Kayak fishing has exploded in popularity in recent years, as anglers discover the benefits of accessing remote fishing spots, stealthily sneaking up on fish, and getting out on the water affordably with these small, lightweight crafts.
Australia offers world-class kayak fishing opportunities, from battling bull sharks and massive Murray cod in the freshwater lakes and rivers, to chasing snapper, kingfish, and big flathead in the inshore and offshore waters around the country.
But finding the right fishing kayak for your needs and budget can be overwhelming with so many models on the market. This guide will walk through the key factors to consider when choosing a fishing kayak, and provide reviews of the top-rated models available in Australia right now across different categories.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Fishing Kayak
Construction and Durability
Fishing kayaks need to handle bumps against rocks, accidental drops during transport, and even impacts from hooks and gear. So you want a kayak built from durable, high-impact materials. Polyethylene plastic is affordable and impact-resistant, but it can be heavy. Composite materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar are lightweight yet strong.
Stability
A wider, flatter hull offers more initial stability for standing and casting. A rounded hull is faster and more maneuverable, but tips easier. Consider how much stability you need versus speed based on your fishing style.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Look for a supportive, adjustable seat and plenty of legroom. Thigh pads, adjustable foot braces, and lumbar support allow you to fish comfortably for hours. Sit-on-top, self-draining models with open cockpits are preferred for warm Aussie waters.
Storage and Gear Mounts
Rod holders, tackle box storage, a livewell, molded drink holders, and other built-in gear mounts keep your equipment organized and ready. Look for oversized front and rear storage hatches for all your gear and accessories.
Weight
Lighter kayaks are easier to transport on top of your vehicle and carry to the water. But ultra-light materials can sacrifice durability. Find the right balance for your needs.
Propulsion
Pedals, a rudder, or a motor can make covering long distances easier. But simple paddles work fine for calmer waters and shorter trips.
Types of Fishing Kayaks
Here are the main types of kayaks that anglers use:
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
As the name suggests, you sit on top of this open style kayak in an open cockpit. The self-draining scupper holes let water easily drain out. Sit-on-top models provide lots of versatility for fishing, diving, and recreation.
Sit-Inside Kayaks
Sit-Inside Kayaks
Also known as traditional kayaks, these have an enclosed cockpit that you sit inside. They usually offer more protection from the elements but are harder to get in and out of. Less ideal for warm Aussie fishing.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks offer great portability since they pack down quickly for storage and transport. But they sacrifice some durability and performance versus hard-shell models. Best for calm waters.
Pedal Kayaks
Pedal Kayaks
These specialized kayaks allow you to pedal with your feet rather than paddle. This leaves your hands free to fish. But they’re pricier and lack paddle versatility if the pedal drive fails.
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks are longer and accommodate two people, facing the same direction or across from each other. This allows you to fish with a buddy but you sacrifice maneuverability.
Motorized Kayaks
Motorized Kayaks
While most fishing kayaks are powered by manual paddle power, adding a motor allows you to cover longer distances without fatigue. But electric and gas motors add complexity and cost.
Best Fishing Kayak Reviews
Based on stability, durability, storage, weight, accessories, and overall fishability, here are the top-rated fishing kayaks in Australia across different budget levels:
Best Overall: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
The Tarpon 120 from Wilderness Systems is one of the most popular all-around fishing kayaks for Australian waters. Its versatile Phase 3 AirPro sit-on-top design balances stability, comfort, speed, and agility perfectly for both calm lakes and inshore coastal runs.
The ultra-durable rotomolded polyethylene hull and triple seam construction handle any abuse, while comfort and ergonomics are excellent for full days on the water. The Comfort Carry handles and skid plate aid transport. It’s under 14 feet yet still has ample storage space with easy front and rear access through the Orbix hatch system.
Angler-friendly features include a SlideTrax accessory mount rail system for adding rod holders, fish finders and other accessories. The AirPro adjustable seat is rugged yet comfortable and lets you adjust the leg length and angle. At 34 inches wide and just under 90 pounds, it’s stable without sacrificing too much speed and agility. Overall, the Tarpon 120 hits the sweet spot for a powerful all-around fishing kayak under $1500.
- Weight: 86 pounds
- Length: 12 feet 3 inches
- Width: 33.5 inches
- Max Capacity: 375 pounds
- Material: Rotomolded polyethylene
- Seat Type: AirPro adjustable seat
Best Budget: Vibe Yellowfin 100
It’s hard to beat the Yellowfin 100 from Vibe when looking for a feature-packed fishing kayak on a budget. Priced at around $800, the Yellowfin 100 blitzed kayak fishing reviews for its versatility and quality construction given its low price point.
It’s built on a stable yet sleek 100-mm single-piece polyethylene hull that balances speed with tracking. At 10 feet long and 32 inches wide, it’s maneuverable enough for rivers yet composed enough for open water. The extra-large cockpit makes getting in and out a breeze.
Thoughtful touches include two flush-mounted rod holders, a paddle holder, accessory tracks for customized rigging, non-slip foot braces, a large front hatch, and a comfortable deluxe seat. Available accessories like an anchor, rudder, fish finder, and outrigger further upgrade the package. Add in the 5-year warranty, and the Yellowfin 100 is an incredible value for anglers wanting quality at an affordable sub-$1000 price point.
