10 Best Fishing Kayaks 2026 in the United States

The Old Town Sportsman 120 is a 12-foot fishing kayak designed for anglers who want a stable and comfortable experience on the water. Its pontoon-style hull offers excellent stability, making it a great choice for fishing or hunting, even in calm to moderately choppy waters. It supports a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds (including gear), which is ample for most single users and their equipment. The kayak weighs 85 pounds, which is somewhat heavy and might require assistance when loading or transporting.

Comfort is a strong point with the premium dual-layer mesh seat that helps keep you cool during long fishing trips, and adjustable foot braces that improve paddling efficiency. Storage-wise, it includes a custom tackle box and multiple rod holders, plus accessory tracks to add gear like fish finders, which are easy to mount thanks to a universal transducer system. The kayak does not come with a paddle, so you will need to buy one separately.

While it excels in stability and convenience for fishing, it lacks a built-in propulsion system, so movement relies on paddling. This kayak is best suited for casual anglers and tournament pros who prioritize comfort and gear organization over speed. Its polyethylene build ensures durability but adds to the weight, which might be a drawback if you frequently transport it alone. The Sportsman 120 is a well-rounded, stable fishing kayak with thoughtful features for a day on the water, especially for those who value comfort and gear accessibility.

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.