Best Stand Up Fishing Kayaks

The 5 Best Stand Up Fishing Kayaks in 2023 – Stable and Affordable

Fishing kayaks used to force many anglers to sit while fishing. However, new models come out every day, so you can now find many kayaks that allow you to fish while standing. 

There are many advantages to standing up while fishing that we’ll tell you about later on. Yet, we should tell you that many experienced anglers agree that fishing necessitates frequent standing. 

To cut it short, standing up will give you more control and help you improve your skills faster. 

With the emergence of newer models of fishing kayaks, it became harder to find the best stand up fishing kayak that suits your needs.

Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered! So without any further ado, let’s take a look at the best standing fishing kayaks for fishing! 

List of the Best Stand-up Fishing Kayaks:

Comparison Table: 

KayakTypeDimensionsWeightMaterialMaximum CapacityPersonal Capacity
Lifetime 10 Foot KayakHardshell – Sit-on-top120 x 36 x 19-in.75 lbs.High-Density, UV-Resistant Polyethylene  500 lbs.2 people 
Perception Pescador Pro 12 KayakHardshell – Sit-on-top144 x 32.5 x 14.5-in. 57 lbs.Polyethylene375 lbs.1 person
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 FootHardshell – Sit-on-top120 x 30 x 11-in.44 lbs.High-Density Fortiflex PolyethylenE250 lbs.1 person
Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130Hardshell -Sit-on-top156 x 33 x 15-in.75 lbs.Single Piece Rotomolded Polyethylene550 lbs.1 person
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing KayakHardshell –  Sit-on-top120 x 31 x 14-in.51 lbs.High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)275 lbs.1 person

The 5 Best Stand-up Fishing Kayaks in 2021 

1. Lifetime 10 Foot – Best Tandem Stand-Up Fishing Kayak 

Lifetime is one of the most popular and trusted kayak manufacturers. This model is spacious, and although it’s a tandem, it has the capacity to accommodate 3 people, not just 2. 

The design of the Lifetime 10 Foot kayak is the reason behind its durability. It’s made from high-density, UV-protected polyethylene which makes it resistant to cracking and peeling. 

The kayak comes with a 5-year warranty. It shows how much the manufacturer trusts the quality of their product. 

It’s highly stable, which makes it possible for any angler to fish while standing up. Not to mention, the wide surface makes it comfortable. 

Moreover, the cockpit features a scupper that efficiently drains the water. With the robust hull and the comfortable seats and footrest, you’d certainly make the best of your trip. 

Also, it comes with many extras including 2 padded backrests, 2 double-sided paddles with paddle clips, a storage hatch, and 3 fishing pole holders. 

These accessories add more value to your money, especially when compared to other tandem kayaks. 

Pros: 

  • Excellent construction with UV-resistance
  • Comfortable seats and footrests 
  • Durable with high resistance to cracking, peeling, and puncture
  • 5-year warranty 

Cons: 

  • Included paddles are of poor quality 

Bottom Line 

The Lifetime 10 Foot kayak is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a tandem stand-up kayak. It offers a weight capacity of 500 lbs. so you can bring all the fishing gear you want. 

Update: Originally, We were recommending the one-seater, but this listing is no longer available from the manufacturer, so we’ve updated the links to the two-seater version of this kayak, it’s still just as good and deserves the same spot in our recommendations list.

2. Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Best for Beginners 

Next, we have a well-constructed kayak that’s made from high-quality materials. The kayak is hand-assembled and molded. 

The seat of the Pescador Pro 20 is mesh-style. It’s adjustable, yet, you can remove it and use any other seat you like or find more comfortable. The footrests are adjustable as well. 

It’s one of the most stable kayaks you can currently find, which is exactly why we included it on our list. Furthermore, this stability makes it a perfect option for ocean fishing. 

This kayak offers an ample capacity of 375 lbs., which is more than enough considering it’s a 1-person kayak. Also, there’s a built-in buoyancy that’s incorporated for your safety. 

All in all, it’s a simple kayak that’s easy to paddle. It’s ideal for many conditions. This is why many professional anglers admire this kayak. However, it’s not the best option for highly experienced anglers. 

Pros: 

  • High stability 
  • Extra comfortable with removable seats 
  • Decent storage 
  • Built-in buoyancy for safety

Cons:

  • The delivery could be faster

Bottom Line 

The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is a highly stable kayak. This makes it one of the best stand-up kayaks for fishing that you can find on the market. It’s not of the highest quality yet; it offers excellent performance. 

