Best Saltwater Kayak
Our #1 Choice
Best Inflatable Model
Fly fishing uses lighter lures and longer casts to reel in fish. A kayak will give fly fishing anglers the perfect position over any target. Anyone who loves fly fishing out of a kayak can read through this guide to find out how to use them and which ones to buy.
Fly Fishing Kayak Comparison Table
Preview | Product | Max Capacity | Length | Width | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 | 400 lbs. | 12’3” | 35 inches | ||
Perception Pescador Pilot 12 | 475 lbs. | 12’5” | 33.75 inches | ||
Elkton Outdoors Steelhead | 400 lbs. | 10’10” | 39.5 inches | ||
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 | 375 lbs. | 14 feet | 28 inches | ||
Elkton Outdoors IBIS Pro | 475 lbs. | 12 feet | 33 inches | ||
Hobie 2020 Mirage Outback | 425 lbs. | 12’9” | 34 inches |
Buying Considerations for Fly Fishing Kayaks
Kayak Style
The pilot of a kayak might sit inside a cockpit or on the top of the hull. Some kayaks, like SUP models, are flat and meant to be stood upon. All these types rely on solid stability for the angler to be able to fish. While most are made of materials like polyethylene, some are made of inflatable materials to be more portable. Inflatable kayaks are better for reaching remote areas, but hardshell ones are more durable.
Size & Weight Capacity
Long kayaks are faster but harder to turn while wide kayaks have better balance but less speed. Even though longer and wider kayaks are harder to transport and might not be suitable for narrow creeks and small rivers, they often have the highest performance and can hold more gear. The weight capacity is important to consider for both the weight of the angler and the weight of all the gear.
Design & Durability
Kayak design has to take into account the chine, the rocker, and how cluttered the deck is. Long sections of fly fishing line will find a way to get tangled on anything it can find, so a clear deck is imperative. For additional room and better balance overall, the seating setup should not be complicated and the upper edge on either side of the yak, referred to as the gunnel, should be low and even.
Stability
To get the long cast that fly fishing calls for, the kayak has to be really stable. The primary stability is engaged when the kayak is level in calm conditions and gives a sense of security when standing up. Secondary stability is when the kayak is tipped in either direction; it should be able to tilt pretty far and never turn over completely. Both are important for going through the many motions of fly fishing while standing up on a fly fishing kayak.
Tracking, Speed & Maneuverability
When you paddle in a kayak, it shouldn’t move from side to side. If it stays on track, it’s said to have good tracking. In running water where fly fishing typically happens, good tracking and maneuverability are important for navigating obstacles and reaching pristine fishing spots. Speed is also handy, so you don't have to spend the whole day paddling to get somewhere. New hull designs allow for both speed and a reactive kayak that will respond and turn just how you need it to.
Storage & Portability
Most kayaks have some kind of handle attached or built-in to make transporting it to the water easier on anglers. Inflatables are always going to be more portable. There’s also the issue of storage onboard the kayak. While the deck must be clutter-free, anglers also benefit greatly from in-hull storage, rod holders, and incorporated fish finder mounts. A sleek design will blend this storage space without creating lots of catches for fly fishing line to get caught up in.
Budget & Warranty
It’s not unheard of to spend one or two thousand dollars on a top-of-the-line fly fishing kayak if it has all the bells and whistles and handles exceptionally well on the water. Thankfully some less expensive models might come with a little bit less storage space or be built with a less sophisticated building material. As a general rule, the higher the initial investment, the better and longer the warranty will be. That’s not always the case, so make sure you look into the warranty before purchasing a kayak.
6 Best Fly Fishing Kayaks Reviewed
1. Wilderness Systems ATAK 120
Our Top Pick!
Max Load Capacity | 400 lbs. |
Primary Material | Polyethylene |
Length | 12’3” |
Width | 35 inches |
Kayak Weight | 86 lbs. |
Loaded with design and performance features, the ATAK 120 has a standout low-profile shape and can be fully customized with gear, electronics, and specialized fly fishing tools like a stripping basket. It’s bound to leave an impression on a passerby and anyone who gets to use it, not only for its sleek contours but for the way it handles in running river water. The increased rocker on the 120 is what gives it its signature responsiveness.
One possible drawback is that the larger rocker can sometimes give the impression that this kayak has less primary stability than other comparable models. However, the rounded chine and the flatness of this craft’s wide hull give it great secondary stability. There are also some built-in features to help keep your balance on board, such as the stand-up assistance strap.
Despite the wide variety of features and add-ons this kayak has, there aren’t that many places where fly line can get tangled or knotted up. It’s the best stand-up kayak for fly fishing not only because it’s stable enough to stand up on but also because it won’t get in the way of your fishing at critical moments.
There’s also a second transducer scupper hole built for side-scanning models, so upping the strategic level of your fishing is also really easy with this kayak. With plenty of storage space, one of the most comfortable seats on the market, and low susceptibility to wind, it’s hard to beat the ATAK 120 for fly fishing.
Pros
Cons
2. Perception Pescador Pilot 12
Best Saltwater Kayak for Fly Fishing
Max Load Capacity | 475 lbs. |
Primary Material | High-density polyethylene |
Length | 12’5” |
Width | 33.75 inches |
Kayak Weight | 85 lbs. |
If you want to take a saltwater kayak fly fishing, the Pescador Pilot 12 is for you. Its main draw is the pedal-driven propulsion system, which is good for hands-free operation and performs much better than you’d think in running rivers. It can also handle the open ocean or coastal waters thanks to its durable hull. It’s UV-resistant, so it won't bleach after long periods in direct sunlight. The length of this kayak gives it some great speed potential, and the shape of the hull gives it fantastic tracking.
If the weight of this kayak makes you worry about transporting it, rest assured that a dolly makes it easy to get it to the launch site and back. Plus, if you want to hunt massive targets like tarpon, that weight will be essential to keep you from getting dragged along.
Four rod holders behind the seat give plenty of space to store both light and heavy gear if you’re the type of angler that likes to change tactics in the middle of an outing. There’s also a spot to fix an anchor on as well as a rudder that can be operated with one hand. There are also self-draining scupper holes to keep the 12 from getting overwhelmed with seawater if there’s a lot of chop. The only thing that stops this from being a perfect saltwater fly fishing kayak is the possibility of fly fishing line to get tangled in the pedal mechanism, but if you can build up good line control, then it's not a huge problem.
