The 7 Best Duck Hunting Kayak in 2023 – Reviewed by Experts

Last Updated on March 1, 2023

A duck hunting kayak offers a ton of versatility, and you can use it on rivers, lakes, and ponds. Besides, it can be transported easily in your truck or SUV rack. The kayaks for duck hunting must have some unique features that allow you to hunt the ducks efficiently.

If you get the right kayak, hunting should be fun for you. So, what are the best kayaks for duck hunting? In this article, we will have an assessment of the best duck hunting kayaks available on the market. As you are searching for the best duck hunting kayak, we hope you will find this helpful.

Quick Answer – Top 7 Best Duck Hunting Kayak

1. Lifetime Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak

2. Hobie Pro Angler 12

3. Beavertail Final Attack Portable Pit Blind

4. Beavertail 400238 Phantom Marsh-Brown Bird

5. FeelFree Lure Kayak w/ Sonar and Electronic Pod

6. YakGear Ambush Camo Kayak Cover & Hunting Blind

7. Old Town Predator PDL Kayak Brown Camo

Reviews of the Best Duck Hunting Kayak

Having the right gears can make your day! When choosing the best kayak for duck hunting, it is crucial to select one which is camouflaged, has proper storage, tracks well, stable and durable.

A number of manufacturers and sellers have come up with some excellent duck hunting kayaks, complete with all the accessories to start duck hunting this season.

But choosing the best one is always tough. That is why we thought it would be great if we share expert knowledge with you so that you can purchase the best one.

1. Lifetime 10 Foot Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak

It is durable High-Density UV-Protected Polyethylene HDPE that resists fading, cracking, and peeling. With 500 pounds weight capacity, it is designed to seat up to 3 people.

And it features multiple footrest positions for different size riders. With a sturdy tunnel hull design,  the kayak provides plenty of stability and excellent tracking.

The kayak includes paddle clips, three fishing pole holders, two padded backrests, two double-sided paddles, and a six feet storage hatch.

The included two padded backrests can be moved to any of the seating positions. You can add an electric trolling motor as it is designed to accept a motor mount accessory.

The kayak weighs only 60 pounds, and its 10 feet compact length is great for easy transport and storage. Besides, you are getting a five-year limited manufacturer warranty. Overall, this best duck hunting kayak is an ideal hunting gear for the hunting enthusiasts.

2. Hobie Pro Angler 12

The Pro Angler 12 comes with all the big-boat fishing features on a 12-ft. long platform. You can now dominate the water with this superior fishing kayak. It fits smartly in the back of the most pickup trucks.

The H-Bar is designed with the stand-up angler in mind that provides stability while standing and you have options for mounting extra gear. This 8-gallon, Livewell ready cargo area was custom-designed for the serious anglers.

The Hobie evolve Electric Motor Kit dramatically expands your horizons. It also includes Tracking Skeg, 2 Plano Tackle Boxes, 2 H-Rail Rod Racks, and 1 H-Rail Cup Holder.

This could be the best kayak you have ever owned! The elevated Vantage ST seat allows you to move around the boat quickly. Now it comes with an H-Rail for superior flexibility in accessory rigging and a retractable skeg for improved course-keeping.

You can also keep a half-dozen rods ready in the standard horizontal and molded-in rod holders for your ultimate kayak fishing adventure. The quality of workmanship is impressive, and you can recommend this kayak to anyone.

3. Beavertail Final Attack Portable Pit Blind

The Beavertail Final Attack Pit Blind is one of the most versatile multi-function kayaks you will ever own!  With a low profile design, this boat has enough space for both you and your gear.

You can use the Final Attack as a coffin blind floating in the cattails or on the edge of a cornfield. The Beavertail Final Attack is a deadly low-profile waterfowl ambush. The Final Attack is a must-have kayak for the serious hunters out there.

With built-in low profile wheels and tow-rope holes, the Final Attack also offers slick land transport. You can easily attach an electric motor with an integrated transom for an effortless trip to your destination.

With its impressive storage, you can carry your valuable things and hunting gears to make hunting even better. The Beavertail Final Attack Pit Blind/Boat weighs only 85 pounds and has the weight capacity of 420 pounds. Available in marsh brown.

4. Beavertail 400238 Phantom Marsh-Brown Bird

The phantom is built to overcome the challenges found when hunting out of conventional flat-bottomed kayaks. The Phantom Duck Hunting Kayak is must-have gear for real duck hunters.

It can hold everything; decoys, dog, fast grass, gun, kit, and your son or daughter. And you won’t sink one, even with heavy loads. The catamaran-style hull design supports the additional weight of hunting gears and the extreme side movements from the kayak.

The Phantom Duck Hunting Kayak has a durable 100% thick and rugged polyethylene construction with a foam-filled inner structure for incredible strength.

Its one-piece roto-molded design features molded-in handles on both ends, molded-in footrests, and a contoured seat. You can also keep your valuable things and hunting gears safe in the rear water-tight storage compartment.

The boat weighs only 55 lbs, has the weight capacity of 360 LBS and you are getting five years manufacturer’s warranty. This a made in the USA product. Overall, If you are a serious waterfowler, this boat is for you.

