The Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayaks – Complete Guide & Top 11 Picks for 2024

Of all the different types of fishing kayaks available, sit-on-top versions are arguably the best.

Their wide hulls provide excellent stability on still waters, as well as offering plenty of on-board storage space for your tackle and gear.

Not to mention the versatility to customize until your heart’s content.

In this article, we take a look at the eleven best sit-on-top fishing kayaks, to bring you the latest and greatest tools for keen kayak anglers.

A Quick Guide to Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks & TOP 3 Picks for 2024

Before we get stuck into the reviews, it’s useful to outline the criteria we’re looking for when we choose our shortlist of the best sit-on-top fishing kayaks.

And when you’re looking through the reviews yourself, you can bear these factors in mind.

With all that in mind, here’s our top three picks to get you started.

Product	Award	Our Rating	Review
Vibe Shearwater 125 Fishing Kayak	The “Most Complete” Fishing Kayak	4.5/5.0	Read review
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 Kayak	The Best Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak	4.3/5.0	Read review
Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120	Premium Quality Fishing Kayak	4.1/5.0	Read review

It’s been a very tight race in recent years, and kayak fishing technology is getting better all the time, largely to match its meteoric rise in popularity.

Any number of these kayaks can be interchangeable for top spot, and in the end, it’s come down to our personal preference.

Up first is the outstanding Vibe Shearwater 125 fishing kayak.

Billed as the “most complete” fishing machine ever to grace the water, it’s absolutely packed with a crazy amount of features, and is one of the finest-looking kayaks in the history of the sport.

Next up, the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 is an absolute monster of a fishing kayak, featuring the best pedal drive technology in the world.

It’s also one of the best ocean fishing kayaks out there, as it’s as close to an actual boat as a kayak is ever going to get.

Our third spot goes to the awesome Old Town Sportsman Autopilot, but it could just have easily gone to any sit-on-top kayak in the Sportsman range.

We thought we’d give you a bit of variety and choose one of the best motorized kayaks on the market, ideal for anyone who wants to explore the waterways with a minimum of effort.

An honorable mention must also go to the Perception Outlaw 11.5, which offers loads of attractive features for the price, and has really been making waves in the fishing kayak community since its release.

But without further ado, let’s take a look at our shortlist, and rest assured you’re in good hands.

How We Choose

Have you ever noticed that certain review websites will try to shoehorn in any old product, just so long as it’s easy to purchase online?

That’s not what you get with us.

We’ve spent hours researching each and every product that makes the cut on these pages – approximately 23 hours, 17 minutes, and 48 seconds.

But who’s counting?

We’ve had just about every sit-on-top fishing kayak from every brand under the microscope.

Not literally, of course, because they’re far too big for that and it would be silly.

Using our tried-and-tested method, we take all the important features and factors for choosing the best fishing kayaks (listed above), hold them up to each product, and make sensible, professional, and experienced judgements as to which kayak is going to be included.

Furthermore, we examine user reviews, videos, interviews, and more on each model, to get an unbiased view from kayak anglers and industry professionals.

And where we can, we get out in the boats themselves, or at least see them in the flesh at local paddle sports stores.

Either way, you won’t find any fluff here, and when we say “the best…” we mean the best!

The 11 Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks in 2024

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

Perception makes some fantastic craft for recreational paddlers, and they’ve recently produced one of the best fishing kayaks on the market with the Outlaw 11.5.

Never too far away from fishing kayak reviews, the Outlaw is the perfect intermediate fishing machine, with premium features for a more budget-friendly price.

The two rod holders are double-barreled and can hold up to four fishing rods, and there are three solo mount recesses for adding accessories like fish finders.

Molded trays keep tools and equipment safe and close to hand, so you can stash one of these awesome fishing knives right where you need it.

This is one of those fishing kayaks you look at, and you can’t quite believe what they’ve managed to include for the price, all wrapped up in an attractive, easy-to-use fishing platform that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Go here for a more in-depth review of the impressive Outlaw 11.5.

