The TOP 10 Best Pedal Fishing Kayaks for 2024 (The Power of Pedals)

When humans first decided to create a watercraft out of a wood frame covered with seal skins, little did they realize how popular kayaking would become.

The materials have changed somewhat, and the innovation is improving all the time; but centuries later we’re still using kayaks to hunt.

In this article, we explore the best pedal fishing kayaks in 2024 – a technology that has seriously raised the bar for the sport.

Read on to discover what all the fuss is about, as once you’ve been in a pedal kayak – you never go back.

A Quick Guide to Pedal Fishing Kayaks & Our Top 3 Picks for 2024

We’ll get started on the reviews in a moment, but first, it’s important to have an understanding of the features, factors, and criteria we use for choosing our shortlist.

As you read through, bear in mind the following:

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, my top three picks for the pedal drive fishing kayak podium are as follows:

Product	Award	Our Rating	Review
Old Town Sportsman 106	The Best Pedal Fishing Kayak for the Money	4.8/5.0	Read review
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 Kayak	The Best Pedal Fishing Kayak	4.5/5.0	Read review
Jackson Kayak Knarr FD	The Best Feature-Rich Pedal Fishing Kayak	4.2/5.0	Read review

I think that the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 has knocked the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler off the top spot this year, especially after we did detailed reviews of each (and you can find the links below for each kayak).

And the fact that the Sportsman is half the price of the Hobie!

The Jackson Knarr holds onto the bronze, but the new Jackson Coosa might also make the cut when more is known about how it performs.

Please note that all the pedal drive fishing kayaks in this review actually come with the pedal drive included, so the price you see is for the whole package.

Unlike some other review websites, I’ve not simply flooded the article with pedal drive-compatible kayaks – with the drive pedal system sold separately.

Do you agree with my choices?

Read on for the complete review, and see if you can find the best pedal driven fishing kayak for your needs.

How We Choose

Using the guidelines above, we regularly pour over products for several hours on end in search of the best pedal fishing kayaks currently available.

All-in-all, I’d say it took about 16 hours to examine all the pedal kayaks from the most popular brands, as well as from the less well-known companies.

We use our own kayaking experience, plus extensive research from interviews, videos, reviews, and word-of-mouth reports from industry professionals and kayak anglers to sort the wheat from the chaff.

And with a liberal dollop of common sense and a dash of our own personal preferences, this list is the result.

The 10 Best Pedal Fishing Kayaks in 2024

Old Town Sportsman 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak

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As much as Hobie is the market leader in the best pedal drive fishing technology, Old Town is literally the oldest canoe and kayak manufacturer in the world, and there’s not a lot they don’t know about making stunning watercraft.

This is clearly demonstrated by the beautiful creation that is the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106. Part of the range of kayaks that replaced the popular Predator line, this is an outstanding fishing kayak, with a super-stable pontoon-style hull that glides silently through the water.

The premium-quality seating offers an excellent field-of-view, with comfortable lumbar support for all-day fishing.

Loaded with fishing features, it offers customizable accessory racks, custom tackle box, multiple rod holders, and universal transducer mounting system.

And aside from being one of the most reliable pedal systems on the market, it also has a convenient docking system to take the headache out of launchings and landings.

Pros

• Premium quality construction.
• Cushioned floor pads for standing.
• Large stern tank well with bungee.
• Bow storage hatch.
• Choice of cool colors.
• Flush mount rod holders.
• Shuttle-track adjustable seating.

Cons

• Let me know if you find any.

Takeaway

The oldest canoe and kayak manufacturer in the world continues to produce some amazing boats, and the Sportsman is no exception. Take a look at another version of this model in this review of the best stand-up fishing kayaks – especially if you love those standing casts.

Point 65 Sweden Kingfisher Solo Fishing Kayak

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Now, here’s something altogether a little different. Specializing in backpacks and kayaking, Point 65 Sweden has been on the go since 1996, but is still something of an unknown quantity in the US and Canada.

They make these ingenious modular kayaks (of course they do – sharing a home with IKEA) that you can take apart and rebuild for the ultimate in hardshell portability.