3. Sun Dolphin Bali SS – Best Value Fishing Kayak for Standing 

Another stable kayak that you can use for stand-up fishing without worrying about taking a dive into the water. It features a wide and comfortable seating area with protective pads and foot braces as well. 

It offers a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs., which is decent enough to bring all your necessary fishing tools. It’s made of high-density fortiflex polyethylene, which is resistant to saltwater hazards. However, the kayak is a little prone to scratching. 

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 Foot has a sturdy hull with an open cockpit, which is easy to get into and out of. 

The performance is great, and you‘ll find it easy to maneuver although it’s not the fastest kayak out there. It comes with a deck rigging and paddle holders, but unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any rod holders. 

Pros: 

  • Wide and stable 
  • Smooth paddling 
  • Available in different colors 

Cons: 

  • Slow 
  • Easily scratched 

Bottom Line 

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS is among the best standing kayaks for fishing because it’s wide enough to allow you to move freely and it offers high stability. True, the stability comes at the expense of speed, but it’s still worth more than its actual price.

By the way, if what you are looking for is value for money, you should definitely check out my guide to the best Fishing Kayaks under $400 here, because there literally are no better options that will give you the same band for your back.

4. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 – Best Weight Capacity

The Sea Ghost 130 is an extremely stable kayak that’s admired by many anglers. It excels when it comes to tackling, whether you use it in oceans, rivers, or lakes. 

The seats are comfortable, and there’s a center console for storage, tackle tray holder, and controlled rudder system. Moreover, it comes with extra rod holders and a transducer port that you can use as a fish finder. 

The hull is wide, helping you cut through the water smoothly with no compromises when it comes to stability. 

The one feature that draws the attention of many anglers is its high weight capacity of 550 lbs., which is more than enough for you to take all the fishing gear that you need. 

Pros: 

  • A rudder system to locate the fish 
  • Amazing stability 
  • Extremely comfortable seats 
  • Ample storage of 550 lbs. 

Cons: 

  • Heavy 
  • Slow 
  • Average maneuverability 

Bottom Line 

The Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 has what it takes to be an outstanding stand-up fishing kayak. It’s suitable for all kinds of anglers, and you can use it in any water. It’ll get the job done no matter the circumstances. 

5. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 – Best Affordable Stand-up Fishing Kayak

Another model from Lifetime that’s great for standing up and offers overall excellent performance. The Angler 100 is a durable kayak that’s made from high-quality materials and will look as good as new for a long time. 

It’s a sturdy and secure kayak that can handle choppiness. Lifetime wanted to keep it as simple as it can be. Yet, they make sure to offer a kayak in which you can spend hours and hours without any comfort issues. 

The seatbacks and the footrests are adjustable to make it comfortable for any angler to find a good position. 

The maximum weight capacity of the Angler 100 is 275 lbs., and it comes with shock cords and straps that you can use in case of emergency. 

Of course, we recommended this kayak because of its high stability that will allow you to stand up and tackle your fish without tipping. All Lifetime Kayaks come with a 5-year warranty to make sure that you’re fully satisfied with their products. 

Pros: 

  • Sturdy construction 
  • Adjustable seats and footrests 
  • Affordable 
  • High stability 
  • 5-year warranty 

Cons:

  • Can’t be used in rough water 
  • Could be faster 

Bottom Line 

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 excels in many aspects. It’s stable with a robust body, and it offers good storage space. It’s budget-friendly without any compromises when it comes to performance, so you’ll be getting yourself a very good deal. 

If affordable is what you’re looking for, check out my guide to affordable fishing kayaks here for alternatives and more options.

How to Pick up a Stand-up Fishing Kayak 

Best Stand Up Fishing Kayaks

1. Stability 

The stability is the golden rule here. There’s no way you’ll be able to stand up and fish if your kayak is tippy and you keep falling off. The heavier the kayak is, the better. This indicates that it’s more stable. On the other hand, lightweight models tend to easily lose their stability, despite the advantage of being more portable. 

2. Dimensions 

Wider kayaks give you the space to stand up and change your direction. They’re also more stable than the narrow models. Many beginners struggle with maintaining balance while holding their fishing poles, so choosing a wide kayak will help even things out a little. 

Also, it’s better to go with shorter models that are easy to maneuver. A stand-up kayak should be as wide and short as possible. 

