We will admit that we are inflatable fishing kayak junkies and understandably so.The versatility, portability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of setting up, make inflatable fishing kayaks a great alternative to the standard fishing kayak.
In other words, the best inflatable fishing kayaks provide a whole lot of uses ranging from floating on a river, fishing, or just going for a paddle. In the good old days, it wasn’t unheard of for an inflatable fishing kayak to tear at the seams by the end of summer.
Inflatable fishing kayaks have come a long way from what they used to be in the past. The different technologies implemented into the kayaks have increased the lifespan of these fishing boats as well as the various uses you can take advantage of from owning one.
In this article, our aim is to give you everything you want to know about these types of kayaks. We hope to give any angler everything they need to make the right choice and to pick the best boat for their next fishing trip.
Our aim is to recommend several top inflatable fishing kayaks and note their features to help you pickout whichever kayak might be most suitable for you. At the same time, this article also informs you on what to think about when deciding to buy an inflatable fishing kayak.
We hope that you will be able to make an informed decision after reading this guide.
A List Of The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Top Inflatable Fishing Kayak Brands
This is a very popular product, so there are many manufacturers of inflatable fishing kayaks.And while there are many choices that an angler has to make when it comes to purchasing a fishing kayak, the manufacturer is an important factor that one shouldn’t ignore. All things considered, this is a huge investment and there’s no need for one to run with a brand that has no reputation for making quality products in the name of saving money.
Here is a quick outline of some of the most popular brands of kayak on the market. If you see a type of kayak made by one of these brands, you can trust in its quality:
Aire
Having been a producer of inflatables for more than 25 years, it’s understandable why Aire would make it to the top of this list. All Aire products are made in Idaho, USA. Inflatable fishing kayaks by this company feature external PVC covering, Aircell tube, Aircell floors, as well as two-fold zippers that prevent loss of air for up to 72 hours.
The floors have urethane covering, making Aire inflatable fishing kayaks ideal for rapids. The company probably has the best warranty in the industry as customers can ship their fishing kayaks for a free repair as long as it’s within ten years of the purchase date.
Hobie
Hobie is a well respected brand, known for making quality kayaks. All the products are also made in the United States, and they are ideal for weekend and day excursions. The company offers single and two-fold fishing kayaks that conveniently fit into a backpack, making portability easy. These are a great choice of angler kayak.
Hobie inflatable fishing kayaks offer sufficient stability, eliminating the risk of tipping over. In addition, this brand is quite different from others in that some of its kayaks with its Mirage Drive Pedal System come with removable flippers and pedals. Some Hobie paddles also have the capability to be guided by a rudder rather than using paddles.
Sevylor
This remains one of the topbrands and is credited for making the most specialized kayaks. And while the company was purchased by Coleman Company (another top kayak brand) in 2008, you can rest assured that the company isn’t going to slow down anytime soon.
In addition to being exceptionally safe for children, Sevylor fishing kayaks are also simple to store and delightfully reliable. The fishing kayaks by this brand are sturdy and offer great stability. Sevylor kayaks are ideal for angling in lakes and white waters.
Making Your Decision
Next up, we will be outlining our choices for the best inflatable kayaks on the market now. However, what is the best inflatable kayak for you?
Our top advice is, before reviewing each of our top choices, is to think of what is important to you in a fishing kayak. Think of all the ways you intend on using this kayak. This will help you know the features you need to look for. This includes features such as how durable you need the kayak to be, whether it is a tandem kayak, how portable it needs to be, and more.
Most importantly, you need to outline these factors beforesurveying your options. That way, you can match your preferences to the choices below.
Overview of The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
There are several options when it comes to finding an inflatable fishing kayak that best suits your needs. Below you will find our top picks and what benefits each one can offers. Read on to match one of our choices to your preferences.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
The Coleman Colorado 2-person is not only well priced, but it’s also well-constructed with multiple air chambers for additional safety in the event of a puncture. It has fishing rod holders allowing for hands-free holding, adjustable seats for comfort, as well as handles for ease when pulling in and out of water.
Moreover, it features attachments for a Sevylor trolling motor. It weighs 40lbs and can hold two people weighing up to 470lbs. Consumers of this inflatable fishing kayak often rave about its durability, high quality construction, as well as its stability even on rougher waters.
It takes as little as ten minutes to set up the Coleman Colorado inflatable fishing kayak and transporting it from your car to the water and back after fishing isn’t much of a hassle.
Overall, this is a very versatile two-person kayak that would make an excellent addition to your next fishing excursion.
The stainless steel d-rings for hooking extra supplies offer additional storage space to the already spacious fishing kayak.
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
This inflatable fishing kayaking masterpiece has a highly visible, sporty as well as streamlined design that allows for easy movement in water and is appealing to the eye. At just 32lbs, the Intex Explorer K2 kayak is a lightweight 2-person kayak that’s compact enough to allow for easy transportation.
It’s best suited for use in easy rivers and lakes. Notable features include a removable skeg, two aluminum paddles, and a high output pump. Each side has a Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation. It also comes with two inflatable seats for added comfort on your fishing expeditions, as well as an inflatable I-beam floor for optimal stability and rigidity.
Some of the things that customers love about this inflatable fishing kayak include efficient navigation, convenience and portability, affordability with durability as well as easy set-up.
Hobie Mirage Compass Kayak
This Hobie Mirage kayak is designed with the concepts of durability, ease of storage and high portability in mind.Compared to rigid hull kayaks, the performance of the Hobie Mirage compass kayak surprises many. In addition to hand-held paddles, this kayak is powered by a Drive Pedal.