Both sections float independently, but you don’t need to worry about this craft breaking apart at the seams, thanks to the robust “snap-tap” modular locking system that keeps everything where it should be.

A hand-controlled rudder makes it easy to turn on a variety of water conditions, and the rudders themselves are double-sided for increased efficiency.

For comfort, the seating is fully adjustable, and can slide on a track system for optimum position depending on if you’re pedaling, paddling, or fishing.

The Kingfisher Solo can come with or without a pedal drive, but the mere fact that you can break it into two sections for easy transportation justifies its inclusion as one of the best fishing kayaks with pedal capabilities on the market.

Pros

• Swedish design and construction.
• Rugged and durable.
• Highly portable.
• Good storage options.
• Bungee tank well.
• Floor mounted rails.
• Accessory tracks.
• Fingertip rudder control.
• Rod holders.

Cons

• A little on the pricey side.
• The design won’t be for every kayak angler.

Takeaway

Hardshell performance with (almost) the portability of an inflatable – AND a pedal drive system? There’s a lot to like from the Swedes with this brilliantly designed sit-on-top fishing kayak.

I think more people should give it a try, as modular kayaks with pedals could become extremely popular.

Perception Crank 10 Fishing Kayak

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Following on from the Swedish modular design, we have another highly portable fishing kayak with this super compact option from Perception.

Known for their affordable, accessible kayaks, the Crank is at the more budget-friendly end of the pedal drive spectrum. It comes in at ten feet in length, and is ideal for rivers, ponds, and calm coastal waters.

The drive system allows you to go forward and reverse, while the one-handed rudder control takes care of navigation.

Rigid carrying handles make transportation even easier, and it weighs just 87 pounds all-in, which is quite remarkable considering that includes the weight of the pedal drive.

The Crank also manages to pack in an abundance of impressive features, which you’d normally associate with a kayak at twice the price.

The “captain’s chair” is fully adjustable and removable, and there are side storage trays within easy reach for keeping important tackle close to hand.

Designed to be “fast and fun,” the Perception Crank is a great little pedal fishing kayak that offers a lot of practical versatility on the water.

Pros

• Great price point for what you get.
• Compact and lightweight.
• Removable comfort seating.
• Accessory mounting options.
• Side paddle park.
• Bungee tank wells.
• Waterproof storage hatch.
• Cup holder.

Cons

• No built-in rod holders or accessory rails – you need to add them separately.

Takeaway

A great little craft that is one of the most affordable and portable pedal powered fishing kayaks on the market. With all that money you save, you can buy yourself a decent fishing jacket, too!

Complete Buying Guide to Pedal Drive Fishing Kayaks

There are a few things to consider when you’re in the market for a good pedal driven fishing kayak, so let’s take a look at what they might be in the buyer’s guide below.

An FAQ section will follow in case we missed anything.

The Pros and Cons of Pedal Fishing Kayaks

First, let’s discuss the big question – do you need a pedal kayak for fishing?

To answer this, we should take a look at the pros and cons of this technology, and you’ll be better suited to make this important decision.

The Pros

There are numerous advantages to having a pedal system in a fishing kayak, but any kayak angler will tell you that hands-free fishing is number one.

With most pedal kayaks, you don’t have to use a paddle at all, leaving you free to concentrate on reeling in your next catch.

Furthermore, pedals can take the effort out of moving around. Anyone who has used one will tell you that powering a kayak with your legs is much easier than with your arms.

Pedal drive kayaks are near silent, so you can glide up close to your quarry without risk of spooking the fish.

You can also move faster through the water, with the technology taking the strain, getting you to where you need to be in half the time.

Additionally, pedal kayaks can be a lifesaver in certain situations, enabling you to leave a hazardous area faster than you would with a paddle kayak. Very useful if you like to fish in challenging conditions or locations.

And with a good rudder system, they make a great option for tackling choppier waters with stronger undercurrents.

Either way, you should always be wearing a good quality fishing PFD when you’re out on the water. Not only will they save your life, but they also offer some practical tackle storage solutions, too.

The Cons

It’s not all sweetness and light, as even the best pedal kayak will have its downsides.

