If your next plan is to become a kayak fisherman, you need a kayak that gives you ultimate comfort and stability. While sit-on-top kayaks offer open space and ventilation for your bottom part, the best sit-in fishing kayaks give you an enclosed room, keeping your legs from water splashes and chill.
So, what are you doing here if not looking for your right sit-in yak? Since you are here, I’ll share with you my experience choosing a sit-in kayak. Please keep reading.
Here are the best sit in fishing kayaks (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
- Most Durable: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak
- Best For Beginners: SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak
- Best Overall: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
- Budget-Friendly: Sevylor Tahiti Classic Kayak
- Best For Heavier People: Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak
| Top 6 Best Sit In Fishing Kayaks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak | Read Our Review |
Most Durable | Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak | Read Our Review |
Best For Beginners | SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | Intex Excursion Pro Kayak | Read Our Review |
Budget-Friendly | Sevylor Tahiti Classic Kayak | Read Our Review |
Best For Heavier People | Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak | Read Our Review |
1-Seater Kayak
Best Overall: Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
- Great tracking
- Inexpensive
- Light but sturdy
- Excellent stability
- Non-padded seat
- Little storage
The first time I sailed, I went with this kayak. It gave me confidence sitting inside the stable and sturdy hull. I really liked its large open cockpit that offers plenty of room for my legs.
For fishing, this boat features two flush mount rod holders and one swivel rod holder. That is just enough my leisure day on the lake. The storage compartment in the stern seems a bit small for my lucky day with plenty of catches.
I’m glad that this boat is so lightweight that I can pull to shore myself. When floating with it, I found it’s not easy to make the yak capsize even when I meant to. Besides great stability, I also found tracking on this kayak is quite noteworthy.
| Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 115” |
Width | 29” |
Boat Weight | 41 lbs. |
Deck Size | Large |
Max Capacity | 250 lbs. |
Water Type | Rivers and lakes |
Highlight Features | Constructed well for stability and stiffness |
Stay stable and comfortable on the water; it’s a true recreation fishing on this yak.
Most Durable: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak
- Use premium material
- Well-built with multiple layers and chambers
- Easy to inflate
- Lightweight
- Compact folded size
- Limited storage compartment
- Prone to tear
This is a really beautiful kayak. It came to me with no missing pieces. Unfolding and pumping up this yak is pretty straightforward. It took me a while to figure out which chamber I should inflate first, but once it was done, the next time is no hassle.
So, it was an exceptional experience floating on this yak. It’s got built-in aluminum ribs in the bow and stern, giving the boat an excellent trackability that rivals any hard-shell kayak. I did fear about tipping over, but my weight at the stern increased the tracking performance and also stability.
The yak is advertised using PVC Tarpaulin Material for the hull. I believe it’s a great choice for constructing such a durable outer cover. Adding to the toughness of the kayak is the multiple-layer construction and separate air chamber system.
| Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 10’5” |
Width | 32” |
Boat Weight | 36 lbs. |
Deck Size | Large |
Max Capacity | 300 lbs. |
Water Type | Flatwater |
Highlight Features | Built-up from PVC Tarpaulin Hull Material and Aluminum frame for maximum stiffness |
This kayak has paid for itself several times over the durable construction that will get you through endless fishing leisure time.
Best For Beginners: SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak
- Ergonomic and compact build
- Easy to carry
- Stable
- Great tracking
- Unpadded seat
- Small storage
One of the kayaks I picked for my beginning phase was this Sundolphin along with the Excursion 10. This compact kayak may not be the best stable yak, but you will have just the right balance for not going to tip over easily.
If tracking is your thing, this boat keeps you on course like crazy. With 8 feet in length, it gives a generous room under the bow for your feet to rest. There is a compartment in the stern for you to store things.
It’s a pity for this yak not to have rod holders on it, but I guess I can’t complain much about such a price and design. However, I made use of the convenient paddle holder to tight a rod in just fine. Otherwise, you have a dry well and bungee storage at the stern.
| SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 96” |
Width | 28” |
Boat Weight | 40 lbs. |
Deck Size | Large |
Max Capacity | 250 lbs. |
Water Type | Rivers and lakes |
Highlight Features | Lightweight design is easy for carrying and handle even for newcomers |
For a good introductory kayak, this one offers sufficient features for your very first water ride.
2-Seater Kayak
Best Overall: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
- Abrasion-resistant material
- Quick inflation/deflation
- Rigid floor
- Comfortable seat
- Hassle assembly
- Tilting skeg
Inflatable kayaks from Intex are super. And that doesn’t exclude this one. You can trust the finish of this Excursion pro kayak made to resist abrasion, impact, and ultra-violet rays.
When pumped up, the boat feels rigid and solid like any hard-shell kayak. There are two mounted footrests packed for both seats, as well as two integrated recessed fishing rod holders. The bucket seats are adjustable, giving the comfort needed for long-day kayaking.
This kayak can accommodate a total weight of 400 pounds. It can carry two average adults just fine.
| Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 151” |
Width | 37” |
Boat Weight | 39 lbs. |
Deck Size | Xlarge |
Max Capacity | 400 lbs. |
Water Type | Rivers and lakes |
Highlight Features | Sturdy construction made from laminate PVC with a polyester core |
Splendid in every way is what I can say about this yak.
Budget-Friendly: Sevylor Tahiti Classic Kayak
- Puncture resistant
- Tough build
- Easily fold-up
- Very affordable
- No storage nor bungee compartment
- A bit squeezing in the seats
Not only this yak has a unique design of an original, classic kayak that scores my attention; it also wins a slot in my list for the heavy-duty construction made for lake use.
