Smaller kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are ideal for backwater pursuits. They’re lighter, easier to launch and reload and, of course, are less expensive than full-size craft. Smaller, lighter kayaks are easier to slide down a bridge embankment or other tricky launching spot—and to drag back up.

However, you may want to invest in larger pedal- or electric-powered rigs rather than paddle-only. The pedals or compact motors free your hands for fishing, and also make it possible to travel much farther in a shorter time than paddling. These rigs are heavier and more expensive, but well worth it if you travel any distance in a kayak. If you have to cross open water to get to your fishing spot, the longer, wider and therefore more stable models are obviously better choices. Here's a look at three top options for backcountry fishing.

If you want a full-featured ’yak and expect to trailer it, Vibe’s Shearwater 125, with a fully-equipped weight of 109 pounds, is a good choice. Options include a Bixby jet drive that mounts on the transom as well as pedal drive assembly. The Summit Perch option raises the angler 16 inches off the water, thereby improving sight-fishing opportunities for those with good balance. $1,699 | vibekayaks.com

Weighing just 62 pounds (without the drive unit) the Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 is said to be the lightest 10-foot pedal-drive fishing kayak on the market. It’s 32 inches wide and includes a prop-drive pedal system that quickly fits in place on the centerline. The modified tunnel hull adds stability when standing to cast or spot fish. $2,299 with pedal-drive | nativewatercraft.com

The Hobie Mirage iTrek 11 is an inflatable board-style ’yak that is ridiculously light at just 28 pounds (without the drive unit), yet can carry up to 400 pounds of angler and gear. The 40-inch beam width offers amazing stability. The boat includes Hobie’s MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins and integrated rudder for dual steering, plus an elevated, breathable seat. It’s stable enough for standup fishing (per the company) and the stowage pack easily fits into the trunk of a compact car. You can literally launch this boat anywhere. $2,800 | hobie.com

Apex Watercraft builds a carbon kayak—with a five-figure price tag—for those looking to go ultra light.

The Tyr Fishing Kayak from Apex Watercraft ($10,999; apexwatercraft.com) is an amazing carbon-fiber 'yak that’s 12 feet, 10 inches long and a full 3 feet wide, yet weighs a scant 42 pounds. Neodymium "super magnets" are inlayed within the gunwales for holding tools and lures, and the molded, padded seat swivels for easy entry and exit. A custom vinyl wrap is standard. The transom is cut out to allow water to flow through, but there's a mount for an electric motor if desired. This is definitely not a starter kayak, and we certainly wouldn't want to drag it across an oyster bar, but if you’re looking for the latest and greatest, and don't mind dropping enough money to buy a decent used car on a kayak, by all means check one out.

Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto.

Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Eric Lundgren of Ruger, which now owns Marlin, highlights the features of both rifles with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring.

The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Among the accomplishments includes the recently concluded Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative, which in 10 years conserved or enhanced 5.3 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, recruited 1.5 million new or lapsed hunters, and opened new access to 750,000 acres for hunting and recreation. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Spot and range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 Range HD. In the video above, Leopold's Shawn Skipper highlights the features of the exciting new optics with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

Browning Ammunition has two big-game hunting loads new for 2023 that are effective on a wide range of species: the Max Point and Silver Series. Nathan Simmons of Browning and Game & Fish's John Taranto take a closer look at both cartridges at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

The 360 Buckhammer cartridge is designed for lever-action rifles and will be available in two Remington Core-Lokt loads. Key features include muzzle velocities of 2,215-2,400 fps. Available in 180- and 200-grain sizes. Learn more in the video above, with Remington's Joel Hodgdon and Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

Browning's Rafę Nielsen shares details on the new X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan hunting rifle with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

Ken Vitale with Buck Knives chats with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller about two new hunting knives for 2023—the purpose-built Alpha and PakLite series. At SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

The new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady is available in three loads (160 gr. CX Outfitter, 180 gr. ELD Match, and 175 gr. ELD-X Precision Hunter). Hornady's Seth Swerczek goes in depth about the new cartridge with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

The new Frontier, available in 8x42 and 10x42, has all the range-finding capabilities a hunter needs. Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller gets more info from Hawke's Paige Shipe at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

LaRue's Ethan Alexander talks about the Siete's features with Game & Fish's Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The rifle has five caliber offerings, two barrel choices and three different riser stocks. Features quick-change barrel system.

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