Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys

Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys

Meta Description; Kayaks make it easy to get into the cockpit for those of us with an average height, so we rarely get to go through the struggle of slipping into one. However, for those of us who are either tall, heavy or naturally big, it occurs to be quite a challenging experience.

Introduction

Luckily for the big guys’ manufacturers have decided to come up with the perfect kayak that will allow you also to enjoy paddling. It does not matter whatever height or size your body is getting yourself one of these perfectly tailored kayaks will surely work in your favor. These kayaks get manufactured to be sturdy, robust, stable, and comfortable, making them the best fishing kayaks for the big guys. If you are a big guy who loves fishing and paddling and cannot find a suitable kayak worry less since I have come up with a review on the best kayaks for big guys.

Things to consider when buying the best fishing kayak for big guys

1. Weight limit

Here we are not only talking about weight, but we are also looking at this from a perspective of the equipment you are set on getting. It is essential to understand that all kayaks have a limit on the weight they get to handle. Make sure you find out the weight limit the kayak can handle, and it should be something that ranges closely to your weight. Some other materials are essential in your kayak, and their weight is also put into consideration. The fish you catch is also to be considered to ensure that you do not exceed the kayaks weight limit. For you, as a big guy, ensure that you get a kayak that has a higher weight limit.

2. The kayak’s weight

The actual weight of the kayak is another crucial issue you get to look at. Depending on the means of transport you are looking forward to using, it might prove to be necessary to check out the weight of the kayak. For most of us who enjoy paddling and fishing, we prefer the inflatable kayaks. These inflatable kayaks are easy to carry around and transport and are also way lighter making them portable. Whatever you prefer is what you get to choose you have the final say on your preference and also it depends with your certain situation.

3. Material of the kayak

The material is an essential consideration in to choosing a kayak that is the best fit for big guys. The material has a great impact on the performance and durability of your vessel. In the case where you are choosing an inflatable kayak you have to make sure that it is made with great quality, sturdy and strong plastic. For the regular type of kayak you should ensure that it is made out of the best quality high density plastic material. Having a kayak made out of high quality material does not only help keep you safe and secure from accidents but it also gives you a chance to use your kayak for a long time. With these you can always enjoy your outdoor fishing activities without worrying and get to experience amazing trips no matter your size.

4. Suitable cockpit

Can you imagine having a kayak that has a cramped up space just because you did not look at this factor before purchasing your kayak. Big guys might get to experience this difficulty when they buy a kayak that is made for the normal average sized body. You need to be sure that you will get adequate room and it should actually be more than enough to get you feeling comfortable. The extra space is actually more recommended in the foot well area and it should also be wide enough. You are also required to look out for the seat that you will have to sit on the whole time. It should have a sufficient amount of padding. This is to keep your posterior well cushioned for the whole period you are out paddling.

5. Portability

As we mentioned the weight of the kayak plays an important role when it comes to considering how your kayak’s portability. Just think about how you will have to move your kayak from one place to the other if it is necessary. This is the point where the inflatable kayaks have an upper hand compared to the ordinary kayaks. There are those of us who launching and landing kayaks for these type of kayaks you need to look at the grab handles. The heavy type of kayaks require enough handles to give you the ability to take them into the water without having to struggle to control them due to their heavy weight.

6. The width of the kayak

The width of the kayak is used to determine the space that you require to have the best comfort zone. The width of the kayak also influences its stability and these keeps you safe in your kayak. The higher your kayak is in terms of width the greater your stability levels. This makes it safer and easier to move around the waters. Although having a wider kayak slows down the speed of your kayak since the surface area of the kayak on the water gets to increase. Because of this factor you have to apply a bit more pressure and effort while paddling. Though not great for speed paddling it helps distribute your weight across it making it stable for you. You can also add the width of your kayak by putting outriggers onto it since they distribute weight across a wider area. This helps you stabilize since the kayak feels a lot wider.

7. Type

You get to choose between the two different types that is the inflatable kayak and the regular kayak that is non-inflatable. During selection you choose the perfect kayak that suits your needs. For the inflatable kayak it is light, portable and easy to keep away in storage. For the ordinary kayak it is not easily portable but it is one of the best choices when it comes to launching and landing. You should also consider whether you want to sit on top or get inside the kayak. Whatever option you find more suitable you should go ahead and get it.