5. FeelFree Lure 11.5 Kayak w/ Sonar and Electronic Pod Orange Camo

The FeelFree Lure 11.5 Kayak still has all the versatility stability, and comfort as the original Lure 11.5 and now you are getting removable FeelFree Sonar and Electronic Pod.

The Sonar and Electronic pod offer anglers the option to install hunting devices such as fish finders and power supplies into their kayaks.

The kayak also provides a variety of unique features including a wheel in the Keel, the removable multi-height adjustable Gravity Seat, and sturdy molded-in handles.

The Lure 11.5 Kayak is designed for longer paddling trips on lakes and rivers with more capacity and additional deck space.

It also offers everything you need to go hunting including the Uni-Track system, a large tank well to store your fishing gear and flush mounted rod holders.

The 34 inches wide hull is paired with a padded standing platform that offers you the option to paddle sitting or standing position whether hunting inland waters or fishing wide open oceans.

Besides, the Lure 11.5 is Motordrive, Overdrive, and rudder ready. Item Weighs about 69 pounds and weight capacity is about 425 pounds. The FeelFree Lure 11.5 Kayak is an excellent hunting tool for the serious hunter.

6. YakGear Ambush Camo Kayak Cover & Hunting Blind

YakGear makes it easier for you to enhance your hunting experience, featuring the Camo  Kayak Cover and Hunting blind. The hunting blind features flaps to keep you fully covered until it is time to take the shot.

This unique feature allows you to blend into the surroundings, wherever you paddle or pedal. The blind is made of rip-stop nylon to prevent tears.

Two concealment flaps cover you in a layout type position and easily flip when it’s time. Also included is an extra-large velcro flap behind for access to the rear tank well area. The boat handles are comfortable to get to at the back and front through slits.

The Ambush Camo Kayak Cover and Hunting Blind are made of heavy-duty material appear to be sturdy and a style of tip stop. The Realtree Max5 camo pattern hunting blind is designed to be used as a shooter blind.

The drawstrings are heavy duty and won’t break when tugged on. And the doors for the popup style are also flexible and require a bit flattening.

Its pre-sewn vegetation straps allow for the brush to be added on easily. This is an excellent Camo cover for kayaks, canoes and Jon boats about 12 feet to 14 feet long and wide up to 38 inches.

7. Old Town Predator PDL Kayak – Brown Camo

The Old Town Predator PDL kayak is an advanced pedal powered fishing machine. You will experience precise boat control with forwarding, reverse and agile maneuverability, while your hands stay free to focus on fishing.

The hull combines the ideal balance of horizontal pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability. The seat is fully adjustable to have room for most any leg length.

The pedal drive is simple to attach and remove. There is also a battery house under the click seal hatch. The kayak is about 13.5 feet long. Weighs about 117 pounds and has the weight capacity of 500 pounds.

The removable drive installs in seconds, and it tips up instantly for shallow-water docking. The Rudder control knob is easily reachable for controlled steering.

The Element Seating System is adjustable for customizable comfort. Its six removable mounting plates are designed to accept mountable fishing accessories too.

The dedicated Exo-Ridge Tank Well secures your large pieces of gear. And you can also store all of your gears inside the huge bow hatch with click-seal cover, the gear storage pockets and six inches access hatch in the console.

Duck Hunting Kayak FAQs

Why Use a Kayak?

Kayak is ideal for hunting for many reasons. Kayaking enables you to get out on the water near your prey without making any noise. Kayak for duck hunting is also very easy to maneuver, which significantly contributes to its attractiveness. As the kayak tends to be small in size, you get small coves. Kayaks are also incredibly easy to transport, making them a great way to get out on the water.

What Factors Should I Consider While Purchasing a Hunting Kayak?

Now that we’ve broken down what you need to make kayak duck hunting more comfortable and more enjoyable, the next point in our kayak duck hunting guide is what to consider when purchasing a kayak for this activity. Here are four crucial factors to consider:

Material

It plays a crucial role in helping you float in the water. So, make sure the material used to make the kayak can withstand the saltwater. One with polyethylene construction might be a good place to start. This type of model can withstand aquatic environments, including rocks and sharp objects.

Well, it doesn’t have to be polyethylene exactly, but the material you choose should be lightweight to ensure the kayak doesn’t sink. However, sometimes a kayak can sink if the material absorbs water and begins to leak.

Storage

Duck hunting by kayak requires one to have enough equipment on board. That said, you will need a kayak which storage can accommodate as many items as possible and one that is waterproof, so your gear stays dry.

If you invest in a big and wide kayak, you will have more space to store your gear. However, those very large ones will give you trouble accessing very narrow areas. Also, birds can see a larger kayak in the distance, and you may not have the best duck hunting days afterward.

Comfort

You want your duck hunting trip to be as comfortable as possible, and this starts with the design of your kayak. If your kayak has enough room to sit, aim, and pull the trigger comfortably, your hunting trip will be nothing short of pleasant. Some kayaks come with adjustable seats to help you sit more comfortably. Some even feature mesh so that if the seat comes into contact with water, it dries quickly.

