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5 Best Duck Hunting

Kayaks: A Guide To Choose The Best Kayak

Best Options and Reviews

Published August 26, 2022

Many types of duck hunting kayaks are available, some better than others. If you’re looking to purchase a duck hunting kayak, becoming familiar with its construction and function can be an important step in making the best decision. In this article, I will discuss 5 of the best duck hunting kayaks and provide general information about their main features so that you can find the one that suits your needs best.

5 Best Duck Hunting Kayaks: Summary

5 Best Duck Hunting Kayaks: Quick List

Top Pick:

Perception Outlaw 11.5

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Best Features:

BKC PK12 Angler Kayak

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Best Budget:

Lifetime Tamarack Angler

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Top Rated:

Old Town PDL 120 Kayak

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Top Selling:

Perception Pescador Pilot 12

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1. Top Pick Best Duck Hunting Kayak: Perception Outlaw 11.5

220+ Reviews
4.5/5

Perception Outlaw 11.5 kayak has everything you need to get out on the water and catch some bass. It is a sit-on-top fishing kayak that folds down for easy transportation and storage, making it easy to take with you wherever you go! The integrated tackle trays have plenty of room for storing all your gear, and the four-rod holders keep everything organized, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything while out on the lake. You’ll love the Perception Outlaw 11.5 fishing kayak because it is incredibly durable and built to last through years of use without breaking down on you!

Specifications:

Size: 11.6 ft x 2.9 ft

Material: Polyethylene

Kayak Type: Hard Shell Kayak

Weight Capacity: 425 lbs

Seating Capacity: Single Person

Weight: 77 lbs

Pros:

  • It has a seat and huge space to take your fishing buddy or dog with you on the water!
  • It has four-rod holders that are designed to hold your rods securely.
  • You can fold away the chair seat and still carry it around with you.
  • This kayak has ideal length, allowing you to fish or duck hunting at greater distances without having to carry a lot of weight with you
  • Integrated tackle trays for easy access to your fishing gear

Cons

  • The integrated tackle trays aren’t durable, so they might not last as long as other kayaks in this price range.

Detailed Review of this Duck Hunting Kayak

The Perception Outlaw 11.5 is an excellent fishing and duck hunting kayak for beginners and experienced anglers alike. It has a long, narrow profile makes it easy to maneuver in crowded waters, and its lightweight design means you’ll be able to carry it easily without feeling like you’re carrying around a ton of weight. The Outlaw also comes with integrated tackle trays, so you can keep all your gear organized while fishing—a huge plus for anyone who likes to stay organized!

TheOutlaw’ss sit-on-top design makes it easy to get into the water and start, but it also makes it easy for the person in front to sit down if they need a break from paddling. Four-rod holders are built into the side of the boat; two are adjustable, and two are fixed positions.

It is an excellent choice for beginners or experienced anglers alike—it can handle just about anything that comes its way while still being lightweight enough that you won’t feel weighed down.

2. Best Features Duck Hunting Kayak: BKC PK12 Angler Kayak

10+ Reviews
4.7/5

The BKC PK12 Angler Sit On Top Solo Fishing Kayak is a great choice for duck hunters who want to take their craft out on the water. The 12-foot length of the kayak makes it easy to get in and out of the water, and its sit-on-top design allows you to hunt without worrying about getting wet when you’re not using it.

It also comes with an integrated trolling motor, which means you can use it as a fishing boat without worrying about how much power your motor has—just attach your fishing rod, start up the engine, and go! You’ll have plenty of power to get where you need and catch whatever duck comes your way.

Specifications:

Size: 12 ft x 2.7 ft

Material: Polyethylene

Kayak Type: Hard Shell Kayak

Weight Capacity: 460 lbs

Seating Capacity: Single Person

Weight: 78 lbs

Pros:

  • Trolling motor comes standard with this kayak, making it easy to catch the duck of your dreams. It’s a great choice for those who want to spend more time hunting than paddling.
  • The sit-on-top design makes it easy to get in and out of the water.
  • It has a large storage area, holding your hunting gear and other items under the seat.
  • Stable and easy to control for all types of kayakers

Cons

  • The seats could be a little more comfortable.

Detailed Review of this Duck Hunting Kayak

The BKC PK12 Angler is an easy-to-use, 12-foot sit-on-top solo fishing kayak with a trolling motor. It has been designed to be the perfect companion for small lakes and rivers, and it comes with everything you need to get started fishing right out of the box!

This is it if you’re looking for a kayak that can handle small lakes and rivers. It comes equipped with pontoons and a trolling motor built into its bow so you can fish from a kayak on water or land. And while it’s light enough to carry easily in your hands or on your back, its durable construction means it can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. The pontoons are made from durable plastic, so they won’t break if they’re dropped or knocked over by a wave—as long as they don’t get submerged underwater either!

