If you’ve ever wanted to slip quietly across a big pond, slide over a downed tree that stops bass boats, and hammer largemouth on the other side, a fishing kayak might be just right for you.
Innovations in hull design and drive options like pedals and in-board motors have transformed kayak angling, and for bass fishermen everywhere, it’s time to seriously consider investing in a ‘yak.
If you’re in the market for a new bass fishing kayak, we’ve got you covered.
Below, you’ll find reviews of the best bass fishing kayaks for 2022, as well as a complete buying guide to get you up to speed quickly:
Table of Contents (clickable)
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Best Bass Fishing Kayaks Reviewed
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 – Best Pedal-Driven Kayak for Bass Fishing
Length: 12’
Weight: 132.5 lbs.
Beam: 36”
Capacity: 500 lbs.
Hobie’s Mirage Pro Angler 12 has won an ardent following among anglers, a testament to smart design, fishing-friendly features, and a pedal drive that’s probably the best in the business. And while this kayak is relatively expensive, it’s definitely a case of “you get what you pay for.”
At 12-feet long and 36-inches wide, the Mirage Pro Angler offers a very stable hull. If you’re concerned about tippiness, don’t be, and for bass anglers who want to stand and sight fish or just have more height for casts, taking to your feet in this ‘yak is a breeze.
The deck just forward of the seat has been treated with a non-slip coating, and whether you’re fighting or reaching out with a landing net, you’ll find the Mirage Pro Angler wants to stay stable.
Hobie’s amazing 360 pedal drive is a powerful fin system that delivers unparalleled speed and maneuverability. Seriously, this system allows you as much control as a bow-mounted trolling motor without the need for a battery. The fins fold up on impact, keeping them out of harm’s way in shallow water and among obstacles like stumps and blow downs, and there’s just nothing critical I can say about this system.
Should you wish to take to the water without it, it’s also very easy to remove and reinstall.
Hobie carefully thought through fishing storage, too. You’ll find the usual hatches fore and aft, and they’re easy to open, close, and access. There’s even a built-in tackle organizer in the hatch next to your seat.
Accessory rails run down the cockpit to either side, making mounting electronics, rod holders, and other accessories a snap.
And the stern well is generous, offering additional space for an organizer, crate, or cooler.
And for anglers who’ve suffered from an aching back after a day on the water, you’ll find that the seat is carefully designed to offer plenty of support and cushion.
Overall, this is definitely a premium kayak.
Keep in mind, however, that the Mirage Angler Pro 12 weighs in at a hefty 132.5 pounds. Loading this kayak overhead is going to be a real struggle for most people, and even loading it into a truck bed may challenge anglers who aren’t at peak fitness.
That’s something to consider carefully before you buy.
But for many, the stable hull, amazing drive, excellent storage and organization options, and comfortable seat may outweigh – literally – the hulking mass of this ‘yak.
Pros:
- Exceptionally stable
- Lots of storage
- Removable, modular electronics pods
- Good hatch design and placement
- Comfortable seat that’s easy to adjust
- Awesome pedal drive
- Excellent motor drive
Cons:
- Super expensive drive options!
Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. 140
Length: 14’ 1”
Weight: 95 lbs.
Beam: 34”
Capacity: 550 lbs.
Wilderness System’s ATAK 140 is one mean fishing machine, and it’s clear at first sight that it was designed with anglers in mind. If you’re a fan of great storage and organizational options, comfortable seats, and super-stable kayaks, you should take a close look at the ATAK 140.
At just one inch over 14 feet, the 34-inch beam of the ATAK 140 provides plenty of stability. Even on big water, you won’t need to worry about swells and chop or about leaning too far to either side. The engineers at Wilderness Systems have really dialed-in this hull design, and if you’re a fan of sight fishing for bass, rest assured that standing to cast and fight is intuitive.
You’ll find non-slip material has been applied to the deck of the cockpit, providing very sure footing.
The cockpit also holds a modular, removable pod to which your fishfinder, GPS, or other electronics can be attached. It’s a great organizational feature that simplifies set up and just makes a lot of sense.
And of course, ruining the length of the cockpit on either side, you’ll find two mounting rails for accessories like rod holders.
The bow hatch is well-placed, easy to open and close, and watertight. Wilderness Systems gets hatches right, and these may well be the best in the business. You’ll find a second large hatch in the stern, as well as a relatively spacious stern well that just asks to be filled with more storage options like crates or organizers.
