Being an avid lover of kayak fishing, you would know how much fun and exciting it can be. But if you don’t have the most stable fishing kayak, this excitement can turn into a hassle.
Whether you are fishing in an open ocean or small rivers or ponds, you do not want to scare your prey away by making a big splash in the water, do you?
To avoid this, you need to get your hands on the best fishing kayak that gives you the much needed balance and maneuverability that you require for kayak fishing.
Editor’s Choice – Intex Challenger Kayak Series
Out of all the fishing kayaks that we reviewed, one that caught our eye was the Intex Challenger Kayak Series.
This is a durable, comfortable and easily inflatable fishing kayak that you can possibly find within this price range. You will get a good overall fishing experience once you are in this boat.
Most Stable Kayak to Buy in 2020
- Intex Challenger Kayak Series
- Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
- Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak – Perfect for Kids
- Advanced Elements Lagoon 1-Person Kayak
- Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 Fishing Kayak
- Bonafide RS-117
- Perception Pescador Pro 12
Intex Challenger Kayak Series
The Intex Challenger Fishing Kayak is our top pick for a number of reasons, some of them are:
With a cargo net for extra storage and a grab line on both ends of the kayak, this boat makes fishing fun, safe and convenient all at the same time.
Durable Design
Built with long-lasting and solid welded material, this fishing kayak is a lot more durable than other rival products in this category and price range.
The cockpit area provides immense comfort and convenience once you’re all settled in. This 9ft x 2ft 6in fishing kayak is undoubtedly one of the better boats available today.
Easy Inflation and Deflation
This kayak comes with Boston valves and a Hi-output hand pump that lets you inflate or deflate the boat rather quickly and with ease.
In addition to this, it also comes with an 84 inch aluminum oar and a repair patch. The overall measurement of this kayak is 30 x 15 x 108 in (W x H x D).
Bring Along Extra Gear
If you are worried about the space for your equipment, well, with this kayak you do not have to worry anymore.
The cargo net allows you to store your gear or any other additional items that you want to take along into open waters.
Pros
- Durable Design
- Comfortable Sitting Area with Added Space
- Easily Inflation/Deflation
- Cargo Net for Extra Storage
- Hand Pump, Aluminum Oar and Repair Patch Included
- Adjustable Seat Positions
Cons
Not easy to put it back in the bag when it is wet or sandy.
Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is also one of the best sit-on-top fishing kayaks available in this price range.
One of the standout features of this kayak is its ability to deflate and be carried on its own backpack and shoulder straps. Once inflated, this backpack is used as the kayak’s seat.
21-Gauge PVC Material Gives Strength
This kayak is made from 21-gauge PVC material which gives it more resistance to strain and other external elements that affect the exterior of the boat.
In addition to this, it has a tarpaulin bottom which makes it less likely to get punctured upon contact with an object or a submerged obstacle.
Multiple Air Chambers
No kayak is 100% safe from puncture. So keeping this fact in mind, this kayak has multiple air chambers – if one of the air chambers gets punctured by accident, other chambers will stay inflated and will not let the boat to sink completely.
Good, Inexpensive Kayak for Beginners
If you are someone new to kayaker and do not have a lot of fishing gear to carry with you, this could be a decent, affordable option to go for.
However, it does not have the best maneuverability and storage space as compared to other kayaks in the similar product category.
Pros
- Easy to Inflate and Deflate
- Multiple Air Chambers Avoid Sinking if Punctured
- Tarpaulin Bottom Gives More Protection
- Enough Room for a Small Dog
Cons
- Not enough room for a lot of fishing equipment
- Not recommended for ocean kayaking
Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak – Perfect for Kids
This lightweight, 6 feet kayak is a perfect choice if you want your kid to learn the art of kayaking or kayak fishing.
Designed specifically for children aged 5 and above, this kayak has sloped ends to make it easy for the kid to get on and an ergonomic cockpit design to make it comfortable for the kids.
Molded Finger Handles for Better Grip
Your kid might still be in his learning phase of balancing while getting on and off a kayak or even while he is kayaking in open waters.
To make it easier for the child, this kayak comes with molded finger handles that allows better grip for the child during kayaking.
