Fly fishing from the shore has its limits. The best spots often sit just beyond your reach. Trees and bushes snag your line. Other anglers crowd the prime areas.
A good kayak solves these problems. It lets you reach those hidden spots. You can cast without worrying about trees. And you’ll find quiet places away from other fishers.
Choosing the right kayak matters. You want one you can stand on to cast. It needs space for your gear. And it should move quietly so fish don’t notice you.
We’ve tested many kayaks over the years. Our team of kayak fishing experts has spent countless hours on the water. We’ve found the kayaks that work best for fly fishing.
Top 10 Kayaks for Fly Fishing
Our team has thoroughly tested these kayaks to bring you the best options for fly fishing. Each one offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
1. Jackson Mayfly
The Jackson Mayfly stands out as a kayak designed specifically for fly fishing. Its creators clearly understood the needs of fly anglers when crafting this vessel. The Mayfly offers a remarkably stable platform for standing, allowing you to cast with confidence even in choppy waters.
One of its most impressive features is the minimal snag points for line management. The deck is clean and uncluttered, reducing the chances of your line getting caught on various attachments. This thoughtful design lets you focus on your cast rather than worrying about line tangles.
The Mayfly also includes ample storage space for your gear, with both open and sealed compartments. Its comfortable seat can be adjusted to different heights, giving you better visibility of the water around you.
2. Hobie Pro Angler
The Hobie Pro Angler brings innovation to fly fishing with its pedal drive system for hands-free maneuvering. This feature allows you to position your kayak precisely without putting down your rod, a significant advantage when you’re trying to stay on a fish.
Excellent stability is another hallmark of the Pro Angler. Its wide hull design keeps you steady whether you’re seated or standing, making it ideal for sight fishing or casting in windy conditions.
The elevated seating position gives you a better view of the water, helping you spot fish more easily. It also reduces fatigue during long days on the water. The seat is fully adjustable and can be moved fore and aft to balance the kayak according to your preference.
3. NuCanoe Frontier 12
The NuCanoe Frontier 12 impresses with its wide, open deck design. This spacious layout gives you plenty of room to move around, cast, and manage your gear without feeling cramped.
One of the Frontier 12’s standout features is its highly customizable nature. It comes with numerous attachment points and accessory options, allowing you to set up your kayak exactly how you want it. Whether you need extra rod holders, a fish finder, or additional storage, you can easily add these to the Frontier 12.
It’s also great for standing and casting, thanks to its stable hull design. The open deck provides a secure platform for sight fishing or making those long, precise casts that fly fishing often requires.
4. Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132
The Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 is a powerhouse kayak designed for serious anglers. Its standout feature is the pedal drive with power assist, which allows for effortless movement through the water. This system lets you cover large distances quickly and efficiently, all while keeping your hands free for fishing.
With a large weight capacity, this kayak can handle all your gear and then some. It’s perfect for those extended fishing trips where you need to bring extra equipment or supplies. The spacious deck also provides ample room for storing your catch.
The BigWater PDL 132 is particularly stable for ocean fishing. Its hull design cuts through waves smoothly, giving you a steady platform even in choppy conditions. This stability is crucial when you’re battling larger fish or dealing with sudden changes in weather.
5. Bonafide SS127
The Bonafide SS127 stands out with its innovative HiRise seat for better visibility. This elevated seating position gives you a commanding view of the water, making it easier to spot fish and potential casting areas. The seat is also fully adjustable, ensuring comfort during long days on the water.
One of the SS127’s most impressive features is its hybrid catamaran hull design. This unique configuration provides exceptional stability without sacrificing speed or maneuverability. It allows you to stand and cast with confidence, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The kayak offers excellent stability, making it a great choice for fly anglers who prefer to fish standing up. The wide, flat deck provides a secure platform for casting and fighting fish. Despite its stability, the SS127 remains surprisingly agile, allowing you to navigate tight spots with ease.
6. Vibe Yellowfin 100
The Vibe Yellowfin 100 stands out as an affordable option under $1000, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a budget-friendly fishing kayak. Despite its lower price point, it doesn’t skimp on features that matter to fly anglers.
One of its key advantages is being lightweight and portable. At just 57 pounds, it’s easy to transport to and from the water, even if you’re fishing solo. This portability opens up opportunities to fish in more remote locations that might be inaccessible with heavier kayaks.
The Yellowfin 100 offers good stability for the price, allowing for comfortable seated fishing and even standing in calm conditions. While it may not match the stability of more expensive models, it provides a solid platform for most fly fishing situations.
7. Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10
The Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 impresses with its efficient pedal drive system. This feature allows for hands-free propulsion, letting you focus on your fishing while easily maneuvering your kayak. The pedal system is smooth and quiet, ensuring you don’t spook nearby fish.
At 10 feet long, its compact size offers excellent maneuverability. This kayak excels in tight spaces like small rivers or coves where larger kayaks might struggle. Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t compromise on features or stability.
The Slayer Propel 10 boasts a comfortable elevated seat that provides a better vantage point for spotting fish. The seat is fully adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect position for all-day comfort. Its height also helps in keeping you dry, which is especially appreciated during cooler weather.
8. Wilderness Systems ATAK 120
The Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 stands out with its open customizable deck. This spacious layout gives fly anglers the freedom to arrange their gear exactly how they want it. You can easily add rod holders, tackle storage, or even a fish finder without feeling cramped.
