10 Things to Consider for Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks can differ in length, width, size, weight, and design.  Many can work well for fishing but there are certain things you will need to consider when choosing an inflatable fishing kayak so that you find one that will suit your needs.

1. Sit-In Inflatable Kayak or Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak

Traditionally kayaks were always sit-in kayaks. Most inflatable kayaks are sit-in kayaks although there are a few that have a sit-on-top design. Which one you choose will be a matter of personal choice.

A sit-on-top has the convenience of allowing you to sit higher up which may give you a better range of motion and reach for fishing. However many people do consider the sit-in inflatable kayaks as there tends to be more room to store gear and cargo. Some sit-in models come with seats that swivel and sit you up higher which then give you the best of both worlds.

2. Solo or Tandem

There are solo fishing inflatable kayaks that are perfect for one person and there are tandem fishing inflatable kayaks that allow you to fish with a partner or bring extra gear or a pet along.

There is also the option of a convertible fishing inflatable kayak which seats two or three people but can be converted for solo use if needed. Which size you choose will depend on your needs and budget.

3. Stability

Stability can greatly differ in different inflatable kayak models. For fishing you not only want the kayak to be “steady” on the water but you also want it to be able to lean a fair ways over without tipping. If you are reeling in a fish and find yourself leaning out of the kayak, the last thing you want to worry about is your kayak flipping you over.

Typically the wider the inflatable kayak, the more stable it will be. The models that have larger pontoon sides and a very rigid inflatable floor will allow you to lean over further without tipping. Take special note of the overall kayak design as well as the hull design when researching this factor.

4. Manoeuvrability

Depending on where you plan to paddle your fishing inflatable kayak you will likely want a kayak that handles and manoeuvres well. A kayak that is quick to respond makes a world of difference when you are trying to hit the right fishing spot.

A good rule of thumb is that the shorter the kayak, the quicker it will respond, however the longer and slimmer the kayak the faster it will paddle. For fishing it is all about finding that balance… a kayak that can move when you need it to and stay steady when necessary.

5. Weight of the Inflatable Kayak

The lighter the kayak the easier it will be to transport and carry. If you plan to take your inflatable kayak by airplane then the lighter the better. If you simply plan to transport it in the trunk of your vehicle then weight may not be as much of a factor.

If you plan to fish/kayak solo, then make sure you get one that you are able to easily carry yourself. Take note of the size and weight of the different models when you do your research.

6. Weight Capacity

How much weight the kayak can hold and still be able to perform well is very important for anglers. You will likely want to bring along all your fishing gear and cargo. Make sure the inflatable kayak is able to easily hold your weight plus that of all your gear.

7. Length

We touched on this a little bit above. Usually the longer inflatable kayaks will be able to pick up more speed. They will also offer more room for storage and for long legs.

Length also becomes a factor when considering what type of water you will be paddling on. Shorter models tend to be better for rivers and whitewater, while longer kayaks will perform better on the ocean and lakes.

8. Comfort

With long hours spent fishing, comfort is very important. You want to be able to sit, relax and enjoy your time on the water without having to worry about aches, pains and feeling cramped.

When researching the comfort of the different inflatable kayaks for fishing, take note of the seating as well as the leg room. These are the two factors that are going to determine how comfortable you feel.

A tall back seat will offer the most back support and a swivel seat will offer the most range of motion. Longer kayaks will offer more leg room. If the model of your choice does not look like it has a comfortable seat I would recommend spending the money to get one. This will make a big difference in your kayak fishing experience.

9. Accessories

Some accessories to look for are:

• fishing seat
• dry bags
• rod holders
• cup holders
• D-rings for tying down cargo
• cargo boxes
• motor

Most inflatable kayaks will not come accessorized for fishing although there are a couple of exceptions. If the model of your choice has no real fishing accessories included in the price, research to see if you are able to add the accessories you need.

If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person you could consider adding any of the above items to any kayak model.

10. Price

The final thing to consider in a fishing kayak is price. Prices can range from $100 up to the thousands. How much you spend will depend on your own personal budget. It is very possible to get a very good fishing inflatable kayak from anywhere between $250 and $1500.

These are the top 10 things to consider when buying an inflatable fishing kayak. Read the reviews and do your research carefully. There are many options to choose from and even some great fishing kayak packages.