The BKC PK12 Angler is fully equipped with all the fishing and hunting gear you’ll need to get started: tackle boxes with hooks and bait a rod holder mount, and a reel mounted on the side of the cockpit, plus more! All of this comes with it.

3. Best Budget Duck Hunting Kayak: Lifetime Tamarack Angler

180+ Reviews
4.4/5

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak is a great choice for anglers who want to go duck hunting in style. It comes with a detachable Fishing Rod Holder, so you can keep both hands free for casting or handling your tackle box. The seat is adjustable for height and width, so you can always find the perfect fit.

The Tamarack Angler features an aluminum frame that’s light enough to carry easily but sturdy enough to hold up under the strain of being carried while hunting. The Sit-On-Top design means that you’ll have more control over your boat than you would with a kayak with no bow area; you’ll be able to get in close to duck and then back away quickly if necessary.

Specifications:

Size: 12 ft x 2.6 ft

Material: Polyethylene

Kayak Type: Hard Shell Sit on Top Kayak

Weight Capacity: 275 lbs

Seating Capacity: Single Person

Weight: 52 lbs

Pros:

  • This is a great choice if you’re looking for something easy to use and transport while still being spacious enough to hold all your gear safely.
  • This kayak is made of high-quality Polyethylene, which means it’s lightweight and durable.
  • It comes with a rod holder, making it easy to store when not in use.
  • It comes with an adjustable seat, so you can ensure that your child is comfortable while they’re sitting in the kayak.

Cons

  • The seat is not padded, so that they might be uncomfortable for some people.

Detailed Review of this Duck Hunting Kayak

If you’ve been looking for the perfect kayak for duck hunting but are tight on budget, your search is over!

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak is the one for you. It’s made of durable polyethylene and features a comfortable, adjustable seat that can be easily removed for transport. The open cockpit allows you to see from all angles and makes it easy to get in and out of the kayak, whether you’re carrying it or not. 

It’s also highly portable! The Tamarack Angler sits on top of its carry bag, so if you want to take it on an adventure, all you need is a backpack and some straps. You’ll love how easy it is to maneuver this kayak around—even in shallow waters! 

The surface area of this product is 12″ long by 3″ wide, so there’s plenty of room for an adult and your dog to sit comfortably inside at once. But don’t worry: this kayak is also perfect for solo use!

4. Top Rated Duck Hunting Kayak: Old Town PDL 120 Kayak

10+ Reviews
5/5

Old Town PDL 120 Kayak is ready to go and be pulled through your local area’s soft water, flat water, and even rivers. Made from durable plastic that can withstand a wide variety of temperatures and conditions, this kayak is ready for whatever it may come across. Best of all, the seat height allows for easy access for small and large adults and children. It’s a great kayak for a beginner or expert alike; this model comes with a Paddle Drive system that lets you move or stop your forward motion when trying to stop, as well as a V-Hull design that is extremely stable and easy to handle. The front and rear storage compartments are preinstalled with fishing gear, while the two mufflers help keep water out of your boat while paddling.

Specifications:

Size: 12 ft x 2.9 ft

Material: Single Layer Polyethylene

Kayak Type: Hard Shell Pedal Drive Kayak

Weight Capacity: 450 lbs

Seating Capacity: Single Person

Weight: 19 lbs

Pros:

  • It weighs less than 20 pounds, making it easy to carry around in your car or truck.
  • It can be used for fresh and saltwater fishing, making it versatile and easy to use.
  • It has a large storage compartment that can hold up to 15 pounds of gear, including bait and tackle boxes, fishing poles, and other items.
  • It comes equipped with a rod holder on the back of the kayak, allowing you to keep your rod upright when not in use.
  • It has an adjustable footrest that makes it easy to set up and get comfortable while pedaling without worrying about tipping over backward.

Cons

  • Not very stable in choppy water

Detailed Review of this Duck Hunting Kayak

The Old Town PDL 120 Kayak is a great choice for those looking for a kayak that will take them right into the water. This kayak has many features that make it perfect for anyone who wants to start duck hunting or fishing. It has a wide storage area, giving you plenty of room to store your bait and tackle. You can use this kayak in fresh and saltwater, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck somewhere on your trip.

This kayak is made from high-quality materials, which means it will last for years without water or corrosion damage. It also comes with an electric fish finder, which means that you’ll always know what kind of fish are out there around you before even putting your foot in the water!

It is one of the top-rated duck hunting kayaks on Amazon, so if you’re looking for something reliable and sturdy enough to handle all kinds of weather conditions, this might be what you are looking for.

5. Top Selling Duck Hunting Kayak: Perception Pescador Pilot 12

230+ Reviews
4.1/5

The Perception Pescador Pilot 12 is the perfect kayak for those who want to take it easy and catch some duck or fish. This sit-on-top fishing kayak is equipped with an adjustable lawn chair seat, tackle storage areas, and a pedal drive system that makes it easy to maneuver in calm water.

The kayak is stable, easy to maneuver, and comfortable. It comes with an adjustable lawn chair seat and two tackle storage areas.

