The popularity of kayak fishing has exploded in recent years. Their easy portability is the main reason why serious anglers love using them to access otherwise blocked fishing areas. Many people are abandoning traditional methods of fishing and opting for kayaking because it’s easier to haul.
Stand-up fishing kayaks are known for their innovative, comfort-enhancing, and stable hull designs. The activity of fishing requires a lot of skills, patience, and maneuverability. Sometimes, the strenuous paddling or a noisy motor can disrupt the fishing adventure.
Luckily, there are a number of stand-up fishing kayaks that are built for comfort and soundless fishing so you can sneak in on your catch. Want to find out more?
Let’s explore the best standup kayak to invest in! Every experienced angler would agree that stand-up fishing kayaks are the best choices for kayak fishing. They offer amazing maneuverability in hard to reach areas. Fishing requires you to stand up frequently and that’s why stand-up kayaks offer that balance, stability, and accessibility.
While larger kayaks are usually towed on trailers, smaller ones can be easily transported on your vehicle’s roof rack. Not only that, but kayak fishing is way cheaper than motorboat fishing. There are no insurance premiums, fuel expenses, and of course, no motor to maintain.
This allows users to enjoy their fishing pastime with a wide range of view and transferability. Therefore, if you’re looking for a suitable stand-up fishing kayak, then here’s a list of some of the best, budget-friendly products to invest in.
In this article, we’ve reviewed five of the top fishing kayaks available. We’ve found that the best stand up fishing kayak is the Vibe Sea Ghost.
Contents
Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak
No products found.Of all the stand-up fishing kayaks we’ve surveyed, the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost is yet to be rivaled with. Offering its users impressive speed and stability, the kayak is light-weight, easy to maneuver, and haul. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and performance.
Highly recommended for your weekend fishing trips, this kayak has a brilliant toe-controlled rudder that increases speed and offers nimble tracking. Another great thing about the Sea Ghost is that it has a dual seating position that helps the angler settle into a flexible posture to get the best catch.
Crafted with a sleek yet spacious hull design, the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost can carry up to 550 pounds, which in itself is quite impressive.
You can even customize your rigging techniques, using the integrated gear tracks, while the slip-resistant deck works to enhance stability. Everything about this fishing kayak will delight an avid angler. There’s really not much to dislike about this one and it’s safely the best stand up fishing kayak around!
No products found.
For more information on the Vibe Sea Ghost, see the Product Reviews section below.
Runner Up: Best Stand-Up Fishing Kayak
Next up is the Pro Angler 118. It is known for its impressive adjustability by Emotional Stealth. With decent storage capacity and easy haul, this fishing kayak offers an innovative fishing experience. You can enjoy long hours of fishing without worrying about water getting into your deck as the draining system is self-sufficient.
The kayak offers three different seating positions – one for low paddling, one for reclining, and one for high active fishing. Moreover, the seat dries up fast and is made up of breathable fabric, making the cleaning process extremely easy. This fishing kayak requires very low-maintenance, and its easy portability is what makes it stand out!
For further details on the Pro Angler 118, see the Product Reviews below.
Budget Choice: Brooklyn Kayak Angling Kayak
Fishing kayaks can be pricey, to say the least. It’s quite rare to find one that offers comfort, performance, and affordability. However, in the case of Brooklyn Kayak Company Single Fishing Kayak, anglers are quite lucky. From all the kayaks in this list, this is the only that offers adjustable features, efficient maneuverability, and performance at a very reasonable price.
With a great handling capability and well-built rod holders, the angler can enjoy a firm grip over the kayak. Because of the comfy footrest and fully water-proof storage, the BKC fishing kayak is an ideal investment. You can tell it’s worth the price by the number of bonus features it has.
For further details on the BKC, see the Product Reviews area below.
Stand Up Fishing Kayak Buyer’s Guide
Investing in a stand-up fishing kayak will require you to do your research to make a long-term investment. When you are buying a fishing kayak, you need to keep in mind certain factors like capacity, weight, transferability, stability, and storage. So, without further ado, here are the most important features to look out for.
