Fishing Kayak Buyers Guide

The kayak fishing industry is rapidly growing with more and more kayak models specifically designed for anglers hitting the market. To the first time buyer, or those who don't follow the kayak fishing media, it can be a minefield within a maze! So whether you are new to the kayak fishing world, or looking to upgrade your current craft, I have put my thoughts together into a guide to choosing a fishing kayak for UK waters. Areas discussed include 'How much to spend' and 'What to avoid' along with a closer look at over 30 recommended Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayaks, Composite Kayaks and Pedal Driven Kayaks used by kayak anglers in the UK.....

Choosing a Fishing Kayak

Last Updated April 2022

Choosing a fishing kayak can be a big decision. Often these water craft are costly to the buyer and knowing which one to invest in can take lots of thinking and research, particularly for those new tokamak fishing. Of course you can jump straight in and buy the first one you see but chances are you will find yourself wanting to upgrade when you see other models that are available that may have been more suitable for you. It is worth taking some time to think about what exactly your requirements are. Questions one should be asking should include:

• Where am i planning to paddle and fish? Will you be primarily paddling and fishing on open coastline, sheltered coastal/estuary waters, inland waterways, lakes e.t.c.,
• What size kayak can i store? Am i limited by length, width or weight?
• What size kayak will suit my body weight? Will the kayak be able to carry me and my gear and still have enough buoyancy to paddle safely in a range of conditions.
• What style kayak will suit my paddling ability? Am i beginner looking for stability over speed, or am i looking for greater performance in speed and handling but willing to compromise other aspects such as storage space or stability. 

There are many, many more considerations to think about when selecting a kayak, and one of the big ones is how much are you willing to spend! 

How Much to Spend

Of course, for most, the price of a fishing kayak is the biggest dictator of what kayak one will eventually end up buying. This is a tricky point to discuss as everyone differs in what they are prepared to spend. I know for a fact that you can get a fishing kayak with a few basic essentials to get you on the water for less than £500, that is not to say that you should though. Some fishing kayaks cost in excess of £2500 and once kitted out with a fish finder, GPS, VHF radio, drysuit/paddle clothing, anchoring gear e.t.c. costs can runs into the £1000's. 

As a minimum i would recommend putting aside a budget of £1000-1500 if you are looking for your first fishing kayak set up. This sort of budget will allow you to purchase a kayak, paddle, seat, buoyancy aid, perhaps some paddle clothing and safety equipment along with a few more bits to get you on the water. Importantly, this should allow you to buy a kayak that will last you several seasons before you may wish to upgrade, thats if you want to at all. Taking the time to research the right kayak for you will save you needing to upgrade soon after purchasing the wrong kayak and losing money. Those who are upgrading kayaks are likely to be more flexible with their budget as they will know what sort of kayak they will be wanting to upgrade too and how much one is likely to cost before choosing to upgrade. 

What to Avoid

As i mentioned, the fishing kayak market is a minefield....there are things that you are going to want to avoid. Lets take a look at what not to buy....

Cheap / Low Quality Imported Kayaks

A quick search on various online auction/selling sites will show a huge quantity of cheap kayaks that are imported from China and sold under little-known brand names that often hint at being associated with well-known brand names. hey are often direct rip-offs of well-known and respected fishing kayak hull designs. These are usually sold by  'pop-up' sellers who have brought one container of kayaks and are trying to make a quick buck, You may well come across issues with after-sales and warranty should you have a problem with your purchase.  The problem itself is not that they are manufactured in China. The Chinese manufacturing industry can make some top quality products.... when instructed to do so within a viable budget. The trouble is that manufacturing a kayak and then shipping it across the world to be sold for a couple of hundred pounds means that compromises will be made to the quality and construction of that kayak. Their low price tag is often a magnet for those new to the sport but before committing to buy there new a number of things to be aware of....

These kayaks are typically made from LLDPE - Low Linear Density Polyethylene. This is a low grade of polyethylene that is not as durable as higher grades of polyethylene such as Medium Density (MDPE) and High Density (HDPE) polyethylene that are used by the major brands within the kayak manufacturing industry. It is cheaper to buy and also cheaper to mould as it melts at a lower temperature. What does this mean? Well LLDPE is certainly more prone to scratching and warping than MDPE and HDPE. You will still get on the water and have some fun, but don't expect the kayak to hold up for as long as those made form higher quality materials. The components and fixings used within the manufacture of 'cheap import' kayaks are usually lower quality too, and this may result in them failing sooner. It all comes down to the old cliche saying "you get what you pay for" and this couldn't be more true for kayaks! "Buy cheap, Buy twice" also comes to mind. 

Despite being of a lower quality, one of the biggest reasons to avoid the cheaper kayaks from little-known brands is resale value. When it comes to selling your kayak, a lower quality kayak just wont hold its value like a kayak from a well-known quality brand will. This is an important consideration because there will come a time when you will need to sell your kayak - either because you are giving up on kayaking, or because you want to upgrade to a better or newer craft.

As mentioned though, far-east manufacturers can make quality products if the manufacturing budget allows. Some imported brands who manufacture in the far-east are of reasonable quality though so keep an eye out for established brands sold by reliable retailers, as often these can represent value for money when buying a first fishing kayak. One such brand is Enigma Kayaks, sold by the Canoe Shops Group here in the UK. 

Short Kayaks

The fishing kayak market is littered with kayaks that although advertised as 'suitable for fishing', they are in fact far from being suitable vessels for the vast majority of kayak anglers and the conditions they will most likely be paddling and fishing in. These short kayaks are often models from the cheap import brands. I would recommend avoiding kayaks less that 10ft in length. They are just too short to be efficiently paddled in all but the calmest of conditions and their size does not lend themselves to providing much storage space, nor capacity within the hull to carry a kayak angler and his gear safely. They have their place though - a 9ft kayak is ok for pottering around a lake or very calm estuary waters with one rod and a small amount of gear for a few hours. If you are looking at taking up kayak fishing as a regular pastime, it really is advisable to go beyond the 10 foot mark.

