Kayaks are of various types – including the stand-up, sit-on and sit-inside ones. Also, kayaking is not all about sitting comfortably in your kayak and paddling along. On the contrary, if you’re an ardent angler, you want to stand up at times during the fishing expeditions. In such cases, you may want to consider the stand-up kayak option.
Now, stand-up fishing kayaks come with seats too. Though, they contain platforms on both sides of the middle of the deck, where you can stand.
Of course, you can avail other options when looking to cover distances in the water as well. As such, you can opt for conventional boats and stand-up paddleboards. Even so, we are only looking at stand-up kayaks herein.
What aspects are important to consider that make a kayak good for standing up?
Always consider both the primary and secondary features during your shopping expeditions for stand-up kayaks.
Contents
Best 5 Stand-Up Kayaks
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1. Ocean Kayak Malibu PDL Kayak
Ocean Kayak Malibu PDL Kayak is a versatile kayak that can be turned on a dime. It has got a sleek design and offers superior performance under extreme circumstances. Extremely stable, Ocean Kayak Malibu PDL Kayak comes fitted with two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. PDL drive system makes the journey super comfy.
If you hate paddling for hours, Ocean Kayak Malibu PDL Kayak could be your best buddy. PDL drive system helps to free up your hands so that you can concentrate more on fishing or any other similar activities. Ocean Kayak Malibu PDL Kayak is incredibly stable and comes jam-packed with amazing features. Under the seat is a click seal hatch.
Carry handles are attached to the stern and bow and this makes transportation as easy as pie. The seat is super comfortable and it has got a mesh storage pocket where you can store additional items. The maximum weight capacity of this kayak is somewhere around 450 pounds which is more than enough for most average-sized American Paddlers.
2. Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak is compatible with the helix pad pedal drive and Helix MD motor drive. This powerful stand-up kayak is known for its superfast acceleration and amazing stability. It tracks well and it can be maneuvered easily and effortlessly. Highly responsive, Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak comes equipped with a powerful pedal system.
Air Pro max seat is super comfy and can be adjusted at will. You have 3 different seating positions to choose from and the seat can be placed virtually anywhere on the kayak. Phase 3 AirPro Seat is extremely adjustable and it ensures greater airflow.
It comes equipped with these following features –
- Tank Well Storage
- Padded Foot Rests
- Multiple Hatches
- Front Paddle Park
- Sidetracks Rails
3. Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak
Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak is equipped with PDL drive system that allows you to move the kayak without paddling. Why paddle when you can just pedal? Makes sense, right? Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak is a versatile and extremely responsive kayak that can change its course in the blink of an eye. If you are looking for a kayak that offers superior stability even when you are standing on it, you should always opt for Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak.
To allow you to store small items, here you will get a small mesh pocket underneath the seat. The Element Beach seat is extremely comfortable and can be adjusted to your sitting positions. The pedals offer a good grip and can be operated barefoot. You can travel at up to 5.5 miles per hour by using its PDL Drive System without breaking a sweat.
You will get backrest adjustment straps and slide-lock seat adjustments to make your journey even more comfortable. Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak also comes jampacked with tons of features like – carrying handles, cup holders, jump seat, Click Seal hatch, and more.
Packed with features, the Malibu Pedal includes a Click Seal hatch under the seat, a stern tank well jumps seat, three cup holders, two eight-inch accessory tracks, bow and stern carrying handles, and more.
4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak has got the flat bottom and this is what has made it incredibly stable on the water. You can even stand on it and still, it will stay stable unless you are taking it too far. Made from High-Density Polyethylene, Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is highly resistant to UV rays of the run and that means, you will not have to deal with the wear and tear. The seat is adjustable and has got an ample amount of padding to ensure a comfortable journey. To accommodate different sized paddlers, Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak has got multiple footrest positions.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak has got two spacious storage compartments where you can store all your fancy gears. You will get a limited 5-years warranty on this kayak.
5. Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak
Perception Pescador Pro 12 is designed for those who are extremely passionate about fishing. Comfort and stability are the hallmark qualities of this kayak. Ideal for all-day excursions, Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak has got ample storage space to store all your fishing gears. You will have multiple mount options as well. The seat is extremely comfortable and can be removed and reinstalled on new positions. Easy to maneuver, Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak is extremely lightweight and that means, you would not have any such issue while transporting this kayak from one place to another. Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak is made entirely in the USA.
Primary Features
The two main features of good stand-up kayaks include a flat hull and width.
Flat Hull
Another way to increase the stability of your kayak is by opting for a flat hull. A wide beam along with a flat hull bottom can stabilize your boat handsomely.
However, you must also ensure the kayak has a durable paddle when you’re standing on the deck. If you can access a hybrid one, that would be good.
Width
Kayaks having beams that are minimum 30 inches are ideal. The varieties having beams of width in the range of 32 to 35 inches are most popular.
With wider beams, the chances that your boat will topple over are lesser. This aspect is worth pondering over especially when you want to concentrate on your fishing rather than worrying about your boat capsizing.
Secondary Features
Here are the secondary features to consider when shopping around for a stand-up kayak.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the kayak requires consideration as well. If you have several accessories that you’re carrying along with you, then check the weight capacity of the kayak to make sure the boat is sturdy enough.
Weight capacity refers to the maximum weight that your stand-up kayak can hold without becoming unstable.
Rod Fasteners
During your fishing expeditions, you do not want to be stuck holding your rod while waiting for fish to catch bait, right? Thus, you would want kayaks that come with rod holders.
In fact, the more rod holders your stand-up kayak has, you can set up those many fishing rods and raise your chances of catching fish.
Also, rod holders that are sufficiently deep are preferred by anglers because they offer a stable base for mounting fishing rods.
Storage space
As compared to traditional kayaks, stand-up kayaks offer more room. However, the amount of storage space in a stand-up kayak is an aspect that is worth considering too. Because you require space to store your range of accessories, right?
Most kayaks have a single hatch towards the front, but that may not be sufficient in the cases of stand-up kayaks. At least 2 hatches are needed; one must be at the front and the other in the center or the rear-side.
With several storage rooms, you can have the benefit of storing different accessories separately. Come to think of it, you would not want to store your gadgets (such as GPS tracking mechanisms and smartphones) with your fishing gear, right? For you, then, run the risk of your widgets getting damaged because of water seeping in. So better to be on the safer side and store your electronic gear separate from your non-electronic equipment.
Benefits of
Stand-up Fishing Kayaks
In contrast to conventional fishing kayaks, the stand-up kayaks offer a range of benefits; thus, making them a better choice over the other available alternatives.
1. Clearer View Benefits
Stand-up kayaks give you a clearer view of your surroundings than other kayak kinds. So, you get a bird’s view of all that is around you.
As such, when you’re fishing in clear waters, you can see the fish beneath from atop your kayak.
2. Cockpit Size
One of the advantages of stand-up kayaks as compared to the other kayak types (like the sit-on-top ones) pertains to the cockpit size. Stand-up kayaks have larger cockpits, thereby, allowing you to move freely and sit comfortably while you’re riding in the waters. More so, you can enjoy the benefits of better footing positions, which is a crucial factor when going fishing.
3. Stability
Stand-up kayaks have flat bottoms. Therefore, they offer the benefits of greater stability while allowing you to stand comfortably and not worry about falling over.
All the same, flat bottoms provide a stable, firm platform for catching all types of fish – notwithstanding small-game of big-game ones.
4. Extra storage
Stand-up fishing kayaks are slightly larger than your typical kayaks. Hence, they have more storage room. In turn, you have extra space to store your electronics and fishing equipment.
5. Maneuverability
Owing to more space in stand-up kayaks, you can move around whilst you’re fishing and can enjoy the benefits of greater maneuverability.
Maneuverability matters especially during your big-game fishing excursions or when you need to maneuver the boat accurately during bait-casting when you’re using a long fishing line.
Finally
In addition to the above aspects, your financial constraints have to be taken into account when looking to purchase a stand-up kayak as well. A good strategy would be to draw your budget and follow by seeking options that suit your uses and come within the given limit.