Pros

• Large stern tank well.
• Bow storage with mesh.
• Paddle park.
• Elevated, removable seating.
• Cup holders.
• Replaceable skid plate.
• Gear storage trays.
• Choice of colors.

Cons

• Not the best fishing kayak for speed.

Takeaway

Possibly the best sit on top fishing kayak under $1000, Perception has struck gold with the Outlaw, a feature-rich, super-stable kayak that’s much more affordable than many fishing kayaks in this class.

However, it’s not built for speed, and some folks might find it a bit “clunky.”

Native Watercraft Titan Propel Fishing Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

At 10.5 feet in length, the Titan is one of the more compact sit on top kayaks with a pedal drive, and gives off more of a solid bass boat vibe.

Offering instant forward and reverse to give you more control no matter the conditions, the pedal system is intuitive to use, and all from a comfortable cockpit that features the company’s famous hand-sewn seating on a sliding track.

Surprisingly roomy, the Titan provides you with all the room you need to bring a mountain of fishing gear, and that generous stern tank well is ideal for larger kayak fishing coolers.

Then there’s the super-stable deck for standing casts and reels, integrated horizontal rod holders, unlimited customization options, and a commanding field-of-view from the fully adjustable seating position.

It’s also available with a transom motor mounting plate, so you can convert to power if you so choose.

Considering NW are one of the best fishing kayak brands out there, this kind of product certainly doesn’t hurt their reputation in the community – especially if you like hunting bass.

Pros

• Grove accessory tracks.
• Ideal for bass fishing.
• Highly portable.
• Anchor and trolling motor compatible.
• Choice of colors.
• High weight capacity.
• Huge storage area.
• Transducer mounting plate.

Cons

• Expensive.
• The drive system isn’t retractable.

Takeaway

A beautiful fishing kayak with all the trimmings, the compact size and lightweight design makes this a real winner – especially considering it has a pedal drive.

However, that’s also a bit of a downside for faster rivers, and you might want to consider the NW Slayer line instead.

Intex Excursion Pro Series Inflatable Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

If you’re looking for one of the best sit on top fishing kayaks under $500, then you can do a lot worse than the Excursion Pro from Intex.

The popular inflatables brand might be more commonly associated with mattresses and beach play boats, but their Pro series is well worth considering, not least because of what you get for the price.

Made with a super tough laminate PVC with polyester core, it’s lightweight, portable, and yet highly durable, and has some practical fishing features that you usually don’t get in kayaks in this class, such as the removable mounting bracket for extra kayak rod holders, or a GPS.

Spring-loaded valves provide fast inflation and deflation, and it comes with everything you need to get onto the water fast, for the ultimate in grab-and-go kayak fishing.

It’s so good, we’ve done a full, in-depth review of the Intex Excursion Pro which you can find at that link.

Pros

• Outstanding price point.
• Detachable fishing rod holders.
• Multiple D-rings for securing gear.
• Removable mounting bracket.
• Floor mounted foot rest.
• Bow and stern storage.
• Pump, paddles, and carry bag included.

Cons

• No storage hatch to speak of.
• The seat isn’t the most comfortable.

Takeaway

Sure, it might not be the best fishing kayak of all time, but as a budget-friendly option that’s packed with features, this is a great choice, and given the fact that it’s one of the most portable and lightweight fishing kayaks out there, it’s perfect for solo anglers who like to grab any opportunity to get out there and fish.

Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 Fishing Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

It was a close call between the Wilderness Systems Radar and the A.T.A.K, but I’ve gone for the latter, which stands for Advanced Tactical Angling Kayak.

Wilderness Systems manufactures some of the best fishing kayaks out there, and the award-winning A.T.A.K series are their flagship models.

Available in 12 foot and 14 foot versions, the 120 is more compact, and thus improves manageability whether you’re on the water or off it.

From the cockpit, you have a commanding view of the surroundings with the WS AirPro MAX seating system, which is about as comfortable as they come.

The kayak itself features the FlexPod removable center console, SlideTrax accessory rails, a wealth of storage options, and transducer scupper with cover.

