Best Fishing Kayaks of 2026

"After using this boat for over three years on various lakes and rivers, I’m extremely impressed with its durability and portability. Setting it up and taking it down is a breeze with the included pump, which I always keep in the boat. Whether I’m on my own or with a companion and gear close to the weight limit, it performs flawlessly. The phone holder and accessories are solid, and if I ever wear this one out, I’d gladly buy it again for the value."

"I’ve floated plenty of cheap boats down Class I and II rapids, and this model is perfect for those conditions. The backpack makes transport easy, and the pressure gauge is a smart addition. While it’s tough and handled even more demanding rapids than recommended, I did find that if you take on water, you’ll need to pull over and drain it. Overall, for the price, it’s an incredibly durable and functional boat for lakes and light rapids."

"This kayak is ideal for one or two people and is surprisingly sturdy and convenient to carry. The backpack style case is a game-changer for getting it in and out of my car. Setup is quick—about 10 minutes—but I do find it challenging to dry completely before storing. As long as you bring towels or cloths, it’s manageable. The design fits small vehicles perfectly and is great for spontaneous trips."

"I was amazed by the super fast shipping—my kayak arrived in just two days, and it was in perfect condition. The high quality and lightweight build make it easy to handle, although I did need to buy my own paddle and accessories. Overall, it's an excellent product for anyone looking to get started with kayaking!"

"As a first-time buyer, I found this kayak to be very stable and easy to use. I'm a beginner, and I had no trouble getting started, especially with the help of a friend. It's lightweight enough for two people to carry, and I liked it so much that my sister and a friend got one too!"

"This kayak is great for fishing and super portable—I can easily transport it with my sedan. Even at 200 lbs, I felt stable pulling in fish, and the rod holders and paddle storage are really handy. For the price, it’s one of my best buys this year, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to get off the shore and onto the water."

"I’m really happy with this kayak’s stability and storage capacity—it easily holds all my gear and feels sturdy on the water. The water-resistant storage design and wide opening are really convenient. While my kayak arrived with a few scratches and a missing handle, customer service was responsive and offered a partial refund. I’d definitely recommend it, but make sure to inspect everything when it arrives."

"This kayak is super comfortable and lightweight, making it a breeze to maneuver and set up. I absolutely love how easy it is to handle, and I think it’s worth every penny I spent on it."

"I went with this kayak for the excellent price and impressive stability. After trying out a more expensive pedal kayak and selling it, I found this model much more cost-effective, yet still great in the water. I’ve added some accessories and plan to do a lot more fishing and paddling this year—really happy with my choice."

"I was pleasantly surprised by how stable and comfortable this inflatable kayak is. The setup and takedown are both straightforward, and carrying it to the water is a breeze because it’s so lightweight. The seat made from the converted backpack is extremely comfortable, and my husband—even with his back issues—had no complaints after hours on the water. We’ve both kayaked for years and agree this is the most comfortable kayak we’ve used for calm water. The only real downside is the included paddles aren’t great, so it’s worth investing in your own."

"For someone around 5’3” and over 200 lbs, I found this kayak to be remarkably stable and supportive. It’s easy to inflate and deflate, and I love that it packs away neatly into a backpack. Even with my weight, the kayak never felt like it was struggling. For the price, I don’t think you can go wrong."

"After using other inflatable kayaks, I can say this one sits higher on the water and is much easier to maneuver and inflate. The seat keeps my posture right and is really supportive. My only complaint is the paddle: the locks are awkward for gripping and the design caused some discomfort, so I’d recommend getting a better paddle. Otherwise, the kayak itself is excellent, especially for heavier people."

"I was looking for a kayak that could handle both me and my dog, and this one is incredibly stable and spacious, even with a combined weight of over 300 lbs. The seat is super comfortable for long outings, and I love the clever storage options. Loading and unloading is a breeze thanks to its lightweight design. The only downside was the shipping delay, but it arrived safely and was worth the wait."

"As someone in my 60s who isn't the strongest swimmer, I feel very secure and stable in this kayak. The large storage pocket easily fits my backpack or cooler, and I appreciate the convenient water bottle and fishing pole holders. It's a bit heavy for me to carry, but it's still been a fantastic way to enjoy fishing and relaxing on the water."

"I bought this for my husband who wanted something easy to transport alone but still sturdy enough for fishing. He can stand or sit comfortably while casting and has plenty of space for his gear. This kayak has been a game changer for his fishing trips, making them much more enjoyable and hassle-free."