Product Reviews

1. Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

This is among the best fishing kayaks in the industry that is made for the big guys. The kayak is made of great quality material and an amazingly perfect laid out craftsmanship and to add to all these great facts it is very affordable. The sun dolphin journey 12 foot is specially designed for use in the rivers and lakes mostly where the fishing areas are hard to reach. This huge, sit on top kayak is one that should delight any big guys and it is also the best kayak for fat people.

With its 12 foot feature you get to have more than adequate space and you do not have to feel all cramped up in the cockpit area. With this spacious environment you find it easier to enter the kayak without straining. The sun dolphin journey is manufactured to hold a weight capacity of 395 Lbs and that is why it is considered the best kayak for a fat person.

It has some amazing features that make it all the more worthwhile for the value of your money. It has thigh pads that are adjustable and there are also leg braces. There are also the paddles and the tracks that offer you great stability during paddling. The kayak has a cargo storage with shock straps that give you extra space for storage. In case you need some extra storage space you get to have the portable accessory carrier and it is also used in the form of a backpack.

Pros

• Has a lot of extra space.
• The speed is very rational and decent.
• You can easily get in and out
• Comfortable seating space.
• Easy to carry around.

Cons

• Its length makes it difficult to maneuver the kayak.
• The large width slows down its speed a little.

2. Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak

In the case where you are a beginner and you are wondering which kayak is the best fit for you as a big guy and a beginner then this right here is the solution to your kayaking problem. It is built with a stable unique design and has the best of 500 Lbs weight capacity kayak for a heavy person. Its adaptable design allows it to be used for either tandem paddling or solo paddling.

It has a built in rod holder and a big cargo storage space that makes this kayak more unique compared to the rest. Its cargo compartments have plenty of space and gives you enough room to store food stuffs, drinks and the equipment and also fishing gear. Paddles have a length of 7 feet and it is made from quality aluminum and they are easy to control and they are extremely lightweight minimizing on paddle fatigue.

The polyethylene material that is used to construct the kayak gives it stability and this allows you to stand without having to fall over. The kayak has a 10 foot length and this makes it simple to keep away and transport when necessary. This boat is designed to withstand carrying large amounts of weight and the kayak is still very stable. This kayak is ideal for carrying big guys and also great for a small family and the kayak does not strain having to carry this weight.

Pros

• Versatile for tandem or solo paddling.
• Very stable with its tunnel hull making sure you do not tip over.
• It is sturdy and strong.
• Many footrest positions made for different size paddlers.

Cons

• Not long enough for tall people.
• It is slower.

3. BKC UH-TK181 5-inch Sit-on-top Tandem Two Person Fishing Kayak

This two person fishing kayak is best for going out for ocean fishing trips. This hard shell boat is made for the big guys. It has a great weight capacity of 440 pounds and that is why it is the best fit for the big guys who love kayaking. Even with its great weight capacity you still get to have a lot of left over space to accommodate your equipment and fishing gear that you get to carry along with you.

The BKC Fishing Kayak is strong enough to hold two people and still give you adequate remaining space for the two of you. It has seven rod holders and three fishing rod holders that are designed to be adjustable. It also comes with four flush mounted rod holders that are there to provide you with an edge during angling.

To keep most of your equipment safe the kayak has a storage compartment that allows you to store any extra gear in the back cargo space and the storage hatches are usually waterproof keeping everything dry. The kayak also features two safe paddle rests allowing you to free up your arms and you do not lose the paddles. There are four carrying handles to ease overland transporting making this very easy just like paddling.

Pros

• Multiple carrying handles that make transportation easy.
• The hull is well balanced to give you stability.
• Very easy to maneuver.
• Waterproof cargo area.
• Comes with seven rod holders helping you get multiple lines in water.

Cons

• Quite heavy with a weight of 68 Lbs.
• Does not have all fishing gadgets.

4. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Inflatable Kayak Set

Especially great for taking out during exploring and for recreational purpose in the lake, rivers and ponds.it has a bright yellow color and it is manufactured in such a way that you get to use it even during bad weather conditions. Comes with a weight capacity of 350 Lbs that is purposely made for two people with its two seats.

