What To Look for in the Ultimate Ten Foot Fishing Kayak

Are you shopping for a fishing kayak that is up to 10 feet in length? Any angler worth his salt would tell you that there are a handful of things that you are giving up when you invest in a 10 feet long kayak. For one, you can expect a 10 feet long kayak not to have as spacious storage as say, a 17-foot long vessel. Also, short kayaks aren’t the fastest in the water.

Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests (Olive Green	Our favorite for 2016
Sun Dolphin Aruba sit-in Kayak	A great value option
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak	A great, stable angling kayak

However, you do realize that there are also upsides in using a short fishing kayak. One is that it is easier to transport. If you have a pickup truck, you can simply put the kayak in the back and secure it with several tie downs. Moreover, it is easier to maneuver in the water, especially if you intend to go to places like small creeks and narrow estuaries.

So how do you pinpoint the best ten foot fishing kayak?

The ideal 10-foot long fishing kayak is one that has enough space where you can put your things like fishing rods, baits, and containers where you will store your catch.  You’d also want a kayak that has comfortable seats, as fishing trips can last for hours. And although short kayaks are often the sit on top (SOT) variety, you’d also want to have a 10 foot long kayak with enough space to move around or stretch.

Do you think it’s impossible to find these qualities on a 10-foot long kayak? Then you should read the reviews on the following 10-foot fishing kayaks.

Reviews

Old Town Vapor 10 Angler Kayak – If someone told you it’s impossible to have adequate storage on board a 10-foot kayak, then perhaps he has not seen this kayak from Old Town. Its stern day well should be roomy enough for you to store your lunch, as well as other things like rain cover, waterproof bag, and other items that you want to take with you on your fishing expedition. If that’s not enough, there’s a cockpit tray as well as a cup holder.

You should also remain comfortable all throughout your trip as this kayak has an adjustable and padded seat. There are also adjustable foot braces and padded thigh braces.

It is made of single layer polyethylene. While it is non-foldable, the kayak is relatively lightweight at 48 pounds. You should be able to safely ride on this yak as long as you are not more than 350 pounds.

Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests – The previous model is intended for solo use. If you intend to bring your wife or best bud for your fishing trips, you naturally need a craft that can sit at least two people. The Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests has more room than the Old Town Vapor 10 Angler Kayak, but is not necessarily bigger.

This angler kayak can fit up to 3 riders, as long as the combined weight is no more than 500 pounds.  Seating inside won’t feel restricted as it comes with a couple of high and dry ergonomic seats, plus soft backrests to boot. There’s also a molded, side facing center seat so there’s enough room for solo and even family fishing.

However, this kayak is heavier compared to the angler kayak from Old Town.

Sun Dolphin Aruba sit-in Kayak, 10-Feet – This is a less high end alternative to the two other models mentioned earlier. It is a great fit for neophyte riders, as it is versatile and lightweight.  This kayak, features a deluxe adjustable seat with padded high back support and  storage where you can put all your things. Speaking of the storage, there should be enough space for you to put your fishing essentials like food, medical kit and lures.

You can use this kayak for your next fishing expedition as long as you weigh no more than 250 pounds. You also have to consider the weight of your stuff. It is made from high density polyethylene, with a hull design that makes it easy for tracking and turning.

There are also adjustable foot braces which make riding on this kayak comfortable, and lessen the likelihood that you’ll end up dealing with lower back pain after hours of paddling.

Sun Dolphin Bali SS Sit-On Kayak – A more high-end kayak from Sun Dolphin is this 10-feet long craft. One thing you’ll like about this kayak is that it is extremely stable thanks to its hull design. It’s a great yak for use in navigating through small spaces.

Transporting this kayak should be easy not only because it is short, but it’s also quite narrow with its width just under 30 inches. It also comes with a portable accessory carrier that can be used as an extra storage compartment, or as a tow behind. It should fit easily inside a full size van or pick up truck.

This craft gives you the benefits of using a sit-on-top (SOT) kayak, like not being restricted unlike in a sit-in kayak.  There’s also the advantage of not being trapped in the craft in case it tips over.  And it’s a nice kayak to paddle especially if you’re a big guy with long legs.

Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrests – This craft is designed to accommodate up to three people, as long as their combined weight is not more than 500 pounds. With its tunnel hull design, this kayak is stable enough.

It features a couple of padded backrests plus two paddles. There’s a cradle to secure the paddles when not in use. There is also a push button that sets the paddles blade to a 90 degree angle.

The seats are all contoured, so that you won’t be complaining of back pain after hours of riding this kayak.

You can store your things on the forward cargo hold, which has shock cord straps to prevent your items from being washed away by the waves. The kayak also has a bottle holder.

Like the other kayaks mentioned here, this craft should fit in your van or truck. It may be a bit heavy at around 60 pounds, but there are hull handles that would enable two persons to carry it.

Buyers Guide- How to Choose the Best 10’ Angler Kayak

As you can see, you have plenty of 10-foot long kayaks to choose from. The question that may now be bugging you is, which kayak should you eventually buy?

Your instinct may tell you to opt for the cheapest kayak, but you should realize that price is not the only thing that must influence your decision. There are other factors that you must consider, like how you intend to use the kayak and your personal size.

For instance, it would be wise for you to opt for the Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak or the Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak if you foresee having your wife or teenage son accompany you on your fishing trips.  Obviously, these two angler kayaks are designed for use of multiple riders.  But if you don’t think you’ll ever be able to tag along a buddy, then it’s more practical to invest in a kayak that is designed for solo riding.

Your size should also affect your buying decision. Sit-on-top kayaks are more suited for big guys, or those who have long legs. With the best sit-on-top kayak, you can easily change your sitting position or enter and exit the vessel. Plus, you can conveniently access storage wells.

But if you’re the petite type, then a sit-in type of kayak may be more apt for you.

The weight of the kayak may also influence you. If you foresee going on fishing trips by your lonesome in the great outdoors, you must get a kayak that is lightweight and which you can carry by yourself.

Lastly, you’d have to look at the propulsion system being used by the kayak. If you’re not comfortable with a paddle, then perhaps a kayak with pedals is more suited for you.