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Pedal drive kayaks have taken the fishing world by storm thanks to their pedal drive systems that allow anglers to have their hands on their rod at all times. These kayaks take the top spot when it comes to stealth, and today we’re going to get into 9 of the best pedal drive fishing kayaks on the market.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next kayak, or if you’re simply just interested in what these kayaks have to offer, keep on reading!
Topics Covered in This Article
The difference between a pedal kayak and a paddle kayak is fairly obvious. One is powered by pedals, and the other, is a paddle.
Pedal kayaks, which we are going to get into today, have a pedal drive system similar to a bicycle. Instead of tirelessly paddling with a kayak paddle, the kayaker can pedal with their feet, resulting in less fatigue and faster speeds.
Overall, the ways in which these boats are powered are extremely different, but the remainder of the features and specifications are the same. Whether a pedal kayak or a paddle kayak is the superior boat option comes down to personal preference but we think it’s important to get into some of the pedal kayak’s advantages and disadvantages.
Pedal drive kayaks are now widely being used for fishing purposes, thanks to a few of their stand-out benefits.
The first major benefit of pedal-powered kayaks is that they allow the kayaker to be hands-free at all times. This is a huge plus for fishermen as they now have the ability to pedal and fish at the exact same time.
The days of struggling with a rod in one hand and a paddle in the other are long gone, and now kayak anglers can simultaneously keep their boat on track while reeling in their catch of the day.
Our legs are the strongest parts of our bodies, so it’s no surprise that pedaling comes out on top when it comes to speed.
For your average recreational fisherman, speed might not be an issue, but for those competing in fishing competitions, speed is everything.
Paddling over long distances can take time and a whole lot of upper body strength. And if you’re limited to a certain time frame and have large stretches of water to cover, the additional minutes you spend paddling can take away from your casting, reeling, and catching.
This is why pedal kayaks have the upper hand when it comes to speed. They can get out to locations considerably faster than a standard paddle kayak and also use up less energy in the process.
Paddling is a lot more complex than most people think. Perfecting the correct technique and learning the ways to paddle more efficiently takes time and requires a lot of practice.
Pedaling, however, is fairly simple to pick up. If you’ve ever ridden a bike, then you’ll know how easy it is to move your legs back and forth. This ease of use is why even new inexperienced kayakers can just jump in a pedal kayak and go.
Fatigue plays a huge role in kayaking and fishing. If you burn up all your energy just getting out to your fishing location, you more than likely will cut your fishing trip short.
As our legs are stronger, it would take far longer for our bodies to become tired. Less fatigue means more time out on the water catching fish and enjoying the surrounding nature.
Although pedal drive kayaks have some huge benefits when it comes to fishing, they aren’t perfect, and they do have some downfalls too.
Something that puts a lot of people off pedal kayaks is their cost because pedal drive kayaks are far more expensive than regular kayaks.
For the casual kayak angler, the additional cost of a pedal power kayak may not be feasible. But if you regularly head out on the water and are extremely passionate about kayak fishing, then the price tag may not seem too unreasonable after all.
Weight is another big disadvantage of the pedal kayak. Kayaks without pedal drive systems can be slightly challenging to transport and carry, let alone with the additional weight of a drive pedal system.
Not only does the weight affect the boat's ease of transportation, but it also means you’ll be able to carry less gear than if you were in a regular kayak. All kayaks have a maximum weight capacity, and if you like to pack your entire fishing gear collection for every kayak trip, then the additional onboard weight of the pedal drive might be an issue.
Yes, pedal drive kayaks are faster than regular kayaks, but their ability to enter shallow waters is compromised.
As pedal drive kayaks are heavier than traditional kayaks, they understandably sit lower in the water. Add the fact that they have underneath protruding fins, and you’ve got yourself a disaster just waiting to happen.
The pedal systems on pedal kayaks are susceptible to tangling on weeds and other objects in the water. With that being said, however, newer models feature pedal systems that you can easily remove in instances of shallow or weed-ridden waters.
