The design of kayaks overall, and especially kayaks for fishing, has advanced at a terrific pace in recent years. There’s no doubt that more anglers are buying and using fishing kayaks, whether for primary or secondary fishing pursuits, and that the manufacturers of these craft and of accessory products are responding. Here’s a look at five notable new fishing kayaks introduced at ICAST, the 2015 sportfishing industry trade show.


 

While these are fishing kayaks with features of particular functionality for anglers, of special note is the attention that manufactuers have paid to comfortable seats and back rests.

1. Old Town Loon Angler

Old Town introduced its Predator lineup of sit-on-top fishing kayaks in 2014 and they promptly won Best Boat and Overall Best of Show awards at ICAST. Now the company has taken a page from history and re-introduced one of its early and most popular touring-kayak models, the Loon, in the Loon Angler series. Available in two sit-in models, 10.5 and 12.5 feet long, these are comfortable, durable boats with three-layer polyethylene construction and large cockpits for easy access.

A new Active Comfort System seat is easily adjustable for height and ergonomically-designed backrest position, and has a soft, ventilated fabric design. There are two flush-mount rod holders, a click-seal rear storage hatch, thigh brace pads, and an innovative  quick-locking removable workdeck that features an accessory slide track, gear trays, storage compartment, cell phone tray, and USB charging port for connecting to a portable power source.

 

Loon Anglers weigh 46 and 59 pounds respectively, are 31 inches wide, have a lifetime hull warranty, and are available in camo and urban camo colors. They will be available in January 2016; MSRP is $1,000 for the 10.5 and $1,100 for the 126.