10 Best Fishing Kayaks 2025 in the United States

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak in Steel Camo is designed for fishing enthusiasts who value stability and convenience. At 10 feet 6 inches in length, it's compact and manageable, making it easy to transport and store. With a width that ensures stability and a weight capacity of 450 pounds, it can comfortably support both the angler and their gear. The pontoon-style hull contributes to its stability and quietness on the water, making it ideal for fishing in calm waters.

The pedal drive system allows for hands-free navigation, which is a significant advantage for those who want to focus on fishing without worrying about paddling. The system also includes a forward and reverse function, enhancing maneuverability. One of its standout features is the comfortable mesh seat, which provides excellent lumbar support and is adjustable for different leg lengths, ensuring a comfortable day on the water. The kayak also offers ample storage options, including an oversized tankwell, storage under the seat, side pockets, and a sealed bow hatch for dry storage.

Customizable accessory tracks, rod holders, and a dedicated horizontal rod storage make it easy to manage gear and tackle. However, at 107 pounds, the kayak is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for solo users when transporting. Additionally, while it offers a lot of storage, it might feel cramped for those who prefer more space. The lack of a paddle included means an extra purchase is necessary for those who want the option. To sum up, this kayak is well-suited for dedicated anglers looking for a stable, feature-rich option that allows for hands-free fishing, though its weight and additional paddle requirement are points to consider.

The Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Kayak - Ahi is a solid choice for fishing enthusiasts who prefer a stable and comfortable single-person kayak. With a length of 12 feet and a width of 34.5 inches, it strikes a nice balance between maneuverability and stability on the water, which is important for fishing activities. Its polyethylene hull provides durability and the pedal drive system allows hands-free propulsion, giving you more freedom to fish without paddling constantly.

The seating is particularly comfortable and adjustable, featuring a breathable mesh cover that helps keep you dry and a slide-track system for customized positioning. Storage is well thought out with a large stern tankwell that can hold coolers or gear, and the kayak includes three flush-mount rod holders strategically placed for easy access. Additional accessory tracks on both sides offer flexibility to add fishing or comfort gear like cup holders.

One notable drawback is the relatively heavy weight of 113 pounds, which might make transport and loading more challenging for some users. Also, the kayak is designed primarily for one person, so it may not suit those looking for tandem options. For those seeking a user-friendly, well-equipped pedal kayak that supports fishing comfort and customization, this model is distinguished by its blend of stability, convenience, and thoughtful features.

The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 is a well-equipped fishing kayak designed for anglers who want to reach fishing spots quickly and stay put without hassle. At 13 feet 6 inches long with a robust 660-pound weight capacity, it comfortably supports one person along with gear or catches. Its single-layer polyethylene hull offers a good balance of durability and stability, making it suitable for various water conditions. One standout feature is the integrated Minn Kota trolling motor, which is saltwater-ready and GPS-enabled; it can be controlled via a Bluetooth i-Pilot remote to easily maneuver or lock the kayak in place using Spot-Lock technology. This frees up your hands for fishing, which is a big plus.

The kayak includes practical storage options like a custom tackle box, multiple rod holders (both forward- and rear-facing), and accessory mounting tracks, helping organize fishing gear efficiently. Comfort-wise, the premium dual-layer mesh seat is removable and breathable, and adjustable foot braces combined with a large rudder provide good control and ease of steering. Non-slip deck pads add safety when standing. However, note that the kayak itself is quite heavy at 158 pounds, plus 24 pounds for the motor console, which might make transportation and launching more challenging for some users. Also, the motor battery is not included, so you'll need to purchase that separately.

This kayak is well suited for serious anglers looking for a stable, motor-powered platform with smart features to enhance fishing convenience, though it might be less ideal if you prioritize lightweight or purely manual kayaking.