Picking up a feelfree lure kayak was probably the best decision I've made for my weekend fishing trips. It's one of those boats that just makes sense the second you slide it into the water. If you've spent any time scouring the internet for a fishing platform that doesn't feel like a balancing act, you've likely seen these pop up. They have a distinct look, a solid reputation, and a few features that you just don't find on your average big-box store kayak.
I remember the first time I sat in one. I'd been using a cheap, sit-in model for years, and my back would usually start screaming at me after about forty-five minutes. Moving to a platform designed specifically for anglers changed the whole experience. It wasn't just about having a place to put my rod; it was about the stability and the sheer comfort of the thing.
That Famous Gravity Seat
We have to talk about the seat first because, honestly, it's the star of the show. Most kayak seats are either a thin piece of foam or a lawn-chair style that's stuck in one position. The Gravity Seat in the feelfree lure kayak is a completely different animal. It uses a lever system that lets you raise or lower the seat over a huge range of heights.
If you're paddling long distances or dealing with a bit of chop, you can drop it down low to keep your center of gravity tight to the water. But when you get to your honey hole and want to start casting, you can flick the lever and raise it up high. It's almost like sitting in a real chair. This high-seating position is a massive advantage for sight fishing. You can see into the water much better than if you were tucked down low, and it makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier on your knees.
Stability You Can Actually Trust
Speaking of standing up, that's where this kayak really shines. I've seen plenty of kayaks claim they are "stand-up stable," but then you get out there and feel like you're on a tightrope. The hull design on the Lure is wide—really wide. Depending on which model you get, you're looking at a width of 34 to 36 inches.
Because the bottom is relatively flat and the "shoulders" of the kayak are so broad, it resists tipping in a way that feels incredibly secure. I've reached over the side to grab a fish or pull a snagged lure out of a tree, and the boat barely tilts. For someone who isn't exactly a gymnast, that kind of stability is a huge confidence booster. There's even a stand-up leash included that helps you pull yourself up or lower yourself back down without any wobbling.
The Wheel in the Keel
One of the most practical features of the feelfree lure kayak—and something I think every brand should copy—is the Wheel in the Keel. Kayak fishing gear gets heavy. By the time you add a crate, rods, tackle boxes, and a cooler, you're looking at a lot of weight.
Most people have to buy a separate kayak cart, which is just one more thing to forget at home or trip over on the bank. Feelfree built a small, sturdy wheel right into the back of the hull. You just grab the handle at the bow, lift it up, and roll it down to the water like a piece of luggage. It's perfect for boat ramps or hard-packed dirt paths. Now, it won't replace a heavy-duty sand cart if you're trekking through deep dunes, but for 90% of the spots I fish, it's a total lifesaver.
Customizing Your Setup
Anglers love to tinker, and this boat is built for it. It uses the Uni-Track system, which is essentially a series of rails along the gunwales. Instead of drilling holes directly into your brand-new kayak to mount a fish finder or a GoPro, you just slide a track adapter in and tighten it down.
If you decide you want your rod holders in a different spot next week, you just slide them. It keeps the deck clean and allows you to adjust your layout based on what you're doing that day. I've also found the Sonar Pod to be a pretty clever addition. It's a removable container in the center of the boat where you can mount your transducer and fish finder battery. When you're done for the day, you can just pop the whole pod out and take it inside so your expensive electronics don't get stolen or banged around during transport.
Choosing the Right Size
There isn't just one version of this boat; the feelfree lure kayak comes in a few different lengths, and choosing the right one depends on where you plan to spend your time.
The Lure 10
This is the "little brother" of the group. It's ten feet long, which makes it incredibly easy to turn and maneuver in tight spaces. If you're fishing small ponds, narrow creeks, or heavily timbered areas, the 10 is fantastic. It's also the lightest, which makes it the easiest to throw in the back of a truck. The trade-off is that it doesn't track (stay straight) quite as well as the longer models, and it's not as fast.
The Lure 11.5
This is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the lineup. It's long enough to handle some wind and open water, but short enough that it isn't a total nightmare to turn. It has a bit more storage space than the 10 and feels a bit more "planted" in the water. If you're only going to own one kayak for all types of fishing, this is usually the one people go for.
The Lure 13.5
If you're a big person or you just like to carry a mountain of gear, the 13.5 is a beast. It's built for big water—large lakes or coastal bays. It's fast once you get it moving, and it stays straight as an arrow. The downside? It's heavy. You're definitely going to want a trailer or a very solid roof rack system for this one.
The Overdrive System
For those who don't want to spend the whole day paddling, many of these models are compatible with the Overdrive system. This is a unit that drops into the floor and gives you both pedal power and the option to add an electric motor.
What's cool about it is that it's an "all-in-one" unit. You can pedal to your spot to get some exercise, and then if the wind picks up or you get tired, you can switch over to the motor. It's a bit of an investment, but if you're fishing big bodies of water where you need to cover miles to find the fish, it's worth every penny.
A Few Real-World Considerations
No kayak is perfect, and I'd be lying if I said the feelfree lure kayak didn't have its quirks. The biggest one is the weight. Because these boats are so wide and built with such thick, durable plastic, they are on the heavier side of the spectrum. You'll feel it when you're lifting it onto a roof rack.
Also, because of the wide, stable hull, they aren't the fastest boats in the world. If you're looking to win a race, this isn't your craft. But if you're looking for a stable, comfortable platform that lets you fish for eight hours without feeling like you've been through a blender, it's hard to beat.
The storage hatch in the front is another nice touch. It has a solid latch system that actually stays dry, which isn't always a given with kayak hatches. I usually stuff my dry bag with a rain jacket and some extra snacks in there. Behind the seat, there's a large tank well with bungees that fits a standard milk crate or the Feelfree-specific crates perfectly.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a feelfree lure kayak is designed for the person who wants to enjoy the act of fishing as much as the catch itself. It takes away a lot of the "work" of kayaking. You aren't constantly fighting to stay balanced, your back doesn't hurt, and moving the boat from the car to the water isn't a chore thanks to that built-in wheel.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been kayak fishing for years, there's something really satisfying about the way these boats are put together. They feel rugged, they look great, and most importantly, they let you focus on the fish instead of the equipment. If you get the chance to demo one, I highly recommend it—just be prepared to never want to sit in a standard kayak seat ever again.