7 Most Stable Fishing Kayaks − AVOID Tipping Over While You Stand & Cast

Happiness Without is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Finding the most stable kayak isn’t only about not capsizing. It’s also about being able to stand and cast with your full power so you can reel in the big one.

So today, I’m going to tell you about the 7 most stable fishing kayaks I’ve ever tried

Whether you’re looking for a sit-in or tandem or ocean-going vessel, you’ll find the most stable fishing kayak for you below.

These stable kayaks will help you stand and cast without falling over, and you’ll find out they’re still pretty fast and maneuverable.

Let’s get started!

7 Most Stable Fishing Kayaks

  1. Pescador Pro 12 – Most stable fishing kayak overall
  2. Pelican Catch 110 – Budget option to stand & cast
  3. Sportsman 120 PDL – Impossible to flip and fast (3mph+)
  4. Old Town Vapor 10 – Stable 10ft sit-in kayak
  5. Loon 126 Angler – Incredibly stable for a sit-in fishing kayak
  6. Malibu Two – Great boat to paddle with your wife or kid
  7. BKC TK181 – Stable tandem kayak for ocean fishing

1. Most Stable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak: Perception Pescador Pro 12

Picture of  Perception Pescador Pro Kayak

The Pescador Pro 12 derives its stability from a wide 32” hull that, when coupled with the twelve-foot keel, makes it one of the most stable boats on the market.

The additional surface area does slow the boat down and wouldn’t be my choice if you’re trying to get anywhere fast. But maneuverability is above average and the tracking is reliable enough that I feel good taking it onto protected saltwater.

The adjustable, camp chair seat has drawn rave reviews. Accessory mount options allow anglers to customize the fishing set-up to their liking.

  • A heavy boat weighing 64-pounds
  • A reassuring combination of maneuverability and stability
  • Comfortable seat that has drawn rave reviews

Full review of the Pescador Pro 12.

2. Most Stable Stand-Up Fishing Kayak: Pelican Catch Mode 110

Pelican Catch Mode 110 Kayak

There’s a lot of fishing kayaks out there that label themselves as “stand-up.” But the Pelican Catch Mode 110 is one of the few where I feel confident standing regardless of the water’s condition. 

It feels so stable underfoot that even in small ocean waves you can feel good about casting from a standing position. I wouldn’t take it too far from shore in those conditions though as the tracking and maneuverability can suffer if the water gets too rough.

There are some nice customization options to make up for it including the ability to install a GPS or fishfinder. 

(Pro tip: if you can spend a little bit more, consider getting the Pelican Getaway HDII instead. You get the same amazing stability, but with a pedal drive that helps you move much faster and stay in place easily in windy conditions).

  • A heavier model weighing 69 pounds when empty
  • Enough storage space and load capacity for overnight journeys
  • Accessory eyelets enable extra accessories or fishfinder to be installed

3. Most Stable Pedal Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL

Picture of Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL

Most pedal kayaks are inherently stable as they’re bigger, wider, and bulkier than traditional kayak designs. But the Sportsman 120 PDL from Old Town is the most stable of them all.

Maneuvering is made easier by two steering handles for added flexibility and the boat comes filled with customization options like a transducer mount, four rod holders, and a big open-air stern hatch secured with bungee cords.

The load capacity is just right for a boat of this magnitude at 500 pounds, but you should know it’s pretty heavy at 116 pounds. Still, this boat should satisfy most anglers and opens up the possibility of more ambitious multi-day excursions

Finally, while pedal kayaks are much more expensive than standard kayaks, the Sportsman 120 PDL actually provides great value at under $3K whereas comparable Hobie kayaks cost $4K+.

  • Easy to maneuver through shallow water
  • More expensive than standard fishing kayaks
  • Good 500 lb weight capacity

Full review of the Sportsman 120 PDL.

4. Most Stable 10-Foot Fishing Kayak: Old Town Vapor 10

Old Town Vapor 10 Kayak

There aren’t many ten-foot kayaks that I’d trust to handle ocean conditions, but the Vapor 10 from Old Town is one of them. 

While I don’t think I’d trust it in serious surf or ocean swells, it has the stability and reliability to handle protected bays and most lakes and non-whitewater rivers.

The cockpit has enough room for most paddlers to get in and out safely while the comfy seat, thigh braces, and adjustable foot pegs keep you comfortable no longer how long you’re out.

It weighs only 47 pounds and can handle up to 325 pounds giving it a nice weight-to-storage capacity ratio.

