Most avid duck hunters eventually decide that it’s time to take their hunting to the next level. They realize that they want to go where other duck hunters can’t go, do it with more stealth, and be more comfortable along the way. For many of these ambitious hunters, a kayak becomes the most enticing option and that’s why we’ve come up with our choices for the best kayak for duck hunting.
How to Choose
Kayaks allow you to stealthily maneuver far out into creeks and marshes to get the birds that lie beyond the ordinary hunter’s reach. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive to buy and maintain, and are easy to carry with you to your favorite spot. They offer an attractive mix of capability and ease.
When investing in a kayak of your own, there are some important factors to consider:
Safety
First and foremost, you need a safe kayak. Chances are you’ll be paddling far out of earshot or eyesight of the nearest person, so you need a kayak that you can trust to stay steady in those crucial moments of action when you swiftly stand to take down your bird. Plus, there’s nothing like back-flopping into a cold marsh to ruin the joy of a perfect shot. The best kayak for duck hunting will provide as much safety as it will performance.
Versatility
Your kayak needs to be roomy, too. Even if you decide to tow a sled with you, you want the most possible room for decoys, spinners, shotguns, and yourself in that kayak.
You’ll also want your kayak to be concealable. While many kayaks come in darker shades of grey or green, consider spray-painting your kayak for even better camo. Not only that, but look for features like hooks and bungees that would allow you to fasten fast grass and other camo items to your kayak.
Think about portability as well. Consider how you’re going to be getting your kayak from place to place, and determine how easily you’ll need to be able to lift and carry your kayak from place to place. If you’ll be carrying it only short distances, this may not be a big concern, but, if you’ll be hauling it long distances and doing a good portion of it by hand, you may need to give portability extra priority.
Affordability
Put some serious thought into how much you can afford to spend on your kayak. Not only that, but think seriously about how much you’ll realistically use it, that way you can gauge how much you should invest in this new hunting method.
There are many kayaks to choose from, but these three each offer their own exceptional blend of safety, versatility, and affordability.
The Best Kayak for Duck Hunting
Lifetime Sport Fisher
Lifetime Sport Fisher
If you’re itching to paddle out into the marshes on a budget, look to the Lifetime Sport Fisher as a top choice for the best kayak for duck hunting.
If you’re looking to get into a safe and versatile kayak while keeping your spending to a minimum, this is the kayak for you. It’s built with tunnel hull design, which basically means it has two hulls, so it can stay steady when you stand and shoot. With its small storage compartment and “High and Dry” seating, you and your belongings can stay dry. Plus, it boasts the best portability of all three kayaks thanks to its lightweight and small dimensions.
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Reviewers across the web back up that appraisal. On Amazon, the Sport Fisher was deemed “extremely well balanced” and “lower priced but high quality and stable,” and on its listing on Lifetime’s company website, reviewers called it “easy to paddle and manage in the water.” One reviewer confirmed the stability, writing, “I am 260 lbs and can stand up on it.”
If you’re looking grab a boat that quick, inexpensive and built to perform then you’ve found it in the Lifetime Sport Fisher and that’s why it’s made it on our selection of the best kayak for duck hunting.
| The Specs | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60 lb. |
| Length | 10′ |
| Width | 36 inches |
| Max Capacity | 500 lb. |
| Retail Price | $529.00 |
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
The Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II offers serious versatility without breaking the bank, entirely. Slightly skinnier than the Sport Fisher™, this kayak maintains stability through its elevated Element Seating System that keeps you in control. Plus, it seriously steps up storage with its sealable bow cargo hatch as well as stern stringers to keep your gear strapped down.
Camouflaging the Prowler Big Game II is no problem since it can be ordered from the factory in a camo color scheme. If you really want to make your life easy, you can also order Ocean Kayak’s attachable rudder system to sharpen your maneuvering in the marsh these couple ducky features make it a surefire addition to the best kayak for duck hunting list.
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Reviewers on Paddling.net, an online kayaking forum, rave about the Prowler Big Game II’s space and stability, saying that it “paddles well and has space for all my… gear and supplies.” The most enthusiastic reviewers are bigger guys, like the one who wrote, “I’m 6’1” and this kayak holds me and all my equipment perfectly.” Another agreed, “I am 6’3” and 265 lb. and I feel very comfortable on this kayak.”
If you have a little more to spend and a lot more to carry, then the Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II is the kayak for you.
| The Specs | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 lb. |
| Length | 12′ 9″ |
| Width | 34 inches |
| Max Capacity | 600 lb. |
| Retail Price | $1,299.99 |
Native Watercraft Slayer 13 Propel Kayak
Native Slayer 13
For those of you who want to cruise out into marshes with ease, the Native Watercraft Slayer 13 Propel is your kayak. While comparable to the Prowler Big Game II in size, the Slayer 13 Propel blows it out of the water in regards to storage and ease of use. This kayak has storage trays in both the bow and stern, both with stringers so you can pile gear in and strap it down.
What makes the Slayer 13 Propel really special, though, are its built-in pedals and rudder. All you have to do is pedal the kayak with your feet while steering the rudder stick, and you’ll be easily chasing down the best birds out there. The pedals even offer reverse drive functionality, so you can get yourself out of tight spots without making a tough turn. Its only downside is its hefty 120 lb. weight, but, you can order the Native Propel SmartCart for $199.99 that will allow you to roll the kayak from storage to the water.
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This reviewer on AustinKayak.com says it all: “The Slayer is absolutely amazing! Extremely easy to cover large distances of water… Stability is unbelievable, I can stand at ease… without any fear of tipping over. This includes windy days and days with lots of boat traffic. Reverse really is a game changer!”
If you’re ready to invest in a kayak that will let you save your energy for knocking down ducks, the Slayer 13 Propel is ready to step up to the challenge.
| The Specs | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 120 lb. |
| Length | 13′ 2″ |
| Width | 33 inches |
| Max Capacity | 500 lb. |
| Retail Price | $2,599.99 |
Decision Time
There are scores of options for the best kayak for duck hunting, but these three kayaks stand out. Now it’s up to you to figure out which one meets your needs. Which kayak will you choose?
