When you’re on the hunt for a new kayak, there are a lot of things to consider. You need to know about the different types of fishing kayaks and their characteristics. There are many different styles of river kayaks available on the market today, so it’s important that you take your time and make an informed decision before purchasing one. In this article we’ll cover what you need to know as well as our top picks for best river fishing kayak!
A river fishing kayak is a shorter, wider and more stable version of the traditional sit-inside sea kayak. It’s typically made out of rotomolded plastic because it has high durability without being too heavy for its size. River fishing kayaks are designed specifically to handle shallow water conditions that include rocks, rapids or other obstacles while still providing ample room inside to store your gear. They also tend to be less expensive than their larger counterparts due to their smaller overall capacity! For this reason they make great options for anglers who want something compact but durable enough for fast moving rivers with rough surfaces. The best part about choosing a river fishing kayak over any other type is that you get an incredibly versatile product which can take you anywhere from fast moving rivers to the open ocean.
River fishing kayaks are perfect for anglers who want to spend most of their time on the water. They’re also great options for beginners since they provide an incredibly stable platform so you can learn how to paddle and maneuver your kayak before moving onto a more difficult type! For this reason we recommend that anyone interested in buying one should first take some lessons or ask someone knowledgeable about proper form and technique, especially if you plan on using it in fast-moving rivers with rapids.
Although river fishing kayaks aren’t as highly rated among ocean fisherman due to their smaller size, there are still plenty of people who enjoy taking them out from time to time depending on where they live. Compared to sit-on-top models which offer less storage capacity and flexibility, a river fishing kayak is the perfect option for those who want to do a little bit of everything.
Kayaks for River Fishing
The Perception Pescador 12 sit on top kayak is an excellent entry-level choice for river fishing. It’s easy to transport, highly durable and offers plenty of storage space so you can bring everything you need with you! This model has a weight capacity of 325lb (147kg) which should be more than enough room for the average person – even if they happen to be above average size or weight! The seats are also adjustable making this perfect for taller users who might find that other kayaks don’t offer them enough legroom.
One thing worth pointing out about the Pescador 12 is its length – it comes in at 11′ 0″ long which makes it slightly less agile around tight spaces compared to some alternatives. However, its tracking is still very good and the speed more than makes up for this. It’s also worth mentioning that there are two smaller models available in the Pescador series which offer a reduced weight capacity of 225lb (102kg) – these kayaks would be better suited to lighter users but they’re still durable enough to take on faster moving rivers.
- Easy to transport
- Highly durable
- Plenty of storage space
- Adjustable seats
- Slightly less agile than some alternatives
The Vibe Sea Ghost 13 is a well-designed, highly versatile kayak. This particular model comes in two colors: green and orange. It has excellent stability, but it also tracks very well when you paddle fast to cover more ground quickly. The open cockpit design makes entering the boat super easy even for people who don’t like sitting in enclosed spaces, and there’s also a fair amount of legroom available.
The Sea Ghost 13 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders as well as four mounting points for Scotty mounts – making it perfect for anyone looking to do some serious river fishing! It also comes with a comfortable seat that can be adjusted forwards or backwards to get the perfect fit, plus there are foot braces available too if you need them.
This kayak is 12′ long and has a weight capacity of 350lb (159kg) which makes it ideal for larger users. It’s definitely not the lightest kayak on the market but its durability more than makes up for this.
- Well-designed and highly versatile kayak
- Excellent stability but also tracks very well when paddling quickly to cover more ground
- Open cockpit design makes entering the boat easy, even for people who don’t like enclosed spaces
- Plenty of legroom available
- Not the lightest kayak on the market
The Driftsun Teton 120 is a great choice for anyone looking for a tandem kayak that can be used for both recreational and fishing purposes. This model comes in three colors: green, sandstone, and camo. It’s made of heavy-duty molded plastic which makes it very durable, plus it has two comfortable seats with backrests as well as two flush-mounted fishing rod holders.