One huge advantage traditional kayaks have over their pedal drive rivals is the fact that they’re extremely quiet in the water. And when it comes to fishing, quiet is exactly what you need.
Anglers in a paddle kayak can easily control how much or how little noise they make with their paddle. Slow, methodical movements can minimize the amount of water disturbance, and noise one has while moving through the water.
Pedal kayaks, however, don’t have this ability. Minimizing noise with a pedal kayak means not pedaling at all, and in some instances, this can result in a loss of catch.
The final issue with a pedal kayak is the lack of deck space as the pedal system takes up a large majority of the front deck of the kayak. This space would usually hold crucial fishing gear or be an area to stand while practising fly fishing.
The decreased amount of room in the kayak will mean you’d have to be picky with the gear you take out on your trip. Although for shorter trips, this may not be too much of an issue, longer fishing trips or even camping fishing trips where you need to carry lots of gear may not be possible on a pedal kayak.
Before we get into our top 9 best pedal drive fishing kayaks, we thought it was important to highlight the two most popular pedal drive systems.
Rotational pedals work in the same way as your standard bicycle. They require the person kayaking to pedal a full rotation with both legs to drive the propeller underneath the kayak. These systems typically allow the user to pedal over longer distances as the motion in which they pedal is more natural than in other pedal systems.
Aswell as rotational pedal systems, there are also push pedal systems. These systems require the kayaker to push the pedals downward one at a time. The pedal motion then propels the kayak forward, similar to that of how a manatee swims through the water.
| Kayaks | Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
|
1. Perception Crank 10 Pedal Kayak  |
10’ x 35” | 87 lbs | 350 lbs | |
|
2. Perception Pescador Pilot Pedal Kayak  |
12’5” x 33.5” | 85 lbs | 475 lbs | |
|
3. BKC 13’ Pedal Fishing Kayak  |
13’ x 33.25” |
80 lbs |
550 lbs |
|
|
4. Old Town Sportsman Pedal Fishing Kayak  |
12’ x 34.5” | 85 lbs | 450 lbs | |
|
5. Riot Kayaks Mako 12’ Fishing Kayak  |
12’3” x 34” | 84.4 lbs | 470 lbs | |
|
6. Hobie Mirage Outback Pedal Fishing Kayak  |
12’9” x 34” | 85 lbs | 425 lbs | |
|
7. HooDoo Tempest 120P Pedal Drive Kayak  |
12’ x 33” | 80 lbs | 350 lbs | |
|
8. Hobie Mirage Compass Pedal Fishing Kayak  |
12’ x 34” |
87 lbs |
400 lbs |
|
|
9. Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10  |
10’ x 34” |
81 lbs |
400 lbs |
| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
10’ x 35” |
87 lbs |
350 lbs |
The Crank 10’ Pedal Kayak by Perception is a sit on top kayak that was designed to effortlessly glide through lakes, ponds, and calm coastal waters.
Perception kitted their Crank kayak out with their tried and tested removable Perception pedal drive that was created with speed and maneuverability in mind. The Perception pedal drive system is able to cover vast amounts of water while also allowing the kayak-er to pedal forward or in reverse.
Just behind the kayak's pedal drive is a removable captain's chair that has full front to back adjustment. The full-back support of the chair is a godsend on long journeys, and the customizable fit makes it comfortable for any and all kayakers.
For precise boat control, Perception added a retractable rudder on the back of the kayak that is hooked up to a rudder control button on the left side of the captain’s chair. This control button gives the kayaker full control of the boat's direction without having to move from a seating position.
When the boat is out of the water, Perception added rigid carry handles on its bow and stern to aid in transportation whether that be getting the kayak onto a roof rack system, or simply carrying it to and from the water. Although the crank is probably too heavy for a singular person to carry, these handles make it far easier for two people to get it into the water.
