Best Fishing Kayaks of 2020
Did someone say "options"? In the year 2020, fishing kayaks have never seen more options, features, and customization. More track mounts and rod holders than you can count. Paddle, pedal, or some combo of the two. Each of these fishing yaks have been met with dozens of positive reviews from your fellow anglers and paddlers. Check the list of the top 8 fishing kayaks for 2020 below.
This year's best fishing kayaks:
- Sea Ghost 130 by Vibe Kayaks
- Wahoo 12.5 by Kaku Kayak
- Mirage® Pro Angler 14 by Hobie
- Mirage® Outback by Hobie
- Sea Ghost 110 by Vibe Kayaks
- Mirage® Pro Angler 12 by Hobie
- Yellowfin 130T by Vibe Kayaks
- Raptor G1 by Santa Cruz Kayaks
Check out details, reviews, and specs on each of these 2020 fishing kayaks below. But these are just a sampling, so if you want to do a full exploration, be sure to check out the complete Fishing Kayaks Gear Guide.
Best Fishing Kayaks of 2020
Sea Ghost 130
by Vibe Kayaks
Venture farther in the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 angler kayak. From unmatched hull stability, and superior tracking, the Sea Ghost 130 angler kayak can handle waters from rivers to surf. Along with rigging and storage options that anglers demand, the Sea Ghost 130 includes a rudder, that saves energy on long paddles, windy days or in strong currents.
Sea Ghost 130 Features:
- Dual position Vibe Hero seat
- 4 Vibe Phantom Grip carrying handles
- Built-in cup holder
- Comfortable, adjustable foot braces
- Pre-installed toe controlled rudder system
- 2 flush mount fishing rod holders
- 4 Integrated, top-loading gear tracks
- Fishfinder transducer port with mounting points and protective lid
- Fast access bow paddle park
- 2 side bungee paddle parks
- 8" sealed V-Wave deck plate with waterproof cargo bag insert
- Large sealed V-Wave bow hatch with waterproof cargo bag insert
- Rear cargo storage area with bungee tie down
- 2 tackle tray holders: Fits PLANO™ 3600 tackle tray
- Vibe Versa Console
- 10 scupper holes (plugs included)
- Replaceable skid plate
Wahoo 12.5
by Kaku Kayak
The new Wahoo boasts a 12.5' long by 33" wide incredibly stable design. With a roomy open cockpit design, including adjustable foot pegs and aluminum top load gear tracks, you’ll have full control guide this highly versatile yak to your local fishing hole. The lightweight aluminum frame seat will keep you comfortable while you fish and the the rear tie down system will keep your gear secure for that "Big One!" The new Wahoo is rudder and micro power pole ready (not included), so you can customize after purchase.
Wahoo 12.5 Features:
- Length: 12.5'
- Width: 33"
- Weight: 76 lbs
- Capacity: 450 lbs
Mirage® Pro Angler 14
by Hobie
Hobie’s original Pro Angler packs extreme fishing utility, with scads of (that’s six) horizontal rod lockers, enough tackle compartments to empty a store, and an elevated Vantage ST seat that’s as much easy chair as captain’s perch. There’s a non-skid deck for standing—a huge advantage for sight fishing—and veritable acres of H-Rail for mounting rod holders and electronics. All this on a spacious 14-foot platform, with no need for a gas tank. Hobie’s unique MirageDrive with Glide Technology provides efficient, quiet propulsion. Now come standard with the MirageDrive 180 with new Kick-Up Fin Technology.
Mirage® Pro Angler 14 Features:
- Sail Mount
- Lowrance® Ready
- Dual Steering
- Replaceable Mounting Boards
- Two-Piece Paddle with On-Hull Storage
- 8” Twist & Seal Hatch
- MirageDrive with ST Turbo Fins
- Vantage ST Seating
- Large Rectangular Hatch with Pivoting Tackle Management System
- Retractable Rudder System
- Horizontal Rod Storage for 6 Rods
- Extra Large Covered Bow Hatch with Liner
- 2 Plano® Tackle Boxes
- Tracking Skeg
- Molded-In Vertical Rod Storage
- Tracking Skeg
- Mid-Ship Handles with Bungee® Tie-Downs
- Rear Cargo Area with Bungee® Tie Downs
Mirage® Outback
by Hobie
Hobie accomplished the impossible – they improved the world’s #1 pedal fishing kayak to make it truly legendary. With the first major redesign of the best-selling Mirage Outback in over a decade, Hobie has single-handedly advanced the sport of kayak fishing. This fully-loaded fishing machine is built for every conceivable fishing expedition, whether you’re prowling the ocean for monster gamefish or stalking bass in your favorite freshwater fishing hole.