Sit-In Kayaks

A sit-in kayak with an enclosed cockpit does not lend itself towards being a comfortable craft for fishing from. It is not impossible, it's just not easy. There are a few examples where large open-cockpit sit-in kayaks can be suitable for fishing in calm inland waters but for the vast majority of anglers a sit-on-top fishing kayak is the way to go.

Inflatable Kayaks

Hooks.... Inflatables..... need i say anymore? They are also severely affected by the wind too so this limits them to use on the calmest of days. If you are particularly stuck for storage space or ways to transport a rigid kayak then an inflatable may be the only option. High quality inflatables are available from the likes of Hobie and Gumotex. Check these out if an inflatable is the only option.

So lets take a look at what you should be investing in when buying a kayak.....

Recommended Fishing Kayaks

There is a huge range of kayak models available on the market with more models being introduce each year and current models continually having design updates to keep up with the latest developments within the kayak fishing world. Some models are great all-rounders, whilst others are designed for specific waters or styles of fishing, be it saltwater, inland waters, calm waters or rough conditions. Some models are stable platforms with shed loads of features and deck space for custom rigging. Other models are designed to be fast and perform well in rough conditions. You won't find a kayak that does everything really well but some of the top-end models certainly get close. 

One of the easiest ways to categorise the vast array of sit-on-top fishing kayaks on the market is to divide them up into size categories. This also lends itself to discussing them in terms of performance as in general the longer the hull, the more efficiently that hull can be paddled through the water thus making it a faster kayak to paddle. 

The 30+ kayaks listed below are based on what the majority of UK saltwater and freshwater paddlers are using to kayak fish from. I have paddled several of these kayaks myself, some more extensively than others, but have observed many on the water, spoken to owners of practically all of these kayaks and in most cases have looked over these kayaks in the flesh in great detail. They all have pro's and con's and they all have their place in the UK kayak fishing scene. There is a lot of choice but hopefully this article may help you narrow down your search for your first or next fishing kayak. Approximate prices are included (correct as of 2018) but they are only a rough guide as often retailers will have special offers or sales, particularly in the winter, where some great deals can be had. Specifications are also included as per manufacturers websites, for easy comparison between models. 

So lets start at the short end of the scale and work our way up.....

10-11 foot Fishing Kayaks

These shorter kayaks are fine for those planning on fishing lakes, slow moving inland waters and calm sheltered coastal conditions close to shore. They are fine for pottering around over short distances but are hard work paddling over longer distances. Their shorter size means that they aren't going to be fast through the water so if you are planning on fishing exposed stretches of coastline where you may be at the mercy of the wind, swell and tide or large open inland waters, take a look at the longer fishing kayaks as these smaller kayaks will struggle. They may be the only option to those with limited storage space but be aware of their limitations. They are also great for those who are new to the sport and want to get a taste of kayak fishing in calm conditions before deciding on whether to pursue it further, perhaps with a longer fishing kayak that may be more suitable to the kayak fishing they intend to do. 

There are a few well known fishing kayak models at this size....

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 E

There are plenty of features on this small kayak that make it a nice platform to fish from. It comes fitted with an adjustable AirPro seat, adjustable footrests come as standard, as do two storage hatches and a couple of rubber mesh pockets in front of the seat which are useful for storing items of tackle. Slide tracks also feature making the addition of accessories such as rod holders easy. The rear tank well has enough room for a small crate too. One of the downsides is that the storage hatches are not big enough to fit a trolley inside the hull. Flush mount rod holders are not included but can be added for around £20. Paddlers up to the 15 stone / 95kg will get on well with this kayak. More info.... Tarpon 100

Specification

Length: 3.05m / 10ft
Width: 77cm / 30.5in
Weight: 25kg / 55lb
Max Capacity:
​147kg / 325lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: No

Feelfree Moken 10 Lite

Another feature-packed small fishing kayak. A big bow hatch will fit most kayak trolleys or a 30L dry bag for kit. A small centre flip-up hatch is also present which sealed off from the main hull and handy for keeping tackle close to hand, as are the mesh side pockets beside the seat. 2 flush mount rod holders can be found behind the seat. There is also a small 'wheel-in-the-keel' which makes dragging the kayak around on firm surfaces easier if you don't have a dedicated trolley. The large solid carry handles are nice too and make car topping easier. Its not going to be fast but for calm waters and paddling short distances it will do the job. Paddlers up to the 15 stone / 95kg will get on well with this kayak. More info.... Moken 10 Lite

Specification

Length: 3.15m / 10ft 4in
Width: 79cm / 31in
Weight: 25kg / 55lb
Max Capacity:
​160kg / 353lb

Seat: No
​Rudder: No

 Feelfree Moken 10 Angler V2

The wider brother of the Moken 10 Lite - the Moken 10 is designed to be a comfortable platform for the larger paddler. The carrying capacity of this kayak is a whopping 200kg which for a 10ft hull is quite something! Paddlers 20+ stone / 130+kg will be able to paddle this kayak comfortably. This comes at a cost though - the Moken 10 is fairly slow through the water. Paddlers under 16 stone will struggle with this hull and will want to look for other alternatives that will paddle better. Features include a comfortable raised seating system, a front and rear storage area, 2 flush mount rod holders, a flip up centre hatch, Uni-Track accessory tracks, adjustable footrests and a standing platform. The wheel-in-the-keel also features. More info.... Moken 10 Angler

Specification

Length: 3.15m / 10ft 4in
Width: 89.5cm / 35in
Weight: 27.5kg / 60.6lb
Max Capacity:
​200kg / 440lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: No

Ocean Kayak Trident 11 - Now Discontinued!

