Kayak fishing has recently been one of the most practiced fishing activities. If you believe that fishing while sitting doesn’t allow you to be as efficient as you would be while standing, we’ve got good news for you.
Manufacturers have designed stand-up fishing kayaks similar to regular sit-on-top ones and they’re stable enough for you to stand on. They provide you with better maneuverability, accurate casting, and better visibility of the water around you.
What’s more, having a stand-up kayak doesn’t mean that you’ll have to compromise any of the impressive features that a stand on-top kayak offers. You’ll enjoy having a large storage space, comfortable seating, ease of use, and speed.
Since choosing the best stand-up fishing kayak could be confusing, we’ve decided to compile a list of the best ones on the market, hoping that you’d find what you’re looking for among them. You’ll also find a short and comprehensive buying guide as well as some of the questions you may want to pose.
List of the Best Stand-Up Fishing Kayaks:
- Lifetime 10 Foot – Best Tandem Stand Up Fishing Kayak
- Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Excellent for Professionals
- Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 – Best for Beginners
- Hobie Mirage Outback – Most Maneuverable
- BKC UH-RA220 – Best Waterproof Storage
- Lifetime Lotus – Most Lightweight
Comparison Table:
|
Stand Up Fishing Kayaks |
Weight | Dimensions | Maximum weight capacity | Number of people |
| Lifetime 10 Foot | 60 lbs. | 120 x 36 x 19-in. | 500 lbs. |
Two or three |
|
Perception Pescador Pro 12 |
64 lbs. | 144 x 32.5 x 14.5-in. | 375 lbs. | One |
| Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 | 46 lbs. | 108 x 32 x 15-in. | 300 lbs. |
One |
|
Hobie Mirage Outback |
99 lbs. | 153 x 15 x 34-in. | 400 lbs. | One |
| BKC UH-RA220 | 68 lbs. | 148 x 32 x 12-in. | 450 lbs. |
One |
|
Lifetime Lotus |
37.9 lbs. | 96 x 30 x 10-in. | 250 lbs. | One |
The 6 Best Stand Up Fishing Kayaks in 2021
1. Lifetime 10 Foot – Best Tandem Stand Up Fishing Kayak
The 10-foot Lifetime kayak is one of the best tandem kayaks as it hosts from two to three people. Unlike some stand-up kayaks, it’s suitable for oversized people as it accommodates up to 500 pounds and has a large open space cockpit. This also means that you could bring as many accessories on the kayak as you want. All of the above makes it one of the best family kayaks.
In addition, this is one of the most durable kayaks on the market since it’s made of high-density polyethylene. You’ll also enjoy its comfortable seats, given that it features double padded backrests so you can fish for as long as you want without getting tired. Moreover, you can use it as a stand-up kayak, as it features a stable hull design.
Besides, this kayak features multiple footrest positions, which is great because anyone can change their position until they’re comfortable enough. Also, if you love free-hand fishing, you’ll appreciate its three fishing rod holders that increase your chances of catching more fish because you can use multiple holders at the same time. It also comes with two paddles and their holders, so you can rest assured that you won’t lose the paddles.
I’m sad to mention that storage is not its best feature since it features a six-inch hatch at the back where you can store your accessories and valuables. Moreover, it would be better if you use it in calm water because its short and wide design makes it hard to control in strong waves and wind.
Pros:
- Comfortable seats
- Stable hull design
- 500-pound weight capacity
- Multiple footrest positions
- Suitable for families
Cons:
- Must be used in calm water and nice weather only
- Not enough storage space
Bottom Line
Lifetime 10 Foot is an excellent family kayak if you’ll use it in calm water. Its comfortable seats and multiple footrest positions mean that you can fish for as long as you like without getting tried. Moreover, its 500-pound weight capacity lets you bring all the gear that you want.
2. Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Excellent for Professionals
Perception Pescador Pro 12 is one of the stand-up kayaks that are excellent for lakes, slow-moving rivers, and streams. It’s pretty safe to use thanks to its leak-proof one-piece construction with built-in buoyancy.
This sit-on-top kayak is designed with durability in mind because it’s made of high-density polyethylene that is UV and abrasion-resistant. Also, even though it falls a bit on the heavy side as it weighs 64 pounds, you can easily drag it -even when it’s gear-loaded- without fear of damaging it thanks to the presence of a replaceable skid plate.
As for the storage space, you’ll love the large front and rear open storage with bungee lashings where you can safely secure coolers, tanks and whatever gear you have. Besides, it comes with two molded-in rod holders. It also allows you to mount fishing accessories like a GPS and a fish finder.
Comfort is one of its best features as it has a removable and breathable lawn chair style with a mesh seat. You’ll also enjoy that the seat can be adjusted to two levels, where you can lower or raise it for relaxed paddling or optimum casting, respectively.
Sadly, the lack of lumbar support will make you a bit uncomfortable if you sit in it for extended hours. Also, there have been some complaints about the rod holders claiming that they’re not as good as they should be.