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Max Capacity: 375 pounds
- Material: Roto-molded polyethylene
- Seat Type: Deluxe padded seat
Best Pedal: Hobie Mirage Passport 12
Hands-free pedal propulsion has become wildly popular in fishing kayaks, and Hobie makes some of the best pedal-powered models, like the sleek Mirage Passport 12. This compact 12-foot kayak is easy to paddle and even easier to pedal thanks to the efficient MirageDrive pedal system.
The MirageDrive uses underwater flippers, so you can speed across the water while keeping your hands free to fish. Pedaling against the resistance also gives an excellent core workout. The Passport 12 is faster than other pedal kayaks thanks to its streamlined hull.
It’s also packed with fishing advantages like the Element seating system, which offers protection from the elements while keeping you comfortable with the angled and adjustable Vantage CT seat. Storage is excellent with dual hatches, and the H-Rail system lets you mount rod holders and accessories. The Mirage Passport 12 glides effortlessly across lakes or covers water quickly when venturing offshore chasing fish.
- Weight: 98 pounds
- Length: 12 feet, 1 inch
- Width: 33 inches
- Max Capacity: 275–375 pounds
- Material: Rotomolded polyethylene
- Seat Type: Element padded seat
Best Ultralight: Point 65 Tequila! GTX
When every ounce matters because you need to carry your kayak long distances to remote fishing spots, you need an ultralight kayak like the Tequila! GTX from Point 65. Weighing less than 36 pounds, the Tequila! is absurdly easy to carry, transport, and drag over rocks or rugged terrain.
But its lightweight rotomolded construction is still remarkably tough and impact resistant thanks to the Rip-Stop nylon and carbon fiber layers. Even with its feathery weight, it can still handle heavy loads up to 240 pounds.
The innovative and comfy Open Ergolight seat provides comfort and ventilation on hot days. There’s still room for tackle boxes and gear packs in the aft tank storage, and security boxes fit rods, paddles, or extra gear. While tracking and stability can’t match wider kayaks, the Tequila! GTX is perfect for fishing REMFs (really extra matter-of-fact) remote fishing spots accessed by bushwalking or rugged 4WD tracks.
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Length: 9 feet 7 inches
- Width: 28 inches
- Max Capacity: 243 pounds
- Material: Triple-layer polyethylene
- Seat Type: Ergolight open seat
Best Tandem: Vibe Yellowfin 130T
Pairing up with a buddy? The Yellowfin 130T tandem kayak from Vibe Outdoor offers excellent stability and load capacity for two anglers. At 13 feet with a 500 pound capacity, it can handle two adults and all their gear without feeling crowded or tippy.
Despite the length, a 34 inch width keeps the Yellowfin 130T maneuverable. Each paddler gets a deluxe seat with backrest for comfort, while four rod holders, two flush mounts, and numerous gear tracks outfit it for serious fishing.
The non-slip grips and standing stability allow taking turns fishing while the other paddles. Carrying handles make it easy to transport to the launch site. While all tandem kayaks involve some compromise in performance, the Yellowfin 130T balances cargo capacity, stability and streamlined speed quite nicely.
- Weight: 72 pounds
- Length: 13 feet
- Width: 34 inches
- Max Capacity: 500 pounds
- Material: Roto-molded polyethylene
- Seat Type: 2 deluxe padded seats
Best Motorized: Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK181
Sometimes you need a motor to access distant fishing grounds without wearing yourself out paddling for hours. The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-TK181 transforms from muscle to motorized power by letting you easily mount a trolling motor.
Built on a rugged yet lightweight hull, it has enough room for installing a transom motor mount behind the seat. This lets you attach most trolling motors or small gas outboards up to 2 horsepower.
Integrated flush rod mounts, an adjustable padded seat, front and rear storage, and built-in compartments for batteries and tackle make it fishing ready. There are even molded grooves for paddle storage when you want to go old school. At under $1500 including the motor mount, it provides an affordable option for covering more distant offshore fishing spots.
- Weight: 71 pounds
- Length: 12 feet 6 inches
- Width: 32 inches
- Max Capacity: 440 pounds
- Material: High density polyethylene
- Seat Type: Deluxe padded seat
Choosing the Right Kayak for You
As you can see, today’s fishing kayaks offer efficient performance, clever storage solutions, and customizable accessories and modifiers. But the key is choosing the right kayak based on your local waters, transportation ability, fishing style, and budget. Prioritize stability for stand up fishing versus speed for covering distance.
Make sure to test models in person and ensure your vehicle can transport the size and weight. Properly outfitting your kayak with rod holders, paddle leashes, fishing finders, storage, and safety essentials helps optimize it. Invest in the highest quality paddle you can afford since that controls your progress.
With the right fishing kayak, you can unlock remote fisheries, battle big fish, and enjoy hours of aquatic adventure. Any of the models reviewed above can create priceless days on the water in beautiful Australia chasing after your next trophy catch.
Conclusion
Kayak fishing offers an exciting way to reach remote fisheries and battle big catches that might be inaccessible from shore or larger boats. With an array of stable, durable, and feature-packed fishing kayak options now available, finding the perfect kayak for your needs and budget is easier than ever.
Prioritize stability, storage, weight, accessories, and performance features like pedal drives based on how and where you want to fish. Carefully transporting and outfitting your kayak helps ensure many years of trouble-free fishing adventures. Seek out demo opportunities to test models before buying to find your ideal fishing kayak.
Once you’ve discovered the freedom of kayak fishing, you’ll find it hard to go back to fishing solely from shore. Embark on your next epic fishing quest from the comfort of a well-equipped fishing kayak suitable for Australia’s amazing marine environments.