Start your search with our inflatable fishing kayak reviews.


Photo on this page courtesy of SeaEagle.com

New Sea Eagle FastTrack Fishing Package

For those who love to fish and want the convenience of a kayak to access remote locations, Sea Eagle has recently come out with a new fishing package for their popular FastTrack inflatable kayak.

The Sea Eagle FastTrack fishing package is available for both the tandem 385 FastTrack as well as for the larger 465 FastTrack.

For the 385FT the fishing package features:

• 1 360 degree swivel seat
• 2 rod holders

For the larger 465FT the fishing package features:

• 2 360 degree swivel seats
• 4 rod holders

Both models also offer space to mount a fish finder, GPS and/or depth finder.

Convenient and Portable

Although many inflatable kayaks are able to be used for the purpose of fishing, not many come decked out for all your fishing needs. Besides being one of the more comfortable, portable and fast inflatable kayaks on the market, the FastTrack also offers great quality.

The material is extremely strong and very hard to puncture and therefore ideal for fishing. It is stable while still providing great tracking and good performance.

I think one of the greatest features of the FastTrack is that although it offers good length and room, it is still fairly lightweight and easy to transport and carry.  Therefore it is portable enough to bring to just about any fishing location.

With only one swivel seat in the 385 model and two in the 465 model, there is ample room for gear, cargo and other fishing accessories.

For More Information…

For more detailed information on the specs and performance of the FastTrack inflatable kayak please see our reviews:

• Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Review
• Sea Eagle 465 FastTrack Review

Or go straight to SeaEagle.com for more information on the fishing packages.

Inflatable Kayak and Canoe Anchor System

It is not that easy to find a good inflatable kayak and inflatable canoe anchor system that works well and is simple to pack away.

The Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System is probably one of the best ones on the market.

This anchor system is ideal for those who like to fish as well as for any of us who like to take a break from paddling, have lunch and possibly a nap without floating away.

Designed by an inflatable kayak company it has functionality and portability in mind.  It is secure, functional and easy to bring along while traveling.

This inflatable kayak galvanized grapple anchor weighs only 3 lbs. and has some great features.

Kayak and Canoe Anchor System Features

• a sliding collar that keeps the flukes drawn up tight against shank when stowed
• the sliding collar drops to lock the flukes open when deployed
• easy removal from water – simply pull and stow
• portable fold up for easy storage
• 60 ft. of line
• carabineer
• line float
• mesh travel bag for both the anchor and the line

The Advanced Elements kayak and canoe anchor system will work for all inflatable kayaks and inflatable canoes as well as hard-shell kayaks and canoes.

If you are looking for a good anchor system for your paddling adventures this is the one to get.

It is affordable, portable and most importantly works well. It will anchor to most bottoms including sand and rock.

Best Price

As usual the best price I have found is on Amazon.com. At the time of this writing it is selling for $29.99.

What Others Are Saying

There are some excellent reviews on Amazon from people who have purchased this product. Below are a few of the comments…

Good basic kayak anchor – Easy to use, works well, and appears sturdy. All you can ask for in an anchor.

Everything as promised – I bought this as a gift for my son and he loved it. He said for the money it was a great buy and did what anchors are supposed to do, LOL.

VERY well-designed Anchor – Used this anchor new out of the box this past weekend. Very well-designed anchor: compact, locks open for use, locks closed for storage and not punching holes / scratching the interior of my new canoe. Worked very well in shallow muck / weed bottomed lake, which surprised me given the anchor is not that heavy. All in the design I guess… Held canoe in place when a monster Northern Pike broadsided the small 25 3/4″ Northern Pike I hooked. What a fight with 16 ft canoe getting pulled around in circles! Now if only we had had a landing net that was as well-designed as this anchor.

For more information visit Amazon.com – Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System.

Looking for an Inflatable Kayak with a Motor?

Kayaking is typically a self-powered sport but there are lots of advantages to owning an inflatable kayak with a motor.

Advantages:

• Able to get to remote destinations quicker and easier.
• Good for anglers searching for the right spot to fish.
• Good for those who may get tired of paddling and need a break but still need to keep moving.
• Quick way to transport gear and people from a larger boat to shore.
• Handy if there is a problem and you need to get back fast.