Stability and Maneuverability

Sometimes you want to shoot while standing in the kayak. Other times you want to cast lures or paddle to a place where you can get a clear shot. You have to ensure that your kayak stays stable when you aim at your target. Also, your kayak should allow you to maneuver through the water comfortably. Whether you go hunting in a river or calm waters, you need the best navigation.

How to Configure Your Kayak So That It Fits Into Your Environment?

Like while hunting on dry land, you need to be camouflaged on the water. It includes everything from odor reducers to paddles. That means you need to prepare yourself and your boat in a way, so your prey doesn’t notice anything as you go near to it.

What Should I Take Into Consideration for Duck Hunting?

Having the right gear for the day is one of the most effective ways to ensure a successful kayak duck hunt. Aside from your flotation device, be sure to bring the following:

Duck Lures

A dozen lures will get you started. You can decorate them in a “U” or “V” shape, which are the most effective marks for attracting waterfowl, and lets you make a good shot.

Another tip you should remember that ducks prefer to land towards the wind. Thus, you have to position the lures in such a way that the wind is at your back.

Shotgun

A shotgun is essential, as hunters use it to kill ducks. Don’t forget the ammo as, without it, you can’t make it to the successful hunting.

Fisherman’s Boots

Your hunt will take place in the water, some swampy, and boggy areas. So, try to bring a pair of fishing boots on your hunt. They will keep you warm, ensure your safety, and, most importantly, give you a more comfortable hunting experience. A good quality hunting boot ensures that dirty water and mud do not reach your feet.

Camouflage Clothing

So you have your shotgun, a pair of fisherman boots, and of course, your kayak, what else do you need? Well, ducks have great eyesight and can see even the smallest detail. That’s why you need camouflage clothing.

Both you and your kayak have to stay hidden as in normal hunting scenarios. Duck hunting is like any other type of animal hunting. That said, you will need to bring some camouflage clothing and some face paints if possible. In summary, you should try every possible way to hide so as not to scare the birds.

Duck Hunting Whistle

Every hunter knows how challenging it is to lure the duck. That’s where duck whistles come in. You can mimic various waterfowl species like teal and geese to attract the birds. However, make sure that the sound you make is from one of the duck species you are hunting or already on the lure.

Warm Clothing

Pack extra clothes in your dry bag. You don’t know how long you’ll be out there, so it would be wise to load your kayak with food and clean water as well. As you know, the amount of luggage you can carry in your kayak is limited because most kayaks are designed with little storage space. Thus, try to save what is enough for the day.

What is the Best Time for Duck Hunting, and How Can I Stay Safe While Hunting?

Every waterfowl hunter knows that the best time to chase birds is early in the morning. Duck hunting by kayak is no exception, which means you have to be at the hunting ground before the sun rises to set up the lure and anything else that needs to be ready before the birds start moving.

However, your safety comes first, and that is why we include this point in our guide to kayak duck hunting. Since you may be mounting in the dark, it would be important to carry a flashlight so you can find your way and get through the muddy waters safely. Also, try to bring your safety gear too.

Many things can go wrong in areas that are not visited frequently. It could be a bite from an unknown insect, a cut in rough vegetation, or even punctures from sharp objects in the muddy waters. Having a first aid kit can help you treat the wound so that you can enjoy the hunt.

A life jacket will also be helpful. You could be a hunter but not a swimmer. Wearing this, especially when hunting in waters you’ve never been to before, could save your life. If something hits your kayak from the bottom and flips it over, your safety life jacket may be the only thing you have to save your precious life.

Why Should I Go Hunting in Remote Water?

Most waterfowl hunters like to go to places where they can easily send their dogs to collect the birds. They neglect those areas that seem too difficult to access with a traditional duck or fishing kayak, while these are the places that probably increase your chances of coming home with something. As you know, a kayak can help you access these areas, move calmly and quietly, and shoot the ducks before they even know what’s going on.

This type of watercraft lacks a motor making it easier for you to float through the water without being noticed. So, next time you go duck hunting, you know where to start. And with a kayak, you are sure to have better hunting days.

How Can I Keep My Gear Dry and Safe?

Most duck hunting is done in saltwater, and the only way to keep your duck hunting gear, especially your weapon, away from corrosion is to store it in a dry bag. You should also have a greased cloth on hand to clean the weapon before the hunting.

If you are willing to hunt in an area where the water is a bit high or in constant motion (like a river), take a rope about 7 feet long and attach it to your gun and with your the kayak.

This way, even if the kayak is flipped over, you won’t lose your weapon as it will remain attached to the flotation device. Once you finish hunting and return home, be sure to disassemble the weapon, clean it, and oil it before putting it in place.

Final Words

Choosing a best duck hunting kayak can be a long, tedious task, so you have to focus on what you need most out of it. If you carry a lot of gear, consider picking one with the best weight capacity.

All the models we have reviewed here are of good quality and comfortable, so it is going to depend on your preference. We hope, out of these ten, you have already picked the right type of kayak for your next duck hunting trip. Happy Hunting!

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Campbell John

Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.