Perhaps the most obvious is their expense. Pedal drive systems can be extremely pricey compared to a paddle kayak.

They also add considerable weight to a kayak – which can be problematic when it comes to getting you to and from the water – especially if you already have a lot of gear.

It’s highly likely you’ll need one of these awesome kayak carts to help, or rope in a buddy to take one end.

With more moving parts, more things can go wrong with pedal drives – although this is unlikely in premium-quality products.

Pedal drives can take up additional room that you might have otherwise used for storage space, accessory pods, or other practical uses.

Finally, unless the fins or rotor system is retractable, pedal kayaks can struggle in shallow waters, as it’s likely they will catch on hazards and obstacles below the surface – which can cause drag and damage.

Propulsion System

I will preface this section by admitting I’m by no means an expert on this technology. If you’re looking for an in depth engineering guide to kayak pedal systems, I would suggest contacting the manufacturer.

But basically, you have two choices.

Fins or props.

As far as I can tell, fins are only used by the Hobie Mirage drive systems – I will stand corrected if that’s not the case, but every other pedal kayak uses a propeller.

Either way, I would recommend choosing a system that can easily retract, so you can avoid underwater obstacles and navigate shallower waterways.

For a more detailed and informative look at these two systems, watch the video below.

Kayak Type

There are so many styles and types of kayaks available today that it can be difficult to keep up, but for the most part, they can be narrowed down into the follow categories:

Hardshell vs Inflatables

There aren’t that many inflatable kayaks with rotational pedals available at the moment – although that is changing. Still, for the time being, pedal power is synonymous with hardshell kayaks.

This article on hardshells vs inflatable kayaks will tell you more.

Sit-On-Top vs Sit Inside

Likewise, I don’t think there’s a sit-inside kayak that features pedals, and the vast majority of kayaks with this technology are sit-on-top versions.

Read this article which pits sit-on-top against sit-inside to see which is better for the kayak fisherman or woman.

Tandem vs Solo

There are tandem kayaks with pedals out there, but they can be difficult to get hold of and/or very expensive, so I’ve not included any in this article.

However, if you are looking for a boat for two, head on over to this article, which explores the best tandem fishing kayaks available. A couple of options there feature pedal power.

Kayak Size

Does size matter?

When it comes to a kayak – yes it does.

It depends on where you’re going to be using your kayak the most. Kayaks that are around 9-10 feet are more suitable for quiet rivers, lakes, and inlets.

Longer kayaks are ideal for tackling choppier waters, and/or for traveling longer distances.

For a pedal powered kayak, I would say the sweet spot is about 12 feet long – or thereabouts.

The shorter a kayak is, the more maneuverable it will be, but it won’t be as fast or track nearly as well as a longer craft.

Still, when it comes to fishing kayaks, you’re not really looking to win any races.

And don’t forget that storage and transport limitations should also be taken into consideration.

You still need somewhere to put your kayak when it’s not in use – and you need to be able to get it to the water in the first place.

Storage Options

The pedal system in a kayak might take up extra space, but so long as you have plenty of storage options elsewhere on board, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Any good fishing kayak worth its salt should have front and rear tank wells for stashing tackle, gear, or one of these awesome fishing coolers for your catch and/or lunch and beer.

Underseat storage space is also highly advantageous.

And don’t forget about watertight storage hatches that are suitable for keeping your valuables protected, and the larger compartments will be ideal for stashing any extra rain fishing gear you might need to bring along.

Rudder and Steering

A pedal system will help you move forward and back, but how do you steer kayaks with pedals?

A hand-operated rudder will be located somewhere within easy reach of the cockpit area.

Look for a rudder that can be retracted, as launching will be much easier, and you won’t scrape or damage it in shallow water.

And although it’s possible to power and steer these craft without a paddle, I still highly recommend you take one.

You never know when you might need it, and a paddle provides extra speed, control, and maneuverability. Check out this review on the best paddles for kayak fishing.

It’s a good idea to wear a pair of good-quality fishing gloves when kayak fishing, as not only will they help with handling fish in slippery conditions, they can also help protect your hands when paddling.

