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    How to Choose Your Fishing Kayak

    Let us put you in the right fishing kayak. These are the things that decide the fit, and every product page lists the specs to compare them.

    Where You Launch and Your Water Type

    Start with your water. We fish it all: rivers, creeks, lakes, swamps, marsh, inshore flats, the beach, the open ocean and the Everglades. Every one of those asks something different of a kayak, and we’ve paddled and pedaled them ourselves. Our home water is the Caney Fork River in Tennessee, and we’ll match a kayak to the water you fish. 

    How You Want to Move

    Paddle, pedal or motor. Decide whether you’d rather paddle, keep your hands free with pedals, or let a motor do the work. Each drive type is broken down below.

    Standing or Sitting

    If you like to stand and sight-cast, look for a wide platform, a flat deck and a seat that’s easy to stand up from. If you fish seated, even more kayaks are open to you.

    Size and Fit

    Think about your height, your build, and where you store and launch. A longer kayak covers water with less effort, a shorter kayak spins in tight spots and fits more garages, and a wider kayak gives you more room to move which is usually more stable.

    What You Carry

    Total up everything that rides with you: you, your rods and tackle, a crate, a cooler, electronics and a battery. Pick a kayak that handles that load with room left over. When a brand lists both a Total Weight Capacity and a Usable Weight Capacity, plan against the Usable Weight Capacity.

    How You Rig It

    Picture your setup before you buy. Count your rods, decide where your crate and fish finder go, and check the product page for the gear tracks, rod holders and mounting spots that match.

    From Your Driveway to the Water

    Look up the boat weight in the Specifications and match it to how you haul and launch, whether that’s a roof rack, a trailer or a buddy on the other end. A kayak cart turns a long walk from the parking lot into an easy one. Shop Kayak Carts

    Shop Fishing Kayaks by Type

    Paddle, pedal or motor. Pick how you want to get to the fish.

    Pedal Fishing Kayaks

    Hands on the rod, feet on the pedals. A pedal kayak keeps you fishing while you move, so you can work a bank, hold on a current seam or slide into position without setting the rod down.

    Motorized Fishing Kayaks

    Run to the far end of the lake, fish every spot on your list, and still have the energy for the evening bite. Choose a kayak with the motor installed, or a motor ready model you can add a motor to later.

    Paddle Fishing Kayaks

    The straightforward way to fish. A paddle kayak slips into skinny water, small creeks and tight river runs, and it’s ready to fish the minute it hits the water.

    Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

    A fishing kayak that fits in a closet. Pump it up at the ramp, fish all day, then roll it up and toss it in the trunk.

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Kayaks

    Have a question about fit? Chat with us or call (615) 696-7887, and let us put you in the right fishing kayak.

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    1. What is the best fishing kayak?

    The best fishing kayak is the one built for your water and the way you like to fish. Let us put you in the right one. Start with five things: where you launch, whether you want to paddle, pedal or run a motor, how much you and your gear weigh, whether you like to stand and cast, and how you get the kayak to the water. Those five answers narrow the lineup down fast. We’re based on the Caney Fork River in Tennessee, and we’ll match a kayak to your water as we fish on all types of water.
    2. What makes a fishing kayak different from a regular kayak?

    A fishing kayak is built around the gear and the cast. Expect a wider, more stable platform, rod holders, gear tracks for mounting accessories, storage for a crate and tackle, and room for a fish finder. Many add a raised seat and a deck you can stand on. Some even get a fishing kayak and use it for regular kayak adventures.
    3. Sit on top or sit in: which is better for fishing?

    Both fish well. A sit on top fishing kayak gives you an open deck, easy entry and exit, and room to stand and move around. A sit in fishing kayak keeps you lower and drier, which anglers like in cooler weather. Most of our fishing kayaks are sit on top, and we carry sit in models too.
    4. Are pedal fishing kayaks worth it?

    For anglers who spend long days on the water, yes. Your legs move the boat, your hands stay on the rod, and holding a spot in wind or current takes less effort. Shop pedal fishing kayaks.
    5. Are motorized fishing kayaks worth it?

    If you fish deeper rivers (Caney Fork River), big water (Center Hill Lake), or want to cover more of it, a motorized fishing kayak gets you to the bite with energy left to fish. Choose a kayak with the motor installed, or a motor ready kayak you can add a motor to later. Shop motorized fishing kayaks.
    6. Can you stand up in a fishing kayak?

    Yes, in kayaks built for it. Look for a wide, stable platform, a flat deck and a seat you can stand up from. Standing lets you see farther into the water and cast with your whole body. Practice on calm water first and always wear a life jacket.
    7. Should I get a solo or tandem fishing kayak?

    A solo fishing kayak gives one angler the whole deck and is easy to load and launch alone. A tandem fishing kayak puts two anglers in one boat, which is great for fishing with a partner or a kid.
    8. Are inflatable kayaks good for fishing?

    Yes. Inflatable fishing kayaks pack into a bag, store in a closet and ride in a trunk, then pump up at the water. They’re a great fit when storage space is tight or you’re traveling to fish. Shop inflatable fishing kayaks.
    9. How much weight can a fishing kayak hold?

    It depends on the model, and every product page lists it in the Specifications. Add up your body weight, gear, cooler, electronics and battery, and pick a kayak that carries that load with room to spare. When a brand lists both a Total Weight Capacity and a Usable Weight Capacity, Usable Weight Capacity is the number to plan against.
    10. How much does a fishing kayak weigh?

    Paddle fishing kayaks are usually the lightest, and pedal and motorized kayaks add the weight of the drive. Every product page lists the boat weight in the Specifications. Pair a heavier kayak with a kayak cart and the walk to the water stays easy. Shop kayak carts for your kayak.
    11. Can you put a fish finder on a fishing kayak?

    Yes. Many fishing kayaks have a spot to mount a fish finder, a place for the transducer and room for a battery. Check the Key Features on each product page to see how that kayak is set up. Shop electronics.
    12. How much does a fishing kayak cost?

    It depends on how the kayak moves. Paddle fishing kayaks sit at the lower end, and pedal and motorized kayaks cost more because of the drive. Shop by budget:
    13. How do fishing kayaks ship?

    Two ways. If you are inside our delivery area, local delivery shows up as a shipping option at checkout and we bring the boat to you ourselves. We call ahead to set a meet-up, and since we do the unloading there is nothing for you to inspect or sign at the curb. Otherwise it ships LTL freight with a carrier running a 99.9% damage-free rate. On a freight delivery, look the boat over before you sign the receipt. If there is damage to the kayak, write down any damage you see. That one step protects your claim. Then email clear photos to helpdesk@cfoutdoors.com within 2 hours. We email the full details once your order is placed. Inflatable fishing kayaks ship parcel, nationwide.

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