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If you’ve ever been kayak fishing you’ll know just how hard it can be to think about paddling, stabilising the kayak, casting and rigging. That’s before we even consider landing the fish. Fortunately, pedal-powered fishing kayaks have become all the rage in the angling market making paddle-powered fishing a thing of the past.
Below we’ve reviewed the very best fishing kayaks with pedals on the market – from ultra-streamlined speed merchants to wide-based, stable chuggers – to revolutionise your kayak fishing. By evaluating each kayak based on the drive system, storage, durability, comfort and size, we can bring both seasoned kayak anglers and pedal-powered beginners the best pedal fishing kayaks out there.
A Guide to Buying a Fishing Kayak
Table of contents
What makes a good pedal fishing kayak?
A good pedal fishing kayak must be suitable for the conditions you’re fishing in, with powerful enough propulsion to stabilise you whilst fishing and a comfortable seat. Outside of that, you should also consider;
- Size: Longer kayaks are faster and more efficient, whereas shorter kayaks are easier to manoeuvre. Wider kayaks are substantially more stable, but the trade-off again is speed and efficiency. Pedal-powered kayaks are faster and more streamlined through the water than paddle-powered kayaks, so pick
- Shape: Round or v-shaped kayaks are designed with stability in mind, whereas kayaks with a flatter or harder chine are faster and less stable thanks to their streamlined setup. if you’re looking to cover the distance with your pedal-powered kayak, flatter, harder chines are a good idea.
- Load capacity: Pedal-powered kayaks include a drive system that makes them a little heavier than your traditional kayak. So be sure you’re choosing one with ample load capacity for yourself and your gear.
- Legroom and comfort: Choose a kayak with a sitting position that’s going to suit your body type, with ample legroom to boot.
- Storage and gear accommodation: Sea fishing in a kayak requires ample storage space and rod holders, so pick one that suits your needs.
- Durability: You’ll need to ensure you purchase a pedal kayak made from durable materials – such as polyethylene or LLDPE – to withstand the rougher conditions you’ll need for sea fishing. Preferably one with UV resistance as pedal-powered kayaks are more conducive to longer trips.
- Pdeal drive system: There are two primary types of pedal drive systems when it comes to kayaking. Push or rotational. Rotational works like bicycle pedals and are better suited for beginners whereas push pedals require an up and down force to propel the vessel.
Kayak Fishing Tips and Techniques For Beginners
What is the best pedal-powered fishing kayak?
The best pedal-powered fishing kayak is the Cambridge Kayaks Sailfish Pedal Pro Fishing Kayak. Powerful, stable and efficient through the water, the over 12 feet long kayak has excellent storage, a load capacity of 200kg and a capacity to deal with serious sea conditions. It’s a true all-rounder, particularly at its price point. Whilst it’s on the heavier side at 55kg, it’s worth every ounce.
At a glance
The 7 best pedal fishing kayaks
Cambridge Kayaks Sailfish Fishing Kayak
- The pro pedal drive system keeps you locked in place in strong winds and currents
- Suitable for any fishing environment
- Complete with four-rod holders, rudder steering and both scupper and drain plugs
- The raised aluminium fishing seat is comfortable, and sturdy and keeps you dry
- The load capacity of 200kg
- Substantial front storage in the dry hatch and in the rear
- Heavy at 55kg
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 12’1″ |
| Weight | 55kg |
| Load Capacity | 200kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 4 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Cambridge Kayaks Sailfish Sea Fishing Kayak is arguably the best pedal-powered kayak on the list for serious sea fishermen. Sleek-looking and powerful it’s an absolutely brilliant sea fishing kayak. So good that it makes it into our favourite sea fishing kayaks too.
If you’ve fished in choppier waters in a kayak you’ll know how challenging it can be to stay on an even keel without being buffeted around by winds and currents. If you’re having to paddle to stay in position, the actual fishing element of your kayaking suffers tremendously.
The Sailfish is an incredibly stable, pedal-powered kayak that lets you stay in the same spot without using the paddle. Freeing up both of your arms for casting and – hopefully – catching. Of course, you can use the kayak with just the paddle, but having both options is superb for fishing.
Cambridge Kayaks Marlin Pedal Pro Fishing Kayak
- The pro pedal drive system keeps you locked in place in strong winds and currents
- Suitable for any fishing environment
- Complete with four-rod holders, rudder steering, scupper plugs, drag wheel and retractable rudder control
- The raised aluminium fishing sport seat is comfortable, and sturdy and keeps you dry
- Made with UV-resistant LLDPE plastic
- Substantial front storage in the dry hatch and in the rear
- Much lighter weight than the Sailfish at just 33kg with a 175kg storage capacity
- Shorter length kayak not designed for speed
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 10’5″ |
| Weight | 33kg |
| Load Capacity | 175kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 4 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Cambridge Kayak’s Marlin Pedal Pro Fishing Kayak is like the Sailfish light. Both literally and figuratively. Weighing in at just 60% of the Sailfish (33kg compared to 55kg) it’s a much more portaging and transport-friendly option. Particularly as the kayak is 18 inches shorter – 10’5 compared to 12’1″.
