Top 10 Fishing Kayaks

[Useful Idiot]

I'm gonna make a list of the top 10 fishing kayaks of all time just to throw on the website or newsletter or somewhere, thought it would be fun to get some input. I haven't come up with the list yet, but here's some contenders, in no particular order:

Cobra Fish N Dive
OK Scupper Pro
Malibu X-Factor
Hobie Revolution
OK Trident 15
WS Tarpon Series
Malibu Stealth 14
Malibu extreme
OK Torque
Hobie Pro Angler

What you got?

[steveooo]

The X-Wing Lives! :luxhello:

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/inshore-islands-fishing-reports-southern-california/59631-my-crazy-kayak.html

[Dennis]

Oh, yes. I remember this guy. I wonder if he ever took it out to LJ.

[Useful Idiot]

I said kayaks, not waterworld props. :D

[robmandel]

maybe look at overall sales. for instance, no mention of the prowler 13/15 yet they have been proven fish killing machines for a long time, and still are awesome fishing kayaks and very popular. durability and longevity are important.

how about versatility? some kayaks are great in one type fishery, but would be a tough ride in others. some are good for many things but don't excel in any (which is why I love my prowler 13 by the way). for instance, the pro angler would be useless up in malibu. you'd never get that thing through the surf where I launch. (nor up and down the steps at esco!!) neither the torque.

how about price or simplicity? a scrambler XT or drifter can't be beat for that.

[Hunters Pa]

Started with a SPTW & really liked it. Moved on to a P15 & really like it.

I think I just really like fishing out of a kayak

[MalibuJohnny]

http://images-partners-tbn.google.com/images?q=tbn:64GfQupxuGUn1M::www.bigfishtackle.com/photos/data/542/medium/redneck_bass_boat.jpg
It began with his cousin Jed...:farmer:

[dsafety]

This might surprise some people but according to my friends at Hobie, their best seller is the Outback. It is not as popular as some other models for ocean use around here but the folks who fish on lakes and rivers appear to like it.

Bob

['Cuda]

Cobra Marauder....punches thru surf and very fast...also only 56lbs. which I am thankful for every time I have to heave it atop my car after an exhausting day on the water.

[zlop]

I'm gonna make a list of the top 10 fishing kayaks of all time just to throw on the website or newsletter or somewhere, thought it would be fun to get some input. I haven't come up with the list yet, but here's some contenders, in no particular order:

Cobra Fish N Dive
OK Scupper Pro
Malibu X-Factor
Hobie Revolution
OK Trident 15
WS Tarpon Series
Malibu Stealth 14
Malibu extreme
OK Torque
Hobie Pro Angler

What you got?

Hmm...have I detected a slight bias towards West Coast manufacturers, or is it just my imagination? :rolleyes:

[Siebler]

Hmm...have I detected a slight bias towards West Coast manufacturers, or is it just my imagination? :rolleyes:


Well seeing as how most kayaks were made out here (until OK moved recently) there is bound to be more on the list from the West Coast. I see no problem with Brians start to the list other than skipping the Prowler 15.

[peguinpower]

I'd really like a Tarpon 160. I am waiting on CJ when he sells his team version :) j/k

[DENNYh]

I've owned cobra tour, fish n dive, xfaxtor and a prowler. I now own a hobie revo and pound for pound the best kayak, that's for someone like me @ 165lbs. Once you peddle to the dark side there's no going back.

[Gino]

owned an x-factor, Prowler Big game, and now a Malibu Extreme...

X-factor was a great boat. But the Extreme is by far hands down my favorite. I plan to buy another one in the future.

[Siebler]

I'd really like a Tarpon 160. I am waiting on CJ when he sells his team version :) j/k

Maybe you could have a new 160 for Catapolooza next year Bing, I might feel the need for a new one by then. :cheers1:

Oh and send me your email, ill get you that picture of the Sandbass.