Multiple Footrest Positions
You do not want your kid to be sitting on an uncomfortable kayak with their feet stuck in one position.
This kayak comes with multiple footrest positions so that your kids doesn’t get bored from one static angle as long as they are in the water.
Easy Re-enter from the Water
It is a known fact that your kid will fall into the water a lot of times, that is how they learn, don’t they?
So it is always a good idea to give them a kayak that makes it easier for them to get back on the kayak rather easily. This kayak has sloped ends with a swim-up step that lets the kid to easily re-enter the kayak from the water.
Pros
- Lightweight (18 lb.) Designed Specifically for Kids
- Ideal for Kids Aged 5 and Above
- Sloped Ends for Easy Re-enter Upon Fall
- Multiple Footrest Positions
- Made from High Density Polyethylene Makes it More Durable
- Comes with a Kayak Paddle
Cons
- Some users had concerns about the weight of this kayak, as kids can’t carry it on their own.
Advanced Elements Lagoon 1-Person Kayak
The Lagoon 1 by Advanced Elements is a unique, sporty-looking kayak that does well in lakes, mild rivers, estuaries and bays.
With an 8 feet 4 inches length and a 34 inches width, this kayak can easily carry around 250 lbs. The best part about this kayak is its light weight – it only weighs 23 pounds, making it a relatively light kayak to carry.
Improved Tracking
This one comes with built-in rigid panels on the bow and the stern that gives better tracking and overall control while you are out in the water.
Moreover, the molded rubber-grip handles and bungee deck lacing make this kayak even more rugged and add to the overall stability of the boat.
Easy to Inflate
Nobody wants to spend a lot of time or effort inflating and deflating a kayak. To overcome this issue, the Lagoon 1 kayak comes with high-flow spring valves and quick-inflating Twistlok that makes the process real easy and quick.
Padded Seat for Extra Comfort
For added comfort during kayak fishing, this kayak comes with a padded high-support seat that won’t hurt your back or make you feel exhausted if you’re out there kayak fishing for longer durations.
Pros
- Recommended for Single Person for Lakes, Mild Rivers and Bays
- Built-in Rigid Panels
- Quick Inflation with Twistlok
- Padded Seat
- 250 lbs. Weight Capacity
Cons
- Not recommended for water surface with a lot of turf or similar rough waters as it does not have drain valves.
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 Fishing Kayak
The Skipjack 90 is a compact, lightweight and an affordable fishing kayak that fits into almost all SUV’s or on the roof rails on sedans and hatchbacks.
This is an all-purpose kayak that gives you a good overall experience if you are planning to catch your prey in rivers, lakes, ponds and oceans.
Enhanced Design for Increased Stability
Stability is one of the prime elements any fishing kayak should have – and this one does! The Skipjack 90 will give you a smooth and stable kayaking experience in all types of waters.
This is a single-piece kayak that is built using the best polyethylene material – making it more durable and rugged as compared to other kayaks in this price range.
Backrest and Cushion Give More Comfort
With built-in backrest and cushioned seats, your back will be in the right position and it won’t make you feel exhausted if you are out there fishing for longer time periods.
Also, it has comfort grip carrying handles and foot braces to add to the overall convenience while kayaking.
Extra Storage
When it comes to storage, this kayak gives you added space in the rear, center and front storage areas. It has a V-Wave deck plate that comes with a waterproof cargo bag.
Pros
- Leak Proof and Highly Durable
- Price Affordability
- Comfort Seating and Backrest
- Extra Storage Areas (rear, center and front)
- Sufficient Space for Fishing Gear Mount
Cons
- Sometimes, the plastic buckles that keep the seat in place, might not hold for long.
Bonafide RS-117
If you are looking to make a long-term investment in a kayak that makes your kayak fishing experience better each time, the Bonafide RS-117 is certainly a decent option.
It is on the higher price side, as compared to other fishing kayaks available out there, however, it will give you the right value for your money.
Sufficient Storage for Your Fishing Gear
One of your deciding factors for a fishing kayak could be the amount of space you have to carry your essential fishing items with you while you are kayak fishing.
