universal transducer mount for easy installation of fish finders. While the paddle is sold separately, the kayak does come with several useful components such as a removable seat and a battery box. Despite its higher weight and the need for a separate battery purchase, the Old Town Sportsman 106 is well-suited for serious anglers who prioritize stability, motorized propulsion, and ample storage options.

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 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.