If you’re currently on the hunt for your first ever fishing kayak— you’ve come to the right place!

Newcomers to the world of kayak fishing will need to opt for a boat that is easy small and light so that it’s easy to navigate without experience.

But as the kayak fishing industry is rapidly growing with more and more models specifically designed for anglers hitting the market, to the first-time buyer or those who don’t follow the kayak fishing media, it can be a minefield.

The modern kayak has come a long way from its original Inuit design, heavy wood has been replaced with shaped plastic and some modern kayaks are even inflatable.

But which fishing kayak is the best for beginners?

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best beginner fishing kayaks on the market right now and what key features make them stand out from the rest.

Best Beginner Fishing Kayak Buying Guide

Kayak Type

There are many different types of kayaks out there. It’s important to brush up on your knowledge of all the different varieties before making a purchase. After all, buying a kayak is a pretty big decision!

Kayak Type

Kayaks are made of different materials, from wood, carbon fiber, hard plastic, inflatable plastic, fiberglass to Kevlar. The inexpensive models are the ones usually made of inflatable plastic.

You would need to choose the material on the basis of the purpose you are shopping for. For sea kayaking, the materials should withstand saltwater.

Make sure you tick that point before getting yourself an ocean kayak. The graphics and design play a major role. Choose your favorite color from a wide range of choices including, blue, green, white, red, pink, silver, and many more.

Stability

There are two types of stability – Primary and Secondary. The primary stability is for calm water situations while the secondary is for tense and fast waters.

Secondary stability is needed in cases of speedy activities such as white water rafting. The tipping of these boats depends a lot on the design too. Intro models usually come with no tip designs. However, every kayak is capable of sinking.

Storage
It is wise to choose a kayak with enough space for you and your gear. Most kayaks sold specifically as “fishing kayaks” have plenty of space for you and your gear, but each model has slightly different dimensions that either give you room to stretch or make you feel cramped.

If you have a larger frame, you’ll need something bigger than a 10-foot kayak.

If you’re the kind of angler who likes to bring one rod and a small bag of tackle for a day of fishing, a small fishing kayak may be all you need.

But if you want to have two or three rods rigged up and every lure and hook you own at your disposal, plus a cooler strapped to the back, you’re going to need a larger kayak.

The best beginner kayak type would be an inflatable one. This is because they are lighter and easier to carry around than the hir hard-shell alternative.

They can usually be stored away neatly and easily and constructed from high-quality materials to ensure your peace of mind. Many inflatable kayaks come equipped with tandem seating, so you can bring a friend along on your fishing adventures.

Inflatable kayaks are also typically much cheaper than harder ones. However, you’ll need to consider the fact that inflatable kayaks can puncture.