Something we particularly love about the Crank Pedal Drive Kayak is the amount of storage space on deck. Behind the seat of the kayak is an area large enough to hold a cooler or similar-sized fishing gear. And the front of the kayak also features a storage space area, both of which are fitted with bungee systems to secure your gear in place.
Along with the front and back bungee storage areas are cup holders and side trays that sit next to the kayak seat. These smaller storage areas are perfect for well-deserved beverages and essential fishing tackle.
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
12’5” x 33.5” |
85 lbs |
475 lbs |
Perception has another pedal drive kayak to make our list, and that’s the Pescador Pilot Pedal Kayak. This kayak, however, is 2’5” longer than the Crank and can hold 125 lbs of extra gear on board.
The Pescador Pilot is incredibly stable on the water, allowing anglers to cast their lines from a standing position. They even went the extra mile with the kayak and engineered it in a way to provide optimum buoyancy and stability on the water so both beginner and experienced kayakers can hop on board and pedal away.
Similar to the Crank 10, Perception fitted their Pescador Pilot kayak with a removable pedal drive system that can pedal forward or in reverse and a removable rudder that can be controlled with one hand.
For comfort, the Pescador Pilot has an ergonomic mesh captain’s chair that can be removed or adjusted so you’re closer or farther away from the pedal system. This feature is great if you’re a fly fisherman as you can fully detach the seat to give yourself more deck room to cast from.
When it comes to their kayaks, Perception doesn’t hold back on storage space. The rear of the kayak has a large dug-out area for coolers, tackle, or even your dog, and at the front of the kayak, you’ll find an additional bungee storage area. Perception also added even more storage solutions under the kayak seat.
For a hands-free fishing experience, they added four molded-in rear rod holders, convenient drinks holders, and gear tracks for additional accessories.
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
13’ x 33.25” |
80 lbs |
550 lbs |
The Brooklyn Kayak Company, or BKC for short, created their 13’ Pedal Fishing Kayak from a single piece of high-density polyethylene to maximize stability when fishing. Along with being stable, the 13’ Pedal Fishing Kayak can hold a generous 550 lbs on board, making it an excellent option for those with a large fishing gear collection.
BKC added a rotational pedal system and a hand-operated rudder control to their kayak to enhance steering, tracking, and pedaling capabilities. The pedal system, which is able to go forward, or backward, can also work as a break if you ever need to stop for any reason.
The back of the kayak features a large bungee storage area, and at the front of the boat, you’ll find a storage space that can double up as an ice chest thanks to its integrated drain plug.
BKC wanted to make their kayak perfect for fishing, so included three flush-mount rod holders and a paddle park. Now, you’re probably wondering why this kayak has a paddle park if it’s a pedal-powered kayak, and the answer to that is because BKC also includes an adjustable aluminum paddle.
It may seem unnecessary to have an extra paddle included, but it really comes in handy during those times when you want to sneak up on fish or paddle through shallow waters.
| PROS | CONS |
|
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
12’ x 34.5” |
85 lbs |
450 lbs |
The Old Town Sportsman Pedal Fishing Kayak is 12 feet long and has a removable intuitive pedal drive system that can move the kayak forward or backward for hands-free navigation and fishing.
Old Town packed their kayak with numerous fishing features such as horizontal rod storage, accessory tracks for additional gear, and cushioned floor pads. They also included front and back bungee storage areas to hold coolers, tackle boxes, or your furry friend.
To improve the kayak’s comfort for those extra-long days on the water, Old Town added a premium mesh seat with lumbar support that can be adjusted to your specific leg length. Other features of the Sportsman Pedal Fishing Kayak include drainage holes throughout the cockpit, an adjustable rudder, and carry handles along the front, back, and sides of the kayak.
| PROS | CONS |
|
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
12’3” x 34” |
84.4 lbs |
470 lbs |
The Riot Kayaks Mako 12’ Fishing Kayak was designed to perform well on flat water by the use of its impulse drive pedal unit. Riot Kayaks claim that their pedal unit is the lightest on the market and that it doesn’t need any special maintenance after purchasing.
