Kayaks designed for anglers keep getting better as builders add more fishing-specific features to make time on the water productive and efficient. Let’s not forget about comfort, either; improved seats that support the back and adjust for legroom help us stay out there longer. Plus, pedal-drive systems get us to our spots faster and let us position boats even while firing off casts to prime structure. No doubt about it: Today’s purpose-built kayaks are serious fishing machines. Our friends at Florida Sportsman recently put a bunch of the latest fishing kayaks to the test, and here are six that stood out for exploring a variety of waters.
HOBIE
MIRAGE COMPASS
LENGTH: 12'
WIDTH: 34"
WEIGHT: 87 lbs. rigged, 68 lbs. hull
OVERALL CAPACITY: 400 lbs.
PROPULSION: MirageDrive 180 pedal system, paddle
MSRP: $2,599 Seagrass Green and Papaya Orange, $2,749 camo
The Compass features a new seat this year, built of anodized aluminum, mono-mesh and
