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In our opinion, sit-on kayaks are by far the best kayaks for fishing as their wide-open decks give you unlimited space to move around while casting, reeling, and of course, paddling.
Over recent years, the sport of kayak fishing has become increasingly popular for many reasons. Firstly, kayaks are far smaller than traditional fishing boats, meaning they can paddle in waters that once weren’t accessible.
Secondly, boats without motors truly have the upper hand when it comes to fishing. Fish are highly sensitive to sound and vibrations in the water, so by only having a paddle, you’re limiting the amount of noise and water disturbance you’re making while traveling through the water.
Of course, there are many other benefits to fishing from a kayak which we go into more detail about over in the Top 10 Kayak Fishing Tips, but possibly the most attractive benefit of all is the fact that kayaks are far more affordable than traditional fishing boats.
So, now that we’ve discussed some of the awesome benefits of kayak fishing let’s get into the best sit-on fishing kayaks that’ll instantly transform your fishing trips.
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This solo fishing kayak weighs in at only 52 lbs and has adequate dry storage and on deck storage for all of your essential fishing gear.
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The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a tandem inflatable fishing kayak that can hold up to 470 lbs. Its ultra-wide deck makes it an incredibly stable fishing platform, and its built-in rod holders allow you to practice all the hands-free fishing that your heart desires.
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Wilderness Systems Tarpon fishing kayak has a large front hatch dry storage, a cool touch Phase 3 air pro seat, and sidetrack accessory rails so you can customize the boat as you so wish.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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12’ x 32.5” |
64 lbs |
375 lbs |
The Perception Pescador Pro is a 12-foot one-piece roto-molded fishing kayak that Perception made from high-density polyethylene. This construction gives the kayak exceptional UV resistance while also allowing it to take on bumps and scratches.
To then improve the durability of the kayak even further, Perception added a replaceable skid plate that protects the underside of the kayak if it gets dragged along the floor for any reason.
Along with keeping their kayak durable, one of Perception's main goals when designing the Pescador Pro was to make it as stable as possible to help boost confidence out on the water. And even though it's only 32 inches wide, you’ll still have no trouble remaining balanced when casting or reeling in your catch of the day.
Regarding fishing, comfort is important because we all know fishing isn’t a quick sport. Let’s be honest, when you’re heading out kayak fishing, you’re more than likely going to be spending the entire morning or afternoon out on the water.
So, to make their kayak as comfortable as possible, Perception added a removable captain’s chair with zonal mesh sections that can be lowered, raised, or moved backwards or forwards depending on your personal paddling preferences.
And finally, when it comes to fishing features, the Pescador Pro has front and rear bungee storage areas that are big enough for tackle boxes or coolers, two molded rod holders so you can fish hands-free, and a fish-finder console so you can install a separate fish-finder if you so wish.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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11’6” x 35” |
77 lbs |
425 lbs |
The second Perception kayak to make our best sit-on-top fishing kayaks list is the Outlaw 11.5. This kayak is shorter and wider than the Pescador Pro, and it can also hold 50 lbs of extra weight on its deck.
With that being said, although the size of these kayaks differs slightly, one thing both the Outlaw and the Pescador Pro have in common is the fact that Perception added replaceable skid plates, so the underside of your kayak is protected at all times.
To improve walkability on the Outlaw 11.5, because let’s be honest, when fishing on a kayak, you need all the space you can get, Perception designed the seat so it can be completely removed and stored away to give you the most amount of room possible. And if you do choose to store the seat away, the empty space then makes room for a 35L cooler that you can substitute for your seat.
When the seat is locked in place, however, it sits 5 inches above the deck height to give you better views of the water beneath you. This additional height not only helps you see the fish you could be potentially catching but it also improves comfort while paddling.
Something else the Pescador Pro and the Outlaw have in common is the two-rod holders that give you quick and easy access to your fishing rods while also keeping them neatly out of the way while you paddle. Furthermore, the Outlaw also features front and back tank wells for your belongings, molded-in trays and cup holders, and three solo mount recesses so you can choose to add further accessories.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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9’6” x 30” |
44 lbs |
275 lbs |
The Pelican Sentinel 100X is a relatively small sit-on-top fishing kayak that weighs only 44 lbs. This low total weight can be extremely beneficial when it comes to transporting or carrying your kayak, especially if you are a smaller paddler who’s heading out kayaking alone.
During the designing process, Pelican thought carefully about the hull shape and what would be most beneficial to kayak anglers. They decided on a multi-chine flat bottom hull to improve stability in the kayak when casting a line or reeling in fish. Because the kayak is only 30 inches wide, this hull design really helps to improve the kayak’s overall balance.