The kayak features the AirPro MAX seat, which is a game-changer for comfort during long fishing sessions. This seat offers multiple adjustment points, allowing you to find the perfect position for your body. Its breathable mesh design keeps you cool even on hot days, while providing excellent back support.
ATAK 120 is stable enough for standing, a crucial feature for fly anglers who prefer sight fishing or need to make long casts. The wide, flat hull provides a secure platform, giving you the confidence to stand and cast without worrying about tipping. Even in choppy conditions, this kayak maintains its stability, allowing you to focus on your fishing rather than your balance.
9. Perception Pescador Pro 12
The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features important to fly anglers. It offers great value for those just starting out or anglers who don’t want to break the bank on their kayak.
Despite its affordable price, the Pescador Pro 12 boasts good stability and tracking. It handles well in various water conditions, from calm lakes to slow-moving rivers. The kayak’s stability allows for comfortable casting and even standing in calmer waters, while its tracking ability helps you maintain your course with minimal effort.
One of its standout features is the lawn chair style seat. This seat design provides all-day comfort, with adjustable positions to suit your preference. The elevated position gives you a better view of the water, helping you spot fish more easily. The seat’s breathable mesh material also helps keep you cool during hot weather.
10. Diablo Chupacabra
The Diablo Chupacabra breaks the mold with its innovative hybrid kayak/paddle board design. Its innovative design provides the stability of a paddleboard with the features of a kayak.. For fly anglers, this means an incredibly versatile platform that can adapt to various fishing situations.
Perhaps the Chupacabra’s most impressive feature is its ultra-stable platform. The wide, flat design provides exceptional stability, allowing you to stand and cast with confidence. This stability is particularly beneficial when fighting larger fish or when fishing in windy conditions.
The Chupacabra is great for sight fishing, thanks to its elevated standing position and open deck design. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the water, making it easier to spot fish and accurately place your flies. The minimalist design also means fewer snag points for your line, a significant advantage when making quick casts or fighting fish.
| Kayak Model | Key Feature | Stability | Price Range |
| Jackson Mayfly | Fly fishing specific | Excellent | High |
| Hobie Pro Angler | Pedal drive system | Excellent | High |
| NuCanoe Frontier 12 | Customizable deck | Very good | Medium-High |
| Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 | Power-assisted pedal drive | Excellent | High |
| Bonafide SS127 | HiRise seat | Excellent | Medium-High |
| Vibe Yellowfin 100 | Lightweight and portable | Good | Low |
| Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 | Compact with pedal drive | Very good | Medium |
| Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 | Open customizable deck | Very good | Medium-High |
| Perception Pescador Pro 12 | Budget-friendly | Good | Low |
| Diablo Chupacabra | Hybrid kayak/paddleboard | Excellent | Medium |
Key Features to Look for in a Fly Fishing Kayak
When choosing a kayak for fly fishing, certain features can make a big difference in your experience on the water. Here are the key features to consider:
- Stability is crucial for fly fishing kayaks. A stable kayak allows you to cast accurately and fight fish without worrying about tipping over. Look for kayaks with wide, flat hulls or catamaran-style designs that provide a solid platform.
- Standing capability goes hand in hand with stability. Many fly anglers prefer to stand while casting or sight fishing. A kayak with a flat, open deck and good stability will allow you to stand comfortably and safely.
- Ample storage space is essential for fly fishing gear. You’ll need room for fly boxes, extra rods, a tackle bag, and possibly a cooler. Look for kayaks with built-in storage compartments, both open and waterproof.
- Consider the weight and portability of the kayak. If you plan to fish in remote areas, a lighter kayak will be easier to transport. However, keep in mind that ultra-light kayaks may sacrifice some stability or features.
- Comfort is key, especially for long days on the water. Look for kayaks with adjustable, supportive seats. Some high-end models offer elevated seats that can reduce fatigue and improve visibility.
Key features to look for:
- Wide, stable hull design
- Flat, open deck for standing
- Multiple storage compartments
- Adjustable, comfortable seating
- Lightweight construction (if portability is a priority)
- Quiet hull design to avoid spooking fish
Accessories to Enhance Your Fly Fishing Kayak
The right accessories can significantly improve your fly fishing experience from a kayak. Here are some essential add-ons to consider:
Stripping baskets
Stripping baskets are invaluable for fly fishing from a kayak. They help manage your line, preventing tangles and snags. Some kayaks have built-in stripping baskets, but you can also add aftermarket ones. Look for baskets that attach securely and don’t interfere with your casting.
Rod holders
Rod holders are crucial for keeping your rods secure and organized. For fly fishing, vertical rod holders are often preferred as they keep your rods out of the way when not in use. Some anglers also like horizontal holders for easy access. Consider adjustable holders that can accommodate different rod sizes.
Anchor System
An anchor system can be a game-changer, especially when fishing in moving water or windy conditions. Look for a lightweight anchor that’s easy to deploy and retrieve. Some kayaks have built-in anchor trolleys, which allow you to position your anchor point along the side of the kayak for optimal positioning.
Each angler’s needs are unique, and what works best for one may not be ideal for another. Take your time to consider your fishing style, the waters you’ll explore, and your budget.
Don’t hesitate to test out different models if possible. Many kayak shops offer demo days or rental options. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in making your final decision.