9 Best Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak (With Buying Guide)

Did you know that in 2020 there were 18.12 million participants in kayaking in the US. From 2000 to 2020 the number grew almost 300 % which shows a huge upward movement of interest in kayaking.

The reason is simple. Kayaking is fun! Who doesn’t like to tour around boats on water?

Everyone does.

And, since the interest for kayaking is rapidly increasing so is the demand for kayak boats. There are variations among different kayaks. Features of touring kayaks won’t be the same as fishing kayaks.

And, there comes the question of inquisitive purchase which is not an easy thing, right? That’s where this post comes in. Here I will review some of the best pedal drive fishing kayaks on the market.

If you are an angler or kayak fishing enthusiast, buckle up till the end since I will share a complete guideline at the end of the post.

Quick Review

I know you are in a hurry! So if it's difficult for you to manage time to read this full guide, don’t worry we got you covered.

In this section we will quickly tell you our handpicked list based on the different real life use cases and aspects so that you can take a data driven decision right away without the expense of your precious time.

Here you go:

Best For Performance: Perception Pescador Pilot 12

Best For Storage: Perception Crank 10

Best For Rudder: Point 65 Sweden Kingfisher Solo

Best Value For Money: Pelican - Getaway 110 HDII Recreational Kayak

Best for fishing: Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Pedal Fishing Kayak

What Is a Pedal Kayak, And Why Would I Buy One?

Pedal drive kayak is one of the modern types of fishing kayak built with a pedal to drive the boat. In past years the technology of a pedal kayak has been developed by leaps and bounds. Pedal kayaks have changed from many aspects such as design, materials and production.

Now the question of why to buy a pedal drive kayak. Well, there are lots of reasons why you should buy a pedal drive fishing kayak.

But, in my opinion the most prevalent reason is that pedal drive kayak is far more fun than modern electric drive fishing kayak. Pedal drive fishing kayak which enables you to power the drive manually which costs your physical energy.

And, anything involving active physical activity is more pleasurable than that of not involved.

Types of Pedal Kayaks

Pedal kayaks come in multiple types. But, mainly this can be classified into two categories. They are push and pedal kayaks. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Push Pedal Kayaks
• Rotational Pedal Kayaks

In this section I’m going to introduce both of them briefly.

Let’s begin.

Push Pedal Kayaks

Push pedal kayaks are the kayaks which come with a push pedal that can only be controlled with feet. This is pretty much the same with pump water kayaks except this one is foot operated.

The kayak might be good and bad depending on the situation. Since push kayak requires your legs to control it may overwhelm and put too much stress on feet.

The good part is you can use both of your hands on fishing as you control your boat through feets. Also study suggests that pedal kayaks are faster than rotational kayaks but pedal kayaks cost you more energy.

Rotational Pedal Kayaks

Rotational pedals are like bicycles. You paddle the pedals. The kayak moves as you propel the pedal. The main advantages of this kayak is unlike push kayak here you can utilize your full energy to paddle.

Besides rotational kayaks release stress from your legs. In a bicycle when you paddle for long and later pause for while it runs itself a long way.

The same also happens for rotational pedal kayaks. Although the friction on water will be more than ground, still your boat will go even if you stop paddling.

What Are the Advantages of Using Pedal Kayaks?

In the first section I discussed what pedal kayaks are and why you should get pedal kayaks. There I just gave you one reason why you should buy pedal kayaks.

Although that is the most powerful reason of all in my opinion, I didn’t discuss the advantages of this class of kayaks.

Moreover, one reason might not be enough to sell the idea for lots of people. So, here are some of the advantages of pedal kayaking which will satiate your appetite.

Speed

You are after fishing on a lake or sea, and you can't help but agree with the fact that speed is a crucial feature to consider.

So, is the speed of a pedal kayak better than electric powered kayak?

I know that simply makes sense, so the answer won’t dictate overt over common sense. But, you might be wondering about the fact that pedal drive fishing kayaks are much better than electric powered kayaks in terms of fishing.

Wondering why so?

Here lies.

You need to control your boats through your legs. This enables you to free up your hands and there’s the catch! Electric powered pedal drive requires your hands' involvement to control. On the contrary pedal drive lets you be mindful of catching fish by not demanding your hands’ involvement.

Eco Friendly

Since a pedal kayak doesn’t require any kind of fuel to run, it's not harmful for the environment.

But, if the boat is fuel powered it could pollute both water and air. But since it's free of oil or any kind of polluting agent, it's completely safe to the environment.

Quieter

Since pedal kayaks don’t have any engines to power, it's quiet. And, tell me which boat will you choose for fishing, the one that is quiet or makes a sound?

If you’re healthy, sound and sane- you will obviously choose the quiet one. Simply because a quiet environment is more convenient to catch fish.