Inflatable kayaks with motors are most often used for fishing. There are a couple of inflatable kayaks out there with the ability to attach a motor. We have listed them below.

Inflatable Kayaks with a Motor

Please click on the inflatable kayak name to read our full review.

Sevylor Coral Sea – The Coral Sea is a solo inflatable kayak that comes at a very affordable price. This kayak does not give a great performance, meaning that it is sluggish and it does not track well. However it does have the option for attaching a motor and can work decently for fishing.

The Sevylor Coral Sea is available at Amazon.com.

Sea Eagle Paddleski – The Paddleski is a far better option. It is a tandem inflatable kayak that is extremely rugged and very well made. It offers much more room, is easy to paddle and has the option to attach a small motor. The Paddleski costs a little more than the Sea Coral but there is no comparison in quality and performance. The Paddleski could blow the Sea Coral right out of the water.

The SE Paddleski is available at SeaEagle.com.

Other Options for Inflatable Boats with Motors

There are two other options that are similar to a kayak and have the ability to attach a motor. Please click on the boat name in order to read our full review.

Sea Eagle Foldcat – The Foldcat is roughly shaped like a kayak but with two inflatable pontoons. It comes in two different sizes and has quite a good option for motors. This inflatable boat is very solid and can hold one heck of a lot of gear. The smaller Foldcat is good for two people and the larger version can fit up to four people comfortably.

The SE Foldcat is available at SeaEagle.com.

Sea Eagle Frameless Pontoon Boat – The Frameless Pontoon Boat is another interesting idea as it provides the advantages of a pontoon boat without having to worry about lugging around the metal frame. It completely deflates and collapses into a nice neat package. It also has the option for a motor and makes an ideal solo fishing boat.

The SE Frameless Pontoon Boat is available at SeaEagle.com.

Inflatable kayaks are easily transported as well as stored away in small spaces.Whether for touring, fishing or simply for convenience, an inflatable kayak with a motor can be a fun boat to own.

Advantages to Inflatable Pontoon Boats

Kayaks are my love but there is no denying that there are some fantastic advantages to using an inflatable pontoon boat. Most popular as fishing boats these compact and convenient inflatable boats are popular for several of the reasons listed below.

Inflatable Pontoon Boat Advantages:

• They are excellent for whitewater and big surf and can handle most types of water.

• They can be used in bays, estuaries, whitewater, lakes, ocean and all rivers.

• They are versatile and extremely stable.

• They are great for fishing and it is possible to add on many different accessories for anglers.

• They are convenient and great to travel with.

• Expect excellent control.

• They make a very fun play boat.

• They can usually hold a large amount of weight.

• They are perfect for hauling gear to camp.

With most of the pontoon boats you have to attach a rigid frame. However if you do not want to have to worry about carrying and attaching a frame it is possible to get either a frameless inflatable pontoon boat or else one with an inflatable floor.

The advantage to getting a frameless pontoon boat or one with an inflatable floor is that it can pack up really small and be stored in small spaces as well as be much more convenient for traveling. Also it will usually weigh far less then a pontoon boat with a rigid frame.

There are lots of models to choose from so it should not be hard to find one that suits your needs. Please see our inflatable pontoon boat reviews for more detailed information.

Photo on this page courtesy of AIRE.com.

Advantages to Fishing with a Kayak

If you enjoy the sport of fishing you may want to consider using a kayak for your fishing expeditions. I will not pretend that I am a fishing expert… I don’t fish so it is hard for me to give out fishing advice.

However I do have some very good friends who love to go fishing and often use a kayak on their outings. I have learned a few things from them on why they choose to use a fishing kayak and in some of their cases an inflatable fishing kayak.

Advantage # 1

A kayak is very quiet. There is no motor or loud noise. Even I know that fish get spooked by noise and paddling a kayak allows you to find the fish before they have a chance to disappear. Also it helps to create a very calm and serene atmosphere.

Advantage # 2

You will have more access. A kayak can get in and out of places that a motor boat may not have access to. To be able to get into remote areas on lakes, ponds or in the river seems to be a huge advantage.

Advantage # 3

The kayak is quicker. This seemed a bit unreal to me but I am told that when actually fishing the kayak can go much quicker than a trolling motor boat.

