- Read our review guidelines
You may be looking for a vessel that can offer you a combination of value, performance and portability for your next fishing trip. The Vibe Skipjack 90 fishing kayak is designed to give you all of these and might just be the vessel you’ve been searching for.
This could be the versatile craft for everyone in your family to enjoy but will it have enough features to entertain more serious anglers? We’ve looked at its main features to find out.
- Length: 9 foot
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Do I Need A Skipjack Fishing Kayak In My Life?
If you’re looking for a vessel that can offer you versatility and ease of use then the Skipjack could be the one. It’s a recreational sit-on-top that can be great for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. It’s designed with stability and maneuverability in mind and can handle well on both flatwater and moving water.
Because it comes as a package with a seat and paddle, it could be an ideal choice for anyone who’s just getting started with kayaking, as it can let you get out on the water straight away without having to worry about extra purchases.
The design of the Skipjack could be equally beneficial to both recreational paddlers and those looking to fish. The built-in fishing features are ideal for a day’s fishing trip but they’re also not going to get in the way of some simple fun on the water.
The short length of the Skipjack 90 means it can be easy to slide into the back of a pickup or SUV, meaning you may not have to think about additional roof racks or trailers in order to get to the water.
Top Features Of The Skipjack 90
The Skipjack 90 is a 9 foot kayak that’s designed for both recreation and fishing. It’s built to let you have fun on the water while still giving you the features that you need for some serious fishing. It conveniently comes with a paddle, so there’s nothing holding you back to get started.
Dry Storage
One of the handy features on the Skipjack 90 is the dry storage. There are two 8 inch sealed hatches that each come with bag inserts, so you can keep smaller items safely stored while you’re on the water and know that they should stay dry.
One of the hatches is located conveniently in front of the seat, so you can keep essential items close to you. The other hatch is at the bow but is still easily accessible from the deck.
You can also easily take out the bag inserts if you want to store larger items within the hull.
For extra storage there’s a molded tank well at the rear, which can be great for storing larger items, such as a backpack or fishing gear. It’s also rigged with bungee cords so you can keep your gear secure
Comfortable Paddling
The seat that’s included with this yak is Vibe’s Deluxe seat. This is a padded seat with an adjustable padded seat back that also has the benefit of an attached storage bag behind it. The seat is not raised off the floor but it can be comfortable for day’s paddling.
For a better vantage point for fishing, you can stand up to cast or stretch your legs, if you have good balance.
To keep your beverage within arm’s reach, there’s a molded-in cup holder in the center. And for extra paddling comfort there are molded foot rests, so you can stabilize yourself no matter what length your legs are.
Portability And Maneuverability
Being just 9 feet long and weighing just 46 pounds, this vessel is built to be portable. It’s designed to be compact enough to even fit in the back of an SUV, giving you more options when it comes to transportation.
There are four carrying handles – two at either side and one each at the bow and stern. This can make it easier when lifting and carrying it to and from the water.
As for performance on the water, the Skipjack features a V shaped keel that helps with tracking and its short, wide hull also makes it easy to maneuver in small spaces. It’s a versatile craft that can give you the stability you want on rivers and oceans, but can also be ideal for flat water.
Video: Vibe Kayajks Skipjack 90 – On The Water
Fishing Features
The Skipjack 90 comes complete with four flush mounted rod holders that each have a cap to keep them covered when you’re not using them.
As well as the rod holders, there’s also the handy mounting point in the center, which is compatible with Vibe, Scotty, RAM and Railblaza accessories.
When you’re catching fish you’ll want somewhere to keep your paddle safe and on this vessel there’s a paddle holder at either side, giving you more freedom to fish.
There’s Also The Skipjack 120T (Basically The Tandem Version)
- Length: 12 foot 2 inches
- Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 72 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
The Skipjack 120T is similar to the 90 but designed for two paddlers. It comes with two seats and two paddles and can be paddled solo from the center seat. There’s also room for a third passenger, such as a child or dog.
It features two sealed hatches and a cargo well with bungee rigging. As for fishing features, there are two rod holders and four mounting points for other accessories. It’s a versatile craft that can be paddled on oceans, rivers and flatwater.
Video: Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T Overview
Vibe Skipjack (90 & 120T) Alternatives
Vibe Yellowfin 100
If you think you might need a little more space and comfort, the Yellowfin 100 could be a good alternative. It’s 10 feet long, has a raised Hero seat for better visibility and comfortable paddling, and has a little extra space on deck, both for your legs and your gear.
It also has dry storage hatches, a rear tank well and comes with a paddle.
Perception Pescador 10
The Pescador is a 10 foot kayak that’s built for serious fishing. It features a comfortable seat with adjustable foot rests, as well as rod holders and gear tracks for mounting accessories.
It doesn’t come with a paddle but has a spacious cargo deck and storage hatch.
> There’s also the 12ft version
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10
If you’d prefer to stay a little drier, the Excursion might be better for you. It’s a compact 10 foot sit-inside that features two flush mounted rod holders and a swivel rod holder.
It has a spacious cockpit, storage compartment and a bottle holder. It could be ideal for colder water.
Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK181
This tandem yak from BKC could be a great alternative for serious fishing. It’s got a total of 7 rod holders (4 flush mount and 3 swivel), 2 storage hatches and a rear storage deck with bungee cords. This 12 ½ foot yak also comes with two padded seats and two paddles, and has the stability for a range of water conditions.
FAQs
Are seats and a paddle included?
Yes, 1 seat and 1 paddle with the 90 and 2 seats and 2 paddles with the 120T.
Can I stand up and fish in it?
If you have good balance, yes.
I’m over 6ft tall, will the 90 be big enough for me?
You might find you’ll want extra room for your legs during longer trips, which you might not have in the 90.
Are there pedals included?
No, there are no pedals.
Can I use this solo?
Yes, both the 90 and the 120T can be paddled solo. The 90 is designed for one paddler.
Reeling It In: Skipjack Conclusion
The Skipjack yak could offer you the opportunity to paddle in lakes, rivers and oceans, whether you want to fish or simply enjoy the weather. It’s lightweight and compact for easy transportation and comes with a paddle.
Pros
- Compact
- Paddle included
- Fishing features
- Dry storage
- Stable
Cons
- Small
- Not ideal for multi-day trips
By now you may have decided whether or not this yak is perfect for you. You can check the Skipjack 90 out here and check out the Skipjack 120T here.
Leave us a comment to let us know if you enjoyed this review and share it with your paddling community to help others learn about the Skipjack kayak.