The Teton 120 has a length of 12 feet and weighs 77 pounds, so it’s not the lightest kayak on this list but it can still be carried around by just one person without too much effort. It’s quite wide at 30 inches which provides excellent stability in calm water conditions while also making sure you won’t feel cramped inside even if there are two of you sitting side by side. The weight capacity is up to 400 lbs (180 kg). Should your Driftsun Teton get punctured or scratched, all parts that need replacing are available for purchase separately from the manufacturer. So let’s say you accidentally hit some rocks while paddling upstream; only the affected area will have to be patched up and you can continue fishing in your kayak as if nothing ever happened.
- Very stable
- Two flush mounted fishing rod holders included
- A bit difficult to maneuver in strong currents or rapids
The Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak is a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable tandem kayak that can also be used for fishing. It comes in two colors: green and camo, both of which will help you blend in with your surroundings while you’re out on the water. This model is made from high-density polyethylene and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds (227 kg), making it perfect for couples or small families.
It’s 13 feet long and 30 inches wide, so it provides plenty of stability even when there are waves present. The included paddles are adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit for everyone, regardless of their height. And if you should happen to run into any problems while out on the water, Elkton Outdoors offers a limited lifetime warranty on this kayak.
The drawbacks of the Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak are that it doesn’t track as well as some of the more expensive models out there and it can be a little tippy when both people are paddling at the same time. But overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable tandem fishing kayak.
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Paddles are adjustable to fit any height
- Doesn’t track as well as some of the more expensive models out there
The Perception Sound Sit Inside Kayak is a great choice for anglers looking for a quality fishing kayak that won’t break the bank. This vessel is stable and tracks well, making it perfect for navigating rivers and other small waterways. The Sound also offers plenty of storage space, so you can keep your gear safe and dry while you’re out on the water.
It’s made from durable polyethylene and has a weight capacity of 275 pounds (125 kg), which is more than enough for most anglers. The included paddles are also adjustable, so they’ll fit anyone regardless of their height. And if you should run into any problems while out on the water, Perception offers a limited lifetime warranty on this kayak.
The only real downside to the Sound Sit Inside Kayak is that it’s not as fast as some of the more expensive models out there. But overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable fishing kayak that will last for years.
- Durable construction
- Stable and tracks well
- Lots of storage space
- None
The Emotion Guster is a fun kayak for anglers of all skill levels. This vessel has ample storage space and offers good stability, which makes it perfect for navigating rivers with ease. The Guster also tracks well and moves pretty quickly through the water, making it an excellent choice for fishing in large bodies of water as well as smaller waterways.
Its dimensions are 11 feet (335 cm) long by 30 inches (76 cm) wide, so this kayak should accommodate most people up to 200 pounds (90 kg). It’s made from durable polyethylene plastic that can stand up to harsh conditions on both calm waters and rough seas alike. And if you do run into any problems while out on the water, this model comes with a five-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The Emotion Guster is a great kayak for anyone looking to do some serious fishing on rivers and other smaller waterways. It offers good stability, tracks well, and has plenty of storage space for all your gear. And with its five-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product that will last for years to come.
- Good stability
- Tracks well
- Ample storage space
- Durable construction
- May be too wide for some anglers to navigate tight spots on rivers easily
The Sun Dolphin Excursion is a great all-around kayak for both fishing and recreational use. This vessel is well-made, tracks well, and provides a stable platform for casting in any direction. It’s also outfitted with several features that make it perfect for anglers, including rod holders, a tackle box storage area, and an adjustable seat that can be removed and used on shore.
The only drawback of the Sun Dolphin Excursion is its weight, which makes it difficult to transport without a cart or vehicle. This kayak weighs just over 60 pounds when empty, so you’ll want to get some assistance if you plan on loading and unloading this vessel frequently. There are also complaints about the quality of the included paddles: they won’t break under normal use but many users wish for higher-quality materials in this area. Overall, however, most people agree that this is one of the best fishing kayaks currently available at an affordable price point .
- Tracks very well
- Stable design, great for beginners and kids
- Easy to add a trolling motor or electric power source
- Heavy kayak
The BKC RA220 is a single fishing kayak that’s designed for both beginners and experienced anglers. This vessel is stable, tracks well, and comes with all the features you need to get started fishing right away. It includes two flush-mounted rod holders, an anchor trolley system, and a large cargo area in the rear for storing your tackle box or other gear.
