Fishing from a kayak is a whole lot more fun when you don’t have to tire your arms and shoulders out paddling. So, today, we’re going to highlight some of the best fishing kayaks with foot pedals.
Cheap pedal kayaks aren’t always easy to come by, but spending a little more to get a kayak that makes fishing way more comfortable is worth it. That’s not to mention the fact that these kayaks can actually make you a better angler overall.
Some pedal kayaks even provide the flexibility to remove the pedal-drive and paddle them with a regular kayak paddle. So you don’t have to sacrifice the flexibility to use your kayak for fishing and other purposes if you make this kind of investment.
Those are just a few of the many factors to consider when you are looking at buying a new fishing kayak with foot pedals. Fortunately, we have put together a quick buying guide to help you narrow down your options and make the best choice for your lifestyle.
Photo by Rosamar via Shutterstock
Best Fishing Kayaks with Foot Pedals
- Perception Crank 10
- Brooklyn Kayak Company PK13
- Perception Pescador Pilot 12
- Brooklyn Kayak Company PK12 Angler
- Reel Yaks Pedal Fishing Kayak
- Old Town Sportsman BigWater
- Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12
- Vibe Shearwater 125
- Wilderness Systems Recon 120
- Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 12.5
- Pelican Catch 130 HDII
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal
- Kaku Kayaks Zulu with Pedal Drive
- Jackson Bite FD
- Riot Kayaks Mako 12
Quick Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
Photo by Denise Barlock via Shutterstock
Before we dive into the specifics of these kayaks, let’s talk about kayak selection criteria. Here are a few pointers to help you select a kayak that meets your needs:
Weight and Weight Capacity
Fishing kayaks all tend to be heavy, which means you’ll need one of the best kayak carts for rough terrain regardless of which model you choose. Prioritize weight capacity over the actual weight of the kayak and remember to account for the weight of all your fishing gear when calculating whether a model will be able to accommodate you.
Storage Layout
Look closely at the number of sealed storage hatches these kayaks provide. If you know your area gets a lot of rainfall or you kayak on the ocean where waves are prone to soak the cockpit, more sealed hatches is better.
On the other hand, if you paddle on mostly calm waters, open storage areas give you easier access to all your stuff.
Pedal Drive Design
Look at whether the pedal drive can be removed or recessed if needed. This is a handy feature to have if you don’t always use your kayak for fishing because it allows you to get it out of the way when someone actually wants to paddle traditionally.
Additionally, look at whether the pedal drive can be swapped for a trolling motor or whether a motor can be installed elsewhere in case you decide you need to get around faster and with less effort.
Reviews of the Best Fishing Kayaks with Foot Pedals
1. Perception Crank 10
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 10’
- Width: 35”
- Deck Height: 12.5”
- Weight: 87 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
The Perception Crank 10 is one of the most compact fishing kayaks with a pedal drive system that you will find. Its smaller length makes it an ideal choice if you are the kind of angler that likes to navigate narrower creeks and streams.
In addition to its pedal-drive system, it is equipped with a rudder control that can be operated with just one hand. That gives you the freedom to keep your other hand on your fishing rod instead of having to set it down.
When you do need to set it down, however, you will have two mount locations for rod holders behind the kayak seat. The seat itself is elevated and stretched with mesh netting that breathes exceptionally well on hot days.
2. Brooklyn Kayak Company PK13
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 13’
- Width: 33.25”
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 550 pounds
The Brooklyn Kayak Company PK13 is a slightly more affordable option in a land of high-end pedal kayaks. It offers plenty of length and stability for larger paddlers and the ability to hold a higher weight capacity as well.
So whether you’re a larger angler or the type of person who likes to bring a hundred pounds of fishing gear and accessories every time you go out, this is an excellent kayak. It is equipped with three built-in rod holders to keep multiple rod and reel combinations secure until you need them.
It also boasts two water-resistant storage hatches so you can keep layers or other gear that needs to stay dry protected from the elements. Plus, it has a large stern storage area that’s perfect for storing one of the best kayak coolers.
3. Perception Pescador Pilot 12
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 33.75”
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
The Pescador Pilot 12 from Perception Kayaks offers a few slight upgrades over the design of the Crank 10. For one, it’s 2.5 feet longer and slightly narrower, which provides better tracking ability and performance over the water without sacrificing stability when you’re not moving.
It’s also a few pounds lighter with a much higher carrying capacity so you don’t have to worry about sitting low in the water. It features four rod holders and gear tracks throughout for attaching equipment that you want to keep within arms’ reach at all times.
It is also built with a fish finder console that allows you to install one of the best portable kayak fish finders where you can easily see it. Plus, the entire pedal drive system can be fully recessed into the hull of this kayak if you want to minimize draft.
