It sounds easy to catch fish, but indeed, it’s not that simple! Trust me, if you are a beginner, then you can’t even get a bunch of fish at once. Because, it needs dedication, practice, and a lot of skills.

As a newbie, you have to reach that place where you can find a heap of fish! Or else, you may have to end up with only one or two pieces of Tilapias!

So, if you’re interested in going to the place where you can find a lot of fish, you need a fly fishing kayak, of course! The best fly fishing kayak will help you to reach the place where you need to go in order to fish!

If you don’t want to go into detail, then you can just rely on the Perception Pescador Pilot 12, as it is our premium choice in between the rest. By using this, you can get a higher weight capacity, 2-lever seat adjustment, and three different colors, including dapper, sunset, and grasshopper.

A Quick Comparison Table

Top 5 Best Fly Fishing Kayaks Reviews:

Here, we are going to show you our top 5 picks regarding the best fly-fishing kayaks. These all come with eye-popping reviews as well as decent customer ratings. In order to choose the best one, make sure to read the buying guide as well. After reading the entire write-up, we hope you will be able to make the right decision about your purchase! So, what is the delay? Time to cut to the chase and dive in!

1. Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Sit on Top Fishing Kayak

When it comes to picking out the best fly fishing kayak, our very first choice is Perception Pescador Pro 12. It features a lawn chair-style mesh seat along with a 2-level seat adjustment system so that you can adjust your desired position with ease.

Moreover, it ensures higher comfort as well as less pain due to the breathable mesh. The lightweight design can enhance the ease of transport kayak, as it is only 57 lbs. In order to provide a sufficient amount of storage, it includes rear open storage and a large front so that you set all the necessary pieces, including gear tracks, foods for the day, tackles, and other fishing gear safely! 

For more convenience, it features hands-free rod storage so that you can set your fishing rod in this place after hand fatigue. Plus, it adds enough safety by the leak-proof one-piece construction. The maximum holding capacity is up to 375 pounds, which ensures that it is more than enough even for an obese! 

The paddle-powered fly fishing kayak is pretty much quiet. For instance, you can stand in a place even for a long time with stealth. We always prefer to use it in slow-moving canals, rivers, and calm coastal waters. 

Features:

• Length: 12 ft.
• Width: 32.5-inch.
• Item Weight: 57 pounds.
• Dimensions: 144 x 32.5 x 14.5 inches.
• Weight Capacity: 375 lbs.

Pros

• Adjustable seat for your convenience.
• Amazing appearance.
• Lightweight yet durable.
• Massive capacity.
• Comfy.
• Higher holding capacity.

Cons

• A bit expensive.
• Paddles may slip now and then!

2. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler – One-Person Fishing Kayak

For those who prefer a “Sit-On-Top’ fishing kayak” in order to do both fishing and hunting, the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler One-Person Fishing Kayak could be the ultimate choice. It is also rather stable, fast, and efficient in rough waters, allowing you to use it wherever you want.

You can stay in your comfort zone by using it, as it features a four-way adjustable seat. Moreover, it includes two cup holders, two paddle holders as well as two flush-mounted rod holders. The construction is pretty much durable as well.

Here you will find a skid plate that is designed to protect the hull from unnecessary damage. The 13.4-feet length alongside the 28-inch width ensures that it is more than enough for a single person. 

The front hatch is rather easy to open, which allows you to keep all the necessary pieces below the deck. Furthermore, it weighs 56 pounds, which is a bit less than the previous one.

So, it can be a better option for those who are hungry for a lightweight fishing kayak. Last but not least, it has got the ability to hold around 325 pounds of weight, which ensures power and stability at the same time!

Features:

• Length: 13.4 feet.
• Width: 28-inch.
• Item Weight: 56 pounds.
• Dimensions: 13.4 x 28 x 20 inches.
• Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.

Pros

• four-way adjustable seat for better comfort.
• ideal size.
• large space.
• decent holding capacity.
• lightweight

Cons

• It should be more protective!

3. Perception Pescador Pilot 12 – Pedal Drive Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak

Moving on to another model of Perception kayaks, which is Perception Pescador Pilot 12. It comes with an affordable range that is beneficial for those who are on tight cash. There is no lack of performance even though it comes with an inexpensive range!

Like the previous model of Perception kayaks, it comes with a 2-level seat adjustment system to enhance your comfort. For this benefit, you can stay in a comfortable position even if you’re fishing accessories for hours. Moving toward its paddle, it is relatively flexible and lightweight. 

Thanks to the highest weight capacity, no matter whether you are skinny or even bulky, this particular fishing kayak is able to hold you with ease. The design is quite prominent and it can surely meet your needs, whereas it features 3 different colors, including dapper, sunset, and grasshopper.

