Kayak fishing keeps growing in popularity, and it is easy to see why. You get closer to nature, move quietly on the water and avoid the upkeep of a boat. A kayak travels easily on the car roof and reaches spots boats can’t. Sweden, with its countless lakes and archipelagos, is a great place for it – and hand-line and rod fishing is free along the Swedish coast and in the five largest lakes (check local rules elsewhere). But how do you choose the right model?

Want to see the models straight away? Explore our fishing kayaks.

1. How and where will you use the kayak?

Lakes, archipelago or coast? Only fishing, or also day trips, hunting or photography? A compact, nimble model suits short trips and narrow bays, while a larger, more stable kayak with more load capacity suits longer outings.

2. Price range

A paddle-driven fishing kayak usually costs SEK 5,000–10,000, while pedal-driven models start at around SEK 15,000 and go up to SEK 45,000. See current prices on each product.

For a simple, low-maintenance kayak, a paddle model is often best – lighter, cheaper and with minimal upkeep. If you want your hands free while fishing, a pedal-driven kayak can be a good investment, especially on longer trips.

3. Pedals or paddle?

Pedals let you hold your course without the paddle, so you can handle the rod without interruption. On the other hand, pedal kayaks are usually more expensive, heavier and need more maintenance. Here is an affordable pedal-driven fishing kayak, Havspaddeln Viking:

Even with pedals, always bring a spare paddle. Pedal systems can break or snag on underwater obstacles.

4. Comfort and stability

You will probably spend hours in the kayak, so choose an adjustable, ergonomic seat. Many anglers also want to be able to stand. Wider hulls with a low centre of gravity make casting and landing fish easier. Sit-on-top kayaks such as Havspaddeln Arktis and Havspaddeln Lofoten are popular for exactly that.

5. Features and accessories

• Rod holders – for easy rod handling.
• Storage – waterproof hatches and extra load capacity.
• Scupper holes – keep the cockpit dry.
• Mounting rails – for a fish finder, camera and other gear.
• Pedal drive and rudder – for efficient steering.

Don’t forget a life jacket and a fishing kayak trolley to get from the car to the water.

FAQ

Which model should I choose?
If you move around a lot and want a kayak you can handle alone, choose a smaller paddle model. On open water, with your hands free, a pedal model suits better.

How is a fishing kayak different?
Fishing kayaks are usually wider and more stable, with rod holders, mounts and more storage. Here is our Havspaddeln Piraya, a smaller model with the accessories you need:

How stable are they?
Most are very stable, and some are wide enough to stand in. Still, spread the weight evenly and respect the weather.

Hard-shell or inflatable?
Inflatables are easy to carry and store; hard-shell kayaks are usually more robust. Short on space? Havspaddeln Vidar is an inflatable fishing kayak. See all our inflatable kayaks.

See them in person

Visit our shop on Hornsgatan in Stockholm or contact us for advice on the right kayak for your fishing.