4. Brooklyn Kayak Company PK12 Angler
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’
- Width: 32.75”
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 460 pounds
The PK12 Angler from Brooklyn Kayak Company is a slightly smaller model than the PK13, but it has the ability to carry up to three of the best kayak fishing rods at all times. It also features a larger stern storage area for kayak cooler bags and other fishing equipment.
Directly behind the seat, there is a fully enclosed hatch that is large enough to fit a trolling motor battery. So if you did want to remove the pedal drive and install one of the best kayak trolling motors down the road, you will have that option.
This fishing kayak with foot pedals is also equipped with an elevated seat and anchor trolleys along both gunwales. Paddle parks on both gunwales also allow you to keep your paddle and your anchor line from getting tangled.
5. Reel Yaks Pedal Fishing Kayak
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 11’
- Width: 35”
- Deck Height: 16”
- Weight: 62 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
The Reel Yaks pedal fishing kayak is one of the more lightweight and affordable options out there for kayak fishing beginners. It also boasts plenty of weight capacity to support your setup as you gain experience and add more fishing equipment to your arsenal.
You will have multiple rails that come in handy when you do start adding things like kayak GPS units or portable depth finders. Plus, there are already a total of six built-in rod holders on this kayak, so you won’t have to worry about installing add-ons for a while.
Another benefit of this kayak comes in the form of its adjustable backrest and seat rails. These adjustable features allow you to switch seating positions from an active position when fishing to a reclined position when relaxing and taking a break.
6. Old Town Sportsman BigWater
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 13’2”
- Width: 36”
- Deck Height: 12.5”
- Weight: 96 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
The Old Town Sportsman BigWater is on the opposite end of the spectrum from some of the more lightweight and affordable models we have already mentioned. It is loaded with features, however, such as a stadium-style seat that sits on a sliding track for an adjustable amount of legroom depending on your height.
Its pedal-drive system is also one of the best on the market and it has the ability to reverse instantly if you need to slow down and then paddle backwards. It is also safe for use in saltwater environments if you plan on doing any inshore or offshore kayak fishing.
The BigWater provides two flush-mounted rod holders facing towards the stern of the kayak and an additional holder facing towards the bow. It also boasts plenty of storage space for things like kayak fishing tackle crates, bait buckets, and more.
7. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12
PC Hobie
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’
- Width: 36”
- Height: 20”
- Weight: 105 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
The Hobie is easily one of the most expensive kayaks on this list, but Hobie is known far and wide for the superiority of their pedal-drive kayaks. This is one of the few kayaks with both a rudder and a skeg to provide better tracking ability.
The pedal-drive system features kick-up fins that protects it from damage if you accidentally enter shallow water or make contact with a submerged object. The stability of this kayak even allows you to cast and reel from a standing position if you choose to do so.
You will be able to take advantage of multiple fishing rod holders and extended rails along both gunwales. There are also a total of three enclosed storage hatches throughout for dry gear storage.
8. Vibe Shearwater 125
PC Vibe Kayaks
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 35”
- Weight: 82 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
The Vibe Shearwater 125 gives you the flexibility of being powered by any of Vibe’s three main propulsion options-pedal, paddle, or power. The Vibe X-Drive pedal system should be your go-to option if you’re looking for a pedal-drive kayak.
On the kayak itself, the Vibe Summit seat can be adjusted to four different positions for comfort or ergonomic adaptability. All of these Shearwater kayaks come with hand-operated rudder control and non-slip padding for standup fishing.
There are four flush-mount fishing rod holders and four more horizontal rod holders with rod tip protectors on this kayak. You’ll also have the ability to remove this kayak’s sealed fish finder pod with a built-in spot for mounting the transducer.
9. Wilderness Systems Recon 120
PC Wilderness Systems
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’2”
- Width: 38”
- Deck Height: 15”
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
The Recon 120 is like the Shearwater 125 in that it can be equipped with any of three propulsion options from Wilderness Systems. The Helix PD Pedal Drive system must be purchased separately, but it’s the best option to turn this into a pedal-driven kayak.
As for the features of the kayak itself, it boasts an open concept cockpit design that’s fully customizable. That level of versatility makes this fishing kayak an excellent choice for more experienced anglers that know exactly how they like their setup organized.
It comes with an extra large bow hatch, internal steering and lift lines for drag-free operation of the rudder, a transducer mounting area in the stern, dual rod troughs for fishing rod storage, and midship side pockets that help you keep everything exactly where you need it.
10. Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 12.5
PC Native Watercraft
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 34”
- Deck Height: 13”
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
The Slayer Propel Max just has the look of a unique fishing machine and it doesn’t disappoint when you start diving into its features either. In addition to the pedal drive system in the cockpit, the stern is designed to make installing a trolling motor quick and easy.