[baitcasterboy20]

I'm gonna make a list of the top 10 fishing kayaks of all time just to throw on the website or newsletter or somewhere, thought it would be fun to get some input. I haven't come up with the list yet, but here's some contenders, in no particular order:

Cobra Fish N Dive
OK Scupper Pro
Malibu X-Factor
Hobie Revolution
OK Trident 15
WS Tarpon Series
Malibu Stealth 14
Malibu extreme
OK Torque
Hobie Pro Angler

What you got?
you got to get the smaller brand names with good kayaks like emotion. i think the mini-x deserves a spot on the list for being the best small kayak i think. i think the whole OK trident series needs a shoutout no just the 15. cobra has came out recently with a new marauder-xf which looks like it could be a fishing beast of a kayak, but i haven't tried out that specific model. the people that like cobra on this website might even say that the explorer could get a spot on this list

[SnookOne]

How about the Heritage Redfish 14?:)

Who's with me?:luxhello:

[drunkenmaster]

my Trident 13 is sick!!!!!!

[Iceman]

What, no Scrambler XT? :D I would take the new X13 over any other kayak on the market

[PAL]

Fact of life. The only major East Coast brand we regularly see on our Pacific Shores is Wilderness. If you can't buy it, it can't be a west coast classic. That knocks out Emotion, FeelFree, RTM, Hurricane, even Native (although at least one SoCal shop sells a couple of their models).

[speedydk]

I'll back up Iceman on the X13 ! I love mine!

[baitcasterboy20]

How about the Heritage Redfish 14?:)

Who's with me?:luxhello:
heritage makes some good models

[BulkCarrier]

Just saw this thread after starting a new one.

Why aren't there any glass kayak's on the list ? ( On the forum and article on website ) I know they are difficult to get , but they must get a chance.

I know I am a bit biased, because I have a kaskazi dorado II, but I always felt that it will be under the top 10 fishing kayaks out there.

[Calico Killer Kevin]

I love my Cobra Marauder, though it is a bit heavy. More so than my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. I have the old model and its hatches are a PITA though they are quite waterproof. Its interior space is lacking as well.

[WildernessWanker]

Bump. Although in need of updates this might help some of the newer people that are looking for seaworthy kayaks.

Sent from my SPH-L520 using Tapatalk

[RockyRaab]

"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not.

Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14.


Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

[ceruleandrms]

I'm gonna make a list of the top 10 fishing kayaks of all time just to throw on the website or newsletter or somewhere, thought it would be fun to get some input. I haven't come up with the list yet, but here's some contenders, in no particular order:

Cobra Fish N Dive
OK Scupper Pro
Malibu X-Factor
Hobie Revolution
OK Trident 15
WS Tarpon Series
Malibu Stealth 14
Malibu extreme
OK Torque
Hobie Pro Angler

What you got?

Tarpon 120 for me. Light, tracks well, easy to get thru the surf. I love my yak, except when I fall out because I'm dumb :doh:

[William Novotny]

Don't forget my Big Red Squid!!! Gosh I miss that girl. 16' fast as lightning, and the the "wings" on the front pushed your nose right over the surf. The only reason I got rid of her was lack of a tank well. Outside of that she was beast. http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/williamnovotny/2011-10-13%2009.49.56.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/williamnovotny/media/2011-10-13%2009.49.56.jpg.html)

[WildernessWanker]

"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not.

Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14.


Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

You're taking terms out of context, "seaworthy." The word itself is defined as being capable to sail the sea. If something is capable of performing in the ocean than use in any freshwater lake is automatically deemed as safe and within the capabilities of the vessel. We don't ask which kayaks are the best for freshwater because on the chance we want to expand our fisheries than that vessel may not perform safely in an ocean setting. I don't know about you but when I buy something I look for something that may be more than what I want in the chance I will need it. Plus I want to add the fact that the majority of talk on here is saltwater fishing, seemed like the thread appeals to the masses of saltwater fisherman. Not trying to pick a fight, just explaining my approach if I offended any freshwater purists.