  • Sit-in design provides more protection from the elements
  • Lacks the customization options of other fishing kayaks
  • Stability comes without sacrificing speed 

Read our full Old Town Vapor 10 review.

5. Most Stable Sit-In Fishing Kayak: Loon 126 Angler

Picture of Loon 126 Angler Kayak

With a streamlined design, this newer model from Bonafide is swift and tracks well with the ability to handle ocean paddling. 

Don’t let the tapered hull fool you, this is one stable and reliable fishing platform that you can feel comfortable standing up in to cast as long as the water isn’t too choppy. 

While many sit-in kayaks feel cramped and uncomfortable, this boat has a mammoth cockpit that will accommodate most paddlers comfortably.

In addition to the eye-catching speed, this boat tracks really well.

  • Not flush with customization options, but there are two rod holders
  • Comfortable stadium-style seat
  • One of the faster boats on this list

6. Most Stable Tandem Fishing Kayak: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem

Picture of Malibu Two XL Kayak

A big boat with roomy cockpits and space for a smaller third passenger, the Malibu Two Tandem from Ocean Kayak is the perfect fishing platform for families

Like all plastic kayaks, the Malibu is a tough, durable boat made all the more solid thanks to the installed skid plate so it can withstand bumps or short drags along the beach.

At just 57 pounds, it’s one of the lighter and easier tandems to carry.

While there’s a lot of natural storage space, the one place the Malibu Two falls short is a lack of custom fishing options or rod holders. But the stability, space, and on-water performance are so impressive I’m willing to look past this shortcoming. 

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Room for up to three passengers
  • Can be paddled solo or tandem
  • Doesn’t have the custom options of other fishing kayaks

7. Most Stable Ocean Fishing Kayak: BKC UH-TK181

Picture of BKC UH-TK181 Kayak

A tandem model, this is the perfect kayak if both paddlers want to fish. With an incredible seven rod holders built into the hull, both anglers can fish to their heart’s content.

It’s a big boat with a 34-inch beam that uses its large deck to ensure that you have a ton of storage space including two watertight consoles in front of each seat.

Newcomers may find that it has a bit of a learning curve, but after a little practice, the UH-TK181 tracks well enough to handle most ocean conditions.

  • Can handle choppy waters well
  • Seat attachments can be fragile
  • 5-year warranty
  • Sit-on-top limits it to warmer waters

How to Choose the Most Stable Kayak

Are You an Experienced or Beginner Angler?

If you’re a relative novice in either fishing or kayaking, it may be tempting to buy the most high-end boat you can afford. 

But I’d recommend against this.

There are plenty of stable, feature-rich kayaks that can be found for a relatively low cost that will give you a taste for the sport without a big financial investment.

If you find you really like kayak fishing, you can always trade-in your cheaper boat and upgrade.

There are a lot of mid-range fishing kayaks available that should satisfy most casual anglers.

More expensive and newer boats like the Loon 126 Angler combine stability with a better top speed while the Pelican Catch Mode 110 gives you all the customization options in a smaller and cheaper package.

If you’ve already been out a few times and know that your boat will get a lot of use, it’s hard to compete with a pedal kayak like the Hobie Mirage Outback, although it is prohibitively more expensive and harder to transport.

Dimensions (Widest Fishing Kayak)

Just looking at a boat’s “specifications” will give you a good idea of how the boat should perform.

Longer keels generally equate to a faster boat while wider beams correlate to better stability. 

Hull types can vary from model to model including pontoon designs while sit-in kayaks have a more tapered shape. I’d recommend going with a flat hull which serves as a good middle ground between stability and paddling efficiency.

Storage Capacity

Most boats come with dedicated storage space in the bow and stern.

I prefer kayaks in which at least one of these spaces has watertight storage. This is especially important if you live in a rainy environment or plan on paddling in water where waves may slosh over the hull.

Make sure your boat has the deck space for all your fishing gear. Preferably there will be a small console or pockets accessible from your seat so you can reach your lures and tackle box easily.

Check the boat’s load capacity on its specifications page. This refers to the amount of weight the boat can safely handle. Remember that this includes the paddler(s) weight as well. Overloading a kayak can make it sit lower in the water and be sluggish, less maneuverable, and more susceptible to capsizing.

Short or Long Trips

The longer the trip, the faster you’ll want your boat to be to cut down on travel time.

Longer trips also require more storage capacity and it can take some practice to learn how to pack efficiently. 

If you plan on being in your kayak for an extended period, make sure the seat is comfortable and adjustable with enough lumbar support that you won’t stiffen up. 

