Kayaks for Bonefishing

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part 2 of a 2-part series on using kayaks to pursue bonefish on the fly. Read Part 1 here.

This article was originally titled "Kayaking for Bones" in the June-July 2025 issue of Fly Fisherman.

---

Bonefish demand stealth, precision, and a watercraft that can slip silently across the flats without spooking your quarry. Enter the kayak—a nimble, low-profile vessel that’s become a favorite among saltwater anglers chasing silver ghosts in skinny water. Today’s fishing kayaks offer more than just paddle power; they’re customizable platforms built for sight-fishing, poling, and even motorized cruising. Whether you're a minimalist angler looking for a lightweight paddle rig or a gear-heavy explorer seeking electric propulsion and standing stability, this roundup profiles five standout kayaks designed to elevate your bonefishing game. From budget-friendly options to high-tech hybrids, each one brings something unique to the flats.

Jackson Bite Angler

• Length: 11'6"
• Width: 35"
• Weight: 78 lbs. with seat
• Capacity: 400 lbs.
• Material: Rotomolded polyethylene
• Propulsion System: Paddle

Ideal Applications: The Bite Angler is versatile, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater adventures. It’s ideal for exploring small lakes, ponds, calm rivers, and inshore saltwater environments, offering adaptability across a range of waterways.

Overview: This paddle kayak is crafted for excellent performance with minimal upkeep. It retains the high standards of the Bite hull, known for its uncompromised performance, gear organization, and quality, even at an affordable price. With the Bite Angler, Jackson Kayak maintains its commitment to top-notch design without sacrificing any essentials.  

Noteworthy Features: The Bite Angler combines a lightweight, nimble design with a stable platform, open-concept deck, and gear-mounting options. It’s built for anglers who want an agile and efficient fishing experience without unnecessary bulk.

$1,099 | Jacksonkayak.com

---

Old Town Sonata 106 MK

• Length: 10'6"
• Width: 37"
• Weight: 123 lbs. assembled
• Capacity: 638 lbs.
• Material: High-density polyethylene
• Propulsion System: Minn Kota moto

Ideal Applications: Cruise, party, or fish until sundown with the  Sonata 106 MK. It’s easy to maneuver like a kayak but fully motorized like a boat.

Overview: The electric propulsion is a huge benefit with its expanded range, but this boat is also eminently paddle propelled. It’s plenty stable to stand and cast while drifting or poking along with a paddle or pushpole. At a bit over 10 feet, it’ll be easy to transport in a truck bed or van. Fishing features include forward-facing rod holder, two stern-facing rod holders, accessory tracks, and shallow-water anchor-ready inserts at the stern.

Noteworthy Features: Sonata 106 MK is fully integrated with an intuitive Minn Kota electric motor, built-in wireless Bluetooth speakers, LED cockpit lighting, and a USB port for charging phones and other electronic accessories. The boat has a powerboat-style throttle for the electric motor. The included battery life indicator works with a lead/acid battery, but the Sonata will also run with 12V lithium power. This option requires 100 aH battery, at additional cost.

$3,999.99 | oldtownwatercraft.johnsonoutdoors.com

---

Bonafide XTR130

• Length: 12'7"
• Width: 40.5"
• Weight: 170 lbs. fully rigged
• Capacity: 750 lbs.
• Material: High-density polyethylene
• Propulsion System: Paddle, motor

Ideal Applications: The XTR130 offers superior stability for intercoastal and shallow water anglers. From flats fishing to exploring swamps, this feature rich and kayak gives many options for customization.  

Overview: Stability and customization are key features of the XTR130. Tiller motor mounts and push pole integration give you the ability to pole flats, while a high Pivot Pro Swivel seat offers comfort, maneuverability, better sight-fishing opportunities, and makes casting a fly rod more efficient. You can add a stern or bow motor, electronics, and more. The walkable wide deck gives you the option of standing to fly fish.