Standup Kayak Stability
Stand-up fishing essentially requires you to remain stable while bending over to sneak in for a catch. Therefore, it’s important to invest in a stable kayak as it ensures your utmost safety. If you’re a beginner especially, this should be your first concern.
You should only invest in an innovative and stable hull design that allows you to fish without falling over. Newer models ensure that you can stand and fish without any fear. For this reason, Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130, with its sleek hull design and adjustable seating, is one of the most stable kayaks to invest in.
Angler Kayak Length and Width
The dimensions of your kayak matter more than you think. Most of the latest models you come across will usually fall between 11 and 12 feet. The shorter the kayak is, the more maneuverability you can expect. However, kayaks 12 ft or longer are better for accelerating speed in open waters.
The angler’s height is another key factor that influences a short or long kayak. A tall person wouldn’t try to fit into a 10 or 11 ft short kayak. If you have a big built and want a spacious seat, then long kayaks are the ideal option. Fishing kayaks between 11-12 ft are great for most body sizes.
The wider the kayak is, the more stable it will prove on the water. Of course, they tend to carry a wider capacity, as is in the case of SUNDOLPHIN Boss Angler Kayak. Make sure, you verify all the dimensions to choose a kayak that best suits your needs.
Seating and Adjustment
The seating size, model, and adjustability greatly influence the cost of the fishing kayak. A product with greater adjustment options for active fishing, reclining, and low paddling will naturally be costlier. Some seats are also removable, which creates more space to move around in the kayak. However, the best seats will always offer high and low adjustability and footrests to enhance the comfortable fishing experience.
Fishing Kayak Storage
Stand-up fishing will require you to venture farther into the water; hence, it’s important to store all your essentials as well as your catch. This includes water, snacks, safety gear like your PFD, and fishing gear. Storage capacity is actually the most important feature of a fishing kayak.
If you’re planning for a full-day fishing trip, then you should duly consider the storage haul. Make sure the storage is big enough to keep your valuables safe. You should choose a fishing kayak that has at least four different storage areas that are large and spacious – much like the BKS Single Fishing Kayak.
Note that none of these kayaks are folding kayaks, nor are they inflatable kayaks. This means you’ll need to have a place to put them, and you’ll need to be comfortable loading and unloading these bulky units. Several of them weigh well over 50 lbs, so be prepared!
Kayak Tracking and Maneuverability
Every angler knows what a “rocker” is. As a measuring scale, it helps the kayaker detect how much the kayak’s hull can curve up from the center towards the ends of the hull, along the keel. Stand-up fishing kayaks that have a low level of rocker are usually straight along the keel, while ones with a high degree of rocker are rather curved along the keel.
Low-degree rocker allows for better tracking, but such kayaks are hard to turn quickly, and therefore, less maneuverable. On the other hand, kayaks with a high degree of rocker are faster and turn easily, allowing greater control.
These factors can guide your decision when it comes to choosing the best stand-up fishing kayak that meets not only your comfort but also your fishing skills!
Stand Up Fishing Kayak Reviews
In this section, we’ll review our top five best stand up fishing kayak choices. We’ll start with a comparison table to get things rolling, and then move into reviews of the individual angling kayaks. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Best Stand-Up Fishing Kayak: Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130
No products found.Key Points at a Glance
- 1-person sit on top fishing kayak
- Ultra-quiet sleek hull design
- Long and light-weight fishing kayak that offers unmatched speed and stability
- Pre-installed toe controlled rudder system
- Dual position Vibe Hero seat for maximum comfort
- Integrated gear tracks for personalized rigging
- Built to last with multiple storage options
Dimensions and Specs
- Dimensions: 13 ft x 33”
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 550 pounds.
The Details
No products found.The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 is an innovative kayak that offers unmatched speed, stability, and accessibility. It has a sleek, hull structure that helps in quick-paced, nimble tracking. Plus, the 500 lbs capacity ensures that you can carry a great deal of weight without a hassle.
One feature that makes this fishing kayak stand out is the toe-controlled rudder. This rudder allows anglers to fish faster while eliminating the need to paddle strenuously during windy days.