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[WildernessWanker]

Don't forget my Big Red Squid!!! Gosh I miss that girl. 16' fast as lightning, and the the "wings" on the front pushed your nose right over the surf. The only reason I got rid of her was lack of a tank well. Outside of that she was beast. http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/williamnovotny/2011-10-13%2009.49.56.jpg (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/williamnovotny/media/2011-10-13%2009.49.56.jpg.html)

I came across one on CL and was intrigued but I couldn't find enough information about using it as a fishing kayak. Aside from the lack of a tankwell what other issues did you have with it? What were your favorite traits? Was it halfway decent to surf launch?

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[Cbad Mike]

I've only owned a Stealth 14 so I may be biased but I think the built in front bait tank is a great design and helps keep it on the list.

[William Novotny]

I came across one on CL and was intrigued but I couldn't find enough information about using it as a fishing kayak. Aside from the lack of a tankwell what other issues did you have with it? What were your favorite traits? Was it halfway decent to surf launch?

Sent from my SPH-L520 using Tapatalk
Surf launches were awesome. Literally pushes the nose up and over the crest of the wave. It was super fast and streamline. Tracked very well and had plenty of secondary stability. I could lean way over and feel comfortable. I'm almost 300# and 6'4" I was comfortable on it. Fished mostly thresher from it. I'd never own this as my primary kayak because of the absence ofa rear well but if I ever found another one I would definitely grab it as a secondary or just asa leisure paddler.

[cell128]

I would say Hobie outback too.

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[GregAndrew]

"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not.

Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14.


Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

Got to agree with your first point, it is entirely dependent on what you want out of it. As for your last point, you rarely find someone that does pedal that doesn't peddle (whether they are making money at it or not).:D

[FISH11]

X FACTOR by far the best for surf launching and stability on the water. My X13 is a little easier to paddle and goes a little faster. But when your weight is on the + side of 220lbs the top heavier center of gravity makes it so any quick move to reach for another pole in the back or get something out of the crate in the back of the kayak it rocks a lot more and you have to be a little more carefull not to lean if you don't want to get wet. There is only about a 6 lb difference in weight between the 2. In either case that is like a 45% less weigh with 65% more weight carying capacity than a Hobie. As far as PA's go if I wanted to haul around that much weight and needed a little more deck space, than I would just buy a center console skiff. the X FACTOR is still the best because of all the Hatches and storage room. If I was shopping for a new Kayak the X FACTOR would still be my choice.

[William Novotny]

X FACTOR by far the best for surf launching and stability on the water. My X13 is a little easier to paddle and goes a little faster. But when your weight is on the + side of 220lbs the top heavier center of gravity makes it so any quick move to reach for another pole in the back or get something out of the crate in the back of the kayak it rocks a lot more and you have to be a little more carefull not to lean if you don't want to get wet. There is only about a 6 lb difference in weight between the 2. In either case that is like a 45% less weigh with 65% more weight carying capacity than a Hobie. As far as PA's go if I wanted to haul around that much weight and needed a little more deck space, than I would just buy a center console skiff. the X FACTOR is still the best because of all the Hatches and storage room. If I was shopping for a new Kayak the X FACTOR would still be my choice.

it's kinda hard to make that claim without owning several other brands and models to refrence from. From my experience from owning an xfactor, I can say that in all honesty, that it would not be my first choice in kayaks. But that's my opinion and I'd be the only person that that matters to. I've owed cobras, ocean kayak, hobie, feel free, malibu...... In my personal opinion all of them had there individual merits. Not one of them was the end all be all and all of them had their draw backs. It's all personal preference. It's a bit of a feudal discussion because there are so many personal tastes, fishing styles, etc. that it would be impossible to give any one kayak the title of "best".

[tacmik]

If paddling, the trident for me. stable, lots of storage, goes thru the surf with no problems, fairly dry and easy to paddle.

[easyday]

I'd really like a Tarpon 160. I am waiting on CJ when he sells his team version :) j/k

You wont be disappointed with the 160 its such an awesome boat.

