Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The 3 Waters Big Fish 120 V3 is a 12-foot paddle fishing kayak built for one thing: taking you further. With a 4-point stern motor mount, smooth-move foot steering, and a cathedral tri-hull, it’s designed from the start to run a stern-mounted motor cleanly.
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The 3 Waters Big Fish 120 V3 is a 12-foot paddle fishing kayak built for one thing: taking you further. With a 4-point stern motor mount, smooth-move foot steering, and a cathedral tri-hull, it’s designed from the start to run a stern-mounted motor cleanly.
The 4-point stern mount is ready for a few good options: a PowerPole Micro anchor, Newport Motors, or Bixpy.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
The Big Fish line has always been about big stability at a fair price, and the V3 leans into motorization. If you’ve ever paddled a mile into the wind wishing for a motor, this boat was built for you.
Who the Big Fish 120 V3 Is For
This kayak is for anglers who want to add a motor without the headaches. The V3 comes motor-ready from the factory, with the mount, steering, and electronics access already figured out. If you fish big lakes, tidal rivers, or anywhere the runs are long, a motor changes everything.
It’s also a strong pick for bigger anglers. The cathedral tri-hull and 400-pound capacity handle larger paddlers and heavy gear loads with room to spare.
Stability and On-the-Water Feel
The cathedral tri-hull is the heart of this boat: two outer pontoons plus a center pontoon with deep channels between them. The result is excellent primary stability. Standing to cast or sight fish feels secure, and the padded reinforced standing platform gives you a dedicated spot to plant your feet.
It paddles fine for a wide fishing kayak, tracking reasonably and turning well enough for creek work. But the V3’s real personality shows with a motor on the back. The hull is designed to run straight and steady under power, which is where this boat earns its keep.
Seat and Comfort
The EZ Rider seat is adjustable and genuinely comfortable for long days. It offers high, low, and recline positions, and it flips away to double as a lean bar when you’re standing. That flip-away design is clever: instead of the seat getting in your way when you stand, it becomes something useful.
The seat sits in a frame that keeps you elevated off the deck, which helps with visibility and makes standing up easier. Behind the seat there’s an integrated tackle box pocket, so your most-used boxes stay within reach.
Storage and Rigging
The V3 is well outfitted for a paddle kayak. You get a low-profile center console with sonar mounts, two flush-mounted rod holders, industry-standard track rails, a large stern tankwell with bungees, a bow storage area with bungees, a paddle holder, and a cup holder.
The stern electronics access panel makes wiring a fish finder clean and simple. The drain plug, molded bow handle, and double stern carry handles cover the practical details. The track rails accept standard accessories, so your existing rod holders and camera mounts will fit.
Paddle and Motor Performance
As a paddle kayak, the Big Fish 120 V3 is solid. It’s not fast, but it moves predictably and the foot steering (designed for the motor) also works with an optional rudder. The real story is motorization. The 4-point stern motor mount is built in, the smooth-move foot steering is designed for motor control, and the hull is shaped to run under power.
This is the cleanest path to a motorized kayak short of buying a factory motor boat. No drilling, no aftermarket brackets, no guessing. Mount your motor, wire your battery through the stern access panel, and go. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetoothit runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light.
Honest Drawbacks
The hull weighs 110 pounds. That’s heavy for a 12-foot paddle kayak, and it reflects the reinforced build needed for motorization. Transport requires a trailer, truck bed, or a serious cart. This is not a car-topper.
There’s no pedal drive option on the V3. It’s paddle or motor, full stop. If you want pedals, look at the Big Fish 120 PDL instead.
Finally, the wide tri-hull is stable but slow under paddle power alone. If you never plan to add a motor, you’re carrying extra weight and giving up speed for a motor mount you’ll never use. Buy this boat because you want the motor option.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12′ |
| Width | 33.25″ |
| Weight | 110 lbs (hull) |
| Max capacity | 400 lbs |
| Drive type | Paddle; motor-ready (4-point stern motor mount, no pedal drive) |
3 Waters Big Fish 120 V3 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Can you put a trolling motor on the Big Fish 120 V3?
Yes. It has a factory 4-point stern motor mount, smooth-move foot steering for motor control, and a stern electronics access panel for clean wiring.
Can you stand and fish in the Big Fish 120 V3?
Yes. The cathedral tri-hull and padded reinforced standing platform make it a stable stand-up fishing kayak.
Does the Big Fish 120 V3 have a pedal drive?
No. The V3 is paddle or motor only. For pedals, look at the Big Fish 120 PDL.
How much does the Big Fish 120 V3 weigh?
The hull weighs 110 pounds, so plan on a trailer, truck bed, or kayak cart for transport.
Where to Buy
If the 3 Waters Big Fish 120 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 120 V3. Also check out our reviews of the 3 Waters Big Fish 105 Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak, 3 Waters Big Fish 105 V3 Fishing Kayak, and 3 Waters Big Fish 120 Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak.