At just over 46 pounds, the BKC RA220 is one of the lightest kayaks on this list. That makes it easy to transport and store, even if you don’t have a lot of room to work with. The only downside is that this kayak doesn’t come with a paddle , so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t already own one.
The BKC RA220 is made out of durable materials that are designed to support your weight and withstand the test of time. Its hull is constructed from high-density polyethylene, while its drop stitch floor prevents air bubbles from forming in between the layers during use. This feature also helps this kayak retain heat or coolness depending on the current temperature outside.
- The BKC RA220 is stable and tracks well.
- It has a large cargo area that’s perfect for storing tackle boxes, fishing rods, or other gear.
- The kayak doesn’t come with a paddle
The Bonafide RS117 is a single fishing kayak that’s made with high-density polyethylene and designed for both beginners and experienced anglers. This vessel is very durable, has great stability in the water, tracks well, and includes all of the features you need to get started right away.
It comes with two flush-mounted rod holders, an anchor trolley system, and a large cargo area in the rear for storing your tackle box or other gear . At just over 50 pounds , this kayak isn’t too heavy but it may be somewhat difficult to transport if you don’t have much space available at home or on your vehicle. The good news is that this product ships fully assembled so there shouldn’t be any major issues when you get it from the warehouse.
This model is both comfortable and easy to fish with, even for hours on end . The seat has a high-back design with adjustable arm rests along with an extra pad in front of your hips. This adds support but also makes sure that there’s plenty of space between you and the side if water does splash up while you’re cruising through river rapids or other moving bodies of water. There are four molded cup holders included as well so everything stays nice and organized whether you’re fishing or just taking in some sun by the lake!
- Very durable
- Good stability
- Tracks well
- Comfortable seat with adjustable arm rests
- Heavier than some other models (50 pounds)
What to Look For When Buying a River Fishing Kayak
Although there are plenty of similarities between river fishing kayaks and ocean ones, you should still keep in mind that they’re two completely different beasts. For this reason, it’s a good idea to look into the pros and cons of each type before making your final decision!
In general, we recommend going for an inflatable or sit-on-top model if you plan on using your kayak mainly for recreational purposes such as camping trips or exploring new rivers/lakes. If you want something which is more versatile then a hard shell one might be the better option since it can handle rougher conditions while providing greater storage capacity at the same time!
Another important factor to consider when buying a river fishing kayak is its weight capacity. If you’re someone who likes taking friends or family out with you then it’s a good idea to look for one which can support at least 150lb (68kg) of additional weight without compromising on stability or performance. This will help make the experience more fun for everyone!
Many manufacturers also include an estimated user weight in their product description, so be sure to check this before making your final decision. It should give you an indication as to whether the kayak is suitable for people above average height and size or not!
When it comes to the shape and size of a kayak, there are two main things you need to consider: its speed and manoeuvrability. For river fishing, you’ll want something which is both fast and easy to turn so that you can get in close to the action!
Kayaks with a pointed keel are often faster than those with a rounded one, but they can be more difficult to manoeuvre around tight spaces. If this is your first time buying a kayak then we recommend going for something which falls somewhere in the middle – not too fast or too slow, and easy enough to turn without sacrificing stability.
The final thing you need to think about when buying a river fishing kayak is its stability. Despite being smaller than ocean models, many river fishing kayaks are actually quite wide and therefore provide plenty of room for standing up. However, just because they’re big doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be stable!
Some inflatable or sit-on-top versions can feel less sturdy due to their design which isn’t always suitable for the type of water in question. If there are rapids nearby then it may be advisable to look at purchasing one with more width as this will help prevent tipping over if bumped into by another boat or caught off guard by rough weather conditions!
The last thing to consider when buying a river fishing kayak is your experience level. If this will be the first time you’ve ever used one then it’s definitely worth going for an inflatable model since they’re much more forgiving than their hard shell counterparts – especially if you haven’t got any previous kayaking experience!
If, on the other hand, you already know what to expect and would like something with greater stability (and storage capacity!), then opt for a sit-on-top or traditional hard shell design instead. Although these are often harder to manoeuvre in tighter spaces due to their length, they can provide better performance overall once mastered by experienced users!