A very popular fishing kayak from Ocean Kayak. The hull of the Trident series has been tried and tested over many years all over the world and comes in three size offerings. The 11ft foot model is great for those wanting a compact fishing kayak. The new ACS2 Seating system provides comfort for longer sessions. The centre Mod Pod II is great for attaching accessories too, including fish finders and rod holders, and includes a hinged tackle compartment and magnetic gear holder. An oversized transducer scupper hole will take the majority of modern fish finder transducers for easier installation. Slide tracks features either side of the footwell and in the rear tankwell which are great for attaching accessories such as additional rod holders and camera mounts e.t.c. The bow hatch will easily take a kayak trolley, including the popular C-Tug. Plenty of room in the rear tankwell too for keeping a crate and gear. A rod tip cover also features on the bow for those rough surf launches and landings. Adjustable footrests also feature as do solid side handles which make car topping easy. This kayak paddles reasonably well in sheltered inshore waters. Paddlers up to the 16-17 stone / 100-110kg will get on well with this kayak. It is fairly pricey for an 11ft kayak and longer kayaks are available for the same price or less. More Info.... Trident 11

Specification

Length: 3.5m / 11ft 6in
Width: 77.5cm / 30.5in
Weight: 32.2kg / 71lb
Max Capacity:
​138kg / 305lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Feelfree Lure 10 V2

Designed to offer excellent stability and plenty of feature sin a compact hull, the Lure 10 from Feelfree is a great option for short distance kayak fishing sessions on calm waters. Great for freshwater lure fishing. Includes the height adjustable Gravity Seat system and features including a standing platform, a removable Sonar Pod for easy fish finder installation and Uni-Track accessory track system. There is a large easy-open bow hatch that can be used for storing a fold-up trolley or extra gear. A fair-sized rear tank well can be used to hold a small storage crate. Great for use on flat waters but slow to paddle in choppy conditions. What it lacks in speed it makes up for in stability and manoeuvrability. Great for exploring small inland waterways and lakes.  More info.... Lure 10 V2

Specification

Length: 3.05m / 10ft
Width: 91cm / 36in
Weight: 31kg / 69lb
Max Capacity:
​170kg / 375lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

12-13ft Fishing Kayaks

The kayaks in this size category are what many people choose for their first fishing kayak, particularly those who will be paddling and fishing on the sea. At this size they are suitable for moderate coastal conditions, as well as inland waters, and will paddle reasonably well through choppy conditions and against a bit of wind and tide. These larger kayaks will also take a larger paddler and more gear more comfortably than the shorter kayaks. There are a wide array of hull designs in this category - some designed to be lightweight and speedy, others designed to be more solid and stable fishing platforms loaded with all the latest features. There are a number of models that make excellent fishing kayaks for the first time buyer.....

Wilderness Systems Tarpon E 120

The 12ft brother of the Tarpon 100. Plenty of features including the adjustable AirPro seat, adjustable footrests, large bow hatch that will take a kayak trolley, small cockpit hatch and those ever-useful slide tracks for adding accessories. The rear tank well will easily take a crate for more gear too. Rubber gear pockets make a useful space to store small items of tackle, such as scissors or weights. The Tarpon 120 does not come with any rod holders as standard, but there are two designated spaces behind the seat to fit two flush mount rod holders. Further rod holders can easily be fitted to the slide tracks. The Tarpon 120 is a good kayak for coastal and inland waters. Paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg will get on well with this kayak. More info.... Tarpon 120 Angler

Specification

Length: 3.73m / 12ft 3in
Width: 76cm / 30in
Weight: 29kg / 63lb
Max Capacity:
​150kg / 330lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Feelfree Moken 12 Angler 

Plenty of features at an affordable price. A good choice for those on a tight budget. The Moken 12 has a large front flip top storage area that makes a good fish storage area. Adjustable footrests, a small flip-up centre hatch sealed off from the main hull and rubber hatch and mesh side pockets can be found in the cockpit. 4 flush mount rod holders come as standard. Plenty of room for a crate in the tank well too. The 'wheel-in-the-keel' also features as well as decent moulded-in handles. The Moken 12 is quite at home in both coastal and inland waters and would suit paddlers up to 18 stone / 110kg. Its not the fastest 12ft kayak but a solid platform to fish from. One downside is that at 33kg the Moken 12 is heavy for a 12ft kayak. More Info.... Moken 12

Specifications

Length: 3.8m / 12ft 4in
Width: 75cm / 29in
Weight: 33kg / 72.2lb
Max Capacity:
​250kg / 550lb (probably sinking point!).... i'd say more 180kg/400lb.

Seat: No
​Rudder: No

Enigma Kayaks Fishing Pro 12

A great kayak for the larger paddler for both coastal and inland waters. Its not the fastest 12ft fishing kayak but it does paddle well for a wider kayak and what it lacks in top end speed it makes up for in stability and carrying capacity. The Moken 12.5 will comfortably take a paddler between 18-21 stone / 115-130kg. Paddlers less than 12 stone may want to look for a faster hull if venturing out onto the open sea. Features include an easy-open bow hatch, a removable Sonar Pod for easy fish finder installation, a tank well screw hatch, Uni-Track slide tracks, adjustable footrests, wheel-in-the-keel and more! There is loads of storage space on this kayak too. The Moken 12.5 is supplied with a comfortable raised seating system. More info.... Moken 12.5

Specification

Length: 3.83m / 12ft 8in
Width: 82cm / 32in
Weight: 35kg / 77lb
Max Capacity:
​190kg / 420lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

A fantastic value-for-money fishing kayak and a good choice as a first fishing kayak. Good all-round size for coastal kayak fishing. Equipped with a rudder as standard which is great for the cost of the kayak. Plenty of features and options for accessorising further. Good-sized central tackle storage hatch and easy-open front hatch. Large rear storage area for carrying a crate or other equipment. This is an imported kayak made from LLDPE but it is certainly of good overall quality.  More Info.... Enigma Kayaks Fishing Pro 12

Specification

• Length: 363cm
• Width: 78cm
• Height: 35cm
• Weight: 31kg
• Weight Capacity: 160kg 
• Seat: Yes
• Rudder: Yes

Feelfree Moken 12.5 Angler V2

Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game 2 - Now Discontinued

A kayak designed for the larger paddler and aptly known as 'The Battleship'. Boasting a huge 600lb capacity, this kayak will be comfortable for paddlers up to and over 25 stone / 160kg. Paddlers less than 15 stone / 100kg will probably find this kayak a bit of a handful so would be better off looking at the Prowler 13 or Trident 13 from the OK range, or other models. Whilst having a loads of stability and storage space, the Big Game 2 is not the fastest kayak on the water and weaker paddlers may find it a bit sluggish. It comes as standard with the 'Element' deckchair style seating system. Other features include large bow hatch, adjustable foot rests, centre 'mod-pod' and mounting plates - these allow you to bolt on accessories without drilling into the hull. If your a big paddler looking for a stable craft then the BG2 may be the kayak for you. More info.... Prowler Big Game 2