Constructed with ultra-stable Rotomolded single piece Polyethylene, the Sea Ghost is built to perform on the water. It will stand the test of time with its ultra-quiet hull design, amazing weight capacity, and durable construction.
Whether you’re sitting or standing, the kayak offers a very stable platform for fishing, paddling, and tracking. With world-class engineered stable and slip-resistant desk platform, both new and professional anglers can enjoy fishing even while standing up, without a worry.
Another great thing about the Sea Ghost 130 is that it offers premium comfort.
Both paddling and fishing are physically demanding activities; therefore, you need all the comfort you can get. The dual position Vibe Hero seat is extremely comfortable and the adjustable foot braces work together to create a comfortable fishing experience.
The fishing kayak is available with multiple storage options and includes a large center console that is both stylish and comfortable along with a rear hatch and an oval hatch.
The Bottom Line: The Best Fishing Kayaks Around!
All in all, the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 is a fantastic, sporty, and durable fishing kayak that allows the angler to stand comfortably for extended periods. When it comes to balancing speed, stability, design, and price – the Sea Ghost tops the list. However, it could still be a little spacious, as its sleek design doesn’t allow tall anglers to use it that comfortably.
Nonetheless, this fishing kayak is ideal for beginners and professional anglers and is great value for money. It is the best stand up fishing kayak available.
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Brooklyn Kayak Company Single Fishing Kayak
Key Points at a Glance
- High-quality stand-up stability
- Durable and built to last
- Waterproof storage with a spacious cargo area
- Durable paddle parks – perfect for a short rest while fishing
- Foot pedal-operated rudder
- Flush-mount rod holders for a firm grip and to keep the fishing poles out of the way
- Spacious storage
Dimensions and Specs
- Dimensions: 11.5 ft x 34”
- Weight: 68 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 450 lbs.
- It can accommodate one person.
The Details
The Brooklyn Kayak Company is one of the best solo fishing kayaks in the market. Its stand-up stability is off the charts, allowing anglers to remain standing for long casts without losing balance. With a promising design and structure, this single fishing kayak offers a top-notch aquatic adventure for anglers.
With four spacious and fully watertight storage areas, you can easily keep your cell-phones, car keys, and lunch in the pockets. The fourth storage is actually an open cargo area for keeping larger gear perfectly secure. If you’re planning for a full-day solo fishing trip, the BKS fishing kayak will help you paddle plenty of distance both over downriver and open water.
The foot pedal-operated rudder is built to maximize the user’s comfort by offering amazing control on the kayak. Couple this with the twin flush mount rod holders that keep the fishing poles out of the way, and you can expect a professional fishing experience.
There are also multiple drain ports within the kayak that clear up any water that may have slashed in, so you won’t have to worry about a slippery platform. Plus, it’s equipped with carrying handles so transportation is extremely easy.
While this kayak is great for solo fishing, there are certain areas where it lacks. The footrest area is slanted downwards, which makes standing on one’s top toes a difficult task. The chair, nonetheless, is extremely comfortable and makes for a great product at such a reasonable price.
The Bottom Line
The Brooklyn Kayak Company is well-known for its durable, customized designs, and this kayak is just that. Slender hull, comfortable seat, good rudder control, amazing footrest, and of course, four different storage areas— this kayak offers a lot of features and is a contender for best stand up fishing kayak. However, it needs some more work to make the construction more solid and stable.
- The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC-UH-RA220 is...
- Standup Stability - The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC...
- Waterproof Storage - The Angler 1-person kayak...
- Paddle Parks - Secure your paddle to the Brooklyn...
- Cargo Area - The rear of the Brooklyn Kayak...
Lifetime Products Emotional Stealth Pro Angler 118
Key Points at a Glance
- Adjustable framed seating with high, low, and reclining settings for a customized experience
- Adjustable foot braces to improve flexibility during fishing
- Innovative Combination Tunnel Hull that cuts through the water and enhances tracking performance
- Stable and solid platform for long casts
- Deck channel draining system with 7 self-drainage scupper holes
- Water-resistant Oval hatch for ease and convenience
Dimensions and Specs
- Dimensions: 11.8′ x 32″
- Weight: 85lbs
- Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
- Rear Storage Capacity: 3.5′ deep
The Details
The Lifetime Products Emotional Stealth Pro Angler 118 offers amazing maneuverability with its innovative Combination Tunnel Hull. The design is sleek, slender, and built to last, allowing the kayak to cut through the water and slowly shift to a tunnel hull that enhances tracking performance. It also contributes to initial stability for fishing and stand-up casting.
