Choosing a Fishing KayakLast Updated April 2020 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:
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 SpendOf 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 AvoidAs 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. They are often direct rip-offs of well-known and respected fishing kayak hull designs. 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. At the end of the day, the lifetime of the hull is going to be less. The components and fixings used within the manufacture of 'cheap import' kayaks are usually low quality too, and this may result in them failing. 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. Steer clear of the cheap stuff and you won't go too far wrong. 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 KayaksThere 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 KayaksThese 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
 Feelfree Moken 10 Lite
 Feelfree Moken 10 Angler V2
 Ocean Kayak Trident 11
 Feelfree Lure 10 V2
 12-13ft Fishing KayaksThe 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 120 E
 Feelfree Moken 12 Angler
 Feelfree Moken 12.5 Angler V2
 Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game 2
 Perception Triumph 13
 Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
 Ocean Kayak Trident 13
 Viking Profish 400
 14ft+ Fishing KayaksThese 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
 RTM Rytmo Angler
 Wilderness Systems Thresher 140 and 155 |
| 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. | SpecificationLength: 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 - Discontinued in 2017
| 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! | SpecificationsLength: 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
| 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 | SpecificationLength: 4.7m / 15ft 6in Width: 72.4cm / 28.5in Weight: 41.3kg / 91lb Max Capacity: 205kg / 455lb Seat: Yes Rudder: Optional RRP: Not currently available in the UK - No Ocean Kayak UK Distributor |
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 | SpecificationLength: 4.5m / 14ft 9in Width: 75cm / 29.5in Weight: 31kg / 68.3lb Max Capacity: 200kg / 440lb Seat: No Rudder: Optional RRP: £1299 |
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!
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
| No Longer Available 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. | SpecificationLength: 4.8m / 15ft 9in Width: 63cm / 24in Weight: 26kg / 57lb Max Capacity: 180kg / 395lb Seat: No Rudder: Yes |
Kaskazi Marlin
| No Longer Available 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. | SpecificationLength: 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. More Info.... Profisha Range 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!
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!
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So lets take a look at the popular players in the UK pedal drive kayak market....
Hobie Outback - 2020 Model
| 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 | SpecificationLength: 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 RRP: From £3349 |
Hobie Revolution 13 - 2020 Model
| 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 | SpecificationLength: 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 RRP: £3049 |
Hobie Revolution 16 - 2020 Model
| 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 | SpecificationLength: 4.88m / 16ft Width: 70cm / 27.5in Hull Weight: 34kg / 75.5lb Rigged Weight: 42kg / 92lb Max Capacity: 159kg / 350lb Seat: Yes Rudder: Yes Price: £3149 |
Hobie Compass - 2020 Model
| 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. | SpecificationLength: 3.66m / 12ft Width: 86cm / 34in Hull Weight: 31kg / 68lb Rigged Weight: 39kg / 87lb Max Capacity: 181kg / 400lb Seat: Yes Rudder: Yes Price: From £2249 |
Hobie Pro Angler 12 & 14 - 2020 Model
| 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! | SpecificationLength: 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 RRP: From £3949 for the PA12 and From £4249 for the PA14 |
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 | SpecificationLength: 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 RRP: £1199 Also available in a 10ft model. |
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 | SpecificationLength: 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....
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....
29 Comments
Kernow
27/9/2016 20:50:37
Very helpful post for a growing activity,especially for new buyers,fresh to the scene.
Excellent reference point,I'm sure you allocated a fair bit of time to comprise that Liam,nice one mate
Chris Hayes
28/9/2016 15:49:46
Excellent blog Liam, all very enjoyable and interesting to read.
Andy
4/10/2016 14:15:31
What a write up that is!! I wish this kind of thing was around when I started a couple of years ago, must of took some time to cobble that together........a great read, many thanks!!
Cornish Kayak Angler
10/10/2016 11:13:29
Cheers Andy. Yep this one took quite a few of evenings to put together, hopefully it will help a few people out :)
6/10/2016 00:57:11
Excellent write up mate, must of taken you a fair bit of time write it all. I think might of reviewed pretty much every single angler kayak on the market :)
Cornish Kayak Angler
10/10/2016 11:14:46
Thanks Brendon. It took a fair few evenings to put together! It's not every fishing kayak on the market in the UK but must be a good 80% of the fishing kayaks people use here
12/10/2016 16:24:46
None the less, It's still an impressive list. I'll be staying tuned for your other posts.
Graham
24/10/2016 21:26:54
Thanks for your reviews on the kayaks most helpful, as i'm about to buy a kayak for the first time and not sure what model to buy?
The thing that has surprised me the most is the weight of the kayaks, that is to be able to "car top" the kayaks?
The length i'm looking at is in the 12ft range, is there a technique to be able to get these kayaks up on top of a car with roof bars? I will be mainly fishing on my own so your insight in to loading onto a car would be helpful.
Regards Graham.
