Our region is blessed with plenty of rivers, big and small that lend themselves to good kayaking. On most weekends you’ll find a colorful armada of kayaks plying the riffles and eddies. While prices have gone up, entry-level boats (we’re not talking about big box kiddie pool kayaks here) are relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional boats, durable; require no bank payment or fuel and very little maintenance. They permit anglers to fish areas not always accessible by larger, more conventional fishing boats.
A good entry level fishing kayak will run you $799-$999. The next level up runs from $999 to $1,600. Top-of-the-line pedal-powered and tricked out kayaks push $2,800 and beyond. Top end fishing kayaks propelled by electric motors and tricked out with electronics can be $4-$6K.
Plenty of design elements make each of the following lines stand apart but you will note some features that are standard across manufacturers’ models. When you are ready to purchase your fishing kayak, do check with the local dealers first. You can often test paddle and get accessories rigged by pros when you buy from a dealer. You won’t get any of that from Tractor Mart.
1. 3 Waters
This division of Feel Free Kayaks specializes in affordable fishing kayaks.
The Big Fish 105 V2 offers all the same features, stability, comfort and performance as its older brother, the Big Fish 120 but in a smaller (10’5” long and 33.5” wide, weighs 89 lbs., 380-lb. capacity) and more manageable 10 foot version. It’s a good choice for anglers with limited transportation and storage options that still want the capacity of much larger kayaks. The V2 version features the EZ Rider seat, offering more back and bottom coverage. The cathedral tri-hull features two outer pontoons along with a central pontoon with deep channels in between offering incredible primary and secondary stability.
The Big Fish line up also includes the Big Fish 120 V2 (non pedal drive), Big Fish 103, 105 and 108 (pedal drive) models. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
2. Bonafide
The new Bondafide XTR 130 is said to be the “best fishing kayak ever”. Taking inspiration from bass boats and incorporating the key features anglers demand the XTR130 offers the latest in power and electronics integration, versatility, ample space, exceptional stability, and a meticulous fishing-focused design that boasts the best elements of a kayak and the most popular features of a small bass boat. The XTR130 offers an open deck design, an elevated platform, and a walkable deck engineered specifically for fishing.
The kayak is fully customizable for any fishing adventure with PowerLink ports for easy rigging and multiple motors configurations, multiple battery storage options, a comfortable swivel seat, optional tandem seating, and extensive gear tracks.
The XTR 130 measures 12’7” long, 40.5” wide and weighs 155 pounds. It will hold up to 750 pounds and the stern is set up to accommodate a motor.
Bonafide also has the PWR129 SS120, SS127, RS117, EX123 and P127 kayaks. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
3. Crescent
The Crescent Shoalie is a good option for your fishing kayak investment at 11’10” long, 34” wide, weighing 77 lbs. with a 450-lb. weight capacity. This boat is loaded with unique standard features like a bow rod securing system by Rod Saver, rear facing rod holsters, a cam track system, paddle park system, 26” ketch board, Power Pole mounting points and cupholders. Other Crescent models kayak may be interested in include the CK1 Venture, the LiteTackle II and the SUP+. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
4. Feel Free
The Moken 10 Pedal kayak is back this season. This is a 10’4” long, 35” wide boat that weighs just 72 pounds (without pedal drive) with a 425-lb. capacity. This boat comes with the Rapid Pedal Drive System, the Beaver Tail Rudder the, Rapid Steering System, the EZ Rider Seat and is available in desert camo, ocean camo, green flash and winter camo. It also has the UNI-Track accessroy attachment system and the famous Feel Free wheel-in-the-keel makes this a sought after pedal drive for under $1,500.
Feel Free also has the Lure 10 V2 kayak back for this season. This is a 10’ long, 34” wide paddle kayak that weighs just 77 pounds with a 375-lb. capacity and comes with the EZ Rider seat. See the 2025 Feel Free kayaks at Lake Anna Outfitters 540.894.3540. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
5. Hobie
Hobie makes some of the best high-end fishing kayaks out there and the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler series is probably their most popular amongst avid anglers. The Pro Angler 12 360XR Drive offers top-of-the-line feature sets that are attractive to a lot of tournament kayak anglers.
The 2025 Pro Angler 12 has now been enhanced with the ability to propel with either stern or bow mounted motors, host up to two PowerPoles, has wire management and battery storage giving you the option of legendary MirageDrive 360 pedal power, motor power and/or paddle power.