Mirage® Outback Features:
- An extra-wide standing deck
- The revolutionary Guardian Transducer Shield
- A new Vantage CTW seat
- Four molded-in rod holders
- Multiple deluxe H-Track mounts
- Numerous high-capacity storage compartments
- Powered by the MirageDrive 180 with ARC Cranks + Kick-Up Turbo Fins
Sea Ghost 110
by Vibe Kayaks
Adventure awaits with the Vibe Sea Ghost 110 angler kayak. This kayak provides the best of speed and stability and maneuvers flat water, rivers and tight quarters with ease. The well-balanced hull provides unparalleled performance while the included rudder system saves your energy during long paddles, windy days, and strong currents. The dual position Vibe Hero seat provides comfort and support for long days on the water.
Sea Ghost 110 Features:
- Dual position Vibe Hero seat
- 4 Vibe Phantom Grip carrying handles
- Built-in cup holder
- Comfortable, adjustable foot braces
- Pre-installed toe controlled rudder system
- 2 flush mount fishing rod holders
- 4 Integrated top-loading gear tracks
- Fishfinder transducer port with mounting points and protective lid
- Fast access bow paddle park
- 2 side bungee paddle parks
- 6" sealed V-Wave deck plate with cargo bag
- Large sealed V-Wave bow hatch with cargo bag
- Rear cargo storage area with bungee tie down
- 2 tackle tray holders: Fits PLANO™ 3600 tackle tray
- Vibe Versa Console
- 10 scupper holes (plugs included)
- Replaceable skid plate
Mirage® Pro Angler 12
by Hobie
Dominate the water, fresh or salt. The Pro Angler 12 deploys all the big-boat fishing features of the ‘PA’ series on a 12-ft. long platform that fits neatly in the back of most any pickup truck. Keep a half-dozen rods rigged and ready in the four standard horizontal and two molded-in rod holders. Confidently stand and fire cast after cast. The elevated Vantage ST seat makes it easy to move around the boat. Now includes a retractable skeg for improved course-keeping, as well as innovative H-Rail for superior flexibility in accessory rigging. Now comes standard with the MirageDrive 180 with new Kick-Up Fin Technology.
Mirage® Pro Angler 12 Features:
- Lowrance® Ready
- Dual Steering
- Two-Piece Paddle with On-Hull Storage
- 8” Twist & Seal Hatch
- Sail Mount
- MirageDrive with ST Turbo Fins
- Vantage ST Seating
- Boa® System Lumbar Support
- Horizontal Rod Storage for 4 Rods
- Large Front Hatch with Removable Liner
- Large Rectangular Hatch with Pivoting Tackle Management System
- Retractable Rudder System
- Under Seat Tackle Storage
- 2 Plano® Tackle Boxes
- 2 H-Rail Rod Racks
- Molded-In Vertical Rod Storage
Yellowfin 130T
by Vibe Kayaks
Share the journey with the Yellowfin 130T. The tandem Yellowfin with framed hero seats and foot braces means all day comfort, while the rudder ready hull provides maneuverability and performance. Equipped with 3 seating positions, the Yellowfin 130T easily holds 2 adults and a child or it can be paddled solo from the center position.
Yellowfin 130T Features:
- 2 Vibe Hero Seats
- 4 Vibe Phantom Grip handles
- 2 Built-In cup holders
- Comfortable, adjustable foot braces
- Rudder Ready
- 2 flush mount fishing rod holders
- 2 side bungee paddle parks
- 2 Mounts for rectangular base accessories
- 4 Integrated top-loading gear tracks
- 2 8" sealed V-Wave deck plates with cargo bags
- 12 scupper holes (plugs included)
- Front and rear cargo storage areas with bungee tie down
- 4 tackle tray holders: Fits PLANO™ 3600 tackle tray
Yellowfin 130T Reviews
Powered by paddling.comRaptor G1
by Santa Cruz Kayaks
Santa Cruz kayaks are built for one purpose, to catch more fish without the balancing act. Fast, unmatched stability and light weight, a great combination not found in any of the competitors’ models. The Founder, Jim Martin has been fishing and diving the California coastal waters since 1975. Spearfishing, abalone diving or just exploring the underwater world. “I wanted a kayak that suited the sort of conditions that I fish and dive in, so I had to build my own.“ Friends wanted one, soon after, the Raptor was born.
Raptor G1 Features:
- Optional Live Bait Tank with scupper recess to fit the Attwood live bait pump
- Patented Design : wave piercing bow with a wide stern for enhanced stability
- On-Board Storage: gasketed center hatch, bow storage for over sized gear
- Optional Storage: Rear access hatches can be installed. Flush mount rod holders are now included as standard equipment (behind seat)
- Self Bailing Scupper Holes
- Adjustable Foot Braces
- On deck recess to hold fishing poles/spearguns and paddles
Related Articles
When shopping for the best kayak of 2020, it's astounding how many options there are. The best kayak for…
There is nothing worse than wet gear, so check out these great dry bags ranging from 5L to 105L. These…
One of the great companion activities associated with paddling is photography. The quietness of the…
Whenever you go paddling there's a certain amount of equipment that you have to think about before you…