Hands-Free Fishing Kayak

If you had to fish other than with your hands, you would have found electric powered kayaking more convenient. But, electric or fueled powered kayaking requires controlling the boat with your hands which restricts the feasibility of fishing.

Here comes the pedal drive fishing kayak. Pedal drive fishing kayaks do not limit your hands so you can be fully mindful of fishing.

Less Energy

Electric or engine powered kayak requires energy be it as fuel or electricity, it burns energy.

So, what happens hindsight on engine powered kayaks?

Use fuels which in turn costs money.

• Pollutes air.
• Pollutes water.

Producing noise which frightens fishes ultimately results in bad fishing experience.

Costs

Pedal drive kayaks are more costly than electric or engine powered ones, but the operating costs are the least.

As pedal kayak runs through physical effort where others require buying energy sources- it saves money.

Less Skills Needed

When you will have to operate anything fuel or electric powered, it requires some sort of learning curve, while pedal kayak don’t. You can easily crush it pedal kayaking with minimal effort and experience.

Less Fatigue

Our legs can endure more strength and pressure than upper bodies. Pedals can leverage the natural abilities of the body and make the most out of it.

Our legs can propel us way longer across the water which otherwise couldn’t be possible with a paddle and hands.

As legs can endure more stress with getting minimum exhaustion- pedal drive kayaks easily win on this bet.

9 Best Pedal Drive Fishing Kayaks Reviews

In this section I will review some nine best fishing kayaks for pedals and illustrate the features, benefits, pros and cons, so that you can make a good purchase from the best of the best list.

Let’s get into the reviews.

Perception Pescador Pilot 12

Made of polyethylene perception kayaks come with a maximum capacity of 475 pounds.

One of the key features of this kayak is it shows excellent performance yet at a minimal price. At this range you can rarely find an alternative that offers such performance.

This sit on top kayak is also comfortable to sit on since it comes with an ergonomic mesh chair! The two level adjustment made this super convenient. You will also be happy to learn that it's removable too.

The kayaks come with a heavy storage. So you can easily store cooler, tackle and other gear there. There's an additional seat under the seat which is also adjustable.

To your surprise this kayak offers gear truck accessories which you can put without digging holes. In fishing kayaks, you know the importance of having such a system which holds the accessories. It has four four molded-in rear rod holders.

Perception Kayaks has many more kayaks models on the market. Among them Perception Crank 10 and Perception Outlaw 11.5 are notable. But, perception crank 10 and Perception Pescador Pilot 12 are convenient for fishing. Here, this model (Perception Pescador Pilot 12) is cheaper than either of the two.

Fishing pedal kayak for anglers

Licensed by the US Coast Guard, this kayak provides effortless paddling features. You will have the options to adjust the pedals for different foot sizes and settings.

In terms of comfort this kayak offers a first class stadium chair. Beneath the chair there’s a rail which you can adjust as per your desired paddling position.

When it comes to storage, this kayak won’t distress you. It offers a waterproof store facility. In front of the seat it has nylon bags to keep your necessary item safely.

Having a capacity of carrying 5000 pounds this kayak comes with a highly stable platform where you can even stand on!

With a robust design with thick and durable walls this kayak ensures both of its security and performance.

The driving and control of the kayak is very easy thanks to its easy steering facility. And even the kayak comes with a paddle!

Overall I would say this is a great kayak to choose from the list.

Reel Yaks offers a bunch of fishing kayaks models, but of them this model is best for fishing.

BKC PK12 12' Single Propeller Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak

I've been kayaking for a long time but never found a kayak that was as stable and easy to maneuver as this one.

The Roto molded design keeps the kayak steady in choppy water, yet it's still very agile on the surface. It also has a nice wide cockpit that makes paddling much more comfortable.

The pedal drive system is smooth and efficient; no clunking or dragging in water. The only downside is that there is no seating pad, but that's easily remedied with some foam.

The kayak comes with fully loaded accessories you can use any time to troubleshoot any problem. This includes a dry bag, BKC Deluxe paddle leash, and BKC RC291 cooler.

Made of polyethylene BKC manufactured, this yellow colored kayak can carry 460 pounds of weight while carrying one angler.

BKC brooklyn kayak company is a popular brand and has an array of product lines. This provides different types of kayak boats such as Solo, Tandem, Pedal, stand up paddle board and different other options. Of them there are several kayaks for fishing including a BKC 12’ 12’ pedal drive fishing kayak. There's another model for fishing which costs more than BKC 12’ 12’.

Perception Crank 10

This sit on top Perception made kayak shows incredible pedal performance. In fact, the Perception kayak brand is famous for providing a high performance pedal system.

