Fishing Kayak Buyer's Guide for 2023

A kayak is a small, narrow watercraft typically propelled by a paddle. The question of what kayak an angler should buy is the first to pop up when looking for and purchasing a kayak; it is often considered the most complex question to answer. 

Fishing kayaks are available in a range of propulsion alternatives, and this fishing kayak buying guide will help you choose the best kayak for you. Some kayaks are paddled old-fashioned; some prefer an inflatable fishing kayak, while others utilize a fin or propeller system powered by foot pedal drive. Fishing kayaks have recently evolved to handle electric trolling motors for fully motorized kayaking. There are three things a kayak paddler should keep in mind. Initially, decide what type of fishing and fishing tours you will most likely do. Kayaks are developed for different fishing types, so picking one that matches your fishing needs is essential. Second, always consider the size and weight of the kayak. An angler might want something easy to transport and operate. Finally, evaluate the kayak's storage space. You'll need enough space to hold your fishing gear like a fish finder and the fish you will catch.

This fishing kayak buying guide will walk you through every step, including determining the correct kayak size, deciding whether you need a skeg or a paddle board, and selecting a retailer such as Johnson Outdoors Inc or Sea Eagle. Additionally, this kayak fishing guide will suggest some of the best kayaks you can choose from and buy.

1. Argo 100XP Angler

The Argo 100XP Angler is considered the best fishing kayak because it is tailored explicitly for paddlers looking to use their kayak fishing regularly or on recreational expeditions. The Argo kayak is excellent for kayaking enthusiasts, and it is available in three different designs: Classic White, Magnetic Gray, and Sandstone. A self-bailing structure and a spacious cockpit emphasize the 100XP. The Argo 100XP has a load capacity of 275 lbs, enough for a single rider and all the essential elements for fishing. With ergonomic carrying handles at only 41 lb., you can easily carry the Argo 100XP Angler wherever you want. You can travel to Florida and try the Key West kayak fishing guide or to Texas to experience the Galveston kayak fishing guide. 

2. Blackfoot Angler 160

The Blackfoot is a tandem technical angling boat for today's advanced anglers. The Blackfoot Angler 160 is named after the legendary Blackfoot River in Montana. At 16 feet, the longer kayak is outfitted with many storages and mounting options for holding the tools and gear an angler need when tandem fishing. Plush adjustable stools and a drop-stitch hard-bottom floor correlate to comfort and performance in a package that can go and carry almost anywhere. If you spend every waking hour hunting for fish, the Blackfoot Angler 160 is the boat for you. This Blackfoot series includes two seats, a fin, a fishing cooler, a storage bag, a Halkey-Roberts Valve adaptor, and a repair kit. It also has a nice rod holder. It is perfect for freshwater fishing trips or any fishing.

3. Pescador Pilot 12.0

The Perception Pescador Pilot 12.0 fishing kayak has features for those who want a sit-on-top recreational kayak. It is made of high-density polyethylene; the Pescador Pilot is a sturdy, stable kayak that won't spring leaks because it is molded in one piece without hems. Perception designed the Pescador Pilot 12.0 for comfort and stability. Anglers can take this kayak on lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal waters they prefer. Anglers can use it while fishing in Louisiana or take it on their Kauai fishing trips.

4. Outlaw 11.5

Perception's Outlaw 11.5 brags a wide-open deck, an expansive standing platform, nicely elevated seating, and intuitive features throughout, disrupting the concept that an incredibly unique fishing kayak needs to break the bank. The Outlaw 11.5 incorporates industry-firsts, including a stowaway seat for complete deck walkability and space for a spacious 35L cooler, two double barrel fishing rod holders offering the ultimate 4-rod setup, and elevated seating for the highest angling vantage. The Outlaw 11.5 has styling and accessories found on more costly kayaks, all for a lower price. 

5. Frontier 12

The Frontier 12 is the ultimate fishing kayak, especially for modern anglers. Thanks to exceptional stability and a completely adaptable expansive, open deck the Frontier 12 offers, you can genuinely fish without boundaries. Whether you go angling alone or with a partner, while standing or sitting, in the best places for fishing like rivers or lakes, while fly fishing, paddling, or trolling using a trolling motor, the Frontier 12's exceptional stability, and 360 pinnacle seat will keep you safe and at ease.

Final Thoughts

As you finish reading this Fishing Kayak Buyers Guide for 2023, you will be able to find the best kayak suitable for your angling need. An angler must choose the best kayak for him, but that's the trick—looking for the boat suited to one's specific requirements. With many companies creating hundreds of different kayak models, there is undoubtedly a kayak for every sort of paddling and every type of paddler. A kayak angler has a variety of options, from inexpensive, simple-to-use recreational kayaks with enough fish-focused components to complex rigs costing thousands of dollars and capable of landing enormous offshore trophy fish. Anglers can choose from inflatable kayaks, ocean kayaks to use in open water, or any kayaks they prefer. It is always fun to book freshwater charters like some of Louisiana's inshore fishing charters to help you with your fishing adventures. Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures in Hampstead, Brynnie-B Inshore Fishing in Stoneharbour, Get'n Hooked Inshore Adventures in New Orleans, and Sweet Lips Fishing Charters in Jacksonville Beach are some top fishing charters you can book.