Bowfishing is a rapid-growing sport that can combine fishing as well as archery. You love kayaking, right? Maybe fishing is your all-time sport and archery is well behind. Now, how about you combine the three sports?

Bowfishing in a Kayak?

Well, that’s true but it’s not going to be a walk in the park. Bowfishing from a kayak will require that you’re stable to ensure that you don’t miss a shot. Perhaps, you may decide to paddle or pedal, but the truth is that there’s less chance for you to like shooting while you’re sitted.

Moreover, there are a plethora of kayaks that are built for various occasions with each of them offering special combinations of size, stability, fishing features, and speed. One thing is for sure, there’s nothing like one-size-fits-all, and hence you’ll only get a kayak that will fit your bowfishing needs.

Given that there are several options in the market to choose from, it’s not an easy task to get what you want. However, we’ve made your selection process a breeze as in this article we’ve sampled the top six kayaks that you can consider for bowfishing.

Top Kayaks for Bowfishing in 2021

1. Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem
2. Bonafide EX123 Kayak
3. The Jackson Kraken Kayak
4. Pelican Castaway 116 Kayak
5. Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132
6. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14

Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem

 

 

Lifetime 10 foot is arguably one of the best options you can choose when you’re thinking about going out for bowfishing with a kayak. For instance, it features a cockpit with several grooves that allows the installation of multiple seats wherever you like, hence provides you with complete control of your balance.

The stability of this model is second to none as it gives you the option to change the position of your seat to put the weight at the right position for maximum control. Moreover, there are several footrest positions that can accommodate different sizes of paddlers.

Its sleek design makes the Kayak stable to help you make your shots without losing your balance, but only focus on the catch.

In terms of durability, the Lifetime 10 is an absolute beast that to the high-density polyethylene construction (HDPE) that’s resistant to UV radiation.

It also has a 6-inch storage hatch that provides you with enough space for your fishing gear. Moreover, it comes with two double-sided paddles, two padded chairs, and paddle clips.

Pros

• Great stability
• Versatile design
• Comfortable footwells
• Durable

Cons

• One storage hatch only

 

Bonafide EX123 Kayak

 

 

Are you looking for a grab-and-go bowfishing kayak? The Bonafide EX123 is the real deal. It features a sit-inside design that’s excellent for backwater honey holes. Most folks usually have the idea that bowfishing can get difficult while you’re sitting in your kayak, but it seems that this model will help you to answer such a question.

The model offers one of the best stability among its competitors, and it comes with a lot of comfort attached.

Besides, it’s one of the lightweight models around, meaning you won’t have to worry about its weight. Also, it’s spacious enough for all your fishing gear as well as your catch. Its capacity is about 375 lbs which are enough to enough carry your friends along.

pros

• Very stable
• Comfortable and spacious
• Lightweight
• Best bowfishing experience while sitted

The Jackson Kraken Kayak

 

Perhaps, this model has been designed with the bowfisher in mind. It’s a significant water angling kayak that features a movable seat that lets you push backward or forward into a position that allows you to adjust the weight load for the bow high.

It fits an array of angling and paddling situations, making it absolutely stable for several individuals. It features a hull design that’s built to handle larger water bodies, but still fits anywhere.

Also, the bow hatch has a Thermoformed hatch cover and a Neoprene seal that provides you with double protection from surf launching and rough water.

Storage space is enough that you don’t have to worry about missing space to store your large catch or even the fishing gear.

pros

• Comfortable and stable
• Provides enough storage space
• Can operate also anywhere in the water
• Provides more flexibility thanks to the adjustable footpegs

Cons

• Not the best option for shallow waters

 

Pelican Castaway 116 Kayak

 

 

If you’re looking for a practical as well as a versatile kayak for bowfishing, then the Pelica Castaway 116 is your best bet. First, it features a large storage capacity that can accommodate all your fishing gear and your catch.

Also, it offers excellent stability as well as comfort that you’ll be making your shots easily.

