10 Best Fishing Kayaks 2026 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 Sportsman AutoPilot 136 is a great choice for anglers wanting a motorized fishing kayak with advanced features. Its 13-foot length offers a good balance between maneuverability and water tracking. With a wide 39-inch beam and a high weight capacity of 660 pounds, it provides impressive stability and can carry both a person and plenty of gear comfortably. The rotomolded polyethylene hull ensures durability on various water conditions. A key highlight is the integrated Minn Kota trolling motor with GPS and Spot-Lock technology, allowing hands-free positioning and easier movement to fishing spots. This motor system is controlled via Bluetooth and an i-Pilot remote, enhancing convenience, although the motor battery is not included, which is an added expense.

Storage is well thought out with accessory tracks, a custom tackle box, and multiple rod holders, helping keep gear organized and accessible. The dual-layer mesh seat is removable and designed for comfort, helping anglers stay cool on longer trips. Adjustable foot braces and an extra-large rudder contribute to good control and steering. However, the kayak is relatively heavy at 158 pounds (plus 24 pounds for the motor console), which might make transport a bit challenging for some. Also, the paddle is not included, so you'll need to budget for that separately.

This kayak is ideal for serious solo anglers who want a stable, comfortable, and tech-equipped fishing platform with motorized propulsion.

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak in Ember Camo is a well-rounded option for fishing enthusiasts who value stability and hands-free navigation. Its 10-foot 6-inch length and 36-inch width provide a stable platform, making it easier to stand while fishing. The pontoon-style hull ensures quiet movement on the water, which is beneficial for not scaring away fish. With an impressive 450-pound weight capacity, it can comfortably support the user and their gear, though the kayak itself is relatively heavy at 107 pounds, which might be challenging for solo transport without assistance. However, the removable pedal console, weighing 18 pounds, does make it somewhat easier to handle when loading onto a car top.

The forward/reverse pedal drive system is a standout feature, offering ease of movement and allowing anglers to focus on fishing without having to paddle. The kayak is equipped with ample storage options, including an oversized tankwell, under-seat storage, side pockets, and a sealed bow hatch, ensuring that all your gear is well-organized and accessible. Comfort is a key focus, with a premium mesh seat providing excellent lumbar support and adjustable settings for a custom fit. Non-slip EVA foam deck pads add to the comfort, especially for those who prefer to stand while fishing.

Additionally, the numerous rod holders and customizable accessory tracks enhance the kayak's functionality. One notable convenience is the universal transducer mounting system for quick installation of a fish finder. Some minor drawbacks include the kayak's heavier weight and the lack of included paddle, which will need to be purchased separately. The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 is a solid choice for dedicated anglers looking for a reliable and comfortable fishing kayak with advanced features.