The deck of the Sentinel 100X has a few mentionable features, with the first being a large back bungee storage area and a front net storage area. Both areas can be used to die down crucial fishing gear that you need to keep within an arm's reach. Along with storage, Pelican also included two vertical rod holders, two paddle holders, a smartphone holder, and two accessory eyelets.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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10’ x 31” |
52 lbs |
275 lbs |
If you’re shopping on a budget, then look no further than the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100. Lifetime constructed their affordable kayak from UV-protected high-density polyethylene and added multiple footrest positions to suit paddlers of all sizes.
The underside of the boat features a flat bottom hull to improve the kayak’s stability, and the company even added an additional sharp bow to increase the kayak’s speed and tracking.
Now, you’re probably thinking that due to the kayak’s low price point, it probably lacks some crucial fishing features. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. The Tamarack Angler 100 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders and an extra top-mounted fishing rod holder, so you can have a total of three fishing rods on the boat at any given time.
Along with that, they also included an adjustable padded seat and seat pad, front and rear bungee storage areas, and two 6” dry storage compartments in the front and rear of the hull. And, if that wasn’t enough, Lifetime also included a paddle and a paddle holder so you can securely fasten your paddle in place when it isn’t in use.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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10’ x 36” |
73 lbs |
500 lbs |
So far we’ve only discussed solo kayaks, but if you enjoy heading out on the water with a companion, then the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak is a fantastic tandem option.
The kayak, which measures 10 feet, can hold up to 500 lbs of weight and can be paddled solo or tandem. The option to eliminate a seat and paddle solo would then give a single paddler a huge amount of weight capacity to work, making it a perfect option for fly fishermen who like to overpack.
As far as stable fishing kayaks go, the 10 Foot Tandem by Lifetime is an excellent choice as it is nearly impossible to tip over, thanks to its 36” width.
And although so far, the Tandem Kayak by Lifetime sounds great, there is something we don’t particularly love about this model, and that is the fact that the seats only feature padded backrests. To make the kayak comfortable for long days out on the water, you’d need to purchase an additional kayak seat cushion. Otherwise, you’re guaranteed to end up with a numb bum.
Now, we know when you take a quick glance at the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem Kayak you probably think its features are very basic, but actually, the kayak boasts three flush-mounted rod holders, a 6” hatch for dry storage, two molded paddle cradles at the front, and the back of the boat, and footrests to suit paddlers of all sizes.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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12’3” x 35” |
86 lbs |
400 lbs |
Wilderness Systems have two kayaks that make their way onto our best fishing kayak list. The ATAK 120 is the first, and although it comes with a considerable price tag, there are a few features that make the price somewhat reasonable.
Firstly Wilderness Systems designed their ATAK kayak to be compatible with their new Helix MD motor drive. This means that you have the option to transform your standard paddle kayak into a motorized kayak to have the best of both worlds.
Along with this, they included their patented suspension-style seat to provide you with optimum comfort when out on the water. The seat, which can be adjusted to a high, low, or reclined position, is also accompanied by adjustable XL foot braces to further aid in comfort.
Behind the seat at the back end of the boat is a large tank well with adjustable bungees that’ll help hold down the majority of your fishing gear. The remainder of your gear that could potentially be damaged if it comes into contact with water can be stored in the circular stern dry hatch.
The front end of the ATAK has a paddle park to securely fasten down your paddle when it isn't in use, a flex pod removable console, and accessory rails so you can attach different fishing accessories onto your kayak.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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12’3” x 31” |
63 lbs |
350 lbs |
The second Wilderness Systems kayak is the Tarpon which you’ll be happy to know presents itself with a much lower price tag. It’s still fairly expensive compared to some other kayaks on our list, but it’s not as expensive as the ATAK 120, so that’s something.
Although the Tarpon and the ATAK 120 are the same length, the Tarpon is 4 inches narrower and 23 lbs lighter. The narrower deck of the Tarpon does mean that it isn’t going to be as stable as the ATAK 120, but you do have the advantage of it being far easier to transport.
The seat on the Tarpon is an adjustable Phase 3 Pro seat that has a cool touch system to help it remain cool for the entirety of your trip. Wilderness Systems also include large padded footrests in their Tarpon model to give paddlers of all heights the comfort they need for long days out on the water.
At the rear of the kayak, there is a large storage area with a net system for coolers, crates, or tackle boxes. And at the front end of the Tarpon, you can also find a dry hatch to store any personal belongings that can’t come into contact with water.
Directly in front of the seat is a magnetic water bottle strap system to securely fasten your water bottle, and to both the right and left-hand sides of the seat, you can find accessory rails so you can customize your kayak however you wish.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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10’9” x 39.6” |
41 lbs |
470 lbs |
We had to throw an inflatable kayak into the mix, and one of our favorites is the Sevylor Coleman Colorado. And, we know what you’re thinking, can inflatable kayaks actually be used for kayak fishing? And won’t they just pop if a hook goes anywhere near them?
