Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The 3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3 is built for one job: giving bigger anglers a stable paddle kayak they can stand in with confidence. Built by FeelFree in their kayak factory, it borrows the cathedral tri-hull design from the rest of the Big Fish family and packs it into a 10-foot-6 package that is easy
Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you.
The 3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3 is built for one job: giving bigger anglers a stable paddle kayak they can stand in with confidence. Built by FeelFree in their kayak factory, it borrows the cathedral tri-hull design from the rest of the Big Fish family and packs it into a 10-foot-6 package that is easy to transport.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the Big Fish 105 V3 is for
This kayak is for the angler who wants stand-up stability at a price below the premium pedal boats. Bigger paddlers will appreciate the 380-pound capacity and the roomy deck. It suits lakes, ponds, slow rivers, and inshore water. If you mostly paddle and want to spend your money on stability and comfort rather than a drive unit, this is a strong pick.
Stability: a confidence-inspiring tri-hull
The cathedral tri-hull is the headline feature. Two outer pontoons with a center pontoon and deep channels make the 105 feel more like a small boat than a kayak. Standing is comfortable on the reinforced standing platform, and the seat even flips away to double as a lean bar. For a 10-foot-6 kayak, it handles primary stability extremely well. It is not a speed hull, but that is not what it was built for.
The seat and comfort
The Big Fish seat offers high, low, and recline positions, plus a flip-away mode that gives you a lean bar when standing. The seat itself is padded and breathable, and the adjustable footrests and stand-up assist strap make it easy to get from sitting to standing. On long days, the higher seat position keeps your back happier than a low sit-on-top.
Storage and rigging
The 105 V3 comes rigged well for the money. You get a removable Sonar Pod that makes fish finder installation simple, two rear flush-mount rod holders with rod leashes, an accessory outfitting track system, and open bow and stern storage areas. Molded-in handles make it easy to carry. An optional rudder system is available if you want better tracking on open water.
For electronics, we recommend the new Accuphy Ping Live Mini live sonar system. It retails for $699. See it here.
Paddle performance
At 10 feet 6 inches and 33.5 inches wide, this kayak prioritizes stability over speed. It tracks acceptably for a short, wide hull, especially with the tri-hull design, but it is not a distance boat. Turning is easy, which helps in creeks and around structure. In wind, expect to work a little. Most buyers will fish within a mile of the launch anyway, and for that it is plenty capable.
Honest drawbacks
Weight is the biggest knock. At 89 pounds, the 105 V3 is heavy for a 10-foot-6 paddle kayak. Solo loading is work, and a kayak cart is almost mandatory. Speed is modest, and paddlers who cover big water will want the Big Fish 108 or 120 instead. It is also a wide, boxy hull, so it will never slice through water like a narrower boat.
3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3 specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 ft 6 in |
| Width | 33.5 in |
| Weight | 89 lb |
| Total capacity | 380 lb |
| Drive type | Paddle |
| Style | Sit-on-top, sit/stand |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Seat | Adjustable high/low/recline with flip-away lean bar |
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to mount a fish finder?
Easy. The removable Sonar Pod is designed specifically for clean electronics installation.
3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Can I stand in the Big Fish 105 V3?
Yes. The cathedral tri-hull and reinforced standing platform are designed for stand-up fishing, and the seat doubles as a lean bar.
Does it come with a pedal drive?
No. The V3 is the paddle version. The Big Fish 105 PDL is the pedal-driven option in the same size.
Is it good for bigger anglers?
Yes. The 380-pound capacity and wide tri-hull make it one of the better budget-friendly picks for larger paddlers.
Where to Buy
If the 3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3 Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official 3 Waters website for the 3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3. Also check out our reviews of the 3 Waters Big Fish 105 Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak, 3 Waters Big Fish 120 Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak, and 3 Waters Big Fish 120 V3 Fishing Kayak.