This streamlined design was made especially to favour the big guys as it does a great job in supporting the weight of both paddlers and the fishing gear. It has a seat that has an adjustable inflatable backrest and a cockpit that is made for great comfort and sufficient space making it one of the best kayaks for the tall guys also.

With the lightweight and very compact feature it makes your assembling work and transportation all the more easier. It has a vinyl construction with an inflatable floor giving you comfort you need. There is also a removable skeg for stability in direction and a repair kit.

Pros

• Great visibility with its bright yellow color.
• Adjustable seat.
• It inflates in no time saving up most of your time.

Cons

• Non-adjustable paddles.

5. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Sit –on-top Fishing Kayak

This large kayak is best made for fat people and to accommodate them it has a wide open design that provides you with great comfort during your time out on the waters. This kayak is stable and very responsive then it is very durable with its great material that is used to manufacture it.

This kayak is designed to be often used for fishing and can be taken out on either rough waters or calm waters. It has a comfortable seat that gives you amazing back support and leaves you experiencing a relaxed feeling.

This 13 feet long kayak comes with an oversized tank well, paddle keepers that are in built, a huge bow hatch, a transducer scupper that is compatible and a cam lock hatch that has five inches measurements. These are just some of the few features that you get to experience when you get yourself this amazing kayak that has high performance and great quality.

Pros

• Maneuvers both in the calm and rough waters.
• The scupper system is compatible with the transducer helping you get the best catch.
• The angler can store all items and supplies in its compartments.

Cons

• The stripped line often tangles making the standing of this kayak a bit difficult.

6. Perception Pescador Pro 12 Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

This kayak is the best  kayak for your money, it is one of the best kayaks that have been made by the Perception company. This fishing kayak is designed to give you extra support and enough storage for your fishing escapades. For those serious anglers that are big this kayak is a great fit for them.

With a weight capacity of 375 pounds and plenty of extra space it will be great for the big guys. You never have to worry about squeezing into the cockpit considering that this kayak is actually a sit on top kayak.

It is made with a leak proof one piece design that has an in built buoyancy that gives you the safety you require. It has a large front and back storage for the cooler, the other gear and the tackle and the storage space is actually an open storage space. This kayak is perfect for lakes, rivers, streams and ponds.

Pros

• Very comfortable for the big guys.
• It is great for fishing.
• The skid is replaceable giving you enhanced durability.

Cons

• The compartments are not very watertight.

7. Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak

The Elkton Outdoors Tandem is a kayak that is built to last for a long time and is perfectly made while putting into consideration the anglers especially. This kayak is the best for fishing in waters such as the rivers, lakes and the oceans.

The kayak is made with two adjustable and very comfortable seats and for optional purposes there is a cup holder on the seats. There are also the mounted holders that give you a versatile fishing experience no matter the weather condition or the water surface.

The anglers get to place the rods in different positions and give you a great fish catch. There are the airtight internal storage compartments that helps keep your items and valuables safe during the kayaking process. There is also some additional storage space for putting your fishing gear.

Pros

• Better air retention.
• Very easy to transport and store.
• The kayak’s construction is strong and sturdy.

Cons

• Difficult to set up.
• It is non tear proof.

8. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 12-Foot Sit-in Kayak

This kayak is a recreational sit in kayak with sufficient space and a little extra for your leg stretch and making it one of the best kayaks for tall persons. You get to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable position and you get to still get your best catch.

This kayak is one of the wider in size fishing kayaks in the industry. This Aruba SS 12 is easy to transport and weighs only a light twenty one kilograms. This kayak is twelve feet long and has the ability to carry a great weight of one hundred and eighty kilograms.

It has built in protective pads that are on the kayak and are great for avoiding abrasions. There is also the storage compartment that helps in storing food stuffs and the fishing gear. The kayak flush mount holders have the ability to hold two fishing rods.

Pros

• It has great stability.
• There are protective thigh pads for your safety.
• Moves swiftly on calm water.

Cons

• The seat may sometimes be quite uncomfortable.

9. Perception Pescador 12 Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

If you are a fan of exploring various different fishing sites that often adds great fun and enjoyment to your angling. It has the best features that support you as a big guy and perfectly fit your kayaking needs. You can courageously roam over all waterbodies be it rivers or oceans or lakes.

This kayak has a weight capacity of three hundred and seventy five Lbs making it easy to carry the weight of the big guys and the equipment you carry along. It has chairs that are camp styled for easy adjustability. When in need of more extra space you have the chance to remove the chairs and create more space.