Moving forward of that mounting area, there’s still plenty of room for a cooler or multiple kayak tackle boxes in this kayak’s rear storage area. In front of that area, the elevated seat provides plenty of comfort for all-day fishing.
Some of the Slayer’s other excellent features include split paddle storage, dual storage areas on the gunwales for fishing tackle, groove tracks for accessories, molded-in cup holders and rod holders, and much more.
11. Pelican Catch 130 HDII
PC Pelican Sport
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 34”
- Deck Height: 15”
- Weight: 78 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 425 pounds
Pelican is a unique brand in the kayaking industry because they use a proprietary design that allows their kayaks to regain their shape if dented. That makes them a great choice for beginners that are still learning how to treat their kayaks with the right amount of care.
That being said, this Catch fishing kayak offers an easy-to-use pedal drive system and an open cockpit design that allows you to fish from a standing position if you choose. It also has a comfortable elevated seat and plenty of bungee rigging to secure fishing fear in the bow and stern.
There’s even a hand-operated rudder at the stern to improve this kayak’s tracking ability and it’s compatible with Pelican’s EXOCRATE fishing bag if you need a contained place to store your fishing tools.
12. Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal
PC Ocean Kayak
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’
- Width: 34.5”
- Weight: 105 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
With this kayak, you get the rugged reliability of Ocean Kayak’s Malibu series with the propulsion adaptability of an integrated pedal-drive system. That pedal drive system includes an easy docking feature that makes launching and landing much easier.
The adjustable Element Beach seat sits on a sliding track that allows you to adjust the seat forward or back depending on how much legroom you need. There’s also a storage pocket on the seat for snacks or other small items.
Behind the seat, there are two flush-mounted fishing rod holders and there is another just in front of the cockpit area. The redesigned stern storage compartment also has plenty of room for tackle boxes, coolers, or dry bags.
13. Kaku Kayaks Zulu with Pedal Drive
PC Kaku Kayaks
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12.7’
- Width: 35”
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
The Zulu is one of the most unique kayaks on our list and, if you look closely, it is almost a hybrid between the best fishing kayaks and the best standup paddleboards for beginners.
That open deck design makes it a perfect candidate for anyone that prefers fishing from a standing position. Or, if you’re trying to learn how to stand up and fish in a kayak, this model can help to ease your learning curve because it’s very easy to climb back on if you do fall off.
The comfortable mounted seat also provides more hip flexibility than you’ll find with most other fishing kayaks. Combined with giving you a higher vantage point, that seat design makes this an excellent fishing kayak for taller paddlers.
14. Jackson Kayak Bite FD
PC Jackson Kayak
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 11’6”
- Width: 35”
- Weight: 96 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
While Jackson Kayaks has been known to produce some of the best whitewater kayaks over the last few decades, their fishing kayaks with foot pedals are definitely worth a second glance as well.
The Bite FD offers a lot in a relatively compact package, but there’s still plenty of room for your fishing gear in the open bow and stern storage areas on this kayak. In the cockpit, the pedal-drive is easy to operate and it includes a hand-operated rudder for tracking.
Gear tracks on both gunwales are perfect for attaching your fishing gear and the comfortable seat makes it easy to lose track of time on the water. Plus, there are two recessed areas in the cockpit on either side of the pedal drive that are the perfect dimensions for fishing tackle boxes.
15. Riot Kayaks Mako 12
PC Riot Kayaks
Kayak Specifications
- Length: 12’3”
- Width: 34”
- Deck Height: 16.7”
- Weight: 84.4 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 470 pounds
The Mako 12 from Riot Kayaks is the final model on our list, but we haven’t saved just any kayak for last. This one is another model that offers excellent comfort when seated but plenty of stability to fish standing up as well.
They mounted the seat towards the stern to help with balance when you’re standing, but this kayak still cuts through the water smoothly when seated. If you’re into more than just fishing, this is one of the best kayaks to take out on the ocean and anchor for a diving platform too.
It also features one of the lightest pedal drive systems on the market today, which means you don’t have to lug around a bunch of extra weight. Plus, the seat is adjustable for extra legroom and you’ll have access to a total of four flush-mounted rod holders on this kayak.
Our Pick – Perception Pescador Pilot 12
With a rudder at the stern, plenty of rear storage, sealed storage hatches, and dual accessory tracks on the gunwales, you’ll be able to steer easily and keep all of your fishing gear and kayaking safety equipment stored and organized until you need it.
It’s a great kayak for the intermediate-to-advanced kayak angler that’s looking to upgrade from their original model. It has more rod storage than most base models and the fact that the pedal drive system fully recesses into the floor means it can adapt for recreational use if you don’t always need it for fishing!
