Best New Fishing Kayaks Florida-Tested

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The options for fishing kayaks have never been greater, thanks to improvements in hull materials and construction, propulsion technology and smart design that enables customization for specific excursions and species. Florida Sportsman recently put a variety of new kayaks to the test on numerous waterways, and the following models showcase the versatility now available to anglers.

• MORE ON KAYAKS: For reviews of more kayak models and gear, plus how-to articles on rigging and fishing them in all types of water, check out the latest issue of Kayak Fishing Fun on newsstands or click here to buy.

Here are five new fishing paddle crafts that are designed to get you to where the fish are biting, from small, secluded waters to big rivers, sprawling reservoirs and even offshore saltwater destinations.

HOBIE PRO ANGLER 12/14 360XR

Ideal Application: Fish big rivers and impoundments for bass and walleye; range far into saltwater for snapper and kingfish; or cover anything in between. Choose between the 12 or the 14—both feature robust capacities and feature sets.

Overview: The MirageDrive pedal system is smooth, efficient and quick, and with the 360-series drive introduced a few years back, Hobie took all this to the next level by enabling the operator to generate thrust in any direction—forward, reverse, sideways, spinning, all kinds of moves for all sorts of fishing operations. Improvements to the drive (see Noteworthy) are new for this year. Some of the many popular features on the Pro Angler boats include Hobie’s supportive, breathable and durable Vantage seat, plus a stern cargo area perfectly configured to add Hobie’s excellent livewell system.

Noteworthy Features: Powered by the New MirageDrive 360XR with patented Kick-Up Fin Technology. This drive is new for 2024 with a Readily Accessible Control Module that allows for on the water tool-free gear and tension adjustments and Directional Drive Lock. Dual steering, Guardian Retractable Transducer Shield, horizontal rod storage, mounting boards, standing pads and an extra-wide beam are just a few of the features. Mount your rod holders, accessories and electronics on the patented, 12-sided Hobie H-Rail bars.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 12' / 13'8" Width: 36"/38"
• Weight: 124/148.5 lbs.
• Capacity: 500/600 lbs.
• Hull construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene
• Propulsion: pedal, Paddle
• MSRP: $5,699/$5,899

OLD TOWN SPORTSMAN BIGWATER EPDL+ 132

Ideal Application: The BigWater ePDL+ drive provides options: manual pedal, power-assisted pedal, and fully motorized cruise control, fully integrated inside the head of the cutting-edge drive technology. When combined with the company’s long popular and ultra-sturdy BigWater hull, you have a rig that will take you to remote fishing adventures at speeds to 5 mph.

Overview: The patented ePDL drive system offers manual pedaling, e-powered pedal assist or full on-demand cruise control at five speeds. It’s push of a button and quick turn of the pedals to drive it how you like it. Control screen is easy to see in bright light, even with polarized sunglasses.

Noteworthy Features: The Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 is powered by a lightweight and removable 36v 20Ah lithium battery, which comes standard with a charger. Redesigned tankwell is optimized for a variety of crates and coolers. Non-slip EVA deck pads, integrated accessory tracks, Power-Pole Micro ready, fully customizable to your personality and style of fishing. It comes in three colors, Steel Camo, Ember Camo and Marsh Camo.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 13' 2" / Width: 36"
• Weight: 143 lbs. fully rigged
• Capacity: 500 lbs.
• Hull Construction: single Layer Polyethylene
• Propulsion: E-Pedal, Paddle
• MSRP: $5,999.99

KAKU ZULU

Ideal Application: Big waters, small waters and everything in between. The Zulu is a stable, high-capacity platform built to accommodate a range of rigging or propulsion systems.

Overview: Base model comes with gear tracks, templates for installing Power-Poles or transom motor mounts, secure hatches fore and aft, and multi-functional chair. Complete boat-and-drive packages are available to include pedal drive or iGuide—the MotorGuide Xi3 55-pound-thrust GPS trolling motor with remote control (battery sold separately). Engel 30-quart dry box/cooler with rod holders is another nice option.

Noteworthy Features: Sit or stand on the chair—or sit up high on the backrest! Shallow-draft hull good for slipping across skinny waters or shoals, but designed to carry max loads with authority.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 12" 7" / Width: 35"
• Weight: 85 lbs.
• Capacity: 500 lbs.
• Hull Construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene
• Propulsion: options abound
• MSRP: $1,450 base model

BONAFIDE PWR 129

Ideal Application: Loaded with features and design elements enabling seamless installation and control of motors, electronics, lights and other accessories popular among today’s kayak anglers.

Overview: This is a hybrid catamaran hull, very stable. In addition to the suite of technology integration features, you’ll find the basics, like Bonafide’s popular High Rise seating, easy-access underseat storage, covered horizontal rod holders, integrated gear tracks and mounting points to attach all kinds of gear.

Noteworthy Features: Integrated, foot-controlled rudder; drill-free rigging design; plus Bonafide’s rich library of install videos. Add a motor at the bow? Easy—there’s a mounting plate and a PowerLink plate for connections. Transom? Also easy! Put a stern-mount motor if you like, or a Power-Pole Micro.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 12' 9" / Width: 35"
• Weight: 78 lbs.
• Capacity: 500 lbs.
• Hull Construction: High Density Polyethylene
• Propulsion: Paddle, motorization kit available
• MSRP: $1,899

CRESCENT K-CRAFT

Ideal Application: Designed with a masterful blend of primary stability, rigidity, and performance, the watertight hull construction of the K-Craft will work well in salty surf waters, backwater canals and those impossible-to-reach bass-filled waters across the country.

Overview: Crescent blended a low profile, shallow draft, and open layout into a lightweight, rigid platform that is built for paddling, casting, and motoring. infinitely customizable and remarkably versatile.

Noteworthy Features: The molded-in features include a bow-positioned paddle park, dual rod butt stagers, injection-molded handles and a molded stern handle and stealth routing for electronics. The chair offers both high and low positions, 2.5-inch closed-cell foam for all-day comfort, it’s easily removable and offers ample storage beneath the seat. The cockpit offers dual anodized cockpit YakAttack GearTracs with foot track options, and EVA foam pad kit. Users can swap the seat for a cooler, which is built to accommodate aftermarket foot tracks.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 11'10" / Width: 33"
• Weight: 63 lbs.
• Capacity: 350 lbs.
• Hull Construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene
• Propulsion: Paddle, Stern-Mount Motor Ready
• MSRP: $1,199

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• This article was featured in the June 2024 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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