Fishing Features

Just because the kayak comes with a pedal drive, doesn’t mean it should cut corners on fishing features.

While it’s possible to catch fish from just about any boat, a fishing kayak should only be considered a fishing kayak if it has one or more of the following:

Cost

You’re not going to get a good pedal drive fishing kayak for anything less than $1500 – and that’s if you’re lucky.

Yes, I know, I feel your pain.

Kayaks with a pedal system are not cheap, and they’re not set to reduce in price anytime soon.

Ask yourself the question – “how much kayak fishing am I going to do?”

If you’re a super-keen kayak angler who is on the water more than off it, then a high-end pedal kayak could be a worthwhile investment.

And if you’re of advancing years, they can seriously help you keep active without overdoing it, and you can’t put a price on your health, can you?!

But if it’s a bridge too far, and/or you’re not going to get a lot of use out of it, why not check out this review of the best fishing kayaks under $1000, instead?

Remember, you could always buy a pedal drive capable fishing kayak and add the drive system at a later date to spread the cost.

FAQs

Is a fishing kayak with pedals worth the price?

I would say so, yes. Once you’ve experienced the freedom, power, and control that a pedal yak gives you – you won’t go back.

Sure, they’re expensive, but give it a try once – and you’ll know why.

Is it better to paddle or pedal while kayak fishing?

They both have their advantages as outlined in the buyer’s guide above – and it might well depend on the conditions.

But for the ultimate in control, speed, and maneuverability, I would say pedal power is the best every single time.

Not to mention the hands-free fishing and relatively little effort you’ll need to exert when using them.

What are the advantages of pedal kayaks for fishing?

In a nutshell – they’re faster, near silent, offer hands-free fishing capabilities, and many provide turn-on-a-dime control.

They’re also just so much more enjoyable than swinging your arms with a paddle. Anyone who’s ever taken a date to a recreational pedal boating lake will know exactly what I mean.

How fast can you go on a pedal kayak?

Depending on the kayak, the pilot, and the conditions, I would say you’re looking at around 8-10 MPH on a pedal drive system.

Or, I should say, around 6-8 knots.

What is the cheapest pedal kayak?

For an all-inclusive pedal kayak, the cheapest here is the Perception Crank.

It’s likely there are pedal kayaks that cost even less – but I seriously doubt they’re going to be as good.

You get what you pay for these days.

Why are pedal kayaks so expensive?

I’m going to hazard a guess that it’s because of the intricate and complex technology and materials used in the drive system itself.

They nearly always come with premium lawn-chair style seating too, which can drive up the price considerably.

At any rate, fishing kayak manufacturers tend to put all their know-how into pedal kayaks, and you’ll regularly find they are their flagship models.

Can you put pedals on a kayak?

Depending on the kayak, I think it might well be possible to do a spot of DIY and add a pedal drive to just about any craft.

That said, if it’s not initially designed to be compatible with one, you might be opening up a whole can of worms unless you’re a do-it-yourself god.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money upfront, look for kayaks that are designed to be compatible with pedal drives – but the drives are sold separately.

You can always add them at a later date if you so choose.

Are Hobie pedal kayaks worth the money?

Hobie kayaks invented the pedal drive technology and are the market leaders in this aspect.

Their kick-up fin system is ingenious, and, as users will tell you, the crème de la crème when it comes to pedal kayak fishing.

But is it worth the money? Far be it from me to decide – let me know what you think in the comments.

Is a pedal kayak good exercise?

Yes – in fact, it’s a great way to stay in shape – especially if you’re not getting any younger.

Not as challenging as using a paddle alone, pedaling a fishing kayak is like using an incumbent exercise bike in the home.

Only this time, you’re fishing in the great outdoors – so it’s a triple win in my book. Just don’t forget to wear a decent fishing hat if you’re out under those harmful UV rays.

Here’s to a healthy and happy heart for many more years on the water!

Summary

Kayak fishing is already an incredibly enjoyable hobby, but when you add pedals, the fun just goes off the charts.

I hope this review has helped you choose the best pedal fishing kayak in 2024.

Let me know which model you’ve gone for and why.

Stay safe out there, tight lines, and happy pedaling!