Polyethylene made this dapper color kayak can carry 87 pounds of weight which means the kayak is smaller in size. And as you know, smaller kayaks are better for fishing!

This kayak is perfect for calm ponds, slow moving rivers and calm coastal water due its size. But on the hindsight this kayak provides excellent precision and navigation features which have become possible thanks to its smaller size.

Not only that, it also lets you go forward and backward without removing the pedals.

Perception didn’t sacrifice its seating comfort at the expense of smaller size. The boat comes with a captain’s chair that lets you fold, adjust and remove seating.

That's not end there. It provides a one handed rubber control system. And make no mistake with storage since it has front and rear storage areas.

Perception Kayaks has many more kayaks models on the market. Among them Perception Crank 10 and Perception Outlaw 11.5 are notable. But, perception crank 10 and Perception Pescador Pilot 12 are convenient for fishing.

BKC PK11 Angler 10.5-Foot Sit On Top Solo Fishing Kayak

For those who want to take their kayaking to a whole new level, the Brooklyn kayak Company BKC PK11 kayak has been built to provide you with all the performance you need to enjoy your outdoor adventures in style. Whether you're looking for a kayak for an easy day on the lake or a full-on white water adventure, this kayak is the perfect choice.

This is the perfect kayak for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. You'll find that it's stable and easy to maneuver while still being able to handle some pretty big rapids. Plus, you can use the pedal-drive propeller to help you go faster.

Being stable on versatile water conditions you can operate this kayak on still waters to sea, calm waters to a billowy environment.

Coated with UV light protection, BKC kayak resists abrasion thanks to its single piece roto-molded high density HDPE.

The kayak comes with a dry bag, BKC Deluxe Paddle Leash and BKC RC291 Cooler which enhances the experience hugely.

BKC brooklyn kayak company is a popular brand and has an array of product lines. This provides different types of kayak boats such as Solo, Tandem, Pedal, stand up paddle board and different other options.

Of them there are several kayaks for fishing including a BKC 12’ 12’ pedal drive fishing kayak. There's another model for fishing which costs more than BKC 12’ 12’.

BKC PK11 Angler (this model) are less powerful and costly than previous one.

Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Pedal Fishing Kayak

This one is really a fishing kayak! I bought one of these kayaks because I wanted something that would be a little more comfortable than a small boat but still be able to get around in a pinch.

It was really nice to be able to use my fishing poles because it made me feel like I was really getting some fishing time in.

I did have a few problems though. I found that I didn't know how to turn on the GPS unit, but luckily I had the manual which helped me figure it out.

Also, I got a small puncture in the bottom of the hull, but fortunately it wasn't very deep. I have fished a lot of different boats over the years and I think the best thing about this boat is that it's very stable and allows you to really fish comfortably.

The kayak can carry as much as 500 pounds. Offering an intuitive pedal drive, this kayak lets you move the kayak forward and backward instantly.

The old tour offers a range of kayak boats including recreational kayaks, fishing kayaks, touring kayaks, canoes and other accessories.

The best The old tour pedal drive fishing kayak is Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Pedal Fishing Kayak. The price of different models of this brand are reasonable at first sight.

Point 65 Sweden Kingfisher Solo

I bought this kayak as I had a previous one which I loved and wanted something smaller but more powerful and with better maneuvering ability. My first impression was wow! This kayak is really very stable and easy to maneuver even when paddling at full speed.

The stability is so good that I felt like I could get it up on the rocks where the waves are crashing and be safe there. It's also lightweight and comfortable to paddle.

I was able to go out fishing in the morning and return home within 5 hours of a full day of fishing. I'm a big fan of this kayak and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile kayak that will give you peace of mind when going out to sea.

Pelican - Getaway 110 HDII Recreational Kayak

Pelican has been producing kayaks for 50 years. The new series are built on the same principle as before, but with better materials, more comfortable seats, and more efficient features.

It is made of 100% polyester and weighs in at only 2 pounds and is easily assembled with a zip-up design.

This kayak is a good value for money since it includes all the fishing gear that you need to get started and has all the necessary storage compartments for all your personal belongings. It comes with an oar to help you paddle in case you do not have one and two paddles to help you get around.

The seat pad also offers comfort and support during the long paddling period. The handles are adjustable to allow you to position it as you wish. It is also very easy to store and transport because of its compact design and portability.

Old Town Topwater 120 PDL Angler Fishing Kayak

This is a great kayak for the price. It offers enough space for three people. Its stability is outstanding and it feels very comfortable to paddle.

It has many useful features, such as a spacious cockpit, three rod holders, and a large stern locker for stowing gear.

I have used this kayak for fishing in New England's rivers, ponds, and lakes and it has worked well for me so far. The design and construction of the kayak are well made and sturdy. Overall, I would recommend this kayak.