The final thing you need to think about when choosing a river fishing kayak is the length of your trip. If you’re only going out for a few hours then an inflatable or sit-on-top model should be more than sufficient, but if you’re planning on spending multiple days on the water then it’s worth considering something with greater storage capacity!
Hard shell kayaks can often hold more gear than their inflatable counterparts, so this might be something to take into account if you know that you’ll be needing to pack a lot of supplies. Ultimately, the length of your chosen kayak will come down to personal preference and how much luggage/gear you plan on taking with you!
Top River Fishing Kayaks Features
One of the most important features for any angler is a good set of rod holders. Luckily, many river fishing kayaks come fitted with them as standard! This allows you to easily store and access your rods when you need them without having to worry about losing them or dropping them in the water.
Some rod holders are adjustable so that you can customize their placement depending on how you like to fish. Others include extra features such as lids or covers which keep your rods safe and dry even in bad weather conditions. If you’re someone who likes to switch between different types of bait or lures often, then it’s a good idea to look for kayaks with multiple rod holders.
Another feature which is common in river fishing kayaks is a rounded keel. This helps to prevent the kayak from getting stuck on rocks or other obstacles when you’re trying to navigate through shallow water. It also makes it easier to turn your kayak in tight spaces, making it perfect for those who like to explore new areas!
If you’re someone who likes to go fast, then make sure to look for a kayak with a pointed keel instead. This will help you cut through the water more easily and achieve greater speeds!
If you’re looking for a river fishing kayak which is easy to paddle, then look out for ones fitted with peddle drive. These can either be fully automated or use the manual push-pull method depending on your preference. They make it easier than ever before to navigate through rough waters and help provide extra stability when compared to other types of propulsion systems!
Some models even come equipped with adjustable peddles so that they work well regardless of whether you have short legs or are tall enough to reach above your head comfortably while standing up!
Anchor trolly systems are perfect for those who like to fish in areas which have a lot of obstacles. They allow you to quickly and easily move your anchor from one spot to another without having to get out of the kayak! This is especially useful when there are rapids or other hazards close by as it allows you to keep your kayak in a safe position while you’re dealing with the anchor.
Many river fishing kayaks come fitted with this system as standard, but if yours doesn’t then it’s definitely worth looking into purchasing an after-market version. It could be the difference between landing that big catch or going home empty handed!
Tips for Using A River Fishing Kayak
- If you’re fishing in a moving body of water, always be aware of the direction that the current is flowing and try to position yourself so that your kayak is facing into the flow. This will help you stay on course and make it easier to move upstream or downstream as needed.
- If you plan to use an anchor while fishing from your kayak, make sure to attach it securely to the kayak before casting off. You don’t want it coming loose while you’re trying to reel in a big fish!
- When transporting your kayak, always place it in an upright position with the drain plug removed . This will help prevent any water from getting inside and damaging the vessel. And never lift a loaded kayak by yourself – get a friend to help you out!
- Always use caution when entering or exiting your kayak, especially if there is a lot of current. It’s easy to lose your balance and fall in, so take your time and be careful.
- Make sure you know how to properly operate all the features on your kayak before heading out on the water. Practice using the rudder or skeg system, for example, so that you can maneuver the boat with ease.
- If fishing in cold weather conditions, dress appropriately . You’ll want to wear clothing that will keep you warm and dry while also allowing you to move freely. A good rule of thumb is to layer your clothes – this will allow you to add or remove layers as needed.
- Always carry a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when fishing from your kayak, even if you’re a good swimmer. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and PFDs are required by law in some states.
- Take along plenty of snacks and water to keep you fueled up while on the water. You’ll also want to pack a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
FAQs
Conclusion
River fishing kayaks are designed for those who enjoy the sport of fly-fishing or angling, and want to do it from a kayak. These vessels may not be as stable as some other types of boats, but river fishermen love them because they’re easy to maneuver in rapids and on narrow water paths where typical sea kayaks can’t go. The best time to use these crafts is when there’s calm waters; however, most people don’t fish this way anyways (they prefer wading). If you like taking your family out on an adventure with their feet firmly planted on solid ground instead of dangling over the edge of a boat, then you should definitely check out our list below!