Suitable for those thrilling standing casts and reels, the A.T.A.K is a super-stable fishing platform that’s perfect for calm waters.

Best of all, it’s fully compatible with a pedal system, so you can add pedal power at a later date if you wish.

Pros

• Award-winning design.
• Silent traction pads.
• Bow paddle park.
• Large stern tank well with bungee.
• Bow and stern storage hatches.
• Stand up assist strap.
• Pedal kayak convertible.

Cons

• No molded in rod holders.

Takeaway

Easily one of the best fishing kayaks ever to grace the water, every inch of the ATAK 120 has been designed for catching fish in comfort.

The fact that it’s capable of adding pedals is a great feature, but you can always check out this review of the best pedal fishing kayaks if that’s what you want as standard.

A Buyer’s Guide to Sit on Top Fishing Kayaks

Below, you’ll find plenty of tips, tricks, and advice to help you in the search for your next favorite toy – a really good fishing kayak.

Here’s what you should be looking out for if you want to become a successful kayak angler. You can also read this article for the basics on how to choose a fishing kayak.

Type of Kayak

Fishing kayaks (and kayaks in general) come in all shapes, sizes, and types. When you’re in the market for a new kayak, your first hurdle is deciding between the following options:

Sit On vs Sit Inside

There’s a good chance that if you clicked this link you’re already looking for the best sit on top fishing kayaks, and you can forget about the sit-inside versions.

However, it’s still worth mentioning the difference – especially for anyone who is new to kayak fishing.

This article on sit on top vs sit inside fishing kayaks will tell you everything you need to know, and you can go here if you want to try your hand at the best sit-inside fishing kayaks instead.

Hardshell vs Inflatable

Ahhh, the eternal debate. Hardshells vs inflatables. Which is better for fishing?

While whole articles have been written on the subject, I can actually break it down into a single line.

Hardshells offer better stability and performance, inflatables are easier to transport and store.

There is more to it, but that’s it in a nutshell!

For a more dedicated article on the best inflatable fishing kayaks, follow that link. And if you want to upgrade, you can try this review of the best inflatable fishing boats, instead.

Pedals vs Paddles vs Power

How you get from A to B is an important consideration when it comes to choosing the best fishing kayak, and you have three options:

While the quality of peddles and trolling motors improves every year, paddles are still not obsolete just yet. You’ll still need them as a backup in case something goes wrong with the technology.

And since most fishing kayaks don’t come with a paddle, check out this article on the best paddles for kayak fishing.

Essential for improving paddle strokes and paddle acceleration, they can also offer some extra features that are useful for kayak anglers.

Likewise, you can go here for the best kayak trolling motors – if your choice of kayak doesn’t already come with one, like the options found in this review of the best motorized fishing kayaks.

Size and Weight

I would say that the best fishing kayaks are generally found to be between 10 and 14 feet in length.

Anything longer and you’re looking at a touring kayak, anything much smaller, and it’s a more recreational play boat – although there are exceptions.

With a good fishing kayak, you want a balanced marriage of speed and maneuverability, but as stability is also important, you’re looking for kayaks with wider hulls.

Unfortunately, the trade-off is going to be in weight. Sit on top fishing kayaks tend to be heavier than any other kind – especially with the addition of pedal drives and other power systems.

You need to make sure you’re prepared for that, or choose an inflatable model as an alternative. And even with lighter kayaks, it’s a good idea to use one of these awesome kayak carts to help take a load off!

And don’t forget about the fishing kayak weight capacity. Make sure you know how much it can take – including yourself – so you don’t overload with fishing tackle and gear.

Finally, if you are at all worried about finding the most stable fishing kayak, you might like to check out this article on the best fishing kayaks for big guys and gals.

Seating

Fishing kayak companies put a lot of time, effort, and money into designing the most comfortable seating options possible.

Outside of performance on the water, for many fishing kayaks, it’s this feature that truly sets apart the best of the best. And we’ve come a long way from simply having a padded seat on board.

Look for fully adjustable, lawn-chair style seating for day-long comfort during your fishing adventure. Not only will they provide adequate support, but they’ll offer a great field-of-view for sight fishing.

