Our Favorite Fishing Kayak Makers

bending branches ambassador Sydney Sewell
(Photo courtesy of Branches’ Ambassador Sydney Sewell)

Jackson Kayak

Jackson Kayak, the most innovative kayak maker on our list, has been based out of Sparta, Tennessee since its beginning in 2003. They have a great at-a-glance chart on their website to help you quickly narrow down the best options for you. Their fishing and hunting kayaks range from $899-$2,999, with most below $2,000.

Bonafide Kayaks

Bonafide, a South Carolina company, offers two models of fishing kayak starting at $1,299. The company began in 2016, pulling together some of the top minds in the industry. They're dedicated to innovation, made-in-the-USA manufacturing and super customer service.

Native Watercraft

Native is based in North Carolina. The folks there specialize in kayaks for fishing, and were one of the first to offer a pedal drive. Native is serious about its environmental impact—almost every component of their kayaks is recyclable. Their prices aren’t listed on their website.

NuCanoe

NuCanoe was founded in 2006 and is based in Bellingham, Washington. They offer four models of fishing and hunting kayaks, built for safety and stability. Each is completely customizable and available in several color options. Their prices start at $1,299.

EddyLine Kayaks

EddyLine offers only four models of fishing kayaks but one of them won Best-of-Show at ICAST 2015, so they know what they’re doing! They’ve been doing business since 1971. Their headquarters is in Burlington, Washington.

FeelFree US

Based in Swannanoa, North Carolina, FeelFree makes vibrant, colorful fishing kayaks —even pink camo! They have a lot of great information in their product descriptions, but no prices listed.

Wilderness Systems

Wilderness Systems has been building kayaks from Greenville, South Carolina since 1986. They have a pretty impressive list of awards under their belt, including several “Best Kayak of the Year” awards. Their fishing kayaks range in price from $919-$2,179.

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks

Old Town is the oldest paddlesports brand today. They started building canoes in 1898, and added kayaks to their line in 1940. They offer ten fishing kayaks from $499-$2,999, and are based in Old Town, Maine.

Diablo Paddlesports

Diablo makes what they call a Sup-Yak—a cross between a paddleboard and a sit-on-top kayak. It was created out of the need to be able to fish in very shallow water when their native Texas water is running on the dry side. They offer three models from $999-$1,599.

The websites of these kayak manufacturers will guide you to local dealers in your area. You’re sure to find one that will fit you, with the features you want and within your budget.

Happy fishing!

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