7 Best Duck Hunting Kayaks In 2023

Thanks to its Pilot Drive pedal system, the Perception Pescador Pilot 12 moves incredibly quietly on the water. This allows you to get closer to the prey, and leaves your hands free to hold your weapon. In addition, it’s also incredibly stable and very comfortable, which easily makes it the best duck hunting kayak that you can get. 

Construction and Design

To prevent leaks and weak spots, the entire hull of this kayak is made in one piece from high-density polyethylene. The pedal system we’ve mentioned moves the kayak easily, while the included hand-controlled rudder makes steering faster and allows 360° turns. The Pescador Pilot 12 also pays attention to the kayaker comfort, so it comes equipped with a high-quality Captain’s Chair seat that you can adjust in 2 levels.

Hunting Performance

Owing to its wide and stable hull, the Pilot 12 is excellent for both kayak hunting and fishing. It won’t capsize or even rock too much when you shoot, which significantly improves accuracy. Finally, the deck comes with two large storage tankwells so you can easily pack all the gear you need for the day.

Spacious, stable, and comfortable, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is a favorite among both anglers and hunters. Its sharp bow provides impressive speed and tracking, while the wide beam and flat hull prevent it from tipping when it’s time to hunt. In addition, these top-rated hunting kayaks come with a lot of storage options so you can easily pack and organize your gear.

Construction and Design

The entire body of this kayak is made from HDPE, known for its exceptional structural strength and impact resistance. The kayak is also UV-protected, so you don’t have to worry about it deteriorating in the sun. As for the storage space we’ve mentioned, it consists of two 6-inch storage hatches at the center and stern, as well as two wide bungee-corded storage areas at both ends.

Hunting Performance

Hunting with this kayak is very enjoyable for several reasons. First and foremost, it doesn’t make too much noise when moving around, so you don’t have to worry about scaring away the birds. As we’ve pointed out, it has exceptional primary stability, so you can even stand when shooting. On the other hand, the padded seat with an adjustable backrest guarantees comfort while waiting.

If you enjoy hunting with a buddy, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado kayak for hunting is the one for you. It’s the only tandem kayak we’ve featured on our list, with plenty of room for two larger hunters, their rifles, and a lot of gear. Furthermore, it’s also the only inflatable model, which makes it the best duck hunting kayak in terms of portability. 

Construction and Design

Instead of polyethylene, the body of this kayak is made from rugged 18-gauge PVC that can withstand high inflation pressure. The bottom is reinforced with 1000D Tarpaulin, while the sides have an 840D nylon cover for puncture protection. The kayak is very wide relative to its length, so you can expect excellent stability when standing still.

Hunting Performance

The cockpit of the Colorado kayak is pretty spacious and has enough room to turn and move. However, since it’s an inflatable, we would advise against standing up. Luckily, with the adjustable seats, you won’t even have to do that. While the kayak is primarily designed for paddling, it comes with fittings in the back if you want to install a trolling motor to move around easier.

In terms of hunting comfort, the Pelican Saber 100x is easily among the best duck hunting kayaks that you can get. Its Ergofit seating system is breathable and easily adjustable, while the deck is completely open and allows you to stretch your legs when you need to. Additionally, it also has excellent maneuverability so you can easily reach the best spot for hunting.

Construction and Design

The body of the Saber 100X kayak is made from high-quality RAM-X premium polyethylene. To further boost the strength, the material comes in three separate layers. The hull is relatively flat to promote stability and features a multi-chine design that should prevent tipping. Because of this, the kayak is excellent for all skill levels, including beginners.

Hunting Performance

Owing to its camo print, this kayak is very hard to spot on the water. Depending on your surroundings, you can get it in gray or green. It features two storage hatches and a large tankwell for storing your gear so you won’t have to keep everything on the deck. As a bonus, it’s pre-equipped with three rod holders so you can use it for fishing too.

When it comes to staying hidden and sneaking up, the Beavertail Final Attack is the best duck hunting kayak for the job. It’s the only model in our reviews that is equipped with a portable pit blind that completely covers the cockpit of your kayak. This allows you to hide inside and patiently wait for the ducks to get closer without them noticing you.

Construction and Design

Made from rotomolded polyethylene, this kayak shows exceptional strength on the water. While the duck hunting kayak blind is made from the same material, it’s very lightweight and easy to get on and off. However, the boat itself is a bit thicker than most hunter kayaks and has a foam-filled interior which also means additional weight. Luckily, it’s equipped with a wheel on the bottom so you can easily drag it around.

Hunting Performance

Due to its unique design, the performance of this kayak is really impressive. It isn’t very fast, but its low-profile design allows it to move smoothly without creating too much sound. As a bonus, it works equally well as a shelter on dry land which gives you even more options when hunting.

As its name suggests, the Beavertail 2000 Series Stealth kayak is excellent for remaining unseen on the water. Its marsh brown color blends into the environment incredibly well, while the hull design makes it almost silent when moving around. If you’re still not convinced, it even has the seal of approval from the North American Hunting Club.

Construction and Design

Much like the previous Beavertail model we’ve talked about, the 2000 Series Stealth is made from strong rotomolded polyethylene and filled with foam. It’s exceptionally strong, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it in shallow water. However, keep in mind that it weighs 130 pounds so you’ll have to work out a way of getting it in and out of the water.

Hunting Performance

The combination of camouflaged paint job and stable catamaran-style bottom makes it one of the best duck hunting kayaks for getting close to your prey. Since it’s a true hunting kayak, it comes with several hunting-specific features – two interior gun racks with shell holders as well as a padded platform for kayak duck hunting with dog. Other great features include a swivel seat, dry storage, and tie-down slots on both ends.

The thing that separates the Beavertail Phantom Marsh from the other kayaks for hunting is its ability to overcome challenges in shallow water. Its twin-hull catamaran bottom provides incredible stability, while the foam-filled interior guarantees resilience when you hit hard objects. It’s also one of the lighter duck hunting fishing kayaks available, so you can easily transport it even to more remote hunting grounds.

Construction and Design

Unlike the previous two Beavertail models we’ve talked about, the Phantom Marsh is more streamlined and agile on the water. The boat is made from rugged HDPE, and the mentioned foam filling prevents it from getting punctured or dinged. The deck is very spacious and allows you to move around when targeting your prey.

Hunting Performance

Due to its design, the Phantom fishing hunting kayak is one of the best duck hunting kayaks in marshes and similar types of wetlands. It’s quiet even when moving through the grass, and remains stable when shooting and tossing decoy. However, it comes with a molded seat, so you might want to think about installing something more comfortable if you plan to stay the whole day on the water.