Alongside these benefits, it features breathable mesh to ensure the ultimate comfort ever. Due to the leak-proof one-piece construction, you can run it in slow, rough, fast, and coastal waters with safe.

Here you will find plenty of space to keep all your necessary equipment. In addition, it features a couple of rod holders so that you can keep them all safe. We always prefer to use this boat in slow-moving waters.

Features:

• Length: 12.5-feet.
• Width: 33.75-inch.
• Item Weight: 85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 150 x 33.8 x 16 inches.
• Weight Capacity: 475 lbs.

Pros

• Adjustable comfy seat.
• Ideal for both skinny and obese.
• 3 different colors.
• Safe to use.
• Enough room.

Cons

• Weighty a bit!

4. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak

 

Features:

• Length: 10 feet.
• Width: 30.5-inch.
• Item Weight: 55 pounds.
• Dimensions: 120 x 30.5 x 15.2 inches.
• Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.

 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak is mainly for a beginner who doesn’t have enough experience concerning kayak fishing. Compare with the rest, it is relatively easy to maneuver and that’s the reason we always suggest using this type of boat for a newbie!

Due to the lightweight, you can control the whole boat with ease. It comes with a sit-on-top design, allowing you to offer better performance in terms of hunting as well as fishing. Alongside the performance, it features a comfortable seat so that you can enjoy your fishing without being exhausted. The weight is only 55 pounds.

Moreover, the track-adjustable footrest is another unique feature that is designed to ensure more comfort while sitting. The length of the boat is around 10 feet which are enough for an average guy. It provides a sufficient amount of room on both the rear and front sides so that you can keep all the pieces of gear safely.

Additionally, the large rear tank ensures more capacity when you’re comparing it with other 10-feet models. With better maintenance, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak can make sure you have the ultimate longevity!

Pros

• Plenty of storage.

• Beginner’s choice.

• Sit-on-top design.

• Easy to maneuver.

• Track-adjustable footrest for more comfort.

 Cons

• Slow!

5. Perception Pescador Pro 10 – (best kayak for river fly fishing)

Last but not least, we have Perception Pescador Pro 10, which is hands down one of the top best fly-fishing kayaks that we tested! It is almost the same as the previous Perception Pescador Pro 12. However, there are a few dissimilarities that we’re going to show you.

Our previous Perception Pescador Pro 12 arrived with a single color, which was dapper. Perception Pescador Pro 10, on the other hand, comes with the color of a grasshopper. 

 Alongside the color, the weight capacity is quite less than the previous Perception kayak model, nevertheless, it can hold a person even if he is obese or overweight! The 2-level seat adjustment is designed to make sure that you can adjust it by your own choice. 

In order to enhance comfort, it features a breathable mesh just like the previous Perception Pescador Pro 12. You can keep safe all the gears as well as the item related to fishing, whereas it features rear and front open storage.

The weight is a plus that assures that everyone can handle it with ease, even a beginner as well. The leak-proof one-piece construction is designed for providing eventual safety. Always make sure to use it in slow-moving rivers, canals, and coastal waters.

Features:

• Length: 10.6-feet.
• Width: 32-inch.
• Item Weight: 57 pounds.
• Dimensions: 126 x 32 x 14 inches.
• Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.

Pros

• Safe.
• Ideal for both types of users.
• Comfortable seat.
• Ease of use.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• Poor attachment!

Factors to Keep In Mind before Buying the Best Kayak for Fly Fishing

There are a couple of factors that you should consider while buying a quality fly fishing kayak. The market has a ton of different choices regarding these types of boats. So, if you don’t have a sufficient amount of knowledge about the prime factors, then you may end up with the wrong option. In order to know the core things, give read the guide below:

Weight Capacity

This is the most necessary point that you should highly consider before choosing a fly fishing kayak. The more weight capacity, the more weight a boat will be able to hold with ease. For instance, if you’re a skinny guy, then the capacity is not even a big deal!

On the contrary, if you’re a bit weighty or overweight type of guy, then, of course, you have to go with the one that comes with the higher weight capacity. Perception Pescador Pilot 12 can be a smart choice for those who are wondering whether to purchase a boat with a higher capacity.

Type of Water

Fly fishing can be done in any sort of water, so choose a kayak that can be used for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Because of the kayak’s design, it is more likely that you may capsize in rapid water if you pick a slow-moving kayak.

Length and Width

A fishing kayak with a long and wide shape ensures more stability as well as speed. However, we don’t prefer large boats for those who are a beginner. Those who are an expert, they can run and maintain a large fishing kayak with ease, even if it is too fast. 