Pros

• This kayak is amazingly durable.
• It has a unique design.
• You can go fishing on all waterbodies.

Cons

• Offers only a few fishing features

10. Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak

This lifetime brand kayak has a weight capacity that is 500 Lbs and is designed to hold not only a capacity of two people but it can also accommodate three people. It is manufactured and made with high quality polyethylene material giving the kayak some extra stability. With that you can stand on the kayak without worrying about tipping over.

It has a design that gives you ultra-stability and great density ultra violet light protected material to keep it from fading, peeling off and cracking. There is also the multiple foot rest strategic positioning for the riders either big guys or the average sized person.

There are two double side paddles, two padded backrests, paddle clips, six inch storage hatch and three pole holders for fishing. The six inch storage hatch is perfect for the fishing gears.

Pros

• Very strong and durable.
• Versatile to carry one, two or three people.
• The tunnel hull gives the kayak stability.

Cons

• A bit slower compared to other kayaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best kayak for a big guy?

Just as we have provided details on the different kayaks you get to notice that there are quite a variety of kayaks that are suitable for the big guys. To make sure you get the best kayak for the big guys take a look at the factors that you need to consider before getting a kayak as written in this article. There are a variety of things you should look at from the maximum weight limit of the kayak to the amount of room in the kayak and the width. Those are just but a few of the essential considerations so make sure you go through the factors I have given in this review.

2. What kayak has the highest weight capacity?

The tandem kayaks have the highest weight capacity limit that is estimated to be between five hundred Lbs to six hundred Lbs (500 Lbs – 600 Lbs). These type of kayak is specifically designed for the sole purpose of recreation. It is basically made for two people so as to add a bit to the thrill of kayaking. They are made with a sit on top design to make it easy for two people to get on to it. They have a wide frame so as to accommodate the two people and to make it stable on water. The fact that they have the highest weight capacity makes this kayaks known among the kayaking fans.

3. Where should the heaviest person sit in a kayak?

The sitting position in a kayak is essential so as to evenly distribute the weight and help the canoe move freely. It is recommended that in instances where there are two paddlers the heavier paddler has to sit at the stern. With this sitting arrangement the stern goes deeper into the water and paddling gets easier. In instances where you are three or more people the heavier one gets to sit in the middle so as to still distribute the weight evenly. It is also a better plan that the heavier person gets to sit in the back of the canoe. If the heavier person is not strategically positioned the paddler might lose control over the kayak and also the kayak’s speed gets affected.

4. How much weight will a kayak hold?

This all depends on the kayak you decide to purchase. The amount of weight a kayak can hold varies with every kayak type and design. Therefore we cannot quote an exact amount of weight that a kayak holds. For the big guys their kayaks tend to have the ability to hold a greater weight than those kayaks that are made for average weight people. Different kayaks have different capabilities considering that they do not only get to carry the persons weight but also the gear you will use and maybe the fish you will catch. You should get a kayak that best suits your weight and the gear’s weight.

5. Is there a weight limit on kayaks?

Each and every kayak comes with a given limit on the weight it can carry. The weight limit actually depends on quite a number of given factors not only your weight. You have to consider the weight of the equipment you get to carry and maybe the fish you catch and with all these factors they put a weight limit just to be cautious. The weight limit helps give you a rough idea of the weight capacity that the kayak can hold and you sure should pay attention to this factor.

6. What is the widest kayak?

The widest kayak is known as the FeelFree Lure that is thirty six inches wide therefore offering you maximum stability. It has a large deck and a wide open platform that means you have a lot of space and you do not have to feel confined or restricted when you need to stand up and cast. This kayak gives you versatility and easy to customize features. This kayak glides along perfectly just as soon as you pick up on the speed and with its great width stability is not much of an issue. With this kayak you get the comfort you require, versatility and it has great stability.

Conclusion

As I have reviewed above these are just the top ten choices of kayaks that I would recommend for the big guys either heavy or tall. Just get the kayak that befits all your needs and go ahead and get it with the confidence you need after reading this article. The products I have expounded on are there to help you narrow down on your kayak search. With the ten best fishing kayaks for big guys that I have reviewed you are sure that you will get to enjoy your kayaking activities.