Whether you’re looking for a single-person fishing kayak or a tandem inflatable kayak, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming.
The last thing you want to do is end up with a kayak that wasn’t made for your intended use. Plus, if you’re new to kayaking, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a kayak once you find the type that you like.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Kayaking is an incredibly rewarding watersport, providing a full-body workout while helping us appreciate our natural surroundings. We’re major fans of kayaking, which is why we’ve put in the research to create this guide outlining some of the best fishing kayaks for big guys, how to use them and what makes each so beneficial.
Our Picks for the Best Fishing Kayaks For big guys:
Old town Next
The Old Town Next offers all of the best elements of a kayak and a canoe. If you’re looking to enjoy a casual paddle in your local lake, look no further. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for small or mid-sized paddlers.
There’s plenty of internal space in the hull for you and all of your gear, whether you’re taking out your fishing lures or a cooler with your favorite six-pack.
If you’re new to the world of kayaking, you’ll love how easy this thing is to paddle and steer. The seat offers more than enough comfort, allowing you to spend hours on the water without ever feeling lower back pain.
With a canoe-style design, you can work with a double or single-bladed paddle. To make paddling ever easier, Old Town constructed the Next with a low profile design and a pronounced tumblehome.
Under the hood of the Old Town Next is the three-layer hull, which provides smooth, straight tracking on the water. One of the biggest complaints we hear from new kayakers is the inability to point the kayak in the direction they want to go.
The beauty of this kayak is that you almost feel as if just looking in your intended direction gets you there.
If you want to get a different vantage point, you can remove the Element Seating System within the cockpit. Plus, when properly seated, you can take advantage of the Support Track Foot Brace System, which helps you focus on your direction with a bit more confidence.
Key Features:
- Weight – 59 pounds
- Length – 13 feet
- Design – Sit-on-top canoe hybrid
- Weight capacity – 450 pounds
- Number of riders – One
- Material – Three-layer polyethylene
Pros:
- Comfortable and removable seating system
- Very roomy cockpit
- Smooth tracking system
Cons:
- Relatively heavy
- Not the easiest kayak to transport
TAHE Beach LP2
The TAHE Beach LP2 is one of the most popular and versatile inflatable kayaks on the market today. It’s a great choice for those who don’t have a large vehicle or roof racks for transporting a hard-shell kayak. You can bring this kayak straight down to the water’s edge before pumping it up, making the journey far more optimal.
The TAHE Beach LP2 comes with an easy-to-use pump to inflate the kayak in just minutes.
People often worry about inflatables because of their comparative durability. With layers of high-quality polyurethane-coated nylon, you don’t have to worry about blowing a hole far out from shore.
If, by some miracle, a hole does appear, TAHE includes an intuitive repair kit to patch up any damage in a matter of minutes.
The seating arrangement is completely adjustable, allowing you to paddle solo or with a friend. Plus, with the backpack-like storage bag, you can keep all of your essentials dry while out on the water.
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For additional tracking and control, the TAHE Beach LP2 comes with three removable fins, giving you complete control over your intentional direction.
Overall, this inflatable kayak is great for those who want to explore the unknown, hiking to lakes or rivers that most kayakers won’t be able to access.
Key Features:
- Weight – 28 pounds
- Length – 11 feet
- Design – Sit-on-top inflatable
- Weight capacity – 330 pounds
- Number of riders – Two
- Material – Polyurethane-coated nylon
Pros:
- Easy to store and transport
- Comes with all the accessories you need to paddle
- Excellent tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Not as durable as a hard-shell kayak
- Will require more setup and break-down time than a traditional kayak
Malibu Two Tandem Kayak
If you’re just getting into paddling and you want to get out on the open water with your friend or partner, the Malibu Two Tandem Kayak is one of the best two-person kayaks on the market today. It’s probably the reason why you see this kayak at just about any major rental shop.
It’s built with stability in mind, utilizing a wide hull that makes it easy for beginners to get out over the whitewater or get enter and exit. If you want to add your young child or furry friend to the party, the small middle seat is a nice addition.
The two main seats are completely adjustable, perfect for any paddler of any height. As the day goes on, you can change positions in a few seconds without any hassle.
On the bottom of the kayak, you’ll find a handy skid plate that reduces wear and tear as you drag it along the sand to get it down to the water’s edge.
Note that while there is tons of room onboard for paddlers, you won’t find much additional storage room, so plan on packing light.
Key Features:
- Weight – 58 pounds
- Length – 12 inches
- Design – Sit-on-top tandem kayak
- Weight capacity – 425 pounds
- Number of riders – Three
- Material – Single-layer polyethylene
Pros:
- Wide design makes entering and exiting a breeze
- Adjustable seating allows you to move around with ease
- Bottom skid plate for minimizing hull wear and tear
Cons:
- Not a ton of onboard storage space
- Not the most maneuverable kayak
Sun Dolphin Journey 12-Foot Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak
If you are looking to have fun on the water without breaking the bank, this Sun Dolphin Journey kayak is perfect for you. This 12-foot kayak has a spacious cockpit that allows ease of entry. It also comes with adjustable thigh pads and leg braces.