The Perception Pescador Pilot 12 features a pedal drive system for easy maneuverability on flat surfaces such as lakes or rivers. It also comes with an adjustable paddle platform that allows you to comfortably rest your feet when paddling without fear of falling overboard!

Specifications:

Size: 12.4 ft x 2.8 ft

Material: Polyethylene

Kayak Type: Hard Shell Pedal Drive Kayak

Weight Capacity: 475 lbs

Seating Capacity: Single Person

Weight: 85 lbs

Pros:

  • The Perception Pescador Pilot 12 allows for a sit-on-top hunting experience, which is ideal for those who don’t have the upper body strength to hold their kayak upright.
  • The adjustable lawn chair seat and tackle storage areas are great for keeping gear close at hand but still out of the way in case you need to move quickly.
  • It has an added feature that allows you to adjust the height of your paddle to fit between your legs while they rest on the footrests. This makes it easier to stand up and balance this kayak without bending over too much.

Cons

  • This kayak is heavier than others on the market, making it more difficult to transport in some situations.

Detailed Review of this Duck Hunting Kayak

The Perception Pescador Pilot 12 is a sit-on-top hunting and recreational kayak with a pedal drive, adjustable lawn chair seat, and tackle storage areas. It’s great for duck hunting and other water sports, including wakeboarding and surfing.

I was interested in this kayak because of its premium features but also because it comes with a pedal drive and adjustable lawn chair seat. In addition to sitting on top of the water, these features let you spend less time sitting on top of the water—which is perfect for me sinceI’mm not very good at it!

The pedals are easy to use, but since there are no brakes or gears, you need to be careful about not going too fast or crashing into something.

How to Choose the Best Duck Hunting Kayak?

So now you must be thinking about how you can choose the best duck hunting kayak after going through the above-given list. Don’t worry; I will make it easier for you with the help of the following tips.

Choose a "Camouflage" Kayak:

best duck hunting kayaks

It’s not just for staying hidden from ducks; it’s also good for your safety. Camouflaged kayaks reduce the chances that other boats or people will see them while they’re out on the water, which can be very dangerous in some situations.

A camouflaged duck hunting kayak can help keep you safe by keeping other boats and people away from your location. You’ll be able to get close to your target with little risk of being seen or heard by others around you—but only if they can’t see you.

That is why it is better to choose a camouflaged kayak to go for a successful duck hunting kayaking trip.

Look for the Lightest Kayak you can Find:

While you may think that the best duck hunting kayak has the highest number of features and features, that’s not necessarily true. The perfect duck hunting kayak will be lightweight, with a low center of gravity for easy maneuverability, and it should also be easy to transport by car or boat. You’ll want to look for extra features that make it easier to transport because this is one area where you’ll save time and money if you can avoid hiring a truck or boat.

Choose a Kayak with Plenty of Storage Space:

The best duck hunting kayak will have plenty of storage space so that you can haul all your gear and supplies easily. If you don’t have enough room for this, you’ll have to carry it all by hand. That’s a hassle and a waste of time and energy. You want to ensure that the kayak you choose has enough storage space for all your gear so you can get out there and hunt some ducks!

So, if you’re looking for the best duck hunting kayak, you’ll want to ensure it has plenty of storage space. You don’t want to take everything with you on your hunt, so having a kayak carrying everything you need will make all the difference.

Check if the Kayak has Some Drain Plug in case you want to Stand up in it to Shoot:

Another thing you’ll want to look for is a kayak with some drain plugs. This way, if you get in the water and decide to stand up while hunting, you can let out any water that gets into the kayak so that it doesn’t sink.

Consider the Stability and Maneuverability of the Kayak:

Another thing you’ll want to look for is a kayak with some drain plugs. This way, if you get in the water and decide to stand up while hunting, you can let out any water that gets into the kayak so that it doesn’t sink. I would also suggest looking for a kayak with an adjustable backrest because it will make it easier for you to sit there for multiple hours without getting sore or uncomfortable.

I would also recommend checking out how comfortable the seat is before purchasing a kayak. There’s no backrest on the seat, and you are sitting down for a long time; this can lead to back pain from being in an uncomfortable position for too long.

Do Not Forget About Safety!

If you’re using the kayak for hours at a time, make sure it’s safe and secure. Look for features such as a grab line or handles on both sides of the boat so that if you fall into the water, you can quickly get back in without struggling too much.

You should also look for a boat with a wide beam because this will enable you to move around without any problems. Another important feature is having plenty of room to sit and stand up comfortably in your kayak, especially if it is a larger model.

Conclusion

So, you can consider buying these top 5 best duck hunting kayaks in 2022 and beyond. All these kayaks are great for hunting ducks and fishing, but you can choose the one according to your needs and the budget. But remember, you should choose the one according to the guide given above because you will be investing your hard-earned money, that is why making the right purchase decision is important.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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