Of course, when a kayak is that much shorter and lighter, you will have to compromise somewhere. In this case, that compromise comes in the form of storage and speed. Whilst there are eight storage locations nested from the bow to the stern, the 25kg reduced capacity makes the Marlin less suitable for longer trips. On the plus side, it does come with a free tackle box, which is a nice touch.
Ultimately it’s another supremely comfortable, pedal-powered kayak with the Pro Drive system Cambridge Kayaks is known for. Both the rudder and Pro Drive system are retractable, so you can still reach particularly shallow areas without compromising your kayak.
Cambridge Kayaks Big Catch Pedal Fishing Kayak
- Ultra-wide, stable kayak designed for landing big fish and standup casting
- Suitable for any fishing environment
- Complete with two-rod holders, retractable rudder steering, accessory storage and both scupper and drain plugs
- The best kayak for comfort and long-distance casting
- A load capacity of 250kg
- Substantial front, rear and side storage in waterproof flip hatches
- Not built for speed
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 10’5″ |
| Weight | 45kg |
| Load Capacity | 250kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 2 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Cambridge Kayaks Big Catch Fishing Kayak is – you’ve guessed it – designed for catching serious fish. With a 250kg load capacity and an incredibly wide base, it provides the stability you need when out on the open ocean for stand-up casting, hooking big fish and landing them.
Again it comes complete with Cambridge Kayaks Pro Drive system and a retractable rudder, so you can still reach the shallow waters normally associated with kayak fishing. One of our favourite features of this kayak is the option to add premium accessories. There’s an in-built fish finder holder and a moulded motor mount location – both of which are particularly useful if you’re targeting big fish.
Clearly, when fishing from such a wide kayak there is one very obvious disadvantage. In this case, it’s speed. Of course, the storage capacity is excellent – water-resistant front and rear storage, flip hatches, deck storage with bungee and multiple accessory rails – as you’d expect from such a chunky vessel.
The ‘Big Catch’ is Cambridge Kayaks’ widest kayak in their portfolio and absolutely the best for landing big fish.
Geetone Inflatable Pedal-Powered Kayak
- Rotational pedal-drive system suitable for beginners
- Paddle and repair kit included in the package
- Excellent stability thanks to the wide, flat bottom
- The raised aluminium fishing seat is comfortable, adjustable and keeps you dry
- Load capacity of 250kg
- Inflatable mechanic makes storage and transportation a breeze
- Heavy at 55kg
- Expensive
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 10’5″ |
| Weight | 55kg |
| Load Capacity | 250kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 2 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Geetone’s Inflatable Fishing Kayak has some really excellent specifications. Particularly for an inflatable pedal-powered kayak. With a 250kg load capacity and a hand-pulley system to control the rudder, it’s designed for comfort and convenience.
Complete with an adjustable seat, paddle, repair kit, a rotational pedal-drive system, and both vertical and horizontal rod holders, the kayak is an all-in-one solution to your pedalling needs. Particularly as it doesn’t miss any of the mod cons. The hand-pulley steering system and the seat rail are particularly useful features.
Whilst having vertical and horizontal rod holders may sound a little odd, horizontal rod holders can be really useful when you’re trying to get through passage or tunnels with vertical obstructions.
The 7 Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks in 2023
Hobie Mirage Passport 12
- Retractable pedal system and rubber makes for excellent tracking and stability
- Suitable for any fishing environment
- Complete with four rod holders, paddle holder, rudder steering and both scupper and drain plugs
- An ideal starting out pedal kayak that you can kit out really effectivey
- Retractable drive and rudder systems
- Deck pads for standup casting
- Lighter load capacity
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 12′ |
| Weight | 33kg |
| Load Capacity | 181kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 4 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Hobie Mirage Passport 12 – the Passport 10.5’s bigger brother – is 12 feet, a pedal-powered kayak that offers supreme stability, deck space and power. Whilst Hobie are renowned for its feature-rich kayaks, the Passport is a slightly stripped-back version, hence its relatively low weight. Great for portaging and transportation.
The retractable pedal drive system and rudder make reaching shallow areas straightforward. In fact, the drive system has Kick-Up Fins, which are designed to automatically kick up as you strike something solid. Such an excellent feature that stops you from damaging your drive system. It’s such a smart design. Stripped, back but absolutely nothing wasted.
With very reasonable storage options on the bow, stern and centre of the kayak and multiple accessory mounts for cameras, tackle storage, fish finders and kayak fishing rod holders you can build this kayak out to be so much more. Hobie also sells a sailing kit which can be fitted. Premium, but accessible for Hobie.
However the rudder is manually deployed and retractable, so don’t get too overconfident.