Advantage # 4

A kayak is hugely economical. If you ask any kayak fishermen / fisherwomen, they will tell you this is a huge benefit to fishing with a kayak. There is no gas to pay for, next to no upkeep, no storage fees, no repairs, no boat registration, no insurance, no oil, etc.. A kayak is basically a one time fee and with a little care will hardly ever cost you another cent. It is a very economical way to travel in the water and is a no brainer with cost comparison.

Advantage # 5

A kayak can cover great distance A kayak can go a very long way with very little effort. It paddles much more efficiently then a canoe and can tackle all sorts of situations like winds, waves and weather changes.

Advantage # 6

A kayak is totally convenient. A kayak can be easily stored away… especially if you have an inflatable kayak as they can be dried out, deflated and stored away in a closet. Also an inflatable kayak can be transferred to and from the water in the trunk of a car or even taken on an airplane. A hard-shell kayak can be tied up on roof racks within minutes, which is also much easier than transporting a motor boat. The kayak is the ultimate in convenience.

There are lots of kayaks that are very suitable for fishing as well as lots of fishing accessories that can always be added to the kayak.

If you are interested in paddling with an inflatable please check out our inflatable fishing kayak reviews.

New Inflatable Boat Reviews

Though inflatable kayaks have been our main focus and our main love we have decided to do some other inflatable boat reviews as well. There are some really fantastic inflatable boats available that are not only a lot of fun to use but also provide the convenience of being easily transported. We realize that inflatable kayaks do not always fit the needs of many people. There are other inflatable boats that may provide more room and versatility for individuals and groups that love to fish and explore some amazing waterways.

We have begun our reviews with inflatable pontoon boats. Typically pontoon boats have two inflatable tubes that are attached with a frame. They can be self-powered with paddles or else powered with the use of a motor. They are very often used for fishing, whitewater and ocean surf.

There are quite a few different inflatable pontoon boats on the market. We will be looking at:

• inflatable catarafts
• inflatable foldcats
• inflatable sailcats
• as well as the unique inflatable frameless pontoon boats

Each of these boats can be set up quickly, easily transported anywhere you want to go and be deflated into a carrying bag and stored in a small space. They offer convenience, portability, stability and fun. Another great advantage to an inflatable boat is they are often a lot more affordable than a rigid boat.

With the superior materials and technology used today to construct these inflatable pontoon boats they are rugged, solid and can last for many, many years. They have become extremely popular for those not wanting to store and take care of a hard-shell boat.

For more information and pictures please view our comprehensive review of inflatable pontoon boats.

Inflatable Kayak Online Retailers

Listed below are the online retailers for inflatable kayaks and for kayaking gear and accessories.

• Sea Eagle
• Mountain Plus
• NRS
• Amazon
• Altrec Outdoors
• Outdoorplay
• Innova
• Backcountry
• Water Outfitters
• REI
• West Marine

When making a purchase online, especially a large one like an inflatable kayak, it is important that you are purchasing from a 100% secure, reputable and established website. The outdoor recreation stores listed here are some of the very best. Not only have they been around for a long time, they also provide phenomenal customer service, most of them have outdoor gear specialists ready to answer any of your questions and also have the best prices and deals. Read below for detailed information on each company.

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Sea Eagle – Inflatable Kayaks

• Been around for 40+ years.
• Sell only top quality, rugged inflatable boats.
• Great selection of inflatable boats and kayaks for all different types of water activities including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, motoring, stand-up paddling and yachting.
• 3 year warranty on all of their boats!
• Offer a 180 day risk free trial.
• Excellent prices – often have great sales.
• Lots of excellent pictures of real people using their boats and customer videos.
• Good FAQ page.
• Offer some used inflatable boats at a discounted price.
• Free shipping within the contiguous US (for boat packages).
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Downloadable instructions available on their site for the boat your purchase as well as video instructions.
• Very helpful customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Sea Eagle

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Mountain Plus – Inflatable Kayaks

• Phenomenal site for any outdoor enthusiast.
• Carries not only inflatable kayaks but all kayak and outdoor gear and accessories.
• Free shipping on any order over $45.
• Excellent international shipping rates – some of the cheapest I’ve seen.
• Some of their inflatable kayaks come with a free electric pump!
• Excellent online live help for any questions or concerns you have.
• Great outlet section with sales up to 60% off.
• Mountain Plus blog.
• Established online store since 1995.
• The Mountain Plus team will bend over backwards to make sure you receive excellent customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, Innova, NRS, Tributary