Seating in the ATAK 140 is superb. The seat is adjustable to three positions, and it can be pushed to the rear, creating more deck space to stand and fish or work with tackle. It’s plenty supportive of your lower back, and the cushioning is just right for long fishing trips.
Overall, this is an exceptional kayak for anglers who choose to paddle, and you sacrifice nothing in terms of quality to more expensive pedal-driven designs.
Pros:
- Exceptionally stable – probably the best on our shortlist
- Non-slip deck
- Incredible, industry-leading electric motor
- Lots of storage
- Comfortable seat
Cons:
- Heavy!
- Expensive!
Buying Guide: What to Look For When Buying a Bass Fishing Kayak
Stability
While stability is always something to consider when choosing a kayak, for angling, it’s pretty much the place to start. Fishing demands a lot from you and your ‘yak, whether you’re casting, standing, or struggling with a real monster! And if you happen to break your line, or the fish spits out your lure during a hard fight, you’ll put that stability to the test.
- Stability is critical– Think of a fishing kayak as a platform to do a lot more than paddling. You’ll be retrieving gear from hatches, casting, fighting fish, leaning over the gunnels, and maybe even dropping your catch in a live well in the stern. Some anglers, especially fly fishermen, prefer to sight fish or need to cast while standing.
With all that movement, and much of it with a high center of gravity, you can see that you’ll be placing exceptional demands on your kayak. - Primary stability – This is a measure of how hard it is to rock a kayak up onto its edge. A ‘yak with high primary stability will give you the sense of solid footing, whereas a boat with low primary stability will feel tippy.
For touring and whitewater kayakers, low primary stability can be a good thing, allowing them to lean into waves, for instance. But for angling, a solid feel underfoot is critical. - Secondary stability – This is a measure of how hard it is to overturn a kayak when it’s keeled over due to a “failure” of primary stability. Essentially, this tells you how hard it is to roll your kayak once you have it rocking up on edge.
For angling, high secondary stability is important. Flipping your ‘yak loaded with tackle is never a good thing. - Broaden your expectations – Sea kayaks are long and sleek–an ideal shape for long paddling expeditions because they’re hydrodynamically efficient. But for fishing, wider is generally better. While that may make your kayak a bit slower and demand more from you as a paddler, that extra beam translates into greater stability.
Purpose-designed angling kayaks tend to be a bit paunchy, but embrace the bulge!
Portability, Weight, and Encumbrance
You’ll be lifting and loading your ‘yak every time you take to the water, and for most of us, that can be a pretty intense overhead lift! Make sure you can handle the weight.
- Transporting – You won’t feel those pounds on the water, but when you’re lifting and handling a kayak during transport, you’ll feel every ounce. Keep in mind, too, that the longer your ‘yak is, the more unwieldy it’ll be at a given weight.
- Try before you buy – If possible, we recommend that you try lifting and loading a few kayaks to get a feel for how you manage a given weight and length. Experimenting now can give you a good sense of what’s too much for you and your level of fitness.
Propulsion: Paddle vs. Pedal vs. Motor
While any angler might have a long paddle to and from their fishing spot, on big water, that’s all but guaranteed. Moreover, when things turn to the worse–say, in bad weather–speed can be essential.
Three propulsion options are common for kayaks, and each has strengths and weaknesses:
- Paddles – Paddles have a lot of benefits.
- Inexpensive – Paddles range in price, but inexpensive, effective options aren’t hard to find.
- Low- to no-maintenance – They’re pretty much grab and go.
- Indispensable – As any experienced kayak angler can tell you, they’re more than just a way to get a kayak going. From push pole to lure retriever to makeshift anchor, a paddle is indispensable in the hands of someone who knows how to use one.
- Stealthy – While not everyone agrees, many fishermen find that a paddle is the ultimate stealth option for creeping up on the fish.
But they have downsides, too. In the wind or current, prepare to juggle your rod and
paddle as needed. It’s happened to me on breezy days, and it’ll happen to you, too.
And unless you’re strong and fit, sustained hard paddling to escape a storm or fight the tide can get really, really tough.
Don’t ask me how I know!
Keep in mind that whatever your propulsion system, a paddle is essential equipment. Pedal drives and motors fail; paddles don’t.
Be safe and bring a paddle.
- Pedal drives – These are an option on some premium kayaks, and unsurprisingly, they don’t come cheap.