The kayak has a cargo hold with a forward hatch and a hatch cover. A forward passenger seat may be positioned atop the hatch and may, in some embodiments, selectively replace the hatch cover. Neither the forward hatch cover nor forward passenger seat intrudes substantially into the hold. An aft passenger seat may also be provided. In other embodiments, a rounded tank, which may be used as a bait tank, is positioned forward of the operator seat. Yet other embodiments include an aft hatch that slants in respect to the upper surface of the kayak. Seat pads may be provided for the operator's seat and for the tank.