For professional anglers, the Pro Angler 118 is a well-rounded choice as it offers comfort, performance, and durability in the long-term.
The seating is super-comfortable, fast-drying, and breathable. You won’t have to worry about cleaning it every now and then. The seating is set on three different options – low for paddling, high for active fishing mode, and reclining for when you want to relax. The additional foot braces greatly enhance comfort, making paddling an easy task.
And standing up in this kayak is comfortable, with reasonable balance in calm water. You’ll be able to cast and reel while standing.
With two flush mount rod holders and 2 Flambeau tackle boxes with in-built slots planted in the seating area, you can now tag along with all your favorite valuables while enjoying fishing. The front oval hatch has a rubber seal, which makes it water-resistant and the perfect cover. Moreover, the fishing kayak has self-bailing scupper holes that automatically shed excess water, eliminating any slippery accidents.
Ideally created to fit in an entire milk crate, the tank well is huge and spacious. Plus, the adjustable bungee system helps in increasing the storage capacity. However, with all its strengths, some users have complained that the fishing kayak is slightly unstable when standing up.
Besides that, the Pro Angler is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance.
The Bottom Line: Runner-Up Kayak
The company has always garnered raving reviews for their fishing kayaks. They provide professional anglers and paddlers a much-needed value for the money. The seat is fully adjustable and comfortable for both tall and short anglers. There is tons of room in the stern deck and also behind the seat, which offers a stable fishing experience while sitting. The bungee design offers excellent flexibility in storage. All in all, the Pro Angler 118 is definitely worth investing in.
It is our runner-up choice for best stand up fishing kayak.
- Adjustable framed seating System with three...
- Innovative Combination Tunnel Hull designed to...
- Adjustable Foot Braces for Any Adult Angler
- High initial stability hull allows for Stand-Up...
- Ready to Fish - Comes with 2 Flambeau Tackle Boxes...
SUNDOLPHIN Boss SS Sit-On/Stand-On Top Angler Kayak
No products found.Key Points at a Glance
- Non-slip pads and stand-up strap for greater stability
- Catamaran hull design that offers a stable, slip-resistant platform
- Extremely stable sit-on-top kayak
- Comfort-cast dual position seating
- Firm paddle holders and carry handles for easier haul and transferability
- Four different large storage wells
Dimensions and Specs
- Dimensions: 12’3” x 33”
- Weight: 78 lbs
- Maximum Load: 500 lbs
The Details
No products found.Another top-rating addition to our list, the SUNDOLPHIN Boss Angler Kayak is innovative, affordable, and built to perform. The design is unique and sleek with a catamaran hull structure that offers amazing stability for anglers.
Proud to have been “Assembled in the USA”, the Sun Dolphin kayak is constructed with rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density Polythylene, which makes for a lightweight, extremely durable, and performance-oriented fishing kayak.
Built with all the accessories you need, the sit-on-top fishing kayak comes with a comfort-cast dual-position seating system. This allows the angler to fix their posture and position as and how they see fit. You can conveniently shift from a high to low seating position without any troubles.
Moreover, the adjustable footrests ensure that a comfortable and relaxing fishing experience. The storage system can accommodate all your snacks, essentials, and safety gear. You can easily store your fishing gear using the bow and stern quick-lock waterproof hatches, a stand assist strap, and well-built rear gear wells with bungee fastenings.
To ensure the angler’s safety, the anti-slip deck greatly enhances motion stability during the active fishing period. The Boss 12 is brimming with features at a very economical price that you might only find in a high-end kayak. Durable, stylish, and portable, this one is a keeper. With a catamaran hull design, this fishing kayak is slender and beautifully cuts through the water for an unforgettable fishing experience.
