Best Fishing Kayak In Australia

Whether you want to explore Australia’s inland waters or check out some of the coastal bays, a fishing kayak can let you access some of the country’s least explored fishing spots – where big boats can’t reach.

If you’re looking for the best fishing kayak in Australia, we’ve made a list of our favourites to help end your search.

Top 11 Best Fishing Kayaks In Australia

1: Hydroten Big Dace Pro 10 (runner up)

• Length: 310 cm
• Width: 84 cm
• Depth: 36 cm
• Weight: 26.5 kg
• Weight Capacity: 200 kg

The Hydroten Big Dace Pro 10 is a super-stable fishing kayak with excellent storage solutions, making it our runner-up choice for the best fishing kayak in Australia.

What our number one pick, the Angler Pro XL has that this doesn’t have is space. This is over a metre shorter in length. But this could make it more suitable for smaller bodies of water and better for beginners looking for a kayak that’s easy to paddle and manoeuvre. It also comes with a paddle included.

One of the main advantages of this fishing kayak is the generous load capacity. This has a huge 200 kg capacity, meaning it can hold heavy gear and can be ideal for heavier paddlers.

Another fantastic feature of the Big Dace is the framed aluminium seat. This is designed to offer optimal comfort and support. It also gives you a better vantage point for sight fishing as the seat is elevated off the deck.

There’s a large bow hatch with a hinged lid, plus a second hatch behind the seat that can be ideal for storing ice. There are also rod holders, gear tracks for accessories, and a centre console.

This is a stable kayak that can handle waves and rough waters as well as flatwater. It has a built-in rudder system to help with tracking in moving water and wind.

Pros

• Stable in flat and rough waters
• Great for large paddlers
• Rudder system
• Paddle included
• Framed seat

Cons

• Not as roomy as our top pick

2: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130 Fishing Kayak (best inflatable fishing kayak)

• Length: 330 cm
• Width: 100 cm
• Depth: 33 cm
• Weight: 18 kg
• Weight Capacity: 181 kg

The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead fishing kayak can be an excellent option if you’re limited for storage space at home or you want a convenient boat for transporting back and forth from the water.

One of the best features of this inflatable fishing kayak is its stability. As well as being a metre wide, it also benefits from having a drop-stitch floor for added rigidity. This means you can stand up for easy casting.

While this is a pretty compact kayak, it has plenty of space and can be a good option for larger paddlers, especially if you want extra leg room.

This is easy to manoeuvre and can handle a range of different water conditions, including both calm and rough. The 1000-denier reinforced multi-layer PVC is tough and durable, and can even handle a dog’s paws. It also has three air chambers for safety.

There’s storage space for gear at the bow and stern, and you’ll find five solid mounting points to attach rod holders and other accessories (not included).

It comes with a paddle, hand pump, carry bag, and a padded seat. However, the seat might get uncomfortable after a while if you plan to fish all day.

Pros

• Portable
• Hard mounting points
• Ideal for large paddlers
• Good for all types of water

Cons

• Seat is not the most comfortable

3: Intex Excursion Pro K1 Kayak (best budget)

• Length: 305 cm
• Width: 91 cm
• Depth: 46 cm
• Weight: 14.2 kg
• Weight Capacity: 100 kg

The Intex Excursion Pro K1 is an inflatable kayak that can be an ideal fishing kayak if you’re on a budget. This is a lightweight, compact kayak that has plenty of room for your gear. It also comes with accessories to make fishing more fun, including an adjustable mount for your phone or a GoPro (sold separately), so you can film the moment you reel in that prize catch.

This inflatable fishing kayak features two rod holders and offers space for fishing equipment at both the bow and stern, with the spray covers providing a little shelter.

It’s not designed to carry a lot of gear, and similarly, it’s not the most suitable kayak for large or heavy paddlers. But it is very portable and easy to carry around.

It has decent tracking with the two included skegs. But you may find it’s not the best performer in currents or wind. It can be better suited to fishing in calm lakes and other flatwater areas.

The Excursion Pro K1 comes with a paddle, hand pump, and an inflatable seat. The seat should be fine for short trips but it’s probably not going to provide much support on longer trips.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Fishing rod holders
• Camera/phone mount
• Paddle included

Cons

• Seat is not great
• Not ideal for larger paddlers

4: Pryml Titan Fishing Kayak

• Length: 310 cm
• Width: 82 cm
• Depth: 31 cm
• Weight: 25 kg
• Weight Capacity: 160 kg

The Pryml Titan Fishing Kayak is an affordable fishing kayak that packs a lot of features into its compact size. It can be ideal for fishing both in inland waters and coastal waters.

This is a stable craft that can handle small rivers and open water. The foot-controlled rudder system can help you navigate currents and wind. And the three rod holders let you organise your fishing rods.