3. Weight Capacity 

Whether or not you’re looking for a stand-up fishing kayak, you should always consider the weight capacity of your new boat. How much does your fishing gear weigh?  How much do you weigh? 

A good stand-up fishing kayak should accommodate you, your fishing partner if you don’t fish alone, and all your fishing tools. Don’t forget to consider the weight of the fish you’ll catch. 

It’s always better to give yourself some extra weight allowance just in case. Otherwise, you might overcrowd your kayak. Not to mention, it’s dangerous to go over the maximum weight capacity advised by the manufacturer. 

4. Hull Shape 

There are several hull shapes including rounded, flat, pontoon, and v-shaped. The best hull shape for a stand-up kayak is the flat one. It’s easier to maneuver and it allows you to find your balance easier. 

Try to avoid v-shaped hulls as they tend to be tippy, and it’s really difficult to keep them balanced. 

5. Comfort

Don’t forget to consider your own comfort. Fishing takes many hours, and you don’t want to be struggling during this time. There are some features that will make your kayak more comfortable and easy to handle. 

For instance, a kayak with a strapping system will help you stand up during fishing. Also, having adjustable thigh support and foot section will be more comfortable if you’re sitting in a cockpit. On the other hand, an elevated seating platform will allow you to sit immediately without losing your view. 

There are many other features that can make your fishing experience worthy. These will vary from one angler to the other. The bottom line is not to compromise your comfort for other features. You won’t make the best of any of these other features if you’re not comfortable enough on your trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Why Stand-Up Fishing Kayak? 

Stand-up fishing has many advantages. For starters, you’ll have a much better view of things. This helps to see if there are any obstacles. Also, you can see deeper into the water. 

Another advantage is that it helps you achieve a better position while casting. In fact, it gives you the chance to cast further and with higher accuracy. 

Moreover, it’s good for your back. We all know it’s not healthy to keep sitting in the same spot for many hours. Alternating between standing and sitting will help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. 

Last but not least, it will help you pitch and flip way easier than when sitting. 

Can I Stand Up in a Sit-In Kayak?

Of course, you can. However, there’s more into it than just being a sit-in or a sit-on-top kayak. 

Let me first clarify that it’s generally harder to stand up from a sit-in kayak. If you think about it, it’s easier to stand up and gain your balance if you’re sitting on a chair rather than sitting on the floor. 

However, that’s not always the case. As mentioned earlier, it’s all about the stability of the kayak and its design. A kayak that features a wide platform and a flat hull will make it easier for you to stand up and maintain your balance, whereas the opposite is true for narrow and unstable models.   

Also, you have to consider your body shape. Anglers with extended shoulder-width or big bellies will find it harder to stand up.

To learn more about Kayaks types, check out my Sit-in vs Sit-on-Top Kayaks comparison here.

Are Stand-Up Fishing Kayaks Safe? 

Being a stand-up kayak doesn’t make kayaking more dangerous. Every sport has some degree of danger, and kayaking isn’t any different. There are several factors that affect the safety of your fishing trip. The kayak type isn’t a significant factor in this equation.

If you want to avoid any dangerous situations, stick to flat water because they’re of low risk. On the other hand, class-V water is extremely dangerous. Also, make sure to wear your PFD every time you go fishing in a kayak. 

Where Do I Put Fish When Kayaking?

There are multiple ways to store your fish while kayaking. The first and most popular option is to use a cooler that fits into your kayak. A high-end cooler with high insulation will allow the ice in the cooler to last for several hours. It’s also a good idea to keep the ice in a bottle to avoid any mess if the ice melts. 

The second option is to use a soft-sided, kayak-specific fish bag. It’s an affordable option that’ll last for quite some time with proper cleaning and maintenance. 

Another alternative is to use an insulated grocery bag if you already have one. This will save you some money and give you the same benefits a kayak-specific fish bag offers.

Final Thoughts 

The best stand-up fishing kayak should be wide and stable. Many kayaks fit into this category, but in this guide, we reviewed the ones you can trust. These kayaks are admired by many anglers and can keep up with your expectations if you use them in the right place. 

The best stand-up tandem you can currently find is the Lifetime 10 Foot. On the other hand, there are multiple choices for a stand-up, 1-person kayak. 

The most spacious is the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130. The Perception Pescador Pro 120 offers ample storage space as well. 

For those looking for an affordable, 1-person standing kayak, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is a perfect choice.  

Kayak your way to Freedom

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