This kayak has a centralized storage pod, integrated cup holder and under the seat tackle storage to make sure your fishing equipment is all well-settled and tucked in before you head out to the water.
Improved Stability and Paddling Performance
The RS-117 has an outstanding standing stability and foot room for top-notch paddling performance. Whether you are lake fishing or river fishing, this boat will give you the stability and traction that you need for kayak fishing.
Super Comfortable Stadium Seat
The upgraded version of this model comes with an all-new Stadium Seat that is extremely light weight and quite easy to adjust. It comes with two different seating positions, that adjusts well for added comfort throughout your kayaking day.
Pros
- Adjusts Well with All Water Environments
- Sturdy Hybrid Cat Hull Design
- Improved Stability and Balance
- Light Weight All-New Stadium Seat
- Paddle Management Points
- Cockpit Deck Traction
Cons
- On the higher price side.
View Product on Manufacturer Website
Perception Pescador Pro 12
The Pescador Pro 12 is a recreational vessel that is recommended for river, ponds, lakes and other mild water kayaking.
High Grade Polyethylene Design
Build from high-grade polyethylene plastic, this is a one-piece kayak that is quite well-known for its strong, durable construction.
Ideal Weight and Size for Enhanced Stability
With a weight of 64 pounds, the Pescador Pro 12 has a capacity of 375 lbs, which is a lot more than what you might get in other kayaks within similar price range.
The more important fact is that this is not an unnecessarily large vessel. Large boats are usually difficult to maneuver and might not have the best stability, particularly in shallow waters.
The size and weight of this kayak is ideal for the stability and traction that you need.
Enough Storage for Kayak Fishing
Although the space you have for dry storage in this kayak is lesser than what you get in other kayaks, however, it does have a tackle box storage area, cup holder and a foot long gear track for added storage.
Pros
- Easy to Maneuver
- Sturdy Design
- Extra Space for Storage (tackle storage and center console area)
- Gives More Versatility (kayak fishing, recreational purposes, etc.)
Cons
- Space for dry storage is low.
What to Look for in the Most Stable Fishing Kayak
Before going ahead with your kayak purchase, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind to make sure you get the right kayak.
What are those factors? Let’s have a quick overview:
Weight of the Kayak
If you have a motorized vehicle to cover all, or most of the distance until you reach the water, fair enough. However, if you are going on a backpacking trip, the weight of the kayak will play a big role.
You do not want to carry around a boat that feels quite heavy on your shoulders and drains you out even before you have caught your first prey.
Length and Width
Finding the right balance for the kayak length and width is important. Too long or too wide kayaks will not give you the best stability.
Seat Comfort
Since kayak fishing is an experience that is and should be somewhat time-consuming, make sure that your kayak has an adjustable seat. And if it is cushioned, that is even better.
If you are not in the right, comfortable position, you might get exhausted too soon.
Storage for Fishing Gear
Although you might not have a lot of storage space in a kayak, however, a decent kayak will have enough storage for your fishing gear to make life easier for you.
FAQs
What makes a kayak stable?
In a stable kayak design, the action of tipping the boat rearranges the buoyancy forces to move the CB (center of buoyancy) in the direction of the tilt beyond the CG (center of gravity), thus forcing the kayak upright again.
What’s the difference between a fishing kayak and a regular kayak?
While a regular kayak and a fishing kayak are fundamentally the same, it is just tailored to meet the needs of fishing better. They are usually a little shorter and wider than other types of kayaks and have more carrying capacity. But the big difference is rod holders.
Is it hard to balance in a kayak?
Kayaks are made narrow so that they move easily on the water. This means that you need to actively keep the balance. Fortunately the technique is is easy and usually comes naturally.
Our Final Thoughts on a Stable Fishing Kayak
Kayak fishing is an experience that breaks the monotonous, busy routines that most of us are part of. However, to make it even better, you need to have the most stable fishing kayak at your disposal.
The products that we reviewed and the various factors that we discussed above related to kayak fishing, will play a vital role in the overall experience that you get once you are out in the river, lake or ocean water to catch your prey.
There are a number of kayaks that you can easily find online, however, having appropriate knowledge will help you buy a decent kayak for your next fishing expedition.
Enjoy kayak fishing!