There are also two flush mount rod holders as well as a swivel rod holder.
The Journey 12’ is designed to hold a weight of 395lb. and intended for lakes and rivers, especially on hard-to-reach fishing spots. This fishing kayak is amazingly light so you can carry it anywhere you go.
It also comes with cargo storage with shock straps on the bow to enable you to store plenty of things. If you still need extra storage space, you can use the portable accessory carrier (PAC) that can be carried as a backpack.
Wins & Fails
1. Very spacious and features additional storage space
2. Stable and decent speed
5. Easy to get in and outs
6. Less maneuverable due to its length
7. Its 29.5 inches width affects its speed
Lifetime 10-Foot Two-Person Kayak
This kayak has a stable hull design with a weight capacity of 500lb and is constructed from polyethylene. This provides the boats with extra stability to allow you to stand firmly on it without tipping over.
This is also a great vessel for kayaking with a friend due to the versatile design that makes it possible for solo and tandem paddling.
With a 10-ft length, it is easy to transport and store. It even comes with two paddles and two padded backrests. Along with three fishing rod holders, it’s also equipped with a 6-inch storage hatch for holding your fishing gears.
Wins & Fails
1. Extremely sturdy and durable
2. Can be converted to carry two people
3. Tunnel hull for stability making it impossible to tip over
4. Slow compared to other models
5. Not very long (just 10 ft)
Brooklyn Kayak Company UH 12.5-Foot Kayak
Are you planning for a lazy afternoon on the river with a buddy? Then you should consider this 12.5-foot tandem kayak which has a weight capacity of 450 lb and weighs 68 lb. the Brooklyn kayak has a rear storage area that is secured by a bungee tie-down system.
Its 34-inch beam enables the kayak to have impressive stability and tracking. This will allow you to stand without tipping over and keep you balanced in rough water. The Brooklyn kayak also comes with seven-rod holders: four-flush mounts and three of which are adjustable based on your preferences.
I also love the fact that it comes in multiple anti-fade colors which blend easily with the environment. It is also equipped with ergonomic seats and two bungee paddle rests for enhanced comfort.
Wins & Fails
1. Multiple carrying handles for easy transportation
2. Balanced hull for ultimate stability
3. Easy to maneuver
4. A bit heavy at 68 lb
5. Rudderless
Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 is a sporty, fun kayak that is designed for recreational use in rivers and lakes. Its bright yellow color and design enhance its visibility and make it safe to use even in bad weather conditions.
While it weighs only 37.5 lb, it has a weight capacity of 350lb and can fit two adults. It measures 10 feet and 3 inches long.
The cockpit is designed for comfort and space and is equipped with inflatable seats and an adjustable backrest. Compact and lightweight, this kayak is easy to assemble and transport.
One of its features is its rugged vinyl construction and an inflatable floor that ensures comfort and rigidity.
Besides, it comes with a repair kit and removable skeg that ensures directional stability.
Wins & Fails
1. Luminous color for great visibility
2. Spacious and comfortable seats
3. Inflates quickly
4. Paddles are not adjustable
5. Prone to over inflation
Ocean Kayak Prowler Sit-on-Top
This is one of the oldest yet best kayaks on the market designed especially for fishing. It is popularly known for its versatility as it can be used in both calm and rough water. The kayak is also equipped with comfortable seats that provide excellent back support so you can have a relaxing experience.
At 13 feet long and 28 inches wide, this kayak has great secondary stability making it ideal for various water conditions. It also boasts great speed and efficiency due to its narrow hull and stability.
This makes it easy to paddle over long distances, likewise making it a great fishing kayak.
Besides, the Ocean Kayak Prowler comes with carrying handles for easy transportation. This kayak has a large storage hatch at the bow as well as paddle holders at the side.
There is also a large tank with bungee cords at the back of the seat for securing larger items like crates and cooler up to 475 lb.
Wins & Fails
1. Adequate storage
2. Great speed and efficiency
3. Versatile
4. Has only 2-rod holders
5. Seats not ideal for long-distance trips
Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak
This is the ultimate kayak for anglers who are looking for high performance and great features. The Pescador Pro is a great fishing kayak designed for fishing in lakes, flatwater, rivers, and ponds. With its 12-feet length, it is easy to maneuver while adding to its speed and stability.
It features a removable stadium-style seat that comes in two positions: upright and incline.
If you compare this Pescador Pro 12 with their other models like Pescador Pro 10; then I would say – its definitely better for larger paddlers when you compare the size, weight, capacity and balancing capabilities for big guys. Here is a short comparison of different models.
The Pescador Pro is a durable polyethylene boat that comes with two-rod holders and a secure place to keep paddles. It also has adjustable foot braces to enable you to maintain the right paddling posture. The sit-on-top design allows for adequate storage.
Additionally, it has a molded-in stern tank that features bungee keepers for additional storage.
Also, it has comfortable carrying handles for easy launching and transportation as well as a molded-in cup holder.
Wins & Fails
1. Good storage
2. Replaceable skid for enhanced durability
3. Comfortable seat
4. Limited dry storage area
5. Quite difficult to transport