"After testing several kayaks, I chose this one because of its exceptional stability and lightweight build. It's perfect for fishing—tracks straight, holds all my gear, and feels solid over rocks and in choppy water. I appreciate that it's easy to upgrade with custom add-ons, and I find it more fun to personalize than spending extra on pricier models."

"For me, this kayak stands out for its sturdy design and impressive weight capacity. I can fit two kids on it and still paddle easily, even near its max load. It's so light and maneuverable that even my young niece and son can operate it. My only small gripe is the seat pad sometimes comes loose, but overall, I'm very happy and plan to get another."

"I've used other kayaks, but this one is especially stable and versatile for fishing in different waters. It's easy for solo trips, and I love being able to reach fishing spots bigger boats can't. The factory seat is decent, though upgrading is popular. The included paddle is a bit short and flimsy, so a better one is worth getting."

"I was genuinely impressed by how sturdy and well-made this inflatable kayak felt right out of the bag. Setting it up was a breeze, and it came with everything I needed for a day out on the lake. Our dog even jumped in and out, and the kayak held up perfectly—no rips or leaks. Deflating and cleaning was just as simple, and the carry bag made it easy to pack away. For the price, it’s an amazing deal, and I feel confident it’ll last for many more fishing trips."

"I picked this up for a last-minute adventure and was pleasantly surprised. Assembly was super easy—even without reading the instructions. The material felt tough enough to handle some bumps with sticks and mud, though I’d still be careful with rough surfaces. It’s stable and roomy enough to lay down in, plus packing it up was fast and hassle-free. I’d choose this over my regular kayak for long trips where I want something lightweight and portable. Just remember, it’s best for calm waters."

"The lightweight design and straightforward setup make this kayak perfect for spontaneous outings. Maneuvering is easy, and storage is simple—everything fits in the carry bag, which I keep in my minivan. It’s an affordable way to enjoy kayaking without the commitment of a traditional kayak, and I’ve had a blast paddling around the harbor."

"I bought these so my kids and I could enjoy the lake together. They're lightweight, easy for little ones to handle, and the perfect size for cruising and playing. My children can even carry them on their own, which is a huge plus!"

"My 5-year-old absolutely loved this kayak at the lake. It's just the right size for younger kids and the price was great for the quality. He spent hours having fun out on the water."

"We got this for our 7-year-old grandson and it's been a perfect fit. The manageable weight and length make it easy for him to use, and it's ideal for teaching young kids to paddle."

"I needed a boat that could get into shallow canals my larger boat can’t reach, and this one is perfect. It’s very sturdy, lightweight, and easy for two people to carry. We can even fit two adults and two smaller teens comfortably. The boat arrived quickly, and now many of my friends want one, too. Highly recommend for exploring shallow waters and easy transport."

"This was my first boat and I’ve really enjoyed taking it out on the lake—even in windy conditions. Paired with a 47lb trolling motor and lithium battery, it performs great. While it’s light, I’d recommend dropping it closer to the water to avoid carrying it too far. I’m really happy with this purchase."

"I bought this little boat for my kids and added a 6hp Mercury outboard. It’s fast for its size, and my kids stay busy all summer. There’s a bit of flex and it can get splashy at speed, but with a hydrofoil it handles much better. Overall, awesome value for the price and perfect for young boaters."

"As a plus-size paddler, I’ve found the Outlaw Precision Kayak incredibly stable and comfortable, giving me confidence on both lakes and rivers. The adjustable padded seat is a game changer for long outings, and I always have plenty of room for my gear. Even in windy conditions, the kayak tracks smoothly, making every trip enjoyable. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable, plus-size-friendly kayak."

"For a fishing kayak, this is unbeatable in value and stability. The high seat feels like a comfy recliner, letting me spend hours on the water without discomfort. Standing up is easy and secure, but I rarely need to because the seat is so comfortable. It’s not the fastest, but it’s easy to paddle and position, even in light wind. I’d stack this up against any kayak, no matter the price."

"I’m a big guy, and the Outlaw offers plenty of room and rock-solid stability for my fishing trips. Comfort is top-notch for long days, and there’s lots of space to add accessories. My only minor gripe is that it’s a bit heavy to move solo, but otherwise, it’s a fantastic kayak for larger paddlers."