Specification

Length: 3.9m / 12ft 9in
Width: 86.4cm / 34in
Weight: 31.7kg / 70lb
Max Capacity:
​270kg / 600lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Perception Triumph 13

A fantastic and affordable kayak for those buying their first fishing kayak, particularly for those who will be venturing out on the sea. Its sharp, flared bow rides over chop well and at 13ft it pushes well against tide and a bit of headwind. Some users report that it can suffer from weather cocking - this is where paddling across the direction of the wind can cause the kayak to turn into the wind (weather-cock). This means that you have to put in lots of corrective paddling strokes (often one sided paddling) to maintain a straight course across the wind. This issue can easily be solved by the addition of a rudder (around £175) and is a worthwhile investment if you are planning on paddling in windy conditions. In calm conditions the Triumph performs well without the need for a rudder. The standard spec doesn't come with any rod holders but it doesn't cost much to get a couple installed. The triumph has a large bow hatch that will take a kayak trolley, copious amounts of storage room in the rear tank well and comes as standard with a high-back padded seat. This kayak will comfortably take paddlers up to 16 stone / 100kg. A good choice for those new to kayak fishing. More info.... Triumph 13

Specification

Length: 4.09m / 13ft 5in
Width: 75cm / 29.5in
Weight: 26kg / 58lb
Max Capacity:
​159kg / 350lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 - Now Discontinued

A tried and tested hull design that is loved by many. The Prowler 13 is the do-it-all hull and is widely used on the sea and inland waters by kayak anglers. It paddles really well and will happily paddle in a bit of messy chop at sea. The deck design has undergone a few incarnations over the years but it all revolves around the iconic under hull shape. The latest design comes with a 'click-seal' bow hatch that will easily take a trolley, small twist-lock cockpit hatch, two flush mount rod holders, transducer scupper and Comfort Plus seat. At 25kg the Prowler 13 is manageable off the water and car topping is fairly easy with the solid side handles. A super choice for those new to kayak fishing and as a great all-rounder it is a kayak that may not need upgrading down the line. Paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg will get on well with this kayak. More info.... Prowler 13

Specification

Length: 4.1m / 13ft 4in
Width: 71.1cm / 28in
Weight: 25.4kg / 56lb
Max Capacity:
​204kg / 450lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Ocean Kayak Trident 13 - NOW DISCONTINUED

Another popular fishing kayak from Ocean Kayak. The Trident 13 has a nice mix of stability and speed that will suit first time paddlers and those more experienced on the water. Plenty of features make this a comfortable platform to fish from including the new ACS2 Seating system. The centre Mod Pod II is great for attaching accessories too, including fish finders and rod holders, and includes a hinged tackle compartment and magnetic gear holder. An oversized transducer scupper hole will take the majority of modern fish finder transducers for easier installation. Slide tracks features either side of the footwell and in the rear tankwell which are great for attaching accessories such as additional rod holders and camera mounts e.t.c. The bow hatch will easily take a kayak trolley, including the popular C-Tug. Plenty of room in the rear tankwell too for keeping a crate and gear. A rod tip cover also features on the bow for those rough surf launches and landings.

​The Trident 13 performs well at sea and will handle a decent amount of swell and chop. It is equally at home on inland waters. Paddlers up to 20 stone / 130kg will get on well with the Trident 13. More Info..... Trident 13 

Specification

Length: 4.1m / 13ft 6in
Width: 73.7cm / 29in
Weight: 35.8kg / 79lb
Max Capacity:
​160kg / 355lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Viking Profish 400

Viking are a new brand to enter the UK kayak fishing market. Designed for New Zealand saltwater kayak fishing, the Viking range is well suited to UK sea conditions. The Profish 400 Lite is very much a stripped down version of the longer Profish Reload. Although more basic on features than the Reload it is a more affordable option and still a great kayak for inshore kayak fishing, but is just at home on inland waters. It is a stable platform and has plenty of volume in the bow to push over choppy messy conditions. It does lack a big bow hatch which is a bit of a downside as a trolley can't be stored away inside the hull. Still, there is plenty of space in the tank well to store a crate and a trolley. A good-sized centre pod is present with a bait board built into the lid which is a nice touch,  the compartment beneath being sealed off from the main hull. Adjustable foot rests and 6 flush mount rod holders come as standard. ​At 26kg it is nice and manageable off the water too. This kayak will perform best for paddlers up to 17 stone / 110kg. More Info.... Profish 400 Lite

Specification

Length: 4.1m / 13ft 6in
Width: 78cm / 30.7in
Weight: 27kg / 59.5lb
Max Capacity:
​175kg / 385lb

Seat: No
​Rudder: Optional

14ft+ Fishing Kayaks

These kayaks are often the models that anglers will upgrade to once they know exactly what they are looking for in a fishing kayak to suit their style of fishing. At 14ft+ you get the speed and performance that will take on open coastal conditions, offshore conditions and the rough stuff  more comfortably than shorter hulls, particularly if you will be covering greater distances on the water. They still have their limits and some models are more performance orientated than others but they all make good saltwater and inland fishing kayaks. These kayaks also tend to be at the expensive end of the scale but in return they are usually well kitted out with the latest features. At this length they all track well (keep a straight course when paddled) and most come with the option of having a rudder, which can help with manoeuvrability and make handling easier in windy conditions for hulls of this length. 

If you go along to one of the big kayak fishing events you will see mainly kayaks from this category as these tend to be the kayaks used by those who are really into their kayak fishing. If your a first time buyer and are taking up kayak fishing with a view to be going regularly in a range of conditions  then it may be worth biting the bullet and getting one of these kayaks that you may eventually  upgrade to anyway in the near future! 

There are several excellent fishing kayaks in this size category.....

