There’s a ‘yak for that: New kayak models are made for fishing all sorts of water. (Photo courtesy of Native Watercraft)
September 12, 2024
By Game & Fish
While kayaks are ideal for finding fish on small, secluded waters, many current models are just as adept at taking anglers on adventures to big rivers, sprawling reservoirs and even offshore saltwater destinations. The options among fishing kayaks have never been greater, thanks to improvements in hull materials and construction, propulsion technology and smart design that enables customization for specific excursions and species. The kayak gurus at Florida Sportsman
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 fishing kayak TOP FEATURES : Designed to keep anglers in the chase, the ePDL+ system combines pedal propulsion and battery assist for extended fishing adventures. The BigWater ePDL+ drive provides options: manual pedal, power-assisted pedal and fully motorized cruise control, all integrated inside the head of the cutting-edge drive technology. It takes just a push of a button and a quick turn of the pedals to drive it how you like it. The control screen is easy to see in bright light, even with polarized sunglasses. When combined with the company’s long-popular and ultra-sturdy BigWater hull, anglers get a rig that will take them to remote fishing adventures at speeds up to 5 mph.
WORTH NOTING : The Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 is powered by a lightweight and removable 36v 20Ah lithium battery, which comes standard with a charger. A redesigned tankwell is optimized for a variety of crates and coolers. The kayak includes non-slip EVA deck pads and integrated accessory tracks. It’s equipped for mounting a Power-Pole Micro and fully customizable to any angler’s style of fishing. Three colors are available: Steel Camo, Ember Camo and Marsh Camo.
KEY FEATURES Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 kayak Length : 13 feet, 2 inches | Width: 36 inchesWeight : 143 pounds fully riggedCapacity : 500 poundsHull Construction : single-layer polyethylenePropulsion : e-pedal, paddleMSRP : $5,999.99Info : oldtownwatercraft.com Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayak TOP FEATURES : Pro Angler pretty much says it all: This is a purpose-built kayak aimed at hard-core fishermen. The MirageDrive pedal system is smooth, efficient and quick, and with the 360-series drive introduced a few years back, Hobie took all this to the next level by enabling the operator to generate thrust in any direction—forward, reverse, sideways, spinning, all kinds of moves for all sorts of fishing operations. Improvements to the drive (see below) are new for this year. Some of the many popular features on the Pro Angler (also available in a 12-foot version) include Hobie’s supportive, breathable and durable Vantage seat, plus a stern cargo area perfectly configured to add the company’s excellent livewell system.
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WORTH NOTING : The MirageDrive 360XR with patented Kick-Up Fin Technology is new for 2024 with a Readily Accessible Control Module that allows for on-the-water, tool-free gear and tension adjustments. In addition, Directional Drive Lock permits anglers to lock in forward or reverse for long-distance or high-intensity pedaling. Dual steering, a Guardian Retractable Transducer Shield, horizontal rod storage, mounting boards, standing pads and an extra-wide beam are just a few of the features. Mount accessories and on the patented, 12-sided Hobie H-Rail bars.
KEY FEATURES Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayak Length : 13 feet, 8 inches | Width: 38 inchesWeight : 148 1/2 poundsCapacity : 600 poundsHull Construction : rotomolded polyethylenePropulsion : pedal, paddleMSRP : $5,899info : hobie.com Native TitanX fishing kayak TOP FEATURES : Made in the USA, the TitanX was designed to accommodate the visionary kayakers among us eager to add a list of modern fishing electronics and other amenities. The ultra stability of this platform is one of the top selling points; this kayak will handle big water and large anglers, too. The company’s all-new PivotPro Seating features 360-degree non-locking swivel action to access all parts of the boat and permit all angles of fishing without having to stand up and turn around. There is additional under-seat storage for on-demand gear access. The TitanX comes equipped with the renowned Propel Pedal Drive to allow for effortless navigation in any waterway.
WORTH NOTING : The Slingblade rudder system provides improved control and maneuverability for effortless tracking and turning—even in complicated water scenarios. For power, the TitanX features two battery compartments with ample space for any angler’s power-storage needs. Access points and PowerLinks located all over the boat make running wire, mounting switches and adding charge points simple. Plus, there is plenty of groove track for ample accessory rigging. The kayak comes ready to accept Native’s Sidekick Wheel Transport System.
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KEY FEATURES Native TitanX kayak Length : 12 feet, 8 inches | Width: 40 inchesWeight : 172 pounds fully riggedCapacity : 500 poundsHull Construction : high-density polyethylenePropulsion : pedal, paddleMRSP : $3,599Info : nativewatercraft.com Kaku Zulu fishing kayak TOP FEATURES : Intended for big waters, small waters and everything in between, the Zulu is a stable, high-capacity platform built to accommodate a range of rigging or propulsion systems. It’s available in a couple of “trim” levels depending on an angler’s propulsion needs. The base model comes well-equipped with gear tracks, templates for installing Power-Poles or transom motor mounts, secure hatches fore and aft, and a multi-functional chair. A center port permits the addition of the Zulu pedal drive or an electric motor. Complete boat-and-drive packages are available to include pedal drive or iGuide—the MotorGuide Xi3 55-pound-thrust GPS trolling motor with remote control (battery sold separately). An Engel 30-quart dry box/cooler with rod holders is another nice option available from Kaku.
WORTH NOTING : Sit or stand on the chair—or sit up high on the backrest! The shallow-draft hull is good for slipping across skinny waters or shoals, but it’s designed to carry max loads with authority. The Zulu is available in 11 colors, including Seafoam Camo with a Teak pad (shown).
KEY FEATURES Kaku Zulu fishing kayak Length : 12 feet, 7 inches | Width: 35 inchesWeight : 85 poundsCapacity : 500 poundsHull Construction : rotomolded polyethylenePropulsion : motor, pedal, paddleMSRP : $1,450 (base model)Info : kakukayaks.com MORE ON KAYAKS : For reviews of more kayak models and gear, plus how-to articles on rigging and fishing them in all types of water, check out the latest issue of Kayak Fishing Fun on newsstands or click here to buy .
