A fishing kayak is not just a kayak with a rod holder. It is a specialised platform where you can stand, carry several rods, mount a fish finder and spend the whole day on the water without counting the hours. But the choice on the market is wide: today the fishing kayaks in our range cost from 499 to 5,899 EUR. This guide will help you understand which kayak suits your fishing.

Three main types of fishing kayak

Sit-on-top (klasikinis)

The most popular type among anglers worldwide. You sit on the kayak, not in it. Pros: easy to get on and off, stable, no water collects inside, simple to maintain. Con: slower than a pedal kayak, and your hands are busy paddling.

In our range: Galaxy Kayaks Cruz Ultra (599 EUR), Galaxy Kayaks Strike (699 EUR), Bonafide SS127 (3,299 EUR).

Pedal

Hands for fishing, legs for moving. A pedal system lets you change position quickly, move into the wind and hold your spot in a current without paddling at all. A serious fishing platform.

In our range: Galaxy Kayaks Alboran FX3 with accessory kit (1,999 EUR), Supernova FX (1,499 EUR), Bonafide P127 (2,999 EUR), Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 LTE (3,699 EUR).

Motorised / with an electric motor

For the longest distances and toughest conditions. An electric motor (for example a Garmin Force) lets you travel at up to 8 km/h with no physical effort. Prices are higher, but the comfort and possibilities are on another level.

In our range: NuCanoe Unlimited with Garmin Force Current (5,899 EUR), Bonafide XTR130 with Garmin Force (8,199 EUR).

What to check before you buy

Stability when standing

If you fish with a spinning rod or baitcaster, you will often need to cast standing up. Not every kayak is suitable for that. A wide, flat (catamaran style) hull gives the best stability. Our recommended models for standing: NuCanoe Flint, NuCanoe U10, Bonafide SKF117.

Load capacity

It is important to count not only your own weight but all your gear: crates, battery, fish finder, rods, drinks, food. As a rule, choose a kayak with a load capacity at least 30% higher than your total weight with gear.

Length and manoeuvrability

Shorter kayaks (up to 3.3 m) are more manoeuvrable and suit narrow rivers and lake shores. Longer ones (3.6 to 4.0 m) track better and are faster on open water. If you fish both rivers and lakes, the most versatile length is 3.3 to 3.7 m.

Seat

You will spend 4 to 8 hours on the water. A comfortable seat with an adjustable backrest, height adjustment and the option to raise or lower it is not a luxury but a necessity. NuCanoe kayaks are especially well regarded for their 360 degree swivel seats.

What it costs and what you get

Prices of fishing kayaks currently in stock: from 499 to 5,899 EUR. The table below shows what you get in each price group.

CategoryPrice rangeWhat you getExamples
Beginners500–800 EURSit-on-top, pagrindinis stabilumasGalaxy Strike, Cruz Ultra, Blaze XL
Serious fishing1,400–2,500 EURPedals, high stabilityAlboran FX3, NuCanoe Flint, Bonafide SS127
Premium2,500–5,000 EURPremium pedals or motorNuCanoe U10, Bonafide PWR129, Native Slayer
For professionals5,000–8,500 EURElectric motors, Garmin ForceBonafide XTR130, Native TitanX Propel 12.5, NuCanoe Unlimited

Where to fish from a kayak in Lithuania

In Lithuania you can fish from a kayak almost anywhere recreational fishing is allowed. The most popular spots: the Kaunas Lagoon (large areas, pike and zander), the Trakai lakes (calm surroundings, perch), the Neris river (current, grayling and asp), the Curonian Lagoon (long distances, bigger fish).

Important: do not forget a a life jacket : under Lithuanian law it is mandatory for anyone on the water in any kind of craft.

FAQ

Can I fish from any kayak?
Technically yes, but a dedicated fishing kayak has rod holders, a stable hull for standing and spots for a fish finder. You can fish from a recreational kayak, but it is awkward and unstable.

How is a pedal kayak different from a sit on top?
A pedal kayak lets you move with your legs while your hands stay free for fishing. A sit on top needs to be paddled with your arms. A pedal kayak costs more, but the fishing comfort is on another level.

Are NuCanoe and Bonafide kayaks suitable for Lithuanian waters?
Absolutely. Lithuanian lakes, rivers and lagoons are ideal conditions for these kayaks. The NuCanoe Flint is great for river fishing, while the Bonafide XTR130 suits big lakes and lagoons.

You will find all fishing kayaks here: Fishing kayaks

Read also: Fish finder and fishing electronics for kayaks, Wilderness Systems kayaks.

Safety on the water

Always wear a life jacket when kayaking. For fishing we recommend NRS Chinook Fishing PFD (149 EUR): it has pockets for tools and rod holder slots, so it does not get in the way when fishing. For more on safety gear, read our life jacket comparison.