Included with their kayak is an adjustable high back seat that is comfortable and quick-drying if it happens to get wet. If you’re paddling over long distances, then it’s no surprise that a comfortable seat can make all the difference.
A unique feature of the Riot Kayaks Mako 12’ Fishing Kayak is that the rudder steering box can be placed on either side of the kayak to suit your personal preferences. If you’re right-handed, you can place it on your right, and if you’re left-handed, vice versa. Not many other kayaks have this adaptable feature, so hats off to Riot Kayaks.
In addition to all of this, the Mako has integrated rod holders, front, back, and side carry handles and a front and back bungee storage area for all your fishing gear and belongings.
| PROS | CONS |
|
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
12’9” x 34” |
85 lbs |
425 lbs |
The Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak was built for fishing expeditions in both the ocean and freshwater fishing holes.
Hobie kitted out the Mirage Outback with their very own MirageDrive 180 pedal system and also included kick-up fins that automatically retract if your kayak runs into any underwater objects. They even extended this kick-up feature to the kayak’s rudder, which is steered by dual steering capabilities next to the kayak seat.
The Mirage Outback has a wide standing deck that acts as an excellent platform for sight fishing and fly fishing. If you prefer to remain seated while fishing, however, the adjustable vantage CTW seat gives you fantastic lumbar support and remains comfortable for long days on the water.
When it comes to storage, Hobie went the extra mile. The front and center of the kayak feature vertical hatches to store fishing tackle and important belongings, while the back of the kayak has a large bungee area for more substantial gear like your cooler or tackle box.
Down both sides of the Mirage Outback seat are H-rails with accessory tracks, plier holders, knife slots, and retainers to organize your tackle and keep it within arm reach at all times. And if all that wasn’t enough, they even added four integrated fishing rod holders and included a two-piece paddle that clips onto the Mirage Outback hull when not in use.
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
12’ x 33” |
80 lbs |
350 lbs |
HooDoo’s Tempest 120P Pedal Drive Kayak comes with not only a removable pedal drive system but also an additional paddle for navigation in shallow waters. The back rudder system is controlled by hand and easily moves the kayak in whichever direction you desire..
The streamlined, hydrodynamic hull shape of the Tempest 120P gives you the best of both worlds. Whether you want to slice through the water at fast speeds or relax and cast out a line, you can do it from the deck of the Tempest.
As comfort is so important when spending the entire day out on a kayak, HooDoo equipped the Tempest 120P with a supportive adjustable seat. Molded-in rod holders sit just behind the pedals for hands-free fishing, and you’ll also find gear tracks, a paddle keeper, anchor trolleys, and handles throughout the kayak’s deck.
You can even strap down your large fishing gear in the rear bungee area, and any important belongings can be placed in the front dry storage compartment.
| PROS | CONS |
|
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
12’ x 34” |
87 lbs |
400 lbs |
A second Hobie pedal kayak makes our list, and that is the Mirage Compass Pedal Kayak. The Compass shares some similarities with the Outback kayak we mentioned previously, but there are a few differentiating factors between the two.
The similarities they share include the patented kick-up fin and rudder system that prevents breakage to these areas in the event of a collision with underwater objects. In both kayaks the fins and the rudder are removable, so if you happen to be paddling long distances in shallow water, you can simply take them out, and paddle along with the included Hobie paddle.
Hobie added an aluminum alloy frame seat to the Compass kayak to improve comfort, durability, and breathability when paddling for long periods of time. If you prefer to stand when fishing, they designed the cockpit to be oversized and flat with ample amounts of standing space.
