Electric Fishing Kayaks, Sit-on-Tops, Pedal Drives, or SUPs: Which Paddling Platform Matches Your Fishing Style?



Bad for: Heart conditions. Long-distance paddling. Winds over 15 mph. Example: Ocean Kayak Trident 13 (MSRP $1,029.99)
Stability: 5/5**
Speed:** 2/5**
Range:** 2/5**
Weight:** 2/5 **
Fishability:** 3/5 **
Cost:** 4/5

Bad for: Empty wallets. Car-top luggage racks. Example: Ocean Kayak Torque (MSRP $1,999.99)
Stability: 5/5
Speed: 1/5
Range: 4/5
Weight: 1/5
Fishability: 5/5
Cost: 2/5

**
The strongest muscles in your body power your legs, which is one big reason why pedal-driven kayaks are so popular with anglers who love to troll, or who fish where strong winds and currents are common. Hobie’s patented Mirage Drive system of pedal-driven flippers is the most efficient muscle-powered way to cover water on the market. Period. Like electric kayaks, these boats let you keep your hands free to cast or change rigs without losing position in wind or current. They’re also much lighter than the electric variety, and they’re less complicated to set up once you get down to the water. Disadvantages: The only drawback is that you can’t pedal them in reverse. For that you have to use a paddle, which makes keeping your stern to the wind while casting a real challenge. This is a minor drawback — these are excellent fishing boats. Great for: Trolling. Long distances. Tides and currents.
Bad for: Tight water. Going backwards. Example: Hobie Outback (MSRP $1849)
Stability: 4/5
Speed: 5/5
Range: 5/5
Weight: 2/5
Fishability: 4/5
Cost: 3/5

Bad for: Wind. Example: Starboard Fisherman (MSRP $1799)
Stability: 2/5
Speed: 4/5
Range: 3/5
Weight: 5/5
Fishability: 3/5
Cost: 3/5

Cons: Hard to put on. Makes you look ridiculous if you’re not in surfer shape. Restricts motion more than a dry suit or dry top. Not ideal for paddling longer distances. Try This: Patagonia R3 full wetsuit ($525)

Cons: Expensive. Small tears or punctures from hooks, shells, or other sharp objects can create big leaks that could turn catastrophic in the wrong cold-weather situation. Try This: Kokatat Gore-Tex Front-Entry Dry Suit with Relief Zipper ($975)

Cons: Not fully waterproof. Good chance you’ll get a little water down your front if you fall overboard. Try These: AquaSkinz Phantom Semi-Dry Top ($229), Kokatat Tempest dry pants ($179)