Buying Guide: Double Check Before Proceed

Since you are here to learn about pedal kayaking boats and their reviews, it won’t be fair if I don’t share you with a full buying guide which consists of all the factors that need to be checked before purchasing.

If you count these into your consideration before making any purchase, I hope this buying guide will help you immensely by enabling you to make a rational purchase.

Let’s begin.

Kayak Price/ Pricing

By far pricing is the predominant consumer psychology that dictates over the purchase decision.

Since pedal kayaks are more costly than regular kayaks, you need to check the price cautiously.

Kayak Size

Size is an important aspect to consider before buying. As for fishing pedal drive, smaller size is more convenient. Since you will mostly use this kayak for fishing, the size should be such that it can carry a single angler.

Although the size may vary considerably based on the preference of the manufacturer.

Generally, pedal kayaks can be as little as eight or nine feet in length. This can go up to thirteen to fourteen feet long.

For the reason that larger kayaks are more challenging to haul and store, hence it’s better to choose the small sized ones.

Weight Capacity

Since you are looking for a fishing kayak, it’s better to choose the kayak that can carry a single passenger.

As you are an angler or fishing enthusiast you shouldn’t buy kayaks that have a capacity to carry multiple passengers.

If you choose, this will drastically decrease your fishing experience and make the kayak larger resulting in poor navigation and hauling where precision was required.

Fishing accessories

You are buying fishing kayaks and if the boat does not provide any fishing accessories that won’t be helpful, right? So, each time you are up for buying a fishing kayak, you should double check on it.

Some of the fishing accessories are pressed for kayak fishing, like a fishing rod holder which holds the rod and allows your hands free. This is super helpful for fishing.

Storage Capacity

Storage can be a major concern for you if you plan to go for a long fishing excursion. Apart from this, storage is not that much important. It’s sufficient for fishing kayaks to have storage to keep the caught fish.

Choosing a larger storage kayak will also increase the size of the boat which also costs many other things.

Design

This might be the least important aspect of choosing a fishing kayak. Because good external appearance has nothing to do to become a good fishing kayak. But, there will always be some people there who will scrutinize visual aspects of it.

For them it might be helpful if I shared some of the popular colors of fishing kayaks. Those are camo finishes, black, or basic primary colors such as red, blue, and yellow.

Stability

Stability is one of the core features that must be counted before settling on any fishing kayak.

A fishing kayak requires nice haul and precise maneuverability. If you choose any kayak that is poor in maneuverability and navigation- you can’t use that for fishing to be honest.

And, when it comes to long journeys and adverse environmental conditions the necessity of stability knows no bounds.

Comfort

When you will be there on the boats you will have to sit lots of time, right? So, you need to select a kayak which is comfortable to sit in. On a serious note, comfortable seating is vital for health also.

So, while purchasing don’t neglect this feature at the expense of others.

Speed

Speed is an indispensable part of any kayak, be it a fishing or touring kayak. There is a correlation between performance and speed. Most of the time higher speed leads to higher precision and maneuverability.

So, its better to choose the kayak that offers better speed.

Why Are Pedal Kayaks So Expensive?

Pedal Kayaks are expensive, mainly because of their durability, materials used, and complexity involved in designing and building them.

Most pedal kayaks today are made of composite materials, and they are durable to withstand the elements. Also, most of them are custom built, and hence cost more to manufacture.

• Here are some of the key reasons why pedal kayaks are so expense:
• Pedal mechanisms cost money
• Adding pedal propulsion requires hull modifications
• Higher production cost.
• Varies based on the features and different use cases.
• The pedal mechanism is expensive to produce

How We Choose the Best Pedal Drive Fishing

We follow a strict editorial policy. Because we believe these reviews can help you tremendously. You might end up buying a bad product and waste money if you don't come up with our reviews. That's why our work is purpose driven.

Things we consider to pick a product:

• Utility: How effective is this in terms of usability.
• Performance: How well kayak does its job.
• Features: Does the kayak has enough features to satisfy its target customers?
• Hands on experience: We test this kayak and see how well it actually performs in respect to the feature offered and measures the utility.
• Availability: Is the product available and easily purchasable?
• Price: Based on the utility, features, performance, availability and real world experiment analyze the pricing if its right for the target customer.
  

Verdict

Pedal drive fishing kayaks come in lots of variety and of those types each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

But in case of fishing definitely pedal drive kayak would be ahead than others due to its versatile convenience.

As you are here I can assume you followed along with me and if so you got a clear idea on how to choose the best pedal drive fishing kayak. Although I reviewed the nine best of the market, my sole purpose was to help you find the best of the best kayaks.

I hope you got the right one for you but in case you couldn't manage one, you can get this one.