The BEST and WORST Fishing Kayak Companies - RANKED

Discover the ultimate guide to navigating the fishing kayak industry with our latest video! Join Daren Wendell and Chad Hoover, two of the most trusted voices in the angling world, as they meticulously rank and dissect the BEST and WORST fishing kayak companies this year. With their combined expertise, they'll provide an insightful analysis of each company's innovations, build quality, customer service, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned kayak angler or just dipping your toes into the sport, this discussion is your compass for making informed decisions and reeling in the perfect fishing kayak for your adventures ahead. Let's Go! -Daren

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#WendellFishing

[jessevargas]

Sorry, don't know how this ended, Chad's hijack of the conversation was more than I could handle. Fast forwarded to see if Randy spoke; don't think it ever happened. From the time stamp, this video was probably about 25 minutes too long.

[stanmanmedia]

Had to turn off the "Chad Hoover filibuster".. too much

[southwestindianaoutdooradv]

I have a Vibe Sea Ghost 110 and it’s been great for me almost 3 years now! My goal for next year is to add a Native Slayer.

[gunadoo]

I got a Hobie Passport 12r and got the 180 drive with turbo fins. I love it. Super stable, lots of room, dry seat, overall an awesome kayak

[Flippencz]

I love my Oldtown sportsman 106 Pdl w/nk180pro

PPP- Paddle, peddle and Power motor for distance

Fits great in the back of my Chevy Colorado. I made kayak kart for my garage kept kayak. The stability of Oldtown is awesome. During Covid I was forced to buy a Oldtown. At the time I was in Colorado and couldn’t find a Native so I went to BPS and pick up a 106 Pdl.


I’ve had the kayak for 2 years now and love it. This year I have made it on the water 54 times and actually got my PB LMB 23” 9lb 10oz!!!! Thanks to my ability to position offshore towards the bank standing in my kayak. I thought I had a catfish or carp, bent my hook out (Almost lost it) whats funny, I thought I snagged some wood and boom.

Back to the kayaks. I would like to try a Native or Bonafide kayaks in the future.😎🤙

[BucktailFishing]

I’m sitting in my favorite greasy spoon eating dinner. I can’t wait to get home and watch this one!

[Mrtwich]

Hearing Chad say old town is best in the market right now makes me feel really good about my recent purchase

[hookerd]

Old town, native, feelfree in that order.

[CCpewpew]

Im a paddler. Best paddling fishing kayaks are Crescents. No peddle but lots of people use trolling motors on them.

[Finch]

I really want a Bonafide SS127 but I couldnt pass up the deal I got off fb marketplace on a feelfree lure 13.5. I really like my Lure so idk if or when I'll upgrade. The Shoalie might just be my 2nd kayak for river fishing honestly. One day I'll have a Bonafide but not anytime soon.

[gmanadventurer]

Good conversation. Chad is closer than anyone to the overall industry and his work with multiple companies should be respected. As for top three brands, since I haven't bought or shopped officially in a while, tought to comment. But based on products that jump out at me, I think Native for bigger kayaks, Crescent for old time basics stand out and the versatility of the Hobie mirage is still top in pedal drives. I have to agree with Chad, the cupholder is a negative on the ATAK (I own one and really wish Wilderness would freshen up that model, I may have to do a video just on my opinions on that). I was never a big fan of Jackson, always feel they were overpriced with all the little extras they threw in that didn't really add to the value of what I wanted. But theydefinitely got stale. As for the commenting on FB posts, I only comment on things I know and for those just starting to look, I always suggest to narrow it down to style and brand you like and fits your body and style of fishing, then test drive, test drive, test drive.

[bradreid]

I'd put a few Native models at the top of my list and I like some Old Towns as a close second which are the two kayak brands I own now, have the most history with. The Native pedal drive is just so smooth, fluid and easy to operate. Old Town is not far off in my mind. The worst kayak issues I've had are with Jackson. My Cuda Lt leaked and my 360's (I was in the Kickstarter program) drive was too slow and clunky to be of almost real value. And I just don't believe Jackson does much "on the water" testing and releases and often quickly terminates its models. I should add that a Jackson Bluesky rep called me and told me they'd give me a $100 discount if I drove to Arlington TX to pick up the 360 instead of their promise of a home delivery inclusive in the price. I bugged them for awhile with emails and phone calls, got sort of the "check is in the mail" routine. I'll let you know if the $$s ever show up. After 3 or 4 years, I'm not holding my breath. ***Heard the same thing about the venerable Hobie kayaks and I'd have to see more evidence that the firm, under new owners, isn't diluting the value. Once, for sure, among the greatest of all fishing kayaks.

[ridder]

I run a Crescent Lite Tackle II absolutely love this yak, quality built and great to paddle, will be adding a Crescent K Craft this spring for Fly fishing

[lowlifeangler]

My cheap blow molded Lifetime Tamarack pro is OK for a paddle kayak. The Ascend kayaks are blow molded. more expensive and way thinner wall thickness which is bad. But the layout is better.
As best quality, I think Bonafide, Jackson and Hobie. As for price not quality Pelican.
Old Town was known for their canoes but really still stepped it up with their kayaks especially motor options.
My next probably be Perception Crank 10 or Hobie Passport. The layout is better on the Perception due to molded in cup holders

[Beyondthebreakers]

If you want to know what is the best all around kayak ever made, you have to look what offshore/inshore kayak charters use, such as Deep Blue, Pushing the Water, Los Buzos, etc. Those people catch the largest fish in the world from a kayak and what do they use? Jackson? Old Town? Bonafide? Native? You can check their pictures and videos and see that is the most popular kayak is Hobie Outback 2018 -2017 models. Do you know why? Because it is the best all around kayak. It has been my experience as well. I have tried multiple kayaks and each of them has pros and cons. However, if I have to pick up one that I trust in high wind, strong current, choppy water and big fish situation, outback is simply the best. If condition are good, I would pick up revolution 13, just because it is fast, light and stable.

[TheHemiphil]

I have only ever used my old town 106 pdl and for 2 years I have loved it. I live right on the Tennessee River and I am in the water in 10 minutes. I would love to try fishing other kayaks.

[WhiskertimeFishing]

I bought the Jackson Bite FD, took it out twice and took it back to my dealer. He told me when I bought it if I didn't like it bring it back so I did. While I liked the FD drive mark 4, I hated the steering and it didn't maneuver for crap with a paddle. I think I'm gonna stay away from peddle drives for a while and just keep using my Crescent Shoalie. Best paddle only fishing kayak I've owned hands down.

[account]

My Pelican 110 Hydryve 2 is all I could ask for in a $1400 pedal drive.

[kevinpitts]

I almost got a native, but I ended up with a Jackson Bite FD. This is my first kayak. I've really enjoyed the flex drive. In Texas we are experiencing a drought and i have hit a few things i never saw! But i got mine 30% off, because it was last season.

[LetsGetGoing]

I have a wilderness recon 120. This is my 1st kayak & when researching i was looking for price, stability because of being totally new to the sport. I knew i wanted a paddle one because i wanted to learn how to paddle right before looking for peddle or motor one. I got lucky with my choice because I'm into my 2nd full year of kayak fishing & still love my kayak. I have upgraded stuff on it alot now. But i don't recommend someone do it like me i did not water test mine first. I always recommend the wilderness recon but i always tell people to go to a place that will let them test out different ones first. Because everyone is different & not one brand is best of everyone.