Storage

Yes, you need enough room when it comes to choosing a fly-fishing kayak. If fishing is just your hobby, then there is no need to spend a bundle of cash by purchasing a fishing kayak with higher capacity. Indeed, a boat with high storage is a must for professionals. Nevertheless, if you’re still hungry for massive storage, then Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak is the way to go! 

Seat

When you’re fishing for an hour, then it is obligatory to go with the one that offers comfort. Moreover, the seat should be adjustable so that you can set it according to your desired position. Our suggestion is to pick out the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler One-Person Fishing Kayak, as it comes with a four-way adjustable option to ensure more comfort while sitting.

Clear Deck

When you want to make sure that the deck of your kayak for fly fishing has places to secure the essential items you’ll want to keep close at hand while fishing, you also wouldn’t want to go over with a deck that offers too much.

This is due to the fact that snags may be a major issue while flying fishing, especially when you set the hook and have to reel in your line by hand. The best kayaks for fly fishing, in general, feature a broad, flat, clean deck that gives you plenty of room to move around, sit or stand up, and reel in your catch without getting snagged.

Durability and quality

Fly fishing kayaks are exposed to harsh conditions, so it’s important to choose a kayak that is built to last. A kayak that is prone to leaks or damage can quickly ruin your day on the water.

Sit-on-top vs Sit-in

• Sit-on-tops:

Most flooding is prevented by the scuppers on sit-on-tops. You can cast from a sitting position, but it exposes you and your gear a little more to the weather because of the design. In addition, they tend to elevate you a little higher off the water, which is a benefit when throwing from the seat.

• Sit-in kayaks:

Sit-in kayaks give additional safety from the water, but they may be flooded and flood during a major rainstorm or when waves crash over the gunnels. Because of the restricted mobility that comes with the enclosed cockpit, casting may be challenging while standing. A long day of paddling may be made much more bearable by the fact that sit-on-tops are slower than these boats.

Tips and Techniques from the Fly Fishing kayak

Fly fishing from a kayak can be a thrilling and unique experience. With the ability to access remote and shallow waters, kayak fly fishing offers anglers the opportunity to target a variety of species in a variety of environments. Here are a few tips and techniques to help you make the most of your fly-fishing kayak adventures:

Choose the right kayak:

The first step to successful kayak fly fishing is choosing the right kayak for your needs. If you plan to fish in calm, shallow waters, a sit-on-top kayak with a flat bottom and ample storage for gear and fish may be your best bet. If you plan to fish in rougher waters or need the ability to cover more distance, a sit-inside kayak with a pointed bow and a skeg (a fin-like device that helps with tracking) may be a better choice.

Invest in a good paddle:

A good paddle is essential for kayak fly fishing. Look for a paddle with a comfortable grip and blade shape that allows for smooth, efficient strokes. A two-piece paddle is also a good choice, as it allows for easy breakdown and storage on the kayak.

Use a personal flotation device:

Safety should always be a top priority when kayak fly fishing. Make sure to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, and consider attaching a whistle or other signaling device to your PFD in case of emergency.

Use a fishing kayak-specific anchor system:

Traditional boat anchors may not be effective in a kayak, as they can cause the kayak to tip or flip. Instead, look for a kayak-specific anchor system that allows you to securely anchor your kayak without compromising stability.

Practice proper kayak fly fishing techniques:

Kayak fly fishing requires a different set of techniques than traditional fly fishing from the shore or a boat. Practice your casting from a seated position, and try to keep your movements smooth and controlled to avoid tipping or capsizing your kayak. Also, be mindful of your line management, as a tangled line can be difficult to untangle while seated in a kayak.

Fly Fishing Kayak Reviews:

F.A.Qs

Here, we’re going to answer a couple of questions regarding a fly fishing kayak, stay tuned:

 Our Verdict

Perception Pescador Pilot 12 is a crowd-puller, as it comes with numerous benefits, including massive storage, 2-level seat adjustment, breathable mesh, and many more. The best thing that it has got is the higher weight capacity, which confirms that it is more than enough even for a guy who is obese!

Next, we have the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak, which is the best fly-fishing kayak for a beginner. It comes with a seat-on-top design along with a track-adjustable footrest so that you can stay in a comfort zone while fishing. Moreover, it features a lightweight design so that anyone can control it with ease.

Our third choice goes to the Perception Pescador Pro 10, which has got pretty excellent ratings from customers due to the numerous benefits. As it comes with plenty of storage, so you can keep all those necessary pieces concerning fishing. Last but not least, its leak-proof one-piece construction is designed to ensure ultimate safety.

These were our top picks. We hope you have enjoyed our whole write-up regarding the top-rated fly-fishing kayak. It’s your turn to make the next decision, break a leg!