2025 Guide to Choosing the Right Fishing Kayak 

With kayak fishing one of the fastest growing sports in Australia, it’s no wonder there is a flood of different and new fishing kayak designs hitting the market. From your modular fishing kayak that you can transport inside your vehicle right through to the ocean-going fishing kayaks like the Angler Pro XL, this guide will help you understand the different features and benefits of the different fishing kayaks available, so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your perfect fishing kayak!

What length fishing kayak is best?

First and foremost, deciding where you are going to paddle your watercraft will determine the length of kayak you should choose. 

Short & Nimble (under 3 metres)

Kayak Size

The shortest adult fishing kayaks start at 2.5 metres, which are generally the lightest, easiest to carry (being short) and are perfect for those with limited storage. We classify kayaks up to 3 metres kayaks as 'short' and are best suited for narrow and smaller more narrow bodies of water like creeks, rivers or estuaries, as they're more manoeuvrable and easier to turn quickly.

Short, compact kayaks are also great if you wish to carry your kayak some distance by hand (100 metres or further), but not take a kayak trolley with you. Though some nifty designs you can turn the trolley upside down, and put through the scupper holes on your kayak whilst you go out fishing, so you don't need to take your trolley back to the car (saving precious kayaking time!)

This is a Pedal Pro 2.9m fishing kayak with the trolley neatly stowed on the kayak, allowing full utilisation of the rear storage area.

Type of waters

We classify kayaks up to 3 metres kayaks as 'short' and are best suited for narrow and smaller more narrow bodies of water like creeks, rivers or estuaries, as they're more manoeuvrable and easier to turn quickly. 

If you are heading out into larger bodies of water with some small chop or boat wash like the harbour, bay, or a reservoir etc, you’ll want to look for a kayak around that 3m+ fishing kayak.  

This is because the length and width will provide you with enough 'kayak' to travel through small swell or waves more efficiently (e.g. between the trough and crest), and so you don't experience 'hull slap' which is essentially where you are rocking between waves creating the hull to lift off the water's surface, and slap back down, rather than gliding (we're talking Sit on Top kayaks in this article, not Sit Ins). This doesn't feel nice and you lose momentum. 

Paddler size

If you are a smaller or lighter paddler, which we generalise as under 70 odd kilos, you will find these shorter kayaks a good size for your weight, as you'll sit nice above the waterline. Over 75 kgs we generally recommend you look at a 3m or larger kayak, which will have more volume, therefore more buoyancy, meaning you'll sit nicely above the water especially if you intend on carrying a bit of gear on the kayak too.

This kayak size range is also great for kids & teenagers, who enjoy the outdoors, fishing and being on the water, giving them independence whilst being able to join their friends or family. As the foot rests or pedal drive systems are adjustable, it allows them to adjust their set up to be comfortable, with the perfect amount of legroom to reach the pedals or footrests.

Fishing kayaks within this range include:

• Pedal Pro Fish 2.5m Pedal + Paddle Kayak
• Pedal Pro Fish 2.9m Pedal + Paddle Kayak
• Bighead Angler - 2.65m Paddle Kayak
• Bonito Angler - 2.9m Paddle Kayak

The Sweet Spot (3 - 3.5 metres)

Kayak Size

In this medium sized kayak range which we call 3 to 3.5 metres in length, it is the ideal size for most water conditions, giving you enough length to track pretty straight (most come with rudder systems to further assist this), but also nimble enough to manoeuvre tighter passages. 

Type of waters

Whether you're trying to navigate through boats, under a jetty, or in mangroves - kayaks in this size band are the most versatile for most places you'll kayak. If you don't know just where you'll be paddling most of the time, it's best to start off with a kayak in this size band and upgrade down the track if you need be. Kayaks in this range will feel quite stable and be able to pick up decent cruising speed (with a good fibreglass kayak paddle or on a pedal kayak, especially the propeller drive one which is faster than the flap drive system).

Most kayaks in this length range are also better in terms of lighter weight, making loading onto and off your vehicle manageable often by oneself. There are lots of nifty kayak load assist systems available to help with this though, at all price points. If it saves you a visit to the chiropractor, it's well worth investing in.