If you’re looking for good value, this is an excellent fishing kayak that comes complete with a paddle and an aluminium framed seat. The dual-position seat features breathable mesh fabric for ventilation and drainage. And it lets you sit a little higher off the deck for a better view of your surroundings.

There is ample storage space for all your essential fishing tackle. You’ll find a large bow hatch and a centre console, both offering dry storage. There’s a roomy cargo deck at the stern with bungees for keeping things secure.

It also benefits from having a recess at the back for a bait bucket or a trolling motor battery. There’s even a pre-moulded mounting groove if you want to install a trolling motor (motor not included).

A downside is that it’s not the lightest. It’s pretty heavy for its small size. 

Pros

• Great tackle organisation
• Stable
• Versatile
• Framed seat included
• Motor-ready

Cons

• On the heavy side

5: Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2-Person Kayak

• Length: 300 cm
• Width: 89 cm
• Depth: 41 cm
• Weight: 23 kg
• Weight Capacity: 204 kg

This Elkton Outdoors Cormorant is an inflatable tandem fishing kayak. So it can be easier to transport than standard hard shell kayaks of a similar size. It packs into a bag that can be loaded in the back of your car and stored easily at home.

This is a compact tandem fishing kayak, so it’s not the most spacious if you and your fishing partner are looking to take a lot of gear. However, there is some storage space behind the rear seat, including a mesh storage bag. There are also a few mesh pockets for smaller items.

This can be ideal for casual fishing trips and great for new kayak anglers. It can be paddled solo, which might suit you better if you want to use the extra space for equipment.

Being compact, you may find this kayak easier to manoeuvre than some of the longer ones.

A great feature of this little kayak is that it has six fishing rod holders, which is decent for such a small kayak, and usually a rare find on an inflatable kayak. This also comes with two adjustable padded seats with backrests and two paddles.

The durable 1000-denier PVC material is rip and hook resistant. It also has three separate air chambers to maintain buoyancy if one chamber is punctured.

Pros

• Portable
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Two padded seats
• Great for beginners

Cons

• Not much room for two people plus gear

6: Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Kayak

• Length: 325 cm
• Width: 99 cm
• Weight: 19.5 kg
• Weight Capacity: 213 kg

The Sevylor Coleman Colorado can be a good option if you’re after an affordable fishing kayak for you and your mate. This is a budget inflatable kayak but it comes complete with Berkley Quick Set rod holders and four fixed rod holders. So there’s space for all your favourite rods.

This inflatable kayak is designed to be quick to set up so you can be on the water within around fifteen minutes of taking it out the bag.

It features 1000-denier tarpaulin on the bottom and 840-denier nylon on the top so it’s built to be tough.

This comes with two padded seats for comfort. There are mesh pockets on the sides of the kayak so you can keep small items safe and within easy reach. There are also D-rings to secure larger items to the deck.

This is not the most spacious tandem kayak but it can be paddled solo if you want more room for gear. It’s a very stable kayak that can be ideal for lakes and slow-moving rivers.

It’s not the fastest, thanks to its wide beam. But it does have the capacity to take a trolling motor (sold separately) if you want to increase your speed and power.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Built-in rod holders
• Good for flatwater fishing
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Not very spacious
• A little slow

7: Pryml Legend Ghost Fishing Kayak

• Length: 263.5 cm
• Width: 79 cm
• Depth: 39.5 cm
• Weight: 27.8 kg
• Weight Capacity: 140 kg

The Pryml Legend Ghost kayak is a durable fishing kayak that can be an excellent starter kayak. It comes with a paddle and a comfortable framed seat so it’s ready to hit the water when you are.

This is a compact kayak that’s only just over 260 cm long. This can make it perfect for small bodies of water where manoeuvrability is key.

This small kayak can also be easy to control for beginners. There are moulded foot rests so you can stabilise yourself and paddle with better posture.

There are plenty of storage spots for your fishing equipment, including two watertight hatches that can be ideal for valuables that you don’t want to get wet.

The rear bungee storage area can be great for larger items. And your fishing rods can be kept safe in the two flush-mounted rod holders or the swivel rod holder.

A fantastic feature of this affordable fishing kayak is the accessory tracks on the sides. This can let you mount additional accessories to customise the boat to your tastes.

For being such a compact kayak, it’s not the lightest. But it should still be easy enough to load on a car roof rack by yourself.

Pros

• Great for beginners
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Accessory tracks
• Framed seat
• Two watertight hatches

Cons

• Heavy for its size

8: Feelfree Lure 11.5

• Length: 350 cm
• Width: 86 cm
• Weight: 40 kg
• Weight Capacity: 193 kg

The Feelfree Lure 11.5 is a fishing kayak designed for comfort. It can be great for long days on the water, whether you’re heading to the lake, the river, or the bay.