The Compass’ fishing features include pre-installed rod holders, H-track accessory mounts, an 8” twist and seal hatch for personal belongings, a rear bungee storage area, and cup holders to allow you to be hands-free whenever you need to be.
| PROS | CONS |
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|
10’ x 34” |
81 lbs |
400 lbs |
The Slayer Propel 10’ Pedal Kayak is powered by Native Watercraft’s propel pedal drive system that can work in both a forward and reverse motion. The rudder, which is steered by a left-hand control system, is impact resistant and can take on bumps and scrapes against underwater objects.
Native Watercraft wanted their kayak to have adequate space in the cockpit, so designed their kayak in a way that even XXL anglers could stand and cast their line right from their kayak deck.
Comfort was also carefully thought about and Native Watercraft added a comfortable armchair that is adjustable so you can position yourself closer or farther away from the pedal system.
At the front of the kayak, you’ll find a 17” dry hatch cover to protect your important belongings and at the back of the boat is an additional bungee storage area for larger gear like your tackle box.
Native Watercraft also kitted their Slayer Propel kayak out with rod and cup holders, groove tracks for accessory mounting, deck padding, padded carry handles, and drain plugs.
| PROS | CONS |
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If you’re now swayed towards buying a pedal drive fishing kayak, there are a few things you should look out for before you hit that checkout button.
Pedal kayaks come in a range of different weights, some being considerably heavier than others. If you’re going to be kayaking solo, then you need to think about how much weight you can carry and also how you’ll get your kayak onto your car or onto a trailer.
Another factor regarding weight is the amount of weight your kayak can carry. The best thing to do before looking at kayaks is to weigh yourself and all the gear you plan on taking out with you. This should give you a rough estimate of how much weight will be on the boat at any given time.
From here, you can search for kayaks with a weight capacity over the total number you calculated. We highly recommend purchasing a kayak that can hold 10 - 20 lbs over your total estimate in case you upgrade any gear or add any in the future.
If you regularly paddle in shallower waters, then you may need to look into kayaks with fin protection. Some companies have adapted their fin systems to retract upon impact. This means if you go over a rock or any other debris in the water, your fin system will fold into the kayak and won’t get damaged in the process.
As with any large purchase, the amount you’re willing to pay plays a huge role in your decision. More premium kayaks with additional accessories and features will come with a greater price tag, so it’s best to set a budget and stick to it.
If you can’t afford the kayak you want right now, then it may be better to save up more money and purchase it in the future.
As you’ll be using your pedal kayak for fishing, you’ll need adequate deck space to hold yourself and all your fishing gear. We mentioned before that the pedal systems of these kayaks can take up a fair amount of room, so if you're an over-packer, then you would be better off buying a kayak with the most amount of deck space possible.
Most features of a pedal fishing kayak are similar to those of regular kayaks, with the main difference being the way they’re powered through the water. When you’re looking to purchase a pedal fishing kayak, you need to pay close attention to the pedal and rudder systems.
Ideally, you want the pedal and rudder systems to be retractable. This means that if you happen to drift over a rock or other debris under the water, then the parts that protrude underneath your kayak won’t damage or break.
It is also good to look out for pedal systems that work in a forward and a reverse motion. This feature comes in especially handy if you’ve gotten yourself into a tight waterway.
The answer to this question comes down to personal preference. Both kayak types have their advantages and disadvantages making it a tough call to decide a winner. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both pedal and paddle kayaks:
Pedal kayaks advantages: Faster, less fatigue, hands-free fishing, and are easy to use.
Pedal kayak's disadvantages: Expensive, heavy, loud, limited deck space, and poor performance in shallow water.
Paddle kayak’s advantages: Cheap, quiet, more deck space, and easier to transport and carry.
Paddle kayak's disadvantages: Slower, requires more energy, and difficult to master the correct paddling technique.
When it comes to fishing, pedal kayaks have a range of benefits. These benefits include:
Easy to use -Paddling in a regular kayak takes practice, as perfecting the correct paddling technique isn’t as easy as it sounds. With a pedal kayak, however, you don’t need to master any special techniques, so even beginner kayakers can jump in a pedal kayak and get going.
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