Your boat should also have either multiple footwells or adjustable foot pegs. These allow you to brace against the kayak which will ease the stress on your back while also making your paddle stroke more efficient.

Different Hull Types

The most stable hull types are the flat hull and the pontoon hull.

While most kayak hulls have a V-shape to cut through the water, this makes them much less stable when standing up.

Of course, by going for a flatter hull, you lose a bit of speed, but you gain stability.

But which one should you choose, a flat hull, or a pontoon hull?

Well, simply put – a flat hull is the most stable you can get. While a pontoon hull is kind of a middle ground between a flat hull and a V hull.

Other Features

In recent years the fishing kayak industry has started to outfit their boats with more and more custom features.

Today most boats allow you to customize to your exact specification and bring along a depth sounder, fish finder, or GoPro.

Cheaper, entry-level kayaks often come with a few bonus accessories like free paddles or a pump if it’s an inflatable.

Pedal vs. Paddle Kayaks

Pedal kayaks represent the high-end of the kayak world. These boats are propelled with a pedal drive system similar to a bicycle.

This gives you better top speed and you won’t tire as quickly. Steering is controlled with a small joystick and leaves you free to cast while moving without compromising your maneuverability.

These boats are larger, heavier, and more expensive than traditional kayaks, and can require a lot of storage space and a large vehicle to move around.

Be prepared to do more maintenance with these boats too as the pedal drive systems will require proper lubrication and occasional part replacement. 

Tandem Vs. Single Kayaks

If you think you’ll be doing a lot of your paddling with another person, it may be worth investing in a tandem kayak instead of two singles.

Tandem kayaks tend to be longer and wider than singles, making them more stable and harder to tip over. The longer keel also gives them a faster top speed if the two paddlers are paddling in sync.

While they are heavier, I find storing and transporting a tandem is simpler than two singles and a tandem fits better on top of a car. 

Some tandems, especially cheaper ones, are designed to be paddled either solo or tandem, giving you even more flexibility. This isn’t the case with all tandems however so make sure that your tandem is compatible before paddling on your own.

Color Choice

many different kayak sizes

This is mostly cosmetic and many kayaks come with multiple color options. 

If I have the choice, I tend to go with a boat that is brightly colored so it stands out on the water. This makes me more visible to passing vessels and easier to avoid. 

In the event of an emergency, a brighter color will also be easier for search and rescue crews to locate. 

Most Stable Kayaks – FAQ

What Is the Widest Fishing Kayak?

The widest fishing kayak is the Pelican Catch Mode 110. With a 34.5″-wide hull, this is the most stable fishing kayak on a budget. It’s wide and stable enough to stand and cast, with a very comfortable seat. The only downside is that you won’t be breaking any speed records.

Are Wide Fishing Kayaks More Stable?

Yes, a wide fishing kayak is generally more stable than a narrower boat. The only downside is that the wider the kayak, the slower it will be. If you want a wide fishing kayak and don’t care about speed, the Pelican Catch Mode 110 is a good budget option.

What Is the Most Stable Kayak?

The most stable kayak is the Perception Pescador Pro 12. This boat allows you to stand & cast and move around the boat without feeling unstable. The good news is that it’s quite fast for such a stable kayak.

What Is the Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak?

Again, the best stand-up fishing kayak is the Pelican Catch Mode 110. This kayak has amazing stability and allows you to stand and cast even if you weigh over 300 lb.

If you have a higher budget, the actual best stand-up fishing kayak is the Sportsman 120 PDL. The Sportsman 120 takes stability to the next level, and it even let me stand on the nose of the kayak without flipping when I took it for a test.

Besides, this stable kayak boasts a 500 lb capacity, which means that even big guys can feel comfortable standing and casting. To be honest, I don’t think it’s even possible to flip this boat, even if you try your hardest.

Most Stable Fishing Kayak – Conclusion

It’s hard to enjoy a day on the water if you feel like you’re about to tip over.

Any of the kayaks above should give you the confidence to focus on your fishing without having to worry about a wobbly boat. 

But my favorite has to be the Pescador Pro 12 thanks to its impressive top speed and the ability to safely stand up.

If price isn’t an issue, it’s hard to top a pedal kayak like the Sportsman 120 PDL with its combination of speed, the ability to cast on the move, and the abundance of customization options.

What’s your most memorable kayak fishing experience? Share your stories and fishing photos with us in the comments below.

Leave a Reply

Craving For More?