One of the best features of this kayak is the multi-height adjustable Gravity Seat. This has thick padding and lumbar support for added comfort.

Another excellent feature is the Wheel in the Keel. This integrated wheel makes it easier to drag it to and from the water. And you’ll probably get a lot of use out of this, as the Lure is anything but lightweight.

This is designed to be easy to manoeuvre in small spaces and should be easy to paddle, even for beginners. It’s wide and stable, can handle a range of water conditions, and it benefits from having a standing platform for improved casting (there’s even a strap to help you get to your feet).

There are multiple accessory tracks for customising the deck with electronics (sold separately). There’s a large bow hatch offering covered storage and there’s a huge rear tank well to store your crate.  

It also has a removable sonar pod so you can install your fish finder easily (fish finder not included).

The Lure 11.5 is compatible with the Overdrive pedal drive system and the Motordrive (sold separately.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Wheel in the Keel
• Multiple accessory rails
• Excellent storage space

Cons

• Very heavy

9: Torpedo 10 Angler Hi-Lo Fishing Kayak

• Length: 310 cm
• Width: 84 cm
• Depth: 36 cm
• Weight: 24 kg
• Weight Capacity: 150 kg

The Torpedo 10 Angler Hi-Lo Fishing Kayak is a compact option that offers superb value for money. It has some excellent features, including a rudder kit, a hi-lo framed seat, and a two-piece paddle.

The rudder kit can come in handy for kayak fishing in moving water and wind, helping you to track straight and counter the currents. However, if you’re looking for speed, this probably isn’t the kayak for you. Its size and shape means it’s not the fastest.

It has a wide, stable hull that can be ideal for standing up for a more comfortable casting position.

The hi-lo seat can give you the elevated view you need for sight fishing. And when you’re ready to set off again, you can lower it for easier paddling.

Despite its compact size, this kayak has lots of storage space. There are built-in rod holders, paddle holders, a large hinged bow hatch, plus a centre console that can be used as a cooler if you want to add ice. You’ll also find a large rear tank well and a rectangular day hatch to store electronics.

If you want to add your own accessories, there are gear tracks for easy installation.

Pros

• Rudder system
• Excellent storage solutions
• Dual position seat
• Stable enough to stand

Cons

• Not the speediest

10: Pryml Spartan Fishing Kayak

• Length: 265 cm
• Width: 78 cm
• Depth: 40 cm
• Weight: 24.9 kg
• Weight Capacity: 140 kg

The Pryml Spartan Fishing Kayak can be a good choice if you’re after something super-compact and easy to manoeuvre on small lakes, rivers, and harbours.

This is stable and versatile. And it can be ideal for old and new paddlers alike. It has a roomy cockpit area that’s easy to get in and out of.

While there’s not much space for large or heavy equipment, there are two storage hatches that can hold smaller items. There is also a relatively large cargo deck at the rear with bungee rigging for extra security.

There are four flush mount rod holders as well as a swivel mount rod holder in the centre.

The moulded footrests help provide support and stabilisation. However, this kayak does not come with a seat. There is a moulded seating area but you may want to add a backrest or a high-back seat if you want to sit comfortably for any length of time.

This compact kayak can be easy to load on and off your car roof rack. And it can be relatively easy to carry down to the water by yourself.

Pros

• Five rod holders
• Compact and easy to manoeuvre
• Stable for beginners
• Two storage hatches

Cons

• Seat not included

11: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105

• Length: 320 cm
• Width: 81 cm
• Depth: 39 cm
• Weight: 25 kg
• Weight Capacity: 147 kg

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 is a compact fishing kayak that is designed for versatility and comfort. It offers decent performance in a range of waters, with excellent stability for improved control while fishing.

This is a stable kayak that benefits from a combination of primary and secondary stability so it can handle flatwater and moderately choppy bays.

One of the best features of this fishing kayak is the Phase 3 AirPro seating system, with full adjustability for added comfort and lumbar support. It also has CoolTouch fabric to keep you cool in the hot sun.

There’s plenty of room to store your fishing equipment. The large rear cargo deck has a removable mesh cover and there are bungees at the bow on top of the front storage hatch. There’s also a removable dry box for your valuables, plus a storage tray to keep lures and other small items within easy reach.

You’ll find SlideTrax accessory rails on either side of the deck, so you can easily install gadgets and accessories without drilling.

A downside of this fishing kayak is that there are no rod holders.

Pros

• Adjustable seating system
• Accessory tracks for customisation
• Stable
• Comfortable

Cons

• No built-in rod holders

Buyer’s Guide For Australian Fishing Kayaks

Size

Size can be an important thing to think about when it comes to fishing kayaks. This can be even more important in Australia, as you may notice that many dimensions are given in imperial measurements to suit an American audience, rather than metric.