Pros:
- Very stable
- Removable and breathable seat
- Large storage space
- Durable
Cons:
- Low-quality rod holders
- Lack of lumbar support
Bottom Line
Perception Pescador Pro 12 is an excellent one-person standing kayak for fishing in calm rivers and lakes. Its comfortable seat, large storage area as well as its durability render it one of the best fishing kayaks for professionals.
3. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 – Best for Beginners
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 is a one-person, sit-on-top kayak that’s very easy to carry as it weighs only 46 pounds. What’s more, it features four easy-grip carry handles, facilitating its transportation. Despite its compact size, it offers a flat base, providing decent stability on calm waters. It also offers adequate standing space in its large open cockpit. Such features make it safe for beginners as well as professionals.
This 9-foot kayak is easily maneuverable with the single paddle that it comes with. Moreover, you’ll appreciate its two paddle parks where you can secure your paddles when not in use. It also features four capped flush-mount rod holders, so you can enjoy hands-free fishing.
In addition, it has multiple storage options as it features two sealed hatches with bag inserts and one rear tank with bungees. This way, you can rest assured that you won’t lose any of your gear in the water.
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 has comfortable and padded seats with a mesh back design so that you don’t get sweaty. Besides, they’re adjustable, which means that you’ll be able to adjust them to the position that suits you the most. However, some people complain that the seats are not as comfortable as they should be.
Pros:
- Very stable
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to maneuver and control
Cons:
- The plastic buckles that keep the seat in adjustment are of low quality.
- Tracking could be better
Bottom Line
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 is an excellent stand-up kayak for one person. It’s easy to maneuver as well as stable on calm waters which makes it safe for beginners and professionals alike.
4. Hobie Mirage Outback – MirageDrive system
With a 33-inch width, Hobie Mirage Outback is a pretty stable Kayak that you can stand on with next to zero worries. You’ll also find it easy to maneuver because it’s not too long at only 12 feet.
Moreover, propelling the kayak is pretty easy as it features the excellent MirageDrive system with fin technology. However, it’s not easy to use, so you’ll have to train yourself on using it before getting into deep waters.
As for the seats, you’ll enjoy the Vantage CT seat that boosts comfort as well as maximizes the standing area. There’s plenty of standing room in front of the seat where you can comfortably stand with no protrusions whatsoever.
You can store all your gear in the numerous storage compartments that the kayak comprises. Also, its ability to accommodate up to 400 pounds means that you can get as much gear as you need.
Plus, you’ll appreciate that you can catch a lot of fish since you can deploy multiple rod holders at the same time thanks to its four molded-in rod holders. It also comes with a paddle keeper, ensuring that you won’t lose your paddles, and that they won’t stand in your way when you’re standing.
The thing I don’t like about Hobie Mirage Outback is its heavyweight as it weighs 99 pounds. But if you have a trailer, this won’t be an issue.
Pros:
- Vantage CT seat
- Numerous storage compartments
- Four molded-in rod holders
- MirageDrive system
- Stable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Less maneuverable than shorter kayaks
Bottom Line
If you have no problem with buying a heavy kayak, you’ll be just fine with buying Hobie Mirage Outback. You’ll appreciate its easy propelling, wide enough standing room, comfortable seat, and the accessories that come with it.
5. BKC UH-RA220 – Best Waterproof Storage
BKC UH-RA220 is an 11.5-foot sit-on-top kayak that can be used as a standing kayak, given that it’s such a stable platform. It’s one of the best stand-up fishing kayaks under $1000, and at such an affordable price, BKC UH-RA220 still offers a lot.
You’ll enjoy its foot-pedal operated rudder control, which enables you to control it in all water conditions without needing to paddle. Moreover, whenever you’re fishing, you can easily secure your paddles to the hull using the bungee paddle rests. It also maximizes the amount of fish you’ll catch, as it features twin flush-mounted rod holders, so you can deploy them at the same time.
BKC FK184 features waterproof storage where you can keep your valuables without worrying they might get wet. It also has a large cargo area, so you can get as much gear as you need onboard.
Even though BKC UH-RA220 accommodates up to 450 pounds, there have been some complaints claiming that large-sized people find standing on it a bit harder than it is on other kayaks.
Pros:
- Waterproof storage area
- 450-pound weight capacity
- Features a foot-pedal operated rudder control
Cons:
- Not suitable for large-sized people
Bottom Line
BKC UH-RA220 is an excellent stand-up kayak, especially for those who are not fans of paddling as it features a foot-pedal operated rudder control. Plus, it features a waterproof storage area that you’ll appreciate whenever you get to the shore with your valuables safe.
6. Lifetime Lotus – Most Lightweight
Lifetime Lotus is an easily portable kayak because of its short length (8 feet) and lightweight (37.9 pounds.) You can transport it by hand with the center carry handle or via a kayak trailer. It’s also durable and will last for years as it’s made of polyethylene.
Even though its short length doesn’t make it suitable for people who love to take a lot of gear on board, it still has a tank well storage with bungee cord lacing, guaranteeing that you won’t lose any of the items you have on board.
You don’t have to worry about standing space as it offers plenty of that, consequently, you’ll have no problem whatsoever with visibility. Plus, Lifetime Lotus is one of the most stable stand-up kayaks on the market.
