ANGLER
Native Watercraft Magic 12
Best For: Anyone who wants an all-purpose craft that converts to a specialist fishing kayak.
Why It's Cool: A "plug-and-play" system of metal rails and recesses in the hull lets you customize the Magic 12 with fishing accessories—rod holders, a dashboard for a GPS and fish finder, cup holders, tackle boxes, coolers—without drilling any holes. At 30 inches wide, it's exceedingly stable, so you can focus on roping in the trout and bonefish rather than staying upright. Remove the angler system and the Magic quickly converts back into an everyday craft that's surprisingly quick and maneuverable. In either mode, you get a cushy folding seat—think mesh beach chair mounted on a kayak—that maximizes airflow, eliminating the sticky-back syndrome caused by most high-back seats.
Before You Buy: If you weigh more than 200 pounds, get the 14.5-foot model, due out this summer. 12'1" x 30", 56 lbs, $750; native-watercraft.net

TRAVELER
Feathercraft Java
Best For: Boaters who want a portable kayak that packs small enough to check on a bush plane or store in a closet.
Why It's Cool: It paddles better than any inflatable I've ever tried. I was skeptical when I pulled the Java out of its duffel and started popping together the aluminum-and-magnesium frame, but once I launched it in the Intracoastal Waterway near my home in North Carolina, it was clear this is no portable pig. It's the lightest and longest kayak here, which helps boost speed. And though the wind blew me sideways at first, the Java tracked well as soon as I dropped the skeg. Don't doubt the durability of its welded urethane hull. I paddled the Java across scalpel-sharp oyster beds, but the hull remained unscathed and airtight.
Before You Buy: Feathercraft claims the Java takes ten minutes to assemble, but expect to spend about twice that. 15'4" x 28", 33 lbs, $1,966; feathercraft.com