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NRS – Inflatable Kayaks

• Founded in 1972.
• Excellent resource for kayaking information.
• Always lots of sale items.
• Excellent customer service.
• Every kayaking gear option you can think of.
• Will Ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Rock solid guarantee. Return or exchange any item you are not satisfied with.
• Gift cards available.
• Fast & very low priced shipping.
• Inflatable Kayak brands available: NRS, Aire, Tributary

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Amazon – Inflatable Kayaks

• Usually has a decent selection of different inflatable kayaks
• Sometimes have some good sales prices
• Huge website with very established reputation
• Also sell just about anything else you can think of
• Can ship all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Usually carries most inflatable kayak brands

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Altrec Outdoors – Inflatable Kayaks

• Good outlet section with savings up to 80% off.
• Free shipping on orders over $45 in the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% lifetime guarantee – Return for a refund at anytime if you not are happy.
• Exceptionally fast delivery.
• Excellent customer service.
• Price Match Plus guarantee – If you find an identical product offered by another US authorized online retailer, they will beat their price by 5% of the difference.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear specialist.
• Great selection of doggie water gear.
• Established online outdoor gear store since early 1999.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Innova, Trak

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Outdoorplay – Inflatable Kayaks

• Website dedicated to kayaking and kayak gear
• Large selection of inflatable kayaks
• Excellent customer service
• Offer lots of informative information on kayaks and gear
• Will ship internationally
• 15% of gear when a kayak is purchased
• Free shipping and no sales tax with purchase of a kayak – in the US
• Founded in 1995, online business since 1998
• Inflatable Kayaks Available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Infinity

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Innova – Inflatable Kayaks

• European inflatable touring kayaks as well as whitewater inflatable kayaks and canoes
• Based out of Burlington, WA
• Most of Innova kayaks are made PVC-free – better for the environment
• One of the original producers of high end inflatable kayaks
• Very popular on the West Coast
• Sells all of the Innova brand inflatable kayaks as well as clothes, PFD’s and equipment
• Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable staff
• On-site blog with pictures, stories and news
• 2 year warranty on all Innova kayaks
• Shipping to all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Innova

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Backcountry – Inflatable Kayaks

• Free shipping on orders over $50 within the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% guarantee – If you are ever not satisfied with your gear at anytime, even 30 years from now, send it back for a full refund.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear expert.
• Gift certificates available.
• They have a great blog available on their website.
• Excellent customer service.
• Voted one of the top 50 internet retailers.
• Great outlet store on the website with huge savings.
• Good selection of UV protective clothing.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: NRS, Tributary, Aire

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Water Outfitters – Inflatable Kayaks

• Have good selection of inflatable kayaks and canoes as well as tons of kayak gear and accessories
• Michigan based retailer – online store been around since 1997 – 12 years
• Gift certificates available
• No hassle returns within 30 days
• Free shipping for orders over $99, excluding Hobie within the contiguous U.S.
• International shipping available
• 100% secure shopping
• Earn powder points with every purchase to put toward future purchases
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Hobie, Bic, Advanced Elements, Stearns

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REI – Inflatable Kayaks

• Huge outdoor gear storeStarted by 23 climbers in 1938
• 80-plus stores all over the U.S. as well as their huge online store
• Great outlet selection
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you are not satisfied with your purchase it can be returned for a full refund
• Option to become an REI member with lots of benefits
• Great expert advice
• International shipping
• Free shipping to any one of the REI stores where you can pick it up from there
• Gear and accessories for paddling, cycling, climbing, hiking, camping, travel and fitness
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Aire, Advanced Elements, Airis, Innova

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West Marine – Inflatable Kayaks

• $2.95 shipping on any order over $99
• International shipping available
• Marine store with good inflatable kayak selection
• One of the world’s largest boating supply retailers
• Been around for a very long time
• Excellent reputation
• Besides being an online retailer they have over 375 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada
• No hassle returns – if you are ever dissatisfied with your purchase they will replace it
• Excellent customer service
• Very passionate about making sure the customer has a good experience and with providing great products
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Airis, Advanced Elements, West Marine kayaks

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