However, the seat sometimes pops out, making it hard for anglers to position themselves low. The rod holders seem to be out-of-reach for shorter anglers, which is another area the kayak lacks in.
The Bottom Line
The SUN DOLPHIN Boss 12 is a decent fishing kayak that combines all the great features of a premium kayak into an extremely affordable one. Its stand-out feature is its amazing adjustability, especially when it comes to seating. Customers absolutely love how they can fix a high or low seat without putting in much effort.
This really adds to the fishing experience as it takes away the strenuous effort. Another prominent feature is the seating. Although it seems to pop out initially, many users found it to be extremely flexible, allowing them to adjust nicely. Both the size and the capacity are on point, with great bungee-focused flexibility in gear storage. The innovative catamaran hull design definitely makes this kayak worth the money!
No products found.
Old Town Top Water Fishing Kayak
Key Points at a Glance
- Sleek, innovative, and ultra-stable DoubleU hull design
- Easy-to-maneuver, hands-free platform for fishing
- Adjustable Element Air seat for flexible high and low positioning
- Topwater PDL Angler for precision handling and unrivalled stability
- Transducer mounting system to use your favorite fish finder
- EVA-foam deck pads for a firm and comfortable grip
Dimensions and Specs
- Dimensions: 10’6” x
- Weight: 100 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
The Details
The last on our list is the Old Town Top Water Fishing Kayak, which really takes kayak fishing to the next level. Designed to enhance comfort and hands-free performance, this fishing kayak is lightweight, nimble, and durable. This product is the heaviest on our list; however, its easy transferability is yet to be matched.
The Old Town is equipped with extremely stable, pontoon-style Double-U hull design that offers easy maneuverability and an excellent grip. The quite technology helps you soundlessly glide through the water for a nice catch. The platform is slip-resistant and hands-free, which offers great motion stability for stand-up fishing.
Enhanced with a beach-style, breathable ElementAir seat, the adjustability and flexibility is on a whole different level. You can enjoy extensive angling and paddling from the seat with the utmost comfort. Another great thing about this fishing kayak is its padded-EVA floor pads, which enhance the foot grip and maneuverability.
You can easily drive the Old Town fishing kayak in forward and reverse direction through the maintenance-free PDL Drive. It tips up the moment you’ve landed in shallow water. Install it in seconds and enjoy a smooth drive on the water.
The product also features a universal transducer mount, which makes it compatible with fish finders. This fishing kayak has 3-rod holders for a firm and secure fishing experience and a front hatch to keep your gear safe. All in all, Old Town has really outdone themselves with this fishing kayak that is comfortable, durable, easy to paddle, and easy to transport.
The Bottom Line
The Old Town fishing kayak is certainly worth investing in, if you’ve got the coin. It boasts a compact size with decent storage facilities and stability-enhancing features. For professionals and beginners, Old Town fishing kayak is a great choice as it performs intuitively, depending on downriver, open water, or shallow water situations. However, the price on this one may make you say ouch!
You can buy a personal floatation device for a personalized and enjoyable fishing experience. The one reason why it really resonates with the users is that all of its features work to enhance comfort. Whether it’s the seating adjustability, the DoubleU hull design, or the spacious capacity – everything about the Old Town kayak is surprisingly perfect, except its price point.
- Old Town's Topwater PDL Angler fishing Kayak...
- The Topwater PDL Angler uses the low maintenance...
- Packed with features, the Topwater PDL Angler...
- Thanks to an ultra-stable double hull design, the...
- The kayak's revolutionary universal transducer...
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost is the best stand up fishing kayak for both beginners and professionals. It perfectly combines comfort, performance, style, and affordability. It’s sure to up your catch rate. However, if you’re looking for extra features like footrests and water-proof storage for the same amount of price, nothing really beats the BKC Single Fishing Kayak.
However, the Lifetime Products Emotional Stealth Pro Angler 118 cuts close with its impressive speed, stability, and maneuverability. Each stand-up fishing kayak has its own unique strengths. Hence, it’s important to use the buyer’s guide above to make a wise decision!