A couple of aspects help make this kayak one of the cheapest, including its short length that makes it harder to control than longer kayaks. Besides, it doesn’t come with rod holders or any other advanced fishing features. It also doesn’t feature padded seats. However, you’ll enjoy the comfort that its multiple footrest positions provide.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Multiple footrest positions
Cons:
- No rod holders
- No fishing features
- Lacks seating pads
- Not easily controlled
Bottom Line
Lifetime Lotus is perfect for those looking for a cheap and lightweight kayak. However, since it doesn’t come with rod holders or any fishing features, you’ll have to pay for them separately. So, bear that in mind if you’re on a tight budget.
How to Pick a Stand-Up Fishing Kayak
Before buying a stand-up kayak for fishing, there are things that you must consider. The following guide will hopefully facilitate the process of fishing for the best stand-up kayak as it comprises the most important factors that should be on your checklist.
1. Flat Hull
The hull is the kayak’s body. When you’re searching for a stand-up kayak, your priority is stability rather than speed. Therefore, you should be looking for a kayak with a flat hull. I advise you to stay away from kayaks with a semi-rounded or a triangular hull, as they are suitable for speed, not stability.
2. Storage Space
Stand-up kayaks usually have more storage space than conventional ones, which is great because you’ll need as much storage space as possible. So, if you find a stand-up kayak with one hatch, I advise you not to get it. You need a kayak that comes with two hatches, one of them on the front, and the other is either in the middle or rear of the kayak.
Having a kayak with multiple storage areas is beneficial because you usually won’t want your stuff to mix. For example, you won’t want your mobile or GPS to mix up with wet fishing accessories.
3. Weight Capacity
The maximum weight capacity of a kayak indicates how much weight the kayak can have onboard before the situation becomes dangerous. So, make sure that the kayak you buy can accommodate your weight plus the weight of the accessories and the fish you’ll hopefully catch.
4. Rod Holders
It’s very impractical to keep holding the rods in your hands throughout your fishing trip. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the kayak has rod holders. What’s more, it’s even better if the kayak has lots of them because this increases your chances of getting a successful catch.
Moreover, it’s crucial to ensure that the rod holders constitute a firm base for your fishing rod by making sure that they’re deep. If the rod holders are shallow, they will fall when a fish bites, which is something no one wants.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the Benefits of a Stand-up Fishing Kayak?
Fishing while standing up gives you a wider view of the water. It enables you to see deeper and further into the water, which is something anglers appreciate. Plus, it helps improve casting and positioning. For example, when you’re standing, you’ll be able to cast further with more accuracy than you would if you’re sitting down. Casting while standing lets you use your arm strength instead of your body strength, which is healthier. It’s also healthier because it allows you to change your position to prevent you from having numb legs or a hurting back.
Can I Stand Up in a Sit-in Kayak?
Yes, you can but it’s not advisable. It’s more common to stand up on a sit-on-top kayak because it’s much more stable on the water, and stability is the priority when looking for stand-up kayaks. Also, you’ll feel more comfortable if you reel in big fish standing up and doing so on a sit-on-top kayak is next to no effort.
Can I Stand up on a Tandem Fishing Kayak?
Standing up on a one-person kayak is more common. However, standing on some tandem kayaks is acceptable. If you need a tandem model, I advise you to choose one that is specially designed to be a stand-up kayak. You and your partner should distribute the weight as evenly as possible.
Is Fishing in a Stand-Up Fishing Kayak Safe?
Yes. All of the stand-up kayaks feature a strapping system that lets your feet stay docked onto the kayak. You should also wear a life vest and train yourself near the shore first before getting into deep waters.
Where Do I Put Fish When Kayaking?
Kayaks come with many storage compartments and hatches where you can keep your stuff. However, you can’t store your catch in them directly or else they won’t be healthy to eat. So, you must get a beach cooler on your kayak to store the fish in after you catch it immediately, no matter how cold the weather is.
Final Thoughts
After reading this review, I believe that you found what you deem to be the best stand-up fishing kayak. In case you’re still hesitant, allow me to recommend some models to you.
If you’re a beginner, I believe that Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 is the most suitable one to buy. It’s very stable, offers adequate standing space, and is easy to get in and out of. You’ll also find no problem controlling and maneuvering it. If you’re worried that the paddles might get lost, you needn’t worry anymore because it comes with two paddle parks. Moreover, it has four capped flush-mount rod holders so that you can enjoy hands-free fishing.
For professionals, I recommend Perception Pescador Pro 12 because it’s so durable that it will last for years thanks to its abrasion-resistant high-density polyethylene. You’ll also find no problem dragging it because of its easily-replaced skid plate. You’ll also appreciate its comfortable seats and rod holders. Want to grab your GPS, fishfinder, and other fishing accessories? You can, as it features mounting brackets.
In case you love having company, Lifetime 10 Foot is the best stand-up tandem kayak you could buy. Its ability to accommodate up to 500 pounds makes it the best family kayak as well. You’ll also love its comfortable seats and three fishing rod holders.