[MissileTM]

I'm curious as to why you put the Ocean Kayak Torque in your top 10. I have a '13 PA 14 and a '13 OK Torque. The Torque is fun but nowhere near the quality fishing machine that PA is.

[FlyFishinYakr]

My first kayak was a mini-X which was great for lakes but a bit sketchy for salt.
My second was a Malibu Pro-Explorer, fast and tracked OK but no room for a proper bait tank!.
With my back injury had to move to a pedal yak. Bought an Outback and tricked it out with a lot of help from "Mr. Iceman". LOOOVVVEEE the balance as my screen name infers I Fly fish from my Yak and need the secondary stability it provides. Can't wait to hook a :wsb: and :yt: on the Fly from a yak. Have fished Cedros from a Sportboat and landed a 25# :yt: what a kick that was!!! :D
Can't wait for my first sleigh ride in my Outback!
But that is what works for me!!! :cool:
FFY.

[da22y]

Just saw this thread after starting a new one.

Why aren't there any glass kayak's on the list ? ( On the forum and article on website ) I know they are difficult to get , but they must get a chance.

I know I am a bit biased, because I have a kaskazi dorado II, but I always felt that it will be under the top 10 fishing kayaks out there.

I do have a 2013 Kaskazi dorado II and a 2012 Hobie revo 13 too.
I found myself take out my Revo more than my Kaskazi lately.

Hobie revo:
Pro: hands free, easy to turn/circle, easy to break the fishing line if hooked the rock by peddle fast.
Con: mirage drive may fail, and is useless around kelp. storage not great,

Kaskazi :
Pro: easy to launch the surf, easy to paddle, and has good speed , huge storage.
Con: no scupper holes in seat. Wet butt. Hard to hold position on a honey hole.

Both is great , both is not the BEST, no such thing.....:doh:

[Siebler]

You guys all realize the original list was made 4 years ago right? Since the list was made there have been 10-20 boats that are some of the best fishing kayaks the industry has ever seen. Not to mention I know of at least 4 more that are being introduced at OR this year that are total game changers.

Kayaks are very personal. What Brian saw as the top 10 wasnt even close to what my top 10 would be.

[rogersmith]

Indeed any such list would be very personal. I have paddled Cobra FnD, Cobra Navigator, OK Big Game I, OK Trident 15 and now a Malibu Stealth 14. My S14 is my favorite, because it gives me what I want right now, capacity, stability, storage, layout and a dry comfy ride. I prefer to paddle rather than peddle. So I know for many guys the hobies will be on top because peddling is important.

[johnnyblaze2009]

I have a PA 12 and a stealth 12. I love the dry ride I get on the PA and how things seem to be easily accessible but I am fond of the stealth and how it's accessorized.


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[Fishwhisperer619]

Got to demo a jackson cuda 14 and feel like it could be a competitor.

[taggermike]

Loads of great kayaks out there, both new and old. A yak missing from the list is the original OK Prowler 15. At the time it was a real new idea for fishing yaks. I have one and use it frequently even though I have a Hobie mirage yak too. I love the Malibu X-tream also. Its kind of a heavy SUV of a yak but you can carry a shit load of gear, spread and get comfy, and not worry much about flipping. Used to load 5 little kids on the damn thing and paddle around Baby Beach in dana point. Cant think of many single kayaks that can be a "party barge".
I gotta say though, the most "fishable" yak I have ever used was the venerable Cobra FnD. Paddled not great, but crazy stable. I fished the yak with one of my kids in the front jump seat and one on a chair in the tank well. Its still my favorite all time surf launch yak. Its so buoyant it about bounces over the white water and has 8 big scuppers so the deck drains in seconds. With the long flat yaks I use now I avoid riding waves if possible. My technique for landing the FnD was to catch the biggest wave of a set, wave not whitewash, drop in, turn side ways, brace, and ride till the kayak hits the sand. Wish I still had one. Mike

[JDW]

I vote for the Hobie Outback.

[skunked]

Hobie Outback