This kayak is 12’ long, 36” wide weighs 109 pounds with a capacity of 500 pounds.
The Mirage Drive 360 and Kick Up fins enable you to travel nimbly without worry as it pivots 360 degrees! The boats have six rod holders, an elevated Vantage ST seat with BOA lumbar support, a Guardian transducer shield, a Hobie exclusive H-Rail for adding accessories quick and easy, rear and forward hatches for storage, with stain resistant grip pads throughout. These models are high end and intended for serious anglers who want a lot of features in a wide stable platform. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
6. Hoodoo Kayaks
The Hoodoo Voyager 100P is a pedal drive kayak sold for $1,199. This kayak is 10’3” long, 34” wide and weighs 70 lbs. (hull only) with a 350-lb. capacity and comes as a complete package ready to hit the water. The only thing needed is a personal flotation device. Standard features include its innovative fin drive propulsion system and rudder, rear tankwell design, front hatch, accessory tracks, mounting points. Oak Tree Outfitters,
804-815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
7. Jackson Kayaks
Jackson has a popular line of fishing kayaks available including the Coosa X, Big Rig FD, Bite FD, Coosa FD,, Bite Angler, Coosa FD, Kilroy HD, Knarr FD and YuPik.
The popular Coosa X is 11’8” long, 36” wide and weighs 94-lbs. with a 425-lb. weight capacity.
Molded in handles bow and stern make comfortable grips for maneuvering the Coosa X on land.
The Coosa FD is 12’7” long, 35” wide, weighs 109 lbs. and has a weight capacity of 450.
The Flex Drive Mark IV (Patented) is the product of four years of constant evolution. Molded-in tackle storage on the gunnels of the Bite FD let you keep your tackle close at hand and secure. A replaceable skid plate protects thehull from seasons of dragging at launch. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
8. Native
The new Native Slayer Propel 10 LTE is said to be the lightest pedal drive kayak on the market at just 85 pounds (with drive system). The boat measures 10’ long, 34.5.” wide, weighs 65 pounds (just hull) and holds 425 pounds (small enough to fit in a truck bed but with the features of a bigger boat).
Standard features include Propel Pedal Drive System with forward and reverse, hand sewn seating with adjustableinseam, left hand rudder control system, impact resistant stern rudder, 17″ dry bow hatch cover, right hand forward facing rod holder/cup holder, two flush mount rod holders aft, Groove Tracks for accessory mounting, Propel Drive trunk cover with accessory tray and cup holder , the new SpringBlade rudder system and a stern ready for motor mounting.
Other Native model lines include the TitanX, the Falcon and the Ultimate FX. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
9. Nu Canoe
The Nu Canoe EPS line is said to be one of the easy plug and play powered kayaks on the market thanks to a QuickConnect system. You can choose from the Torqueedo or Newport Vessels propulsion systems and easily mount them on the Flint, U10, and Unlimited models. The QC rudder system and Pivot Drive pedal systems are also popular options on Nucanoe hybrids.
The Flint is 11’3” long, 33” wide and weighs 63 pounds with a capacity of 375 pounds and will accommodate up to 80 pounds of thrust.
The U10 is 10’10” long, 41” wide, weighs 72 pounds with a capacity of 375 pounds and will hold up to 80 pounds of thrust.
The Unlimited model is 12’6” long, 41” wide, weighs 84 pounds with a 400-pound capacity and will hold up to 2.5 hp or 80 pounds of thrust.
Green Top Sporting Goods. 804.550.2188 www.greentophuntfish.com. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
10. Old Town
The long-time kayak manufacturer has many models available with power, pedal or paddle propulsion, the most popular in the region being the updated Sportsman line.
There are two new kayak models for 2025: the Sportsman PDL 120 PRO and the Sportsman EPDL+ 120 PRO.
Both models are built on a 12’ long, 36” wide hull that weighs 131 pounds with the seat and pedal drive. The EPDL+ 120 PRO has an electric powered pedal – more like an ebike with manual pedal, five speeds of pedal power-assist or cruise control. It comes with a 36V Amped Outdoors battery.
Old Town kayak hulls are made using the roto-molded process in the USA.
Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
11. Perception
This manufacturer offers seven different sit-on-top fishing kayak models.