There are multiple air chambers that help the yak to stay inflated even when it gets punctured. Not only that, the yak features an Airtight system that can prevent air leaking. I really like the high wall sprayed to block splashes. The kayak is certified to carry 2 paddlers with a total mass of up to 360 lbs.
Above all, this kayak comes at a very pleasing price. So, you to get to know about kayaking with your buddy without hurting your wallet.
| Sevylor Tahiti Classic Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 125” |
Width | 36” |
Boat Weight | 19 lbs. |
Deck Size | Large |
Max Capacity | 360 lbs. |
Water Type | Whitewater, rivers, lakes |
Highlight Features | 21-gauge PVC construction can withstand rugged water floor |
Kayaking without breaking your bank is real and yet very joyful with this Tahitian inflated kayak.
Best For Heavier People: Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- Quick inflation
- Easy to repair and replace parts
- Very light
- Functional pump
- Poor tracking
If you worry about your weight, the Elkton yak can carry up to 450 pounds on its rugged and durable hull. It’s made up of 18-Gauge rip resistant 1000D PVC rated for hook resistance. That is such a huge plus for anglers.
This yak serves your fishing hobby with rod holders, sided oars, two comfortable adjustable seats, and, of course, a mesh storage compartment. That’s just about everything you need.
| Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 120” |
Width | 35” |
Boat Weight | 27 lbs. |
Deck Size | Xlarge |
Max Capacity | 450 lbs. |
Water Type | Stream, lakes, rivers |
Highlight Features | Tough PVC tarpaulin bottom and 18-Gauge rip resistant 1000D PVC in the body are materials making the kayak very durable |
You don’t really need a hard kayak to carry you and your paddling friend. This backpack kayak is made to handle those weights.
How To Choose The Best Sit In Fishing Kayaks?
There is a hard truth that picking a sit-in kayak is not at all a simple thing to do. If you choose without considering, likely, your kayak won’t fit all of your demands.
A right kayak comprises a couple of aspects you need to perceive before buying.
Durability
- It is the material and overall design that affect the lifespan of the yak. A feeble construction may put you at risk while floating on the water as it is more prone to damage.
- If you want high durability, your best bet is a boat with a streamlined design. Also, you should look at what they use to build up the kayak.
Stability
- For fishing, stability is an essential factor because you need to cast and pull with confidence. It is the design that matters the stability of a kayak. Longer yaks are harder to make turns; thus are less in keeping balance. A wider deck will help maintain stably in case you don’t mind putting a bit more effort to steer.
Comfort
- Sitting all day in a kayak is surely not going to give you the coziness like on your couch. That’s why you may care about how the seat is designed on the yak, whether it has a padded seat or supportive backrest. Also, pay attention to the interior water-repelling ability as you don’t want to get your legs soaked in the middle of the trip.
Cost
- Always look at the price before you decide anything. More features, of course, will cost more dollars, but see if you need those. The value of a kayak is in the time it’s going to spend with you.
- So, my opinion is it’s always a smart investment to pay for the material the design of the yak. When those criteria are through, you can look at the features and decide if it’s worth more money.
Which Brands Make The Best Sit In Fishing Kayaks?
SunDolphin
- Kayaks from SunDolphin are probably popular in many docks across the country. The brand provides lines of kayaks featuring great quality and affordability targeting Åpaddlers and fishermen of all levels.
Intex Corp
- Inflatable fishing kayaks from Intex Corp are among the prevalent choices for paddling lovers. The company takes quality, value, and family time as their center points, thus developing kayaks that deliver such standards. Intex Kayaks come with excellent durability versatile features.
FAQs
Which is more stable, sit-in or sit-on kayak?
In practice, both sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks offer certain levels of stability depending on their designs. A common rule for stability is a wider deck.
Kayaks with a larger width hold up balance better while long and narrow kayaks aim for speed. That fatty width gives the yak a wider plane floating on the surface of the water. For that reason, any yak of all types created for recreation has better stability.
Is a sit-in kayak better for fishing?
Sit-in kayaks (SIK) offer confinement that sit-on-top (SOT) yaks don’t have. But in terms of storage compartments, SOT boats seem to take the upper hand. However, when it comes to comparison, we need to take into account more factors. For example, if you fish on chilling days, a SIK will give you a warm house, protecting your lower body. So, it depends on how and where you want to fish; you can conclude yourself which type of yak is better.
How can I make my sit-in kayak more stable?
I have found not many ways to make a SIK be less tipsy, but I taught myself lessons to prevent capsizing, in case it happens. One of them is to brace to recover when I’m thrown off balance. You can use it while paddling a kayak.
The idea is simple. If you lose your balance, reach one side of the paddle to its direction and slap the water with your blade. The slapping motion stops you from flipping. It also provides momentary support you need for your body upright the kayak.
How far can you kayak in a day?
I usually spend about 5 hours each time I paddle. Within this time, I can kayak to 15 miles in the distance. And if I paddle fast, I can even go further. But fishing, I certainly don’t reach that far. The distance you go relies on how long you’re going on the trip and the speed you float in.
Do kayaks tip over easily?
There are no such yaks that won’t tip, but most of them are made to be safe and hard to capsize. The reason for you to lose balance may come from the way you paddle and the conditions of the water. Whitewater gives you a higher risk of tipping your yak due to its rapidness.
Conclusion
I’ve used all of what I know about kayaks to pick out the best sit-in fishing kayaks so that you don’t have to spend your precious time to dive through the market.
Bryan Listor