Cornish Kayak Angler
24/10/2016 22:03:39
Hi Graham,
Kayaks aren't the easiest of things to handle off the water, particularly the ones over 30kg. Some people can just use brute strength and car top with a straight lift up over their heads. Unfortunately we aren't all capable of this (I struggle to car top anything over 25kg with a straight lift!). There are certainly ways to make it easier where the whole weight of the kayak is never lifted in one go. I find the easiest way is to put a soft towel or pillow over the boot/back of the car. You then need to strategically position the kayak so that the stern is around central to the width of the car, and the kayak then laying at an angle with the bow just poking out alongside the boot/rear wheel area. It is then a case of lifting the bow and placing it upon the towel that is over the back of the car. Keep hold of the kayak and work your way back down to the stern. To prevent slipping it can be worth putting another towel or rubber door mat under the stern. Once there you can lift the stern and push to slide the kayak up onto the room rack. Depending on the shape of the kayak you may be able to strap it with the deck facing skywards - this works if the bottom of the hull is fairly flat with no defined keel line to potentially crush. Most kayaks need to be turned over so that the underside of the hull is skywards. This can be a little bit tricky and often requires the need to stand on a door ledge of wheel to be able to reach over the kayak and roll it up towards you to flip it over on the rack. Sometimes a piece of rope, or spare roof rack strap tied to the far side handle can help you pull the kayak up to roll it over. Roof racks cradles such as the Thule Kayak Carriers or Hydroglides are are good option as you can slide the kayak in deck side up with the cradles supporting the kayak for strapping down - this gets around the need to flip the kayak over.
It's not the easiest or most enjoyable part of kayak fishing but everyone finds their own knack of doing it and it does become easier over time!
Hope the info helps :) If you need any more info on any of the kayaks to help you in your search then let me know.
Cheers,
Liam
Cornish Kayak Angler
28/1/2017 23:09:33
Hi Mal,
Thanks for your comments. The Sturgeon is not mentioned in this post because it is what I class as one of the cheap imported kayaks whose hull design is a rip off of a well known longstanding design, in this case the Perception Triumph 13. I have seen several in the flesh and quality wise they aren't up to the mark of the main brand manufacturers. I won't be too negative about them though as they offer the chance to enter the kayak fishing world on a budget :) there are many models available around the £500 mark though. If possible get along to your local kayak shop and take a look at what's available!
Cheers,
Liam
Cornish Kayak Angler
30/3/2017 19:49:16
Hi Donald,
The shorter 10-12ft kayaks work well on smaller streams and rivers. You want something that is manoeuvrable for paddling around and something through obstacles/features where sharp turning may be required. I'm not an expert on river fishing from a kayak but the shorter kayaks tend to be fine based on what i've seen others use. Take a look at the Ocean Kayak Trident 11, Feelfree Moken 10 Lite, Viking Profish GT and the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100. If the river is wider with more open water than the longer kayaks work well too.
Cheers,
Liam
Warren Sheridan
19/5/2017 21:18:32
I'm seriously considering a 2017 model Viking Profish GT.. it will be used on inland waterways and lakes..
Does anyone have any advice or experience re this model?
Chetty
28/7/2017 15:56:46
Firstly let me say "Thanks" been looking for this sort of advice for an age!
I am finding it hard to decide.... I have had my Tarpon 120 Angler or the Moken 12.5.
There's not a lot of difference in price and the specs. both look pretty impressive. If anything the Moken is slightly ahead because of the centre console.
I am 14.5-15 stone fishing off the East Coast of England. Any advice?
Thanks,
Chetty
Cornish Kayak Angler
28/7/2017 16:11:03
Hi Chetty, thanks for the comments. The Moken 12.5 is the more stable craft of the two, and the tarpon 120 the slightly faster. Both will comfortably take your body weight and both come supplied with comfortable seats. The Moken 12.5 is certainly rigged up more for fishing and the centre console is very handy for storage. Both are capable coastal paddling and fishing kayaks up to moderate sea conditions.
Hope this extra info helps. If there are any specific questions about each model then ask away as I am quite familiar with both kayaks.
Cheers,
Liam
4/3/2018 07:08:54
Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here.
19/3/2018 09:21:34
Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post.
Jan Viljoen
23/10/2018 15:44:20
I'm the owner of a Wilderness Thresher 155 and was wondering if the kayak will still float when filled with water -(like when it flips and the hatch leaks or is open) - Buoyancy Compliant ? I've heard about buoyancy foam in side the hull - is that true? How effective?
6/2/2019 18:20:34
Hi, good tips there. I thought another point that will make wonder about fishing kayaks when they choose one is whether they'll want a pedal Kayak or Jackson kayak. I think the benefits of the fishing kayaks are worth exploring too =)
Joseph Doran
20/1/2020 20:39:19
I just saw your comments on the Galaxy kayaks back in 2017, do you still have the same opinion now or do you think they have improved
Alan
31/5/2020 17:13:07
Are there any two seater sea kayaks you would recommend
10/6/2020 10:12:38
Great article, i have always wanted to go kayak fishing. I reckon ill need to try it out before i spend $600 plus.
Realistically whats the minimum starting budget you would go for if you were a beginner. Id rather spend a bit more than get something ill regret buying after 6 months.
Leave a Reply.
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