Likewise, having adjustable foot braces or multiple footrest positions will improve your fishing experience, and can cater for anglers of all sizes.

Finding the right fishing kayak means finding the right fishing kayak seating.

Performance

Even the best fishing kayaks are not designed to win races.

However, you still need a modicum of performance when you’re chasing down those fish, and trying to access the best spots for kayak fishing.

When it comes to kayak performance, remember to keep these simple pointers in mind:

If you’re fishing in breaking surf, look for a kayak with a multi chine hull, which will help dissipate the waves – but at the cost of speed.

Again, most kayak anglers don’t need to set any speed records, and are looking for a happy medium between speed, maneuverability, and tracking.

But a kayak that offers a balanced performance is going to be more comfortable and efficient to pilot, and help to prevent fatigue during long days on the water.

Storage Options

On board dry storage options are essential for keeping valuables out of the wet. Both paddling and fighting fish can get you and the kayak deck soaked, so dry storage hatches are a great addition.

Look for fishing kayaks with cup holders – having a place to keep a water bottle (or cold beer) is very useful. And speaking of cold beers, why not take along a fishing cooler to keep them super chilled?

The best fishing kayak for storage will have stern and bow tank wells, capable of holding a fair amount of extra fishing gear – or even to have a four-legged friend along for the ride.

And fishing kayaks that maximize and use the space well are going to stand out, so look for clever storage solutions that keep things close to hand – but out of the way and organized. Under seat storage is a good example.

Fishing Friendly Features

As I always say, a fishing kayak without dedicated fishing features is just a kayak. And the very best fishing kayaks offer as many of the following details as possible:

This list is not exhaustive, and the best fishing kayak for you will have all the features you need, and nothing that you don’t.

To get some inspiration, take a look at the video below, which offers a detailed walkthrough of a fully customized fishing kayak.

Cost

The price of good fishing kayaks can vary wildly, and some of the very best are eye-wateringly expensive.

I always recommend buying the best you can afford, while considering how much it’s actually going to be used. If you’re a casual kayak angler, there’s no need to drop five grand on a fishing machine.

And if you are tightening the belt, check out this article on the best budget-friendly fishing kayaks on the market.

FAQs

What fishing kayak has the most comfortable seat?

Tough question. I would say they all have a good shout at boasting the most comfortable seat, and short of sitting in them all, there’s no real way to find out the answer.

If I was pushed, however, my gut instinct is to say it’s a toss up between the Hobie Mirage and the Old Town Sportsman.

What is the lightest fishing kayak?

The lightest fishing kayak is likely to be an inflatable model, as kayaks with a pedal system are going to be very heavy.

At just over 36 lbs, I would say the Intex Excursion Pro is the winner in this department. Certainly for this review, anyway.

What is the most stable fishing kayak?

Another good question, and again, impossible to answer without rigorously testing all the kayaks here, with different occupants, and in different conditions.

However, since you’ve asked nicely, I’m going to say that the Bonafide SS127 could well be up there as the most stable fishing kayak on the market.

That said, kayaks from Hobie, Old Town, and Native Watercraft are also very much in the running for the title.

Does color matter in fishing kayaks?

No. Since the jury is out on whether fish see color at all, the color of your kayak isn’t going to make much of a difference when you’re hunting your prey.

However, it’s a different matter when it comes to safety. Brighter colored kayaks are going to be much easier to see than muted, dark colors – should you ever get into difficulty.

Perhaps not so much on lazy rivers and glassy lakes, but if fishing offshore, for example, a highly visible kayak is pretty much essential.

Regardless, you should always be wearing a certified PFD, and these fishing PFDs are a great choice for practicality and safety.

Summary

Fishing kayak technology is rapidly developing all the time, and it can be hard to keep up!

This selection of the best sit-on-top fishing kayaks proves it – as there are some truly outstanding craft here, to help satisfy even the most serious angler.

Let me know which one you’re taking on your next fishing trip, and why!

Stay safe out there, and happy kayak fishing!