Paddler size

Kayaks in this size band will suit most people up to 120 kgs / 130 kgs, and approx 6'4" in height (you can check the legroom length on all product pages, to see if you'll fit on that particular kayak). Over this size you'll want to step up to a larger kayak, which will have the buoyancy to support your weight or if you're 6'4" and taller, so you've ample legroom.

Kayaking is all about comfort and convenience, so it's always advised to go a little bigger so you've plenty of room to stretch out the legs, for the most enjoyable time on the water. Most of the Bay Sports fishing kayaks come included with a luxurious stadium seat to provide all-day comfort on the water.

Fishing kayaks within this range include:

• Nero - 3.0m Paddle Kayak
• BigGame Pro 10 - 3.1m Paddle Kayak
• Perch Angler - 3.3m Paddle Kayak
• Pedal Pro Fish - 3.2m Pedal + Paddle Kayak
• Pedal Pro Fish - 3.4m Pedal + Paddle Kayak

Large and In Charge (3.5 - 5 metres)

Kayak Size

A 3.5 metre or more so 4m & longer kayak, such as the Angler Pro XL paddle kayak or the Pedal Pro Fish 3.9m pedal kayak, will be ideal for the all-day journeys, overnight adventures, and for the fisherman who wishes to explore offshore. Not only will the extra length provide for better tracking ability, but 85 cm through to an enormous 96 cm width fishing kayaks in this category will give you excellent stability.

This generally means the kayak will have a larger volume (width x length x height), therefore greater buoyancy = larger weight carrying capacity. So if you fancy heading out with a kayak version of the Swiss Army Knife, then this is the size of kayak you should be considering (live bait tank, kayak trolley, battery and electric trolling motor, esky for fresh catch or some cold beverages etc). 

Plus, if you enjoy standing to cast (which personally we love to) then these 85cm+ width kayaks in the 4m size length kayaks such as the Pedal Pro Fish 3.9 will provide you with barge-like stability, meaning you'll be relaxed in the mind waiting for your next bites rather than be consciously focusing on your balance.

Type of waters

Kayaks in this size band around the 3.5m mark can be used in most waters, from large reservoirs, bays, harbours and more. Around 3.5m size you'd be best sticking to more protected waters, so if you're looking forward to coastal kayaking and ocean paddling, then you'll want something around that 4 metre mark due to the greater buoyancy providing stability, especially in choppy waters or rolling swell.

Note it's important that other factors come into play beyond the kayaks length itself which you should consider. For example;

• The Pedal Pro 3.6m has a tapered bow and stern, with lower side walls, making it a seriously fast pedal kayak that thrives in coastal kayaking, however with minimal rocker in the bow (aka lift or curvature) it'll be a wet ride.
• If you don't fancy getting wet, the Pedal Pro XL 4m will be more enjoyable yet provide you with the same impressive speed of a propeller drive system. 
• The Pedal Pro 3.9m, whilst 10 cm shorter than the Pedal Pro XL, is 96cm wide throughout the majority of the kayaks length, with nearly 40 cm of side wall height, makes it insanely stable, more like a barge to stand and cast from. It handles coastal conditions and thrives in the ocean, albeit slower than the other two.

Fishing kayaks within this range include:

• Angler Pro - 4m Paddle Kayak
• Angler Pro XL - 4.3m Paddle Kayak
• Pedal Pro Fish - 3.6m Pedal + Paddle Kayak 
• Pedal Pro Fish - 3.9m Pedal + Paddle Kayak 
• Pedal Pro Fish XL - 4m Pedal + Paddle Kayak
• 

Pedal Pro Fish 3.9m with its Pontoon Tunnel Hull design, a 6'3" tall man pedalling (flap drive system).

What hull shape is best for me?

Now you know the best length of kayak for your needs, it’s time to narrow down the different types of fishing kayaks, by what shape of kayak hull to choose. If you are going to paddle on lakes, estuaries, rivers and bays, where there is little to no choppy water, you are going to want a boat with good primary stability, such as the BigGame Pro 10 Fishing Kayak (paddle kayak) or Pedal Pro Fish 3.2m (pedal kayak). Primary stability refers to how stable the kayak is when sitting stationary.