Well, the answers are yes, they make excellent kayaks for fishing, and no, the materials they’re made from are extremely durable, so you don’t need to worry about punctures from hooks.
As you can see from the table up above, the Coleman Colorado is an extremely stable fishing kayak thanks to its 39.6” width. You’re almost guaranteed that no matter what type of fish you’re reeling in, this baby isn’t going to topple over.
But, something we particularly love about inflatable fishing kayaks is their portability. At only 41 lbs, the Coleman Colorado is extremely easy to transport to and from the water, and once you’re finished, you can even deflate it and fold it up into a bag.
Some other features that make this inflatable option stand out are the multiple air chambers that’ll keep the kayak afloat if there does happen to be a puncture for any reason, the Berkley quick set rod holders that are completely adjustable so you can fish hands-free, and the paddle holders that’ll secure your paddles out of the way when they aren’t in use.
Oh, and something we forgot to mention is that this kayak is extremely versatile as it can be paddled solo or tandem. As there is very limited storage space on board, by paddling solo, the removal of the front seat frees up a lot of space for all of your fishing gear.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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12’8” x 34” |
74 lbs |
770 lbs |
The BKC Tandem Fishing Kayak takes the top spot when it comes to weight capacity. This kayak can hold a generous 770 lbs making it one of the best options for larger anglers or those with excessive gear.
As with most other tandem kayaks, however, the BKC Fishing Kayak can be paddled solo or tandem by simply removing one of the aluminum padded frame seats.
During the creation process, BKC wanted their kayak to be as stable as possible, so they crafted it from a single piece of high-density polyethylene and gave it a flat bottom hull shape to help it remain balanced on even the choppiest of waters.
And finally, when it comes to features, BKC added two waterproof hatches so you can store away your keys, wallet, or phone, four built-in rod holders so each paddler can have two lines cast at any given time, two paddle parks to securely store your paddles when they aren’t in use, and a rear bungee tie-down area for gear and personal belongings.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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11’6” x 34” |
68 lbs |
550 lbs |
The final kayak on our best sit-on-top fishing kayak list is another BKC kayak, but this time it’s a strictly solo kayak that is loaded with interesting fishing accessories.
Like BKC’s Tandem Kayak, the solo variation is made from a single piece of high-density polyethylene that can support up to 550 lbs of weight. But, what we really love about this kayak, in particular, is its fishing features.
BKC included their ergonomic aluminum frame seat and also gave the kayak a pedal-operated rudder to help the boat track straight while you’re paddling. As well as this, the kayak has three waterproof hatches, two flush mount rod holders, two paddle parks, and a bungee tie-down area for slightly larger gear.
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After conducting our fishing kayak reviews, we personally think the Sevylor Coleman Colorado or the Perception Outlaw 11.5 has the comfiest seat.
The Coleman Colorado is an inflatable kayak, and this alone ranks it at the top when it comes to comfort because, let’s be honest, we all know how comfy inflatable objects are. But, the Perception Outlaw 11.5 also ranks for comfort as the seat is mounted above the kayak deck and allows the paddlers to adjust the backrest to a reclined or upright position.
Sit-on-top kayaks are the best type of kayak for fishing as their open decks allow anglers to move around more freely. This comes in particularly handy when you want to cast your line or reel in your fish.
As well as more space to move around, sit-on-top kayaks also give anglers more room to store gear such as coolers and tackle boxes. You don’t get that luxury with sit-inside kayaks, so it really does make a big difference.
If you’re after stability, then look no further than the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak or the Sevylor Coleman Colorado.
The 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak from Lifetime has a 36” deck making it an incredibly stable fishing kayak for those who prefer kayaks of the hard shell variety. But, if convenience is also a huge priority for you, then Coleman Colorado takes the first spot.
Sevylor constructed their inflatable kayak to be a whopping 39.5” wide, making it extremely difficult to topple over, even if you’re reeling in the biggest fish you ever caught.
And on top of that, inflatable kayaks such as this also have the huge advantage of being extremely portable. Once you deflate the Coleman Colorado, you can compact it into a carry bag that can then be placed in the trunk of your car or stored away in a cupboard..
Many anglers prefer sit-on-top kayaks to sit-inside kayaks as the sit-on-top varieties offer more space for fishing gear and general movement.
You see, a sit-inside kayak has an enclosed cockpit which limits the amount of space you have to move around. This deck also cuts down the amount of storage space available, meaning you’d only be able to take out minimal or extremely compact gear.
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