The new Pescador PRO10.0 is 10’5” long, 32” wide, weighs just 62 ounds with a weight capacity of 325 pounds. This is a basic sit-on-top kayak with a pro style mesh seat.
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 fishing kayak is an amazing value and boasts a wide-open deck, an expansive standing platform, seriously elevated seating, and intuitive features throughout. The boat measures 11’6” long, 35” wide, weighs 77 lbs. and holds up to 425 lbs.
The Outlaw also integrates industry-firsts including a stowaway seat for complete deck walkability and space for up to a 35L cooler. Two “double-barrel” rod holders offer the ultimate multi-rod setup. Elevated seating allows for the highest fishing vantage ever in a kayak, and the ergonomic and comfortable seat extends time on the water and transition easily from sitting to a standing position. Add the Perception Kayaks Saddle Bags (sold separately) and this kayak is a horse of a different color. Molded-in trays and cup holders keep important items and refreshments within easy reach. There’s transducer scupper on the hull for fish finders, two “double-barrel” rod holders and 3 Solo Mount recesses enable anglers to easily add mounts and accessory holders without drilling. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
12. Vanhunks
The Vanhunks USA may not be the most reconizable name in fishing kayaks but the company does have some great value offerings.
The Pike is a small kayak local anglers will definitely be interested in. At 9’8” long, 35” wide, 62 pounds (75 rigged) and a 419 capacity this kayak is fin or pedal drive compatible. The Pike is constructed of 5 mm polyethylene, comes with a removable Tool Pod, features a double pontoon hull and square stern. An optional adjustable foot or hand-controlled rudder system ensures precise control and limited drift. The rudder system is Bixpy motor-compatible, and brass inserts allow easy side motor mounting.
The molded-in high or low seating position allows for easy chair height adjustment. Accessory rails accommodate additional rod holders, and built-in spacing simplifies electronics installation.
There’s also a 10’4” Shad Fin, a 11’ Mahi Mahi and 12’ Saugeye models that can be paddled or pedaled using a fin or pedal drive propulsion unit. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
13. Vibe
Vibe has two new models for 2025 – the 10’ Shaka and the 13’ Hydra – both are paddle powered kayaks.
The Vibe Makana 100 (10’ long and 33” wide) compliments the Shearwater 125, the Vibe Cubera 120 Hybrid, the Vibe Sea Ghost (130 and 110), the Yellowfin (130T, 120 and 100).
The Makana 100 is notable because it features the X-Drive and Vibe rudder, Hero 2.0 seat, 5 mm deck padding, x tackle tray slots, paddle port and protected transducer port, all for around $1,900. Oak Tree Outfitters, 804.815.4669. www.oaktreeoutfitters.net
14. Wilderness Systems
WS has five new kayaks for 2025 – the Tarpon 105, the Tarpon 120, the Tarpon 140 the Recon 120 HD with AirPro ACES seat and the Recond 120 with AirPro ACES seat.
The Tarpons have been around for over 20 years and these Tarpons are nice upgrades on the basic sit-on-top, paddle-powered kayaks. The Phase 3 Air Pro seat system is the nices feature on the Tarpons. There’s also a DryTec waterproof center storage case and a MagnaTech water bottle holder.
The Recon boat has a 360-degree ACES swivel seat, the Helix PD pedal drive system, pontoon style hull, replaceable stern pad and ruddery system. Appomattox River Company (434) 392-6645. www.paddleva.com.
15. Gheenoe
This Titusville, Florida manufacturer has been creating their unique boats for over 40 years. There are five models available from 13 to 18’.
The 120-pound Gheenoe’s, the 13’ and 15’4” models are light enough to easily be put on top of a car or in the back of a truck. There are three wider and roomier Gheenoe’s, the 15’6” Classic for the fisherman who wants a little more room, and the largest Gheenoe – a 16’ and 18’ Super available with stick steering or center console. The Super is considered, by many, to be the world’s ultimate flats boat. Gheenoe boats feature fiberglass construction and a flared gunnel design that offers anglers a stable platform. The 13’ long model is over 3.5’ at the beam and weighs145 pounds. It sports a 15-inch transom for short shaft motors up to five horsepower. This Gheenoe is small enough to get into the tightest fishing holes or the remotest of duck ponds with a 412 capacity rating. Wilcox Bait & Tackle, 757.595.5537.