Feelfree Lure 13.5 Overdrive V2
- Long, robust kayak designed to cover serious distance
- Overdrive unit offers forward and reverse pedal-drive options
- Complete with four-rod holders, rudder steering and both scupper and drain plugs
- The raised aluminium fishing seat is comfortable, and sturdy and keeps you dry
- A load capacity of 227kg
- Substantial front storage in the dry hatch and in the rear
- Heavy at 55kg
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 13’6″ |
| Weight | 55kg |
| Load Capacity | 227kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 4 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
The Feel Free 13.5 Overdrive Fishing Kayak is one of the highest-specced pedal-powered kayaks on the market. The extra-large padded standing platform is grippy and designed for standup casting. Anyone who’s spent significant periods of time out on the water will know how fantastic having the option to stand up is.
The longer, faster 13.5 version is built for speed, without compromising much on stability. As the longest model in the range, this isn’t your rough seas, ocean-faring kayak. It’s more specifically designed for estuaries, rivers and slower-moving waterways. Whilst that doesn’t mean you can’t take it out on the ocean (you absolutely can) you should exercise caution. In rough conditions stick to calmer waters.
The Overdrive system gives you both forward and reverse drive, through either the pedal or the EMU (electric motor unit). And when you’re out on longer trips and in need of a little positional shift, the seating system has a 10-inch adjustable range, ideal for casting and sitting. With excellent storage, comfort and speed, the Hobie Mirage Passport 12 is a brilliant pedal-powered fishing kayak.
A Guide To The Essential Kayak Fishing Accessories and Setup
Seastream Angler 120 PD
- A pro pedal drive system keeps you locked in place in strong winds and currents
- Pontoon style designed makes for excellent stability
- Complete with two-rod holders, rudder steering and both scupper and drain plugs
- The raised aluminium fishing seat is comfortable, and sturdy and keeps you dry
- A Load capacity of 181kg
- Substantial
- 55kg weight and 181kg load capacity are lower market spec
- Doesn’t come with a paddle
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 12’3″ |
| Weight | 54kg (inc. drive) |
| Load Capacity | 181kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 2 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
The Seastream Angler 120 PD is a powerful, medium-spec kayak that has an incredibly smooth, powerful drive system. In fact, it’s arguably the best drive system you can buy. On a price basis at least. A really excellent entry-level to intermediate pedal kayak.
The drive system lifts up to protect the propeller when traversing over shallow waters or when launching / landing. The combination of the drive system and the beavertail rudder system makes for one of the smoothest, punchiest driving systems around. particularly at this price point. Whilst it’s clearly a step up from entry-level, it’s good value.
And the multi-positional seat means that even the longest trips come with a certain degree of comfort, which makes the kayak excellent for a range of body types and leg lengths. The reinforced cockpit floor is fantastic for standup casting too. Whilst the weight-to-load capacity isn’t top of the range, storage wise there are plenty of options – a large rear tank, rod and paddle holders, rod tip protectors (a nice feature) and horizontal rod holders are great for navigating through snaggy conditions.
As someone who suffers from tight hips and lower back soreness having a kayak with an adjustable seat is a godsend. Particularly on longer trips.
FAQs
What is a pedal powered fishing kayak?
A pedal kayak is a kayak that has pedals that move the kayak instead of a paddle or motor. Although paddles are an essential backup option for pedal-focused kayakers. Unlike the paddle used in traditional kayaks, a pedal kayak is operated by the push or rotational pedal drive system as a primary propulsion method.
Are pedal kayaks better for fishing?
Yes, pedal kayaks are better for fishing. The benefit of having pedals on your kayak is that you can move and stabilise your kayaks hands-free. So when you’re casting, fighting or landing a fish having pedals is revolutionary, particularly in rough conditions. Important to note you still need to carry a backup paddle with you in case the drive system goes wrong.
What types of pedal fishing kayaks are there?
There are two main types of pedal fishing kayaks – push pedals and rotational pedals. Kayaks with a push pedal propulsion system require you to push with your feet in an up-and-down motion to move forwards and backwards. Rotational pedal kayaks are designed to work like bicycle pedals and are much simpler for beginners.
What should I look for in a pedal fishing kayak?
When purchasing a pedal fishing kayak you should look for;
- One with a suitable length and width for the type of fishing you’ll be doing. Longer, wider kayaks fare better in rougher waters thanks to their larger surface area.
- The type of pedal propulsion system you’re looking for. Rotational pedal kayaks work like a bicycle and are simpler for beginners. Push pedal kayaks work independently of one another, requiring an up and down force to propel you forward
- Cost. Obviously. Top-of-the-range pedal-powered kayaks can cost thousands of pounds, but you can pick up very good ones for under £1,000.
- Weight, size and load capacity. Particularly if you’re limited on the storage and transportation size, and pedal-drive systems add weight to the kayak, so they tend to be heavier than traditional kayaks.
- Retractable drive systems and rudders. If you’re looking to fish shallow waters, purchasing a pedal-powered kayak with a retractable drive system makes traversing tricky terrain much simpler.
Are pedal kayaks more stable?
No pedal kayaks are not necessarily more stable. A pedal-powered kayak tends to be faster, and more efficient through the water and allows for hands-free fishing. Essential for landing bigger fish, re-rigging in rougher conditions and stabilising your position when casting. So whilst pedal-powered kayaks aren’t necessarily more stable in rougher conditions, they can offer some clear tracking and stability benefits for fishermen.