The pedals are attached to the level above the seat and connected by gear machinery to the underwater fins.As you paddle, the underwater fins are transformed into propeller blades hence efficient kayaking. You can even adjust the pedals to suit your height. This makes for a very simple way of maneuvering the kayak, so you can focus all your efforts on fishing. It features a Drop Stitch Floor, which is a type of construction that allows for higher inflation pressure. It also comes with a rolling storage bag that solves the issue of easy portability as well. It has a large cargo area to accommodate your supplies.
Other notable features include vantage seating, bungee tie downs and bow and stern carry handles.
Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak
This fishing kayak is designed to offer optimal durability and reliability. It can withstand strong currents on your fishing expeditions and we love the olive green color that allows you to blend in with nature.
This makes the inflatable fishing kayak good for both fishing and hunting. It’s ideal for use by one or two paddlers in slow moving rivers, ponds and lakes. The Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish kayak offers versatility and is quite sturdy. It is constructed from 21-gauge PVC and can hold two people of up to 400lbs. Deflated, it weighs only 19lbs, making transportation easy.
Adjustable seats with backrests allow for optimal comfort while spray covers protect paddlers from the elements. The patented Airtight system and two air chambers ensure safety in the event of a puncture.
A repair kit, carry handles for loading in and out of the water as well as a 3-month limited warranty also come with the sevylor tahiti hunt and fish kayak.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Kayak
True to its name, this inflatable fishing kayak is designed for angling. It can be used in Class I – III rapids as well as calm waters. Its wide beam design offers optimal stability for reeling in your catch while multiple air chambers offer durability to withstand rough weather and waters.
It comes with lumbar support and rod holders that are exclusively designed for fishing trips. It is pre-assembled and all you have to do is unfold, inflate and attach the seat. The StraitEdge Angler fishing kayak sets up in a few minutes and spring valves allow for easy inflation and deflation.
High back seats offer comfort while fishing while two fishing rod holders provide support. D-rings and bungee decks offer plenty of storage space for your supplies.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a kayak that allows you to stay comfortable during fishing trips.
It comes with a removable mounting rail that allows one to add rail mounts for extra equipment such as a fish finder and rod holders.
What to Consider When Buying An Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Choosing an inflatable fishing kayak is like buying a car. Just like your car, you are going to sit in your fishing kayak for hours and you want to be comfortable. It is more about the usability, comfort and application of the features specific to your preferred yak.
However, the combination in which you want these features will depend on your preferences. That’s why, in this section, we are going to outline what we think are the most important considerations in choosing a new kayak. You can go through these features and decide which are the most important to you. This way, you can compare your own preferences against our buyer’s guide above.
All of the above factors play a vital role when it comes to looking for a new fishing raft. Some important factors to consider are explained further below.
Your Budget
Regardless of how much you fancy fishing, you certainly aren’t going to want to spend a fortune on an inflatable fishing kayak. The first thing you will need to consider is how much money you are willing to spend. Keep in mind that you may have to purchase additional fishing gear when setting a budget.
Also, keep in mind that the more you spend, the more durable of a kayak you can expect to get. Of course, this is not always the case, so you should still make a well-researched decision. But provided you do your research, you can expect to purchase a kayak that will last longer if you make a larger investment.
Fishing Destination
It is okay if you will be taking your fishing gear to the same place every time.There will be certain spots that you find more favorable, and may decide to go fishing there more often. Whatever the case, you need to evaluate the kind of waters you will be going fishing.For instance, will you go fishing in the coastal creeks or in the open sea? Or do you fancy flat water fishing? This will help choose a kayak of the right design and make as different kayaks are meant for use in different waters.
Level of Expertise
Beginners will want to choose an inflatable fishing kayak that helps them better their fishing skills.Depending on your level of expertise, your requirements will vary from time to time. Moreover, choosing the right yak will help you grow your proficiency for fishing with inflatable kayaks.As a newbie, you want something that offers great stability in water. This is ideal and this means getting something that is wider.An expert may be on the lookout for one that offers great maneuverability and a very stable kayak. Generally, the more stable a kayak is, the less maneuverable it will be.
Company for Fishing
Another important factor to consider is if you will be going fishing on your own or ifyou will be taking company with you.
If the latter is true, how many people will accompany you? This will dictate whether you buy a single or tandem fishing kayak.And while buying a tandem may seem like the best thing to do, it’s important that the fishing skills and preferences of those going on a fishing kayak match or complement each other.
Portability
Portability is an especially relevant consideration when we are thinking about inflatable kayaks. In the context of this product, portability might refer to how easy you can inflate and deflate the kayak, allowing you to move it around.
You will want to consider how often you will need to inflate and deflate your boat. This way,you know how important portability is to your choice. For example, if you plan on going on long trips where you need to pack your kayak into a vehicle, you might prefer a kayak which can deflate easily.
Conclusion
Kayaking and fishing – together they combine to form an excellent combination of mental and physical well being. Finding a successful way to do both requires that one chooses a kayak that best suits their needs.
This is why, before you make your final decision, we recommend you evaluate what it is you are really looking for in a fishing kayak.
This guide has covered everything that there is to know about fishing kayaks ranging from the best fishing kayak brands and the best products in the market to a buying guide to help you make the best decision. Make a wise decision to make the most of your fishing experience.
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