Among sportsmen, Jackson Kayaks are sometimes considered the favored kayak for anglers and hunters. The kayak manufacturer has historically catered to both, consistently mindful of features making these kayaks well equipped for fishing. They’re particularly great in shallow waters or saltwater marshlands, thanks to their maneuverability. 

One of Jackson Kayak’s newest models, the Bite, is also among its most affordable kayaks at $799. Behind the seat, the Bite features two rod holders. The location is well within reach of the kayak's seat, but also out of the way. The holders are deep and secure enough to use for trolling. 

The kayak's engineers carved out ample space on each side of the seat for small tackle or fly boxes. Again, well within reach, eliminating the need to put down your rod and reach behind and into the stern.  Two more tackle box storage areas are in the stern. Both securely hold the Plano 3640 StowAway Utility Box.   

For standing, there’s a strap that makes it easy to quickly go from sitting to standing position. There’s also, mercifully, a cup holder. And if you don’t use it for a tumbler of water or an ice-cold beer, it’s a great spot to put a couple loose lures or flies.

The kayak is compact, and really offers all the features an angler could want. One potential drawback, depending on an angler's typical fishing environment, is the Bite's weight. Despite its compact size, it’s still 72 lb., which can become a haul for younger anglers or anyone who is required to cover long distances or steep terrain to reach their go-to fishing spot. 

Two Paddleboards For Anglers Looking for Something Even Lighter

In situations where watercraft weight becomes a deal-breaker, you might consider carrying a couple paddleboard models as alternatives. Most paddleboards will lack the angler-ready features of a Jackson Kayak, but a paddleboard can give an angler uncanny maneuverability, as the kayak does, and the same access to shallow waters. Plus, more paddleboards are being equipped with the accessories necessary to make these boards legit and functional for anglers. 

The paddleboard is a non-starter for anyone who expects to spend most of their time on the water in the sitting position. Even if you choose to sit on the board itself or on a mounted cooler, which many boards offer as an alternative to traditional seating, it’s not the same.

But some customers — particularly urban and/or millennial sportsmen, both male and female who are seeking an adventure as much as they are seeking fish  — like the idea of combining paddleboarding and fishing. Other customers simply need the lightest option available. Either way, a paddleboard is an excellent alternative. Even more, there are way more fishing-ready paddleboards on the market today compared to several years ago when there were very few. 

BOTE, a paddleboard company based in Florida, offers an inflatable board called the HD AERO. It comes in the company's Bugslinger style, which is a pretty sweet look for anglers. But more importantly, the board can be equipped for fishing. It's compatible with BOTE’s Tackle and Bucket Rac attachments, which allows for gear and fishing rod storage (sold separately). Like on Jackson’s Bite kayak, there’s bungee straps to secure additional storage. 

Of course the best part: it’s inflatable and only weighs 30 lb. And if you aren’t familiar with inflatable boards, inflatable doesn’t mean soft. These are sturdy, durable boards that can be deflated and packed for easy storage or even for checking as luggage during air travel. The downside is you’re looking at a $1,299 purchase, whereas a customer can land a Jackson Kayak, already equipped with fishing in mind, for $500 less.

Still, BOTE isn’t the only fishing-worthy paddleboard out there. And there are less expensive options. 

California Board Company’s 11 ft. Fiberglass Edge SUP could save a shopper several 100 bucks. It’s not an inflatable board, so a customer wouldn’t have that flexibility. And though Hunting Retailer hasn’t actually tested the 11 ft. Edge, the durability and engineering doesn’t appear to be on par with BOTE boards. Still, if durability isn’t an issue, this board is lightweight, also weighing in at only 30 lb. 

It comes with a rod and gear rack, and is equipped with a carry handle for easier transport. It’s priced at $949.99.