RTM Tempo Angler

Based on the iconic hull of the now discontinued Scupper Pro - the Tempo is regarded as the fastest plastic sit-on-top kayak currently available on the market. It has a low 'bucket style' seating position with deep moulded-in foot rests which provides a lot of connectivity between the hull and the paddler, almost like a sit-in kayak. It paddles really well in big sea conditions and is at home in big ocean swells and messy choppy conditions. Being fast through the water, the Tempo will paddle comfortably against tide and wind where other kayaks would struggle. Compromises are made to stability and on-deck storage space. The Tempo is fairly lacking in fishing features but the plain canvas allows for custom rigging. 2 flush mount rod holders are found behind the seat and the large bow hatch swallows up a kayak trolley with room for more. Blocks of buoyancy foam can be found in the hull to make the hull 'unsinkable' if compromised, to meet French regulations. The Tempo is also light for a 14.5ft kayak weighing in at just 24kg! Its speed, great performance in rough conditions and low hull weight have made this a popular kayak amongst more experienced saltwater kayak fisherman in the UK. The Tempo will suit paddlers who have some paddling experience weighing up to 16 stone / 100kg but will take a larger person if they are a confident paddler. If you want a kayak that paddles like a Tempo but has more features for fishing then take a look at the RTM Rytmo Angler below. More info.... Tempo Angler

Specification

Length: 4.5m / 14ft 9in
Width: 67cm / 26.3in
Weight: 24kg / 53lb
Max Capacity:
​170kg / 375lb

Seat: No
​Rudder: No

RTM Rytmo Angler

A new offshore fishing kayak from RTM...It's a Tempo on steroids! The Rytmo is based on the Tempo hull design but loaded with features to make this a comfortable fishing platform. It will handle big sea conditions with ease, paddles well against tide and wind and retains practically all the speed and hull performance found in the Tempo. Features include a large bow hatch with removable gear bucket, a hinged centre hatch sealed off from the main hull, rubber centre round hatch with storage bag, rubber gear pockets, slide tracks, transducer scupper that will take a Raymarine Dragonfly transducer, adjustable foot rests, 2 flush mount rod holders and 1 adjustable rod holder. The large tank well will take a crate and it even comes with a tackle box! It comes 'rudder-ready' so that a rudder can easily be fitted if required. It is also compatible with RTMs deckchair style 'premium' seat. Blocks of buoyancy foam can be found in the hull to make the hull 'unsinkable' if compromised, to meet French regulations. It is reasonably manageable off the water weighing in at approx. 29kg. A top kayak for saltwater fishing and is my current choice of kayak. The Rytmo will suit paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg, perhaps a bit more if the angler is a confident paddler. More info.... Rytmo Angler

Specification

Length: 4.56m / 14ft 11in
Width: 72cm / 28.3in
Weight: 29kg / 64lb
Max Capacity:
​180kg / 395lb

Seat: No
​Rudder: Optional

Wilderness Systems Thresher 140 & 155 - Now DISCONTINUED

Wilderness Systems offshore fishing kayak. The Thresher series comes in two size offerings the 140 (14' 3") and 155 (15' 6") designed specifically for saltwater kayak fishing. It is more than at home in big sea conditions and rougher inshore waters. It comes supplied with the AirPro adjustable seating system, adjustable foot rests, a flip top bow hatch sealed off from the main hull which makes a good fish storage area, a hinged centre hatch with built-in slide track, storage pockets, cockpit and tank well slide tracks and a removable fish finder pod which allows for a fish finder, battery and transducer set up to be installed all on one removable compartment. The Thresher is a relatively stable fishing kayak which will comfortably suit paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg for the 140, and 20 stone / 130kg for the 155. They are fairly heavy though at 34kg for the 140 and 36kg for the 155. A lack of access to the main hull through the front hatch seems a bit of an oversight to me. Available both with or without a rudder system installed. 

No longer available in the UK but can still be found occasionally second hand.

Specification

Length: 
140: ​4.34m / 14ft 3in
155: 4.72m / 15ft 6in
Width: 
140: 73cm / 28.75in
155: 76cm / 30in
Weight: 
140: 34kg / 75lb
155: 36kg / 80lb
Max Capacity:
​140: 180kg / 400lb
155: 205kg / 450lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Ocean Kayak Trident Ultra 4.3 & 4.7XT - Now Discontinued

The Trident Ultra series from Ocean Kayak is based on the Trident and Prowler hull designs to create a kayak that handles all sorts of saltwater conditions from the rough to the calm. Two size options are available, the 4.3 (14' 1") and 4.7XT which includes a rudder system (15" 5'). They have lots of volume around the pointy flared bow which allows the hull to ride up over rough chop and swells with ease. The 4.7 is pretty fast too and would give the RTM Tempo a run for its money. These kayaks are popular amongst UK saltwater kayak fisherman. Features include a 'click-lock' bow hatch, adjustable foot rests, a large deep centre hatch sealed off from the main hull, a reversible centre hatch lid, transducer scupper hole, Comfort Pro seat, 4 flush mount rod holders and a huge rear tank well. The 4.3 is fairly manageable off the water weighing 30 kg but the 4.7XT is a bit more of a handful at 39kg. These are very capable kayaks for UK saltwater kayak fishing and would suit paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg for the 4.3 and 20+ stone / 130+kg for the 4.7.

The Ultra series was discontinued by Ocean Kayak in 2017 with the release of the new Trident series. There are still plenty out there in use and you may find them on the second hand market! 

Specifications

Length: 
4.3: ​4.3m / 14ft 1in
4.7: 4.7m / 15ft 5in
Width: 
4.3: 74cm / 29.1in
4.7: 74cm / 29.1in
Weight: 
4.3: 30.8kg / 68lb
4.7: 39.5kg / 87lb
Max Capacity:
​4.3: 159kg / 350lb
4.7: 204kg / 450lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional on 4.3, included with 4.7XT

Ocean Kayak Trident 15 - NOW DISCONTINUED

The longest in the Trident series, the Trident 15 is built for paddling in big sea conditions and on big inland waters. The Trident 15 paddles well through chop conditions and against wind and tide and glides well on flat water. It is a stable ride and will suit paddlers of up to and perhaps over 20 stone / 130kg. The new ACS2 Seating system and adjustable foot rests provide comfort for long sessions on the water. The centre Mod Pod II is great for attaching accessories too, including fish finders and rod holders, and includes a hinged tackle compartment and magnetic gear holder. An oversized transducer scupper hole will take the majority of modern fish finder transducers for easier installation. Slide tracks feature either side of the footwell and in the rear tankwell which are great for attaching accessories such as additional rod holders and camera mounts e.t.c. The bow hatch will easily take a kayak trolley, including the popular C-Tug. There is plenty of room in the rear tankwell too for keeping a crate and gear. A stern hatch provides even more storage space! A rod tip cover also features on the bow for those rough surf launches and landings. A very capable kayak for UK saltwater and freshwater kayak fishing in both calm and rough conditions but it is at the heavy and expensive end of the scale for a 15ft plastic kayak.  More Info... Trident 15 

