Fishing Kayaks For Sale On Craigslist (2025)

FAQs

What is the best length for a fishing kayak? ›

In general, the longer the kayak, the faster it will be and the more easily it will cover distances. The trade-off is a loss of maneuverability in tight spaces and difficulty in storing and transporting the kayak to launch sites. The ideal length of a fishing kayak is around 12 feet.

Sit-on-top kayaks are more popular for fishing because of the ease and convenience of getting on and off of them. They're generally more stable; many allow you to stand up in them, which is a nice feature when you're casting or reeling in big fish.

Prices for dedicated fishing kayaks from respected manufacturers are similarly wide-ranging. Expect to spend around $1,000 to $2,000 for a solid sit-on-top fishing kayak with angler-specific features like rod holders, accessory gear tracks, transducer capability and tank well.

Ease of Entry and Exit: Sit-on-top kayaks with raised seats are the easiest to get into and out of, and they are much easier to get back aboard if you fall off (or jump off) into the water. But a sit-on-top kayak is not always the best choice depending on where you paddle.

A good rule of thumb to follow is the "120° rule." This means you should wear a wetsuit or dry suit whenever the sum of the air temperature and water temperature is equal to or less than 120°F.

The length and width of a kayak are important factors to consider when choosing the right size. As discussed earlier, longer kayaks are generally faster and more stable, while shorter kayaks are more maneuverable. Similarly, wider kayaks are generally more stable, while narrower kayaks are faster and easier to paddle.

Fish primarily see blues and greens, with some species detecting ultraviolet (UV) light. Fish in clear, shallow waters, like trout and salmon, can also perceive reds and oranges. Deep-sea fish, however, may see less color due to low light but are adapted to low-light vision.

So, you might be imagining that the casting and retrieving of an angler will put the sportsman or woman at risk of taking a dunk. However, fishing kayaks are surprisingly stable and not prone to tip very easily.

Width – the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. However, you will lose speed. Weight Capacity – Choose a kayak with a weight capacity that is at least 100lbs more than your own body weight and the weight of all your gear combined. Don't purchase something you can't handle.

Whenever you make a sizeable purchase, you want to know that you are getting your money's worth. So, how long can you expect your kayak to last? Bottom line: 6-12 years is a pretty typical range for the life span of a kayak.

What size kayak is the most stable? ›

The width of a kayak is also a good measure of its stability: in general, the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. So if you're a first-time kayaker, you will benefit from a wider kayak.

But do kayaks tip over that easily? Kayaks are generally safe to use and hardly tip over.

With that in mind and all things considered, a sit-on-top is safer, especially for beginning paddlers. This is primarily because it can't swamp. If it does flip, you can right it while you're in the water and climb back on, with some practice.

A 10-ft fishing kayak works well on rivers and in tight waterways where maneuverability is the most important factor. In exposed waterways with wind, current, and waves, a 12-foot fishing kayak provides more speed, tracking and surface area for stability. Also check the capacity for each kayak.

LENGTH AND WIDTH

Recreational kayaks are about 8 feet to 13 feet long and made for small lakes, rivers, creeks and other calm waters. They can navigate narrow inlets or passageways efficiently. Touring kayaks are longer, about 14 feet to 18 feet, and built to handle large waves, bigger rivers or lakes.

Depending on your kayak and personal size, generally a 7'6″ to 8'6″ rod is in most people's sweet spot (taking in to account the rod flex). I would definitely stay away from shorter rods, as they can significantly limit your options when playing a fish.