Noteworthy Features: Ample storage and push pole integration make the XTR130 an ideal flats kayak. It’s like a skiff and a kayak had a baby to give you a comfortable, stable, and stealthy watercraft to pursue flats species.

$2,899 | bonafidefishing.com

---

Kaku Guru

• Length: 14'
• Width: 36"
• Weight: 136 lbs.
• Capacity: 600 lbs.
• Material: Rotomolded high-density polyethylene
• Propulsion System: Paddle, pedal, or motor

Ideal Applications: The Guru is designed to master the water however you want. From paddle power to integrated bow-mounted, GPS trolling motors to 6-HP gas outboards, this kayak can handle it all.

Overview: The slogan for the Kaku Guru Fishing Kayak is basically “any water, any time.” The Kaku Guru is the ultimate fishing kayak and motorized skiff, built for any water, anytime designed with unmatched stability, rugged durability, and all-terrain versatility. The Guru is a hybrid fishing machine that can adapt to anything from skinny water flats to open lakes, winding rivers, and beyond. Paddle it for stealth, pedal it with fin or prop drive (coming this spring), or power it up with an electric motor, gas outboard, or bow-mounted GPS motor. Built to be fully customizable, the Guru gives you the freedom to rig it your way.

Noteworthy Features: Options include a fin drive or pedal-powered prop drive.

$2,099 | kakukayaks.com

---

Old Town EPDL+ 120 Pro

• Length: 12'
• Width: 36"
• Weight: 153 lbs. assembled
• Capacity: 561 lbs.
• Material: High-density polyethylene
• Propulsion System: pedal, paddle, motor: ePDL+

Ideal Applications: Fish with no limits using the ePDL+ drive by seamlessly switching between manual pedal, power-assisted pedal, or fully motorized cruise control. This is your ultimate fishing kayak giving you full control of any water situation.

Overview: The EPDL+ 120 Pro is feature-rich and sports incredible versatility, stability, and comfort. This hallmark line of kayaks offers many customization options, enhanced interior storage, and space. This kayak is internally wired with kill switches and includes a 36V 20 aH lithium-ion battery with charger.

Noteworthy Features: Part of the Sportsman Pro line, the ePDL+ 120 Pro is equipped with superior rod and tackle management, offering more space, storage, and options that allow each angler the freedom to customize their craft the way they want.

$5,999.99 | oldtownwatercraft.johnsonoutdoors.com

---

Accessories

NRS Wrangler PFD

A safe day on the water ensures you get to have fun and do it again. The NRS Wrangler PFD is a trim life jacket built for anglers and adventurers. The Wrangler’s mesh back pairs easily with a high-back seat and provides ventilation on warm days. Two generously sized front pockets with internal organization keep essentials like fly boxes and pliers secure and easily accessible.

Built around NRS’s Orbit Fit System, the Wrangler provides a unique, comfortable fit for every body. Reflective accents enhance safety, MOLLE-inspired webbing allows for further customization, and a silicone-coated waistband helps keep the PFD in place. The Wrangler PFD meets the U.S. Coast Guard’s 16.5-pound design floatation standard for adult boaters.

$134.95 | scheels.com

---

Suspenz Catch-All Universal Beach Cart

This cart isn’t just for kayaks but will make your beach transport a breeze. Supporting up to 300 lbs, the Catch-All Universal Beach Cart comes with either 12" Airless Wheels for most any terrain including rocky and ragged trails, or 13" beach wheels that can smoothly roll over any sand.

Integrated 12', 4-point tie-down straps cover a span of 32" to keep your kayak snug in transport. Rubber-encased cam buckles protect the body of your kayak from scraping. A kickstand creates a stable and low lifting platform that won’t roll around when loading. The cart quickly disassembles for easy packing into your vehicle.

One of the best features is the rotating bunker bar to get the best wheel clearance and width depending on the terrain. Hauling your gear to your destination just got a lot easier with this cart.

$229.95 | suspenz.com

---

Damon Bungard worked for Jackson Kayak as product and brand manager. He and his family live in Blacksburg, Virginia.

---