Moreover, the model is outfitted with 2 flush rod holders as well as a swivel rod holder. Besides, it features a handy tub for storage with shock cords. The model also has a high-quality backrest that’s adjustable as well as adjustable footpads.

The hull and the deck of the kayak are made from durable RAM-X high-density polyethylene that provides high impact resistance as well as memory capacity.

Pros

• Molded seat featuring an adjustable padded backrest
• Water bottle holder and adjustable footpegs
• Enough storage capacity
• Very stable and comfortable
• A self-bailing design that features three-rod holders

Cons

• Not the best stock seal at the front

 

Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132

 

 

Bowfishing is all about timing and accuracy. Unfortunately, you may not be able to achieve your goals if you’ll have to worry about the stability of your boat. Therefore, to ensure that you get the most out of your fishing trip, get yourself the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater PDL 132 kayak.

You only get to your spot and stay there comfortably without paddling. The model features instant forward as well as reverse options. Boat control is second to none and you’ll only enjoy the best maneuverability and stability.

It features dry storage for the additional gear and superior seat design with great lumbar support, which is also adjusted to fit the leg length.

Pros

• Includes a custom tackle box
• Excellent stability
• usable capacity for individuals and gear
• Includes a cup holder
• Instant reverse and forward options

 Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14

 

 

Having full control when bowfishing can be a defining factor for success. The Hobie Mirage Pro is one kayak type that will ensure that you never miss your shots out there.

The unit features a foot-powered mirage drive that ensures you pedal through the water easily thanks to the fin-operated technology.

Stability is a priority of the model as it features a 3-inch wide-body that provides enough space for you to stand comfortably. Moreover, the interior is free of protrusions, meaning the legs aren’t crammed together.

Pros

• Vantage CT seat
• Very stable
• Can get you to almost every area you want
• Standing platform
• Rod holders

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Heavy body

 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bowfishing Kayak

 

It’s a no-brainer that when you’re looking for a kayak for bowfishing, stability has to be your main focus. Therefore, you want to get a kayak that won’t let you down when you’re making your shots.

To ensure that you get the best bowfishing kayak, here are some of the things that you must take into consideration;

Stability

Perhaps, stability has to be the selling point of any bowfishing kayak. Therefore, you need to keep in check for those kayaks that feature a flat hull that ensures stability. Kayaks that are triangular or rounded are usually built for speed in most cases.

Moreover, you should keep in mind that light models are most likely to lose stability easily when hit by wind or waves. Therefore, you might opt to get a heavier model that you’re sure won’t wobble easily.

Weight Capacity

Another significant consideration you have to make is the maximum weight capacity of the kayak. The first thing is your weight, your weight equipment, and whether you’ll be going out with someone else.

Therefore, you need a Kayak that will accommodate all your needs and still give you room for more.

Comfort

Most individuals have found themselves on the wrong end of comfort. Mostly, it happens that they consider stability and forget that your Kayak should be comfortable as well, especially, when you want to bowfish.

Therefore, ensure that as much as your Kayak has the expected stability, it’s also comfortable enough for a perfect outing.

Storage

There should be enough storage for all your fishing gear and the catch you’re anticipating having. Moreover, the kayak should be built from durable materials to ensure that you return to the market anytime soon.

Recommendation

The success of your bowfishing trip will be determined by not only your shooting experience but also the type of Kayak you use. That’s why all the types in this article will come in handy to your trip. However, we highly recommend the Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem as it features a versatile design with great stability.

But if you’re after a grab-and-go bowfishing Kayak, then the Bonafide EX123 Kayak is the best alternative, thanks to its sit-inside design.

Conclusion

They say bowfishing is all about practicing and perfection. However, your skill may not count if you don’t have the right bowfishing kayak out there in the water. Therefore, to avoid disappointments during your fishing ensure that you pick the best bowfishing kayak that will provide you with the best fishing conditions. Stability and comfort are some of the things that you’ll have to consider.