Specification

Length: 4.7m / 15ft 6in
Width: 72.4cm / 28.5in
Weight: 41.3kg / 91lb
Max Capacity:
​205kg / 455lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Optional

Viking Profish Reload

One of the best and most popular kayaks for UK saltwater kayak fishing. The Profish Reload has a shed loads of features including a removable tackle pod with built-in chopping board that makes fish finder installation easy, a large bow hatch, 2 screw hatch bait-wells behind the seat, adjustable foot rests, 6 flush mount rod holders, a Railblaza StarPort, Railblaza StarPort HD mounts at the stern and more! The hull paddles well in rougher sea conditions and the flared high-volume bow rides well over choppy waves. At over 14ft it paddles well too and is surprisingly stable. The tank well will easily take a crate and Viking even produce a Chill-Pod that fits here to keep fish fresh. Its a shame that the Reload doesn't come with slide tracks but aftermarket ones can be installed. A rudder can also be added as an optional extra. This kayak will suit paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg and is increasingly becoming popular in the UK. More Info.... Profish Reload 

Specification

Length: 4.5m / 14ft 9in
Width: 75cm / 29.5in
Weight: 31kg / 68.3lb
Max Capacity:
​200kg / 440lb

Seat: No
​Rudder: Optional

Composite Kayaks

Composite fishing kayaks are usually performance-orientated hulls constructed from fibreglass, and have narrower beams (width) than plastic kayaks of similar lengths. They are more aimed at experienced/confident paddlers over novices. A composite hull has a number of advantages over a plastic hull, primarily having a lack of any flex along the hull giving them great speed and performance when pushing through messy conditions. Their super smooth gelcoat hulls glide really well too. For paddlers looking at long distance trips at sea then glass kayaks are worth considering. Whilst having advantages they also have several disadvantages including higher price tags and a need for care when paddling around rocks and other solid objects to avoid damaging the hull.

​Many experienced saltwater kayakers have turned to composite hulls to allow them to paddle further more easily and through rough conditions more comfortably. There are a few models that have become popular in the UK, from Kaskazi kayaks and Stealth Kayaks, both manufactured in South Africa. These are usually custom made to order with the buyer getting to select the colour pattern used on the hull. Kazkazi Kayaks UK even offer on-water training as part of any new kayak purchase for both new and experienced paddlers. Now that is what i call great customer service!

Kaskazi Dorado 2 - DISCONTINUED

The specialist fishing kayak in the Kaskazi Kayaks range. A rudder comes as standard along with a large built-in fish storage box, tank-well with crate straps, 2 twist hatches, anchor attachment lines, flush mount rod holders and more. The deep seat well makes the Dorado exceptionally stable in rough conditions even with heavy loads. The Dorado will suit confident paddlers up to 18 stone / 115kg and is probably the most popular composite fishing kayak model used in the UK. Its narrow beam and long length make it particularly quick through the water and it handles big sea conditions well. 

​No longer available but there are plenty out there that will come up on the second hand market.

Specification

Length: 4.8m / 15ft 9in
Width: 63cm / 24in
Weight: 26kg / 57lb
Max Capacity:
​180kg / 395lb

Seat: No
​Rudder: Yes

Kaskazi Marlin - NOW DISCONTINUED

​Another angling kayak from Kazkazi with a slightly different hull design to the Dorado. It lacks the large fish box present in the Dorado but has a small hinge lid baitbox on the centre console. It comes as standard with a rudder and due to the considerable rocker at the stern (the amount of curvature lengthways along the hull) this is a must for the Marlin to track well when paddled. The amount of rocker present on the Marlin, along with its deep seat well, makes it paddle well and feel comfortable in messy conditions and sit well at anchor in tidal runs. A plastic storage crate can be found in the rear hatch and anchor lines are installed on both sides of the kayak. A large round bow hatch makes a good place to store a trolley. The Marlin is best suited to paddlers up to 16 stone / 100kg. 

​No longer available but there are plenty out there that will come up on the second hand market.

Specification

Length: 4.75m / 15ft 7in
Width: 62cm / 24in
Weight: 25kg / 55lb
Max Capacity:
​140kg / 308lb

Seat: No
Rudder: Yes

Stealth Pro Fisha Range 

The Pro Fisha range from Stealth comes in three models: 475, 525 and 575 ranging from 4.75m / 15ft 7in up to a massive 5.75m / 18ft 10in! Composite kayaks at this length are fast and will take you longer distances much easier than shorter alternatives. Despite being long the Pro Fisha range is also light with the 575 being just 26kg! Features include a a centre fish hatch, an under stern rudder, flush mounts rod holders and more. These are very capable kayaks in big sea conditions and have phenomenal glide qualities. Compromises are made to stability but if you are thinking of paddling far and getting there fast then the Pro Fisha range is worth a look at. The 475 is the most manoeuvrable of the range and best suited to paddlers up to 15 stone / 95kg. The 575 is the fastest of the range and is  best suited to paddlers up to 17 stone / 110kg. The 525 has a larger volume than the other two Prolfisha models and can take confident paddlers up to 21 stone / 135kg.

Difficult to get hold of in the UK but there are many out there that will come up on the second hand market.

Specification (varies per model)

Length: 4.75 - 5.75m / 15ft 7in - 18ft 10in
Width: 60.5cm / 23.8in
Weight: 24 - 26kg / 53 - 57lb
Max Capacity:
​155 - 195kg / 209 - 430lb

Seat: No
Rudder: Yes 

Pedal Driven Kayaks

The new wave of fishing kayaks! With the hull being propelled through the water using some sort of drive system manually powered by your feet, your hands are left completely free to fish with! Wow... now that opens up a whole new world of possibilities such as trolling whilst holding the rod, holding position in a tidal run or in the wind whilst fishing, drifting a bottom bait when there is no tide, current or wind to assist you, moving the kayak whilst playing a fish.... and much more. These are huge advantages, particularly for lure anglers... advantages which are mostly unachievable with a paddled hull. 