This can be worth keeping in mind when you’re shopping for a new kayak, as most kayaks tend to be marketed to Americans, even some of the ones sold in Australia.

Generally, fishing kayaks that are around 305 centimetres long would be considered compact (but a decent size) and easy to paddle, with ample space . Anything shorter than this would be very short, with limited space for gear but great manoeuvrability in small spaces.

Anything over 4 metres would generally be considered long, but with more space for gear and more suited to large lakes and ocean fishing.

Fishing Features

A key difference between a recreational kayak and a fishing kayak is usually the addition of fishing features. The type of features you need will depend on the type of fishing you want to do and the amount or type of accessories you want to install.

Fishing features will vary between brands and models. While most fishing kayaks will usually have fishing rod holders attached, this is not always the case.

However, most dedicated fishing kayaks will have space to store your fishing gear. Storage hatches can be useful as these provide security for smaller items and anything you’d rather keep safely below deck.

Not all hatches are waterproof though, so you may need to add your own insert or dry bag.

Some of the more stable fishing kayaks often have a standing platform on the deck, with traction pads to prevent slipping. This can be useful if you prefer to stand to fish.

Accessory rails or gear tracks can be a useful addition to a fishing kayak. Many fishing kayaks come with these tracks pre-installed. This allows you to mount additional accessories to your deck without drilling into the hull. A fish finder, GPS, or extra rod holders can often be installed easily with gear tracks.

Other features on some fishing kayaks may include storage for a trolling motor battery or a mounting point for a trolling motor.

Single Or Tandem

Whether to buy a single fishing kayak or a tandem fishing kayak will probably be down to personal preference. If you want to fish with a friend or family member, a tandem kayak can be ideal.

However, most tandem kayaks can be paddled solo, so this can still be a good option if you want to carry more gear or have extra leg room. Tandem kayaks will also often have a higher capacity, making them well-suited to larger paddlers. Some tandems can also give you room to bring along your dog.

Single fishing kayaks, on the other hand, tend to be more compact, which can be beneficial for beginners. For example, the shorter length can make them easier to control and turn in tight spaces. Not all solo kayaks are shorter than tandems, however.

Longer solo fishing kayaks can be great for open water, allowing you to carry extra gear for longer trips. They can also cut through water more efficiently for less fatigue.

Portability

When you’re choosing a fishing kayak, you should probably think about how you plan to get it from A to B. Fishing kayaks tend to be heavier than recreational kayaks because all of those extra fishing features add weight.

Heavy fishing kayaks can be more difficult to move on your own. Car-topping and simply carrying can often be a struggle. So you may need a second person to help you lift the kayak onto your car. Or you might need to purchase a load assist product.

Kayak trolleys can be great for getting your heavy kayak to and from the water’s edge if you don’t have another pair of hands to help you.

Inflatable fishing kayaks are also a fantastic option if you want all of the fishing features and none of the extra weight. Inflatables can be great for loading into your car alone. They don’t take up much room in storage either.

While they can be much more portable than hard shell kayaks, inflatable fishing kayaks will generally have less dedicated tackle storage, for example, a storage hatch or battery recess.

Type Of Water

What type of water do you plan to fish in? Do you want to be able to fish in a variety of conditions, such as harbours, bays, rivers, and lakes? Most fishing kayaks are very versatile and can be used in different types of water.

However, some kayaks that have flat bottoms can be better suited to calm flatwater, as they may not have the secondary stability to handle rough water.

Shorter fishing kayaks tend to be better designed for smaller bodies of water. The short length of the hull can mean it’s easier to turn and manoeuvre around obstacles, making short kayaks great for rivers and small harbours.

Longer fishing kayaks with more V-shaped bows and added rocker can be good for navigating waves and open water.

If you plan to fish in moving water, a rudder system can be a useful accessory to have on your kayak. A rudder can help you combat the effects of currents and wind, meaning it’s easier to paddle in a straight line or hold your position if you’re anchored. 

Final Answer On The Best Fishing Kayaks In Australia

An excellent kayak choice is the Hydroten Big Dace Pro 10. This has a little less space than the Angler Pro XL but can be a great option for all types of water. It also has a comfortable seat and good tackle storage solutions.

If an inflatable fishing kayak is more your thing, the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead can be ideal. This is not only lightweight and easy to carry but it’s also great for larger paddlers. 

Think about whether or not you want to be able to bring along a friend. This can give you an idea of how much space you’ll need.

You should also think about the type of water you want to fish in and whether you want to use the fishing kayak for other activities.

Remember to check the fishing kayaks out for yourself to make sure they suit your particular needs before you jump in.