# Best Pedal Kayaks Source: https://kayaknest.com/best/best-pedal-kayaks Updated: 2026-09-14 Publisher: Kayak Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://kayaknest.com/how-we-research#our-score A pedal kayak moves you with your legs, which are stronger and slower to tire than your arms, and it leaves your hands free for a rod or a camera. Two drive types dominate: propeller systems that give reverse and steady cruising speed, and fin systems that stay shallow and forgiving over weed and rock. What varies is drive draft, whether reverse is available, hull weight, rudder control, and how simple the drive is to service. We weighed drive efficiency and depth clearance against total weight, since these boats are heavy to load alone. Seat height, deck layout and rudder feel mattered too. Propeller drives suit open water and anglers who need to back off structure. Fin drives suit shallow, weedy or rocky water. Carry a paddle as backup, always. A drive can jam on weed, and the shallows near a launch usually need paddling anyway. ## Picks ### 1. Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Photic Camo Our score: 9.2/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 in Photic Camo, a mid-length pedal fishing kayak that balances speed, stability and storage. Pros: - Mid-length hull is a practical all-round size for most fisheries - PDL pedal drive gives smooth, hands-free propulsion with reverse - Photic Camo pattern is subtle for spooky fish in clear water Cons: - Pricier than BKC pedal kayaks with a similar hull length - Drive unit adds weight when loading the boat solo Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B0869VKYT2 ### 2. BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Flipper Drive, Sit-on-Top, 550 lb Capacity Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) The BKC Brooklyn 12.5 pedal fishing kayak with flipper drive and a 550 lb capacity for big anglers and heavy tackle loads. Pros: - 550 lb capacity leaves room for a large angler plus crates and coolers - Flipper drive keeps both hands free for rods, net and electronics - Longer hull than the smaller Brooklyn pedal model tracks and cruises better Cons: - Heavy loaded weight means a trailer or cart is close to essential - BKC fit and finish is simpler than Old Town pedal kayaks Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B0GT5YSBGN ### 3. Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Marsh Camo Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) Old Town's Sportsman Salty PDL 120 in Marsh Camo, a pedal fishing kayak built with saltwater use and inshore fishing in mind. Pros: - PDL pedal drive is a proven Old Town system for hands-free fishing - Salty version is set up for saltwater flats and inshore trips - Marsh Camo finish blends into grassy shorelines and marshes Cons: - Saltwater use means rinsing the drive and hardware after each trip - Premium Old Town price is well above budget pedal kayaks Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B0869Y5K4K ### 4. Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Ember Camo Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 in Ember Camo, a shorter pedal fishing kayak for ponds, creeks and tight spaces. Pros: - Shorter 106 hull turns quickly in creeks, coves and small ponds - PDL drive offers forward and reverse for fine boat control - Lighter and easier to transport than the longer Sportsman models Cons: - Less deck space for crates and gear than longer Sportsman boats - Slower top speed makes big-lake runs take longer Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B085JJZQ31 ### 5. Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Marsh Camo Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) Old Town's Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 in Marsh Camo, the longest Sportsman pedal kayak, built for big lakes and open water. Pros: - BigWater hull is designed to handle chop and long runs - Longest Sportsman model offers the most speed and gear room - PDL drive pairs with a large deck for tackle, crates and electronics Cons: - Long, heavy boat is difficult to cartop and needs a trailer - More boat than most pond and small-lake anglers need Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B09T96QMNF ### 6. Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Kayak, Cinder Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal in Cinder, a recreational pedal sit-on-top for cruising, exploring and relaxed fishing. Pros: - Pedal drive lets casual paddlers cover water without arm fatigue - Malibu platform is known for stable, easy sit-on-top handling - Works for recreation as well as light fishing, not just angling Cons: - Fewer dedicated fishing features than the Sportsman PDL range - Pedal drive adds cost compared with the paddle-only Malibu Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B0C462Q4B9 ### 7. Brooklyn 10.0 Single Pedal Fishing Kayak by BKC, Sit-On-Top with Flipper Drive and Rudder Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) BKC's Brooklyn 10.0 single pedal fishing kayak, a compact sit-on-top with a flipper drive and rudder for hands-free anglers. Pros: - Flipper drive gives hands-free propulsion at a compact hull length - Rudder steering lets you hold position while you cast and reel - Shorter hull is easier to store and load than long pedal boats Cons: - Short pedal kayak is slower over distance than longer pedal models - Flipper drives need shallow water awareness to avoid fin strikes Details: https://kayaknest.com/product/B0CY9MTNG1 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.