These advantages are why many kayak fisherman, lure anglers in particular, have opted for pedal-driven hulls. Are they kayaks? Well in my opinion i would still class a fish caught from a pedal driven hull as a kayak caught fish. Yes they have a number of advantages but the kayak is still being powered manually, just via your legs as opposed to your arms. There is nothing to stop these hulls being paddled too. If you have a fuel/electric powered motor then thats a whole different argument altogether!

There are a two major pedal drive systems: the Hobie Mirage Drive which operates using  reciprocating pedals and fins based on the action of Penguin flippers, and several rotating drives based on revolving pedals and propellors such as the Old Town PDL drive, Jackson Flex Drive, Wilderness Systems Helix drive, Native Propel Drive, Feelfree OverDrive, Riot Impulse Drive and Perception Pilot Drive systems. 

Both the Hobie Mirage Drive 180 (below left) and the Old Town PDL drive (below right) have the ability to be pedalled forwards and in reverse!

So lets take a look at the popular players in the UK pedal drive kayak market....

Hobie Outback

A cutting edge fishing kayak stacked full of the latest features. Wide and stable yet surprisingly efficient through the water. Hobie have made accessorising this kayak easy with numerous tracks and rails. The 2020 Mirage Drive range comes with the Mirage Drive 180 with Kic-Up Fins, the deckchair style Vantage CT seating system and a Hobie Guardian Transducer Shield  and cable seals ready fitted to make fish finder installation really easy. Other features include 4 flush mount rod holders, a rudder system with dual steering controls, a large bow hatch that will take a kayak trolley, a centre twist lock hatch with gear bucket, side storage pockets, H-Track and H-Rails for accessory attachment, a fibreglass paddle and a large rear tank well. The fins of the Mirage Drive can be put flat against the hull when in shallow water to avoid damage to the drive but they also 'kick-up' to avoid damage if they strike an objector the bottom. A very stable fishing craft for inshore and inland waters, but is a heavy off the water at 45kg / 99lb fully rigged with seat and drive system. The Outback will comfortably take a 20 stone+ / 130kg+ angler. More Info.... Outback

Specification

Length: 3.89m / 12ft 9in
Width: 86cm / 34in
Hull Weight: 38.5kg / 85lb
Rigged Weight: 46.7kg / 103lb
Max Capacity:
​192kg / 423lb

Seat: Yes
Rudder: Yes

Hobie Revolution 13

The Revolution range is the sportier of the Hobie fishing kayaks. Its narrow beam and sharp bow makes the Revo series fast through the water. The Revolution 13 is the most popular of the range and performs well on the sea in most conditions. It is also a lighter hull than the Outback at 40kg / 88lb rigged hull weight. As with the Outback, the 2020 Revo 13 comes with a Mirage Drive 180 with Kick Up Fins, the deckchair style Vantage CT seating system and comes 'Lowrance ready' with a transducer scupper hole with protective cover and deck seals ready fitted to make fish finder installation easy. Other features include a twist-n-stow rudder system, 2 flush mount rod holders, a large bow hatch that will take a kayak trolley, centre and stern twist lock hatches, side storage pockets, fibreglass paddle and a rear tank well that will take a crate. Compromises are made to on-deck storage space but aftermarket slide tracks can be installed on the gunwales to allow extra rod holders and other accessories to be installed. The fins of the Mirage Drive can be put flat against the hull when in shallow water to avoid damage to the drive. The Revo 13 is best suited for a pedaler less than 16 stone / 100kg. A super pedal kayak for inshore and inland fishing. More info.... Revo 13

Specification

Length: 4.09m / 13ft 9in
Width: 72cm / 28.5in
Hull Weight: 32kg / 70.5lb
Rigged Weight: 40kg / 88lb
Max Capacity:
​159kg / 350lb

Seat: Yes
Rudder: Yes

Hobie Revolution 16 - NOW DISCONTINUED

The longest and fastest of the Mirage drive kayaks. The Revo 16 is the pedal drive kayak for big sea conditions and pedalling over long distances. Its long sharp bow easily pushes through messy open sea conditions but It is equally at home on big inland waters where covering large areas of ground is needed. It is a superb kayak for lure fishing in faster tidal runs where a paddled kayak just wouldn't be able to fish. As with the Revo 13 it comes with the Mirage Drive 180 with Kick Up Fins, the deckchair style Vantage CT seating system and comes 'Lowrance ready' with a transducer scupper hole with protective cover and deck seals ready fitted to make fish finder installation easy. Other features include 2 flush mount rod holders, a twist-n-stow rudder system, a large bow hatch that will take a kayak trolley, centre and stern twist lock hatches, side storage pockets, fibreglass paddle and a rear tank well that will take a crate. Compromises are made to on-deck storage space but aftermarket slide tracks can be installed on the gunwales to allow extra rod holders and other accessories to be installed. The fins of the Mirage Drive can be put flat against the hull when in shallow water to avoid damage to the drive. The Revo 16 is best suited for a pedaler less than 16 stone / 100kg. A super pedal kayak for inshore and offshore saltwater kayak fishing. More Info.... Revo 16

Specification

Length: 4.88m / 16ft
Width: 70cm / 27.5in
Hull Weight: 34kg / 75.5lb
Rigged Weight: 42kg / 92lb
Max Capacity:
​159kg / 350lb

Seat: Yes
Rudder: Yes

Hobie Compass

The Compass takes design features from the Revolution and Pro Angler, offering stability within an efficient hull. It is also at a lower price point than the premium range from Hobie (Outback, Revolutions, Pro Anglers). It comes with the Mirage Drive GT with Kick Up Fins and a simplified set of deck features including side H-Tracks, a centre Twist-N-Stow hatch, two flush mount rod holders, a bow storage area with mesh cover, a comfortable Compass Vantage seat and a large rear cargo area. An under-hull rudder is controlled by a single steering handle and the kayak comes with a paddle. Great for general inshore and inland kayak fishing and an increasingly popular choice. 

