10 Best Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayaks 2022
Sit-on-top kayaks offer great usability, convenience, and stability, making them great for kayak fishing. Their sizable open cockpits and greater surface area provide maximum comfort while handling fishing equipment.
The number of options currently available to consumers is quite high, and there’s a lot to consider when picking the right model for you. Let’s take a closer look at sit-on-top fishing kayaks and examine some of the best options on the market.
Two Types of Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayaks
Kayak fishing has become a popular pastime for countless individuals in recent years. As a result, sit-on-top kayaks are in huge demand across the nation. But before you invest in this type of kayak, it is important to note that propulsion types can vary.
The first type is a conventional sit-on-top kayak, where you use an oar to propel yourself through the water. The other type is a pedal-drive sit-on-top, which has a pedal system similar to a bicycle.
Choosing which type is best for you depends on factors such as weight, dimensions, and even cost. It makes sense to understand if a kayak model is pedal-driven or traditional before you make a decision. You can even consider a convenient portable kayak for fishing.
One of the best ways of selecting a kayak is by exploring and comparing the features of different models and reading reviews from other users. The goal is to choose a kayak that meets your performance expectations without busting the budget.
Fortunately, many popular brands offer high-quality options at reasonable rates.
What to Consider When Investing in a Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak
There are specific things you should take into account before you invest in a kayak. These include:
- User reviews.
- Who your paddling partner will be.
- Where the fishing kayak will be used.
- How you will transport the kayak to the water.
- Weight and stability of the kayak.
- Will you be using it for summer or winter kayak fishing.
Get in touch with retailers who stock different models and brands to get a good idea of what will work best for you. Remember that the best model for someone else might not be the best choice for your needs. Explore the best available options within your budget.
So, what are the best sit-on-top kayaks? Let’s take a look.
1. Bonafide Kayaks SS127
Bonafide Kayaks SS127 is a popular sit-on-top kayak for fishing. It has been designed to provide user-friendly experiences. The SS127 kayak comes with a hybrid catamaran-type hull design to deliver a high level of stability. It has ample width at 33.5 inches and users can sit comfortably while fishing.
This kayak facilitates enhanced sight casting and offers great support for your lower back.
Features
- Two hatches.
- Rotomolded plastic material.
- Multi-hull type hull shape.
- Storage types include a stern tankwell, bow hatch, removable pod, and cockpit console.
The Bonafide Kayaks SS127 has adjustable foot braces, high-low type adjustable seating, deck rigging, carry handles, drain plug, grab handles, and more.
Specifications
- Length - 12' 7" or 383.5 cm
- Capacity - 475 lb or 215.2 kg
- Width - 33.75" or 85.72 cm
- Weight - 94 lb or 42.63 kg
2. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is another suitable sit-on-top fishing kayak to consider. It offers a selection of features you generally see in bigger fishing boats. However, it has a relatively compact size of 12 feet and can be transported easily from place to place.
The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 kayak lets users rig up to six rods, as it comes with two molded and four conventional horizontal holders. This kayak can help you embark on a highly enjoyable fishing experience. The surface it provides is enough for comfortably standing while casting nets.
It comes with the Vantage ST elevated seat that enhances the level of mobility on the boat. The newer edition of this kayak also has a retractable skeg. This feature can be used for enhanced course keeping. The high-quality H-Rail on this kayak is well-suited for handling accessory rigging requirements without hassle.
Take advantage of the new MirageDrive 180 fitted with Turbo Kick-Up Fins and the Guardian Retractable Transducer.
Features
- Made from primarily rotomolded plastic.
- Has a rudder.
- Three hatches.
- Storage options include bow hatch, stern hatch, and day hatch.
The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 comes with backrest outfitting, has a standing platform, and its rigging features include carry handles, accessory rails, rod holders, grab handles, cup holder, drain plug. This sit-on-top fishing kayak is fish finder-ready.
As with all kayaks, rod holders and gear tracks can be used to mount Bimini top hardware so you can fish in the shade.
Specifications
- Length - 12' 0" or 366 cm
- Capacity - 500 lb or 227 kg
- Weight - 105 lb or 48 kg
- Width - 36" or 91 cm
3. NuCanoe Frontier 12
The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is another top option worth looking at. It offers benchmark stability and features a wide deck that lets anglers perform to the best of their abilities.
This kayak is suitable for both standing or seating positions, can be used in a wide variety of water bodies, and you can troll or paddle with it. The sturdy 360 Pinnacle Seat is advantageous for users as it provides the highest level of comfort and stability while fishing in any season.
Features
- Material is primarily rotomolded plastic.
- Has one hatch.
- Is self-beaming.
- Storage types include removable pod and bow hatch.
The NuCanoe Frontier 12 comes with a standing platform and for rigging, it has features such as a cup holder, accessory rails, rod holders, drain plug, and carry handles.
Specifications
- Length is 12' 0" or 365.8 cm
- Width is 41" or 104.1 cm
- Capacity of 650 lb or 294.5 kg
- Weight is 77 lb or 34.9 kg
4. Perception Pescador Pro 10.0
Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 has an array of features that provide a superior kayak fishing experience. This model has a high level of stability and is fast on the water.
The Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 kayak was designed for high-performance tracking, and it can be used for fishing on rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Some of the key features of this product include convenient storage zones for fishing gear and a gear attachment. Another reason why this kayak is preferred is it is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry.
Features
- The primary material is rotomolded plastic.
- Has a rudder.
- Storage types include stern tankwell, bow hatch, and bow tankwell.
Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 has a high-low seat design, with the rigging options including carrying handles, accessory rails, carry handles, rod holders, and cup holders.
Specifications
- Length - 10' 6" or 320 cm
- Weight - 57 lb or 26 kg
- Capacity - 325 lb or 147 kg
- Width - 32" or 81 cm
5. Kaku Kayak Wahoo 10.5
The Kaku Kayak Wahoo 10.5 sit-on-top fishing kayak is a high-performance model and one of the top options to look at. It offers ample stability and is capable of straight tracking.
This kayak also offers users a high level of control and enables an efficient fishing experience. It comes with the convenient Micro Power-Pole mounting, dual flush-mounted rod holders, aluminum top load gear tracks, and elevated aluminum chair.
Features
- Rotomolded plastic construction.
- Hard chine type.
- V-bottom hull shape.
- Self-bailing.
- Has one hatch.
- Bow hatch for storage.
The Kaku Kayak Wahoo 10.5 has an adjustable seat and a standing platform, and its rigging options include accessory rails and deck rigging.
Specifications
- Length - 10' 6" or 320 cm
- Capacity - 350 lb or 158.6 kg
- Width - 33" or 83.8 cm
- Weight - 68 lb or 30.8 kg
6. Ocean Kayak Trident 13
The Ocean Kayak Trident 13 is a sit-on-top fishing kayak well-suited for inland and inshore angling. The Trident 13 is versatile and capable of functioning in several different water body types, including seas.
Features
- Rotomolded plastic body.
- Soft chine.
- Self-bailing.
- Shallow arch hull shape.
- Midship and bow bulkheads.
- Comes with three hatches.
- Removable pod and bow hatch for storage.
The Ocean Kayak Trident 13 has backrest type outfitting, and it comes with adjustable braces. It is equipped with flexible seats but does not feature a standing platform. Rigging features include accessory rails, cup holders, grab handles, rod holders, carry handles, and deck rigging.
Specifications
- Length - 13' 6" or 411.5 cm
- Capacity - 355 lb or 160.8 kg
- Weight - 79 lb or 35.8 kg
- Width - 29" or 73.7 cm
7. Feelfree Kayaks Lure 11.5
Feelfree Kayaks Lure 11.5 is one of the most feature-rich kayaks available for fishing enthusiasts.
It offers a high level of stability along with ample deck space. One of the most important features of this kayak is the sonar and electronic pod that can be removed if the user feels the need to put in a fish finder.
This kayak has various additional features for enhancing the experience of users. These include the Wheel in the Keel and the flexible height gravity seat. Another configuration of the kayak comes with a pedal and motor system.
Features
- Suitable for solo paddlers.
- Ideal for fishing.
- Optimal for rivers, lakes, ponds, and creeks.
- Rigid-type structure.
- Paddle propulsion.
- Adjustable seating.
Specifications
- Weight - 74 lb or 33.5 kg
- Length - 11' 6" or 350.5 cm
- Capacity - 425 lb or 192.5 kg
- Width - 34" or 86.36 cm
8. Jackson Mayfly Kayak
The Jackson MayFly kayak is best suited for fly fishing. Its hull facilitates enhanced tracking and offers great stability, and its design and features make it a user-friendly option.
Features
- Rotomolded plastic body.
- Two hatches.
- Self-bailing.
- Bow hatch and stern hatch for storage.
The Jackson MayFly kayak comes with an adjustable high-low seat and standing platform. Rigging options include rod holders, carry handles, accessory rails, and cup holders. This kayak can support a fish finder.
Specifications
- Length - 12' 1" or 368 cm
- Capacity - 450 lb or 203.9 kg
- Weight - 89 lb or 40 kg
- Width - 35" or 88 cm
9. Vibe Kayaks Shearwater 125
The Vibe Kayaks Shearwater 125 sit-on-top fishing kayak offers various options for customized angling and comes with both paddle and pedal options for propulsion.
Components include the Bixpy jet motor, Vibe X-Drive pedal system, and Vibe Evolve. All these propulsion options can be used together. A variety of customizations help you get the best kayak fishing experience.
This kayak is suitable for use on all types of water bodies.
Features
- Rotomolded plastic body.
- For solo paddlers.
- Rigid-type structure.
- Ideal for fishing.
- Three propulsion modes — motor, paddle, and pedal
- Suitable rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks, and oceans.
Specifications
- Length - 12' 6" or 381 cm
- Weight - 77 lb or 34.9 kg
- Capacity - 475 lb or 215.2 kg
- Width - 35" or 88.9 cm
10. Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler PRO
Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler PRO is another top option from the Advanced Elements stable. It offers a high level of stability, comes with several air chambers, and is a durable option.
The Angler PRO comes with the Accessory Frame System feature that lets anglers tweak their kayak accessories. The convenient drop-stitch floor feature ensures optimal hardness and lets users stand up effortlessly. It also comes with the AirFrame PRO seat for enhanced comfort.
Features
- PVC body.
- Skeg type kayak.
- Soft chine.
- Self-bailing.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler PRO sit-on-top fishing kayak has a backrest outfitting and comes with a flexible, molded seat and standing platform. Rigging options include carrying handles, deck rigging, and accessory rails.
Specifications
- Length - 10' 6" or 320 cm
- Capacity - 400 lb or 181.4 kg
- Weight - 45 lb or 20.5 kg
- Width - 38.5" or 97.8 cm
Conclusion
These are some of the best sit-on-top fishing kayaks on the market. Each has a unique combination of features and offers differing levels of usability. Use the information above to select the best fishing kayak for you. Comparing features and pricing will help you make the right decision.