If you’re planning on going kayaking in the ocean, out the heads or where there is choppier conditions, this is when you’ll want a kayak with more secondary stability such as the Perch Angler 3.3m (paddle kayak) or Pedal Pro Fish 3.9m (pedal kayak). Secondary stability refers to how stable the kayak is when rocked side to side. You can tell the difference between primary and secondary stability by looking at the hull design of the kayak from front on;  a more V-shaped hull has primary stability whilst one with a more rounded hull has secondary stability.

Choosing the right colour

Okay! So now you have an idea of the length of kayak, and whether you want a v-shape or U-shaped (rounded hull), it's time to decide what colour to choose. People commonly ask us what the safest kayak colour is, what colour kayak can be seen best at sunset and sunrise, and what is the best colour for a fishing kayak that fish can't see, so we thought we'd share some insights!

Firstly, the safest colours for a kayak are your solid bright colours such as yellow and orange, as they stand out most especially with low light in the sky such as dawn and dusk. And according to a few old fisherman tales, a kayak hull with sand colour is supposedly the best if you're wanting to be stealth and have the best chance of not alerting your future catch of your presence. 

And above all, if you just love a certain colour (hello hot pink!), then so be it. We can make your kayak in any custom colour scheme your heart desires. Drop us an email if you're interested in your very own custom coloured kayak. 

Great! You should now have a good idea of the length, shape and colour of your new kayak!

Easiest way to transport your kayak

So to top off our guide on how to choose the right fishing kayak, it's time to look at practicality and storage. Kayaking is all about convenience and making for an enjoyable, comfortable experience. So ensuring you can transport your kayak with ease, and be able to store it conveniently will minimise the chances of you giving up on this awesome activity.  

The best way to transport your kayak is with a kayak trolley, as it will take the weight of the kayak so your back doesn't have to. Simply put the kayak poles through the kayaks scupper holes, and pull it behind you to and from the waters edge. Trust us, a Kayak Trolley and deluxe kayak seat are an absolute must have accessory with your new kayak. Your back will thank you later.  

Getting the kayak onto your vehicle is one of the most common issues kayakers face. How do they get their favourite kayak up onto that high roof? Your back doesn't hold up like it used to, and you surely don't want to kink your neck hauling it up, taking all the weight on your shoulders.

Well it's probably worth investing a the K-Rack kayak load assist. These brilliant Aussie invention uses strong suction cups that affix to your rear windscreen and bonnet, allowing you to lift up the front end of your kayak onto the K-Rack cradles.

You then walk to the stern (rear) of your kayak, lift and slide the kayak up and onto your roof. These are a game changer, and worth every penny in our opinion.

Kayak Storage

Storing a kayak near to the waters edge, such as at a boat ramp or at a council designated boat storage area is your best bet, so you can start and finish your paddle with minimal fuss and effort. Sit On Top Kayaks have scupper holes (for drainage) that you can put a bike chain through, to secure your kayak. It is unlikely to be stolen, given Kayaks are relatively bulky, but it does happen from time to time. 

If you don't have the luxury of this, your next best option is storing your kayak in your garage, behind the house, or on a rope-and -pulley system above your car, if you're limited for space. If leaving outside, a kayak cover will protect your kayak from prolonged UV damage, plus can keep it clean and free from dirt/leaves.

Tip: Make sure you tighten your twist lock hatches so as to not to find any nasty surprises next time you go paddling (think our 8 legged friends). 

Now you can make an informed purchase

Okay that was a lot of information, but we hope you learnt something new and are ready to buy a kayak with confidence! At the end of the day, if you're reading this you're likely not a professional kayak fisherman and whilst there are hundreds of different variations of kayaks, we've got the perfect one for you!

Check out our Fishing Kayak collection now and jump on Live Chat on the bottom right of your screen if you want to chat with our local kayak fishing experts, ask questions or get some personalised advice for you. We'd love to help. 

Don't forget, we provide you the peace of mind with a 30 Day Buy & Try Policy, so should you not absolutely love your new kayak, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. All backed by Bay Sports 5-Year Australian warranty on our hard shell kayaks.

Shop our range of fishing kayaks.