Specification

Length: 3.66m / 12ft
Width: 86cm / 34in
Hull Weight: 31kg / 68lb
Rigged Weight: 39kg / 87lb
Max Capacity:
​181kg / 400lb

Seat: Yes
Rudder: Yes

Hobie Pro Angler 12 & 14

The Pro Angler series are verging on the edge of being small boats! These are big hulls designed to have huge amounts of carrying capacity and shed loads of stability so that you can load up with all the gear for a big day on the water. More so aimed at freshwater anglers but can be used in calmer inshore waters. Stand up fishing is easy. They boast a huge amount of features as would be expected for their high price tags. These are popular craft in the US where anglers will have them ready rigged on a trailer ready to launch straight into the water. They are used by some serious freshwater kayak anglers here in the UK along with a few saltwater anglers, although the Outback performs better here.

A fully adjustable Vantage seat system is more like a Captains chair, a huge bow hatch with a liner makes a great fish storage area, H-Rails run either side of the kayak to clamp on accessories, a large rectangular hatch with tackle boxes is found in front of the seat, a 8" twist seal hatch is found in  the tank well and horizontal rod storage tubes in the cockpit (4 on PA12, 6 on PA14) make taking ready rigged rods easy. As with other mirage drive kayaks, the Pro Anglers come with the Hobie Guardian Transducer Sheild and cable seals ready fitted to make fish finder installation easy. A tracking skeg can be deployed for better performance when covering longer distances in windy conditions and the retractable rudder can be steered from both sides of the kayak.  A 260cm fibreglass paddle is also included. These hulls can take big anglers, with both Pro Anglers able to take an angler of 25+ Stone / 160kg with plenty of kit. A lot of hull and a lot of features comes at a cost and not just financially... these are heavy kayaks so a bit if thinking is required for transportation when off the water. A good option for freshwater lure anglers fishing on big inland waters. More Info.... Pro Angler 12 & Pro Angler 14

For 2020 the Pro Anglers are also available in a 360 series complete with the revolutionary new Hobie 360 Mirage Drive that can be pedalled in 360 degrees of rotation for the ultimate craft control!

Specification

Length: 
PA12: ​3.66m / 12ft
PA14: 4.17m / 13ft 8in
Width: 
PA12: 91cm / 36in
PA14: 97cm / 38in
Hull Weight: 
PA12: 48kg / 105lb
PA14: 55kg / 120.5lb
Rigged Weight: 
PA12: 59kg / 129.5lb
PA14: 66kg / 145.5lb
Max Capacity:
​PA12: 227kg / 500lb
PA14: 272kg / 600lb

Seat: Yes
​Rudder: Yes

Riot Mako 12

A budget pedal drive kayak boasting a lot of features. The stable hull features an upswept bow that will handle general coastal conditions well. The Riot Impulse drive is a lightweight pedal unit that is easy to maintain. Steering is via a over-stern rudder and steering mechanism mounted beside the seat. The padded raised seat slides on gear trac for easy positioning. Other features include a small front and rear hatch, a large bow storage area, a rear storage area and 4 flush mount rod holders as standard. Whilst not quite as refined as the more premium pedal drive kayaks, the Riot Mako offers a really good budget option! More Info..... Mako 12

Specification

Length: 3.76m / 12ft 4in
Width: 86.4cm / 34in
Hull Weight: 28.5kg / 56.4lb
Rigged Weight: 34.8kg / 67.7lb
Max Capacity:
213kg / 470lb

Seat: Yes
Rudder: Yes

Old Town Predator PDL

This big capacity kayak is aimed at inland waters but can be used in calmer coastal conditions. Old Town's element element seating makes a comfortable platform to sit and fish from. The deck has lots of moulded ridges to provide good grip for stand up casting and fishing. Other features include a rudder system, bow hatch, accessory mounting boards, large rear tank well, rudder steering and uphaul/deploy levers, gear storage pockets and more. The drive prop can be lifted up when in shallow waters to avoid damage. Stacks of capacity means that the Predator PDL will take angler sup to 25 Stone / 160kg fairly comfortably. More Info.... Predator PDL

Specification

Length: 4m / 13ft 2in
Width: 91.4cm / 36in
Weight: 53.1kg / 117lb
Max Capacity:
​227kg / 500lb

Seat: Yes
Rudder: Yes

RRP: Not currently available in the UK - No Ocean Kayak UK Distributor

That is a lot of kayaks! 

The kayaks covered in this article are the models used by the vast majority of UK kayak fisherman. Each is different and each has its own place in the kayak fishing world. Some are great all-rounders, others are more specialist. Some are more suited to certain water conditions than others. Choosing the right kayak for your needs can be tough and take much research and thinking about but hopefully this article has helped to narrow down your your search for your first or next fishing kayak.

It can be difficult to decide exactly which model would be the best for you especially if you haven't seen many in the flesh. If possible, get down to your local kayak retailer and take a closer look at what is available. Often a kayak shop will only have a selection of kayaks looked at here but this will still give you a chance to look at some of them in close detail and begin to work out exactly what kayak is best for you. In the UK, Cornwall Canoes is the one-stop shop for all things kayak fishing, and they stock the majority of models mentioned in this guide.

​Another great way to see a variety of fishing kayaks is to go along to one of the big kayak fishing events, such as the Swanage Classic held in Dorset, the Ocean Kayak Classic held in Plymouth, or the Oxwich Kayak Fishing Championships held in South Wales. There are many more events held all over the UK and are often well attended by kayak anglers of all abilities. These events are great as often there are many different kayaks used by the competitors and this gives you a great chance to have a chat with the owners and take a closer look at how they are set up for fishing. 

There are often many reviews of these kayaks online so it is worth reading through them to see what users opinions are. Often there are also videos of the kayaks in use too, so these are worth checking out to get a better idea about how they paddle and what they are like to fish from. There is plenty of info out there, it is just a case of trawling through it to get the info you need to make an informed purchase. 

​Once you have decided on the right kayak for you then bite the bullet and go and buy it! You'll soon be on the water and catching fish!

​Any questions, just comment below....