Coastal Kayak Fishing Boats

SPIKE'S PICKS: "Over the years I continue to learn more about fishing kayaks through the experience of kayak anglers, in all the fisheries across North America, than I could ever gather on my own. The models listed here represent a handful of the kayaks that I have the confidence to recommend personally, are time tested, proven for fishing and not entirely limited to the advertisers represented here at Kayakfishing.com. Still, a credible referral. While there is no "Best Kayak" for fishing, there are a bunch of fishable models that better fit different sized anglers and their particular fisheries. Some anglers and/or kayaks benefit from rudders, some don't. Not all of the kayaks I recommend are represented here. Listed in no particular order of preference are several models, suitable for most anglers in a wide range of fisheries and conditions.

Selecting a kayak is one of the biggest hurdles. Be wary of most "mail order" kayaks. In the selection process, don't be in a hurry to purchase a kayak. Contact me directly with your height, weight and fishery and I'll send you a list of all my top picks. Whenever possible, work a "demo day" or a "kayak expo" into your plans. Those dealer sponsored events are fun days and a great way to try the fishiest models and many kayaks you may be considering. Finding a dependable local dealer can be as challenging as finding a good mechanic. I don't sell kayaks or gear and I'm eager to answer any questions you have along the way so... Due to the high volume of requests for information, if you'd like a detailed reply, please include your telephone # and a good time to reach you. Recommending thousands of kayaks over the years to anglers based on my experience and their fishability and seaworthiness, I'm sure I can help you narrow it down to the best choices that should save you a few bucks in the process."

Now you can live on the 43rd floor and still fish for striped bass in a solid fishing kayak. Packed in its own bag, a luggage cart will portage the SportFisher to your local put-in and around the world. Fabric reinforced (like the old Zodiacs), the SportFisher will fish either one (our recommendation) or two anglers comfortably. An excellent offering for anglers who want that extra person capacity they'll rarely use. The solid transem will accomodate a small electric motor. Answering the needs of tourist anglers plus anglers with storage and transportation issues, this is a truly fishable inflatable kayak priced less than most plastic sit-on-tops. We suggest gearing up with a tackle crate system behind the seat for conventional fishing and building up the seat with foam pads that both increase the comfort zone and improve paddling and casting proficiency. Mounting accessory kits are available for forward mounted rod holders and electronics. Incorporating the inflatable boat accessories available, there are endless opportunities to customize the SportFisher just like a hard hulled kayak. The SportFisher is a solid consideration for kayak flyfishers.

NuCanoe

A hybrid, this giant of the fishing kayaks is our most frequent referral to really big guys, hunters and for use as a multi-person/multi-use family boat. Depending on the fishery, the Nu-Canoe can be paddled, rowed, poled and motorized. Created by famed kayak designer Tim Niemier (Scuppers, Scramblers, Malibu II), we weren't surprised to hear that some serious nearshore anglers consider Nu-Canoe seaworthy for coastal fishing and abalone diving in the Pacific Northwest.

Wilderness Systems - The Ride

We loved the old Ride, a good purchase used, but we hear they have since changed it to a traditional style hull, replacing the old catamaran hull.

Heritage Redfish

The Redfish has been around for awhile. The model appreciated upgrades and ongoing development over the years to become a top pick in many skinny water fisheries around the U.S today.

Used Kayaks-Thousands of used kayaks, many stored in shade and rarely floated, are sitting in backyards and garages across the U.S. A few models listed below, plus "The Prism" that was made by Aquatera and more recently by Perception, are rare finds for a few hundred bucks. Use extreme caution when buying used kayaks. A trained eye is needed to determine UV damage, blows and blems. When older, used kayaks approach $500+ in the ads, that factory warranty with a new boat gains a lot of appeal.