There’s nothing more frustrating than being out on the water all day long, but not catching a single fish.
When fishing from the shore, it can sometimes be difficult to get a bite, especially if you don’t have the right kind of bait.
An inflatable fishing kayak is a game-changer, as it not only means you can cast where the fish are, but it is much easier to catch fish as being on the water almost guarantees consistent bites!
Say goodbye to going home empty-handed and hello to bountiful fishing trips! Keep reading to find out the best inflatable fishing kayak.
Top 5 Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
- Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set
- Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak Canoe Boat
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is lightweight and compact, allowing you to take the fun of kayaking wherever you go fishing.
[amazon fields=”B00A7EXF4C” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]The Boston valves make the inflation and deflation process quick and the two separate air chambers ensure that you have time to get to safety should one of them experience any issues when you’re fishing on the water.
A grab line and grab handle at each end are provided for your convenience, as well as a U.S. Coast Guard I.D., and a repair patch kit.
Pros
- Directional stability – This kayak comes with a removable SKEG for directional stability in the water.
- Bright color – This bright yellow kayak is highly visible in the water and is perfect for being spotted should an accident occur.
- Adjustable seats – This particular kayak has adjustable inflating seating with backrests for maximum comfort when you’re out fishing all day.
Cons
- A few customers claimed that this particular inflatable kayak didn’t come with as much back support as they were hoping.
Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set
The Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set is made of durable welded material to ensure it stands the test of time.
[amazon fields=”B00177J4JS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]The Intext challenger kayak is designed with a rugged vinyl construction that’s built for strength, whilst a low-profile deck and the high-buoyancy side chambers are made for stability, comfort, and function.
The cockpit is designed for comfort and maximized space for all of your fishing gear, and inflatable I beam floors add stability.
Pros
- Bright color – This kayak is bright green and is made with sporty, eye-catching graphics for high visibility when you’re out on the water.
- Cargo net – Ensures that you can store extra gear, and grab line on both ends of the kayak.
- Accessories – This kayak comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar, repair patch, and Hi output manual hand pump.
Cons
- One customer noted that this particular kayak arrived damaged.
Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak
The Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak is durable and lightweight and perfect for fishing with a friend.
[amazon fields=”B07B8D7BHC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]The package includes two adjustable EVA padded seats with high back support, two adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, a deluxe double action hand pump, a rear tracking fin, and a travel bag for your convenience.
Versatile! This two-person kayak performs exceptionally well in both flat and rough water.
Pros
- Tandem seats – Great for fishing with a partner out on the water.
- Durable and lightweight – Fully inflates to a full-sized kayak in less than 10 minutes and weighs a manageable 28lbs.
- Stable – Rigid high-pressure drop stitch floor, removable flat water tracking fin, and ample rocker profile deliver unmatched stability and control in rough and flat water when you’re out fishing!
Cons
- A few customers claimed that this kayak was smaller than they had been anticipating.
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak comes with a removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories, such as GPS systems, swivel fishing rod holders, fish finders, and more, making it perfect for fishing.
[amazon fields=”B07F88P35C” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]High-pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability, with high-pressure spring-loaded valves for easy inflation and fast deflation.
This kayak is made with tough laminate PVC with a polyester core that makes it lightweight and highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact, and sunlight!
Pros
- Durable material – 3-ply super tough construction employs a high molecular PVC that is unaffected by gasoline, oil, and saltwater.
- Specially designed removable skews – Provide optimal maneuverability through deep and shallow waters.
- Ample storage space – Provided in bow and stern with stainless steel d-rings for tying down dry bags and fishing gear.
Cons
- One customer claimed that they weren’t impressed with the customer service of this particular inflatable fishing kayak.
Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak Canoe Boat
The Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak is constructed of puncture-resistant, extra-thick K-80 polykrylar hull material for durability.
[amazon fields=”B000SL0A56″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]Capable of seating up to 2 adults with a 500-pound weight limit, this kayak is also great for 1 adult if you have a lot of fishing gear.
This kayak features two comfortable deluxe kayak seats for improved back support along with two paddles, a foot pump, and a carry bag for your convenience.
Pros
- Quick to inflate – Set up in as little as 10 minutes, so you don’t have to waste any valuable fishing time!
- Portable – This inflatable kayak is lightweight and can easily travel in the trunk of your car or even on an airplane in a convenient carry bag.
- Ample space – The roomy interior measures 13 inches wide by 9 feet, and is 6 inches long, meaning that you have plenty of space for your fishing gear and tackle.
Cons
- One customer claimed that this particular kayak struggled to hold air for longer periods of time.
Inflatable Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
There are a few things to take into consideration when purchasing an inflatable fishing kayak, but it mainly comes down to the color, size, and durable material.
As with any water sport, there is an element of risk when it comes to fishing on a kayak, and you need to respect the water. As a result, you will want to ensure that you are being as safe as you can be when you’re out fishing on the water.
This includes always having a life jacket and making sure that you get a good quality kayak that is made of durable material to ensure your safety. You should never attempt to cut corners by buying a cheap alternative.
Accidents beyond your control can occur at sea, but they’re less likely to if you take the proper precautions to help prevent them!
Check out the factors below before going ahead with your purchase.
Size
An important factor to think about when purchasing a kayak is the size. Fishing on an inflatable kayak is obviously very different from fishing from the shore and can be more difficult if there isn’t enough room.
The size of your kayak is subject to change depending on how many people you intend to have in your kayak as well as the space that you’ll need for your fishing gear.
Generally speaking, you’re going to be more confined in a kayak than you would be if you were fishing on the shore. You don’t want to be in a situation whereby you capsize because you’re limited for space reeling in a big fish!
As a result, you’ll want to consider the dimensions of the kayak before going ahead with your purchase.
Brightly colored
Arguably one of the most important factors to consider for your safety when purchasing a kayak is its color. When you’re on the water, your safety is not something to ever be taken lightly, especially when you’re out fishing for long periods of time.
Before you know it, the tide could have changed and the light could be drawing in, making you invisible to see if your kayak is too dark.
Taking that into account, I recommend that you find a kayak that is brightly colored so that you’re highly visible in the water should you capsize or find yourself in a dangerous situation.
For instance, a neon orange-colored kayak is going to be easier to spot on the water than a navy-colored kayak. A lot of kayaks have eye-catching sports graphics that can also contribute to your visibility.
Durable material
When purchasing an inflatable fishing kayak, you will need to take into consideration how durable the material that is made out of is as well as how well it holds air.
A lot of inflatable kayaks claim to be made out of puncture-resistant materials which will contribute to how well they will last.
Not only will you need a kayak with durable material, but also one that can hold air for significant periods of time for your own safety, especially for those long fishing trips where you hope to be out on the water for the whole day.
No matter how experienced an angler you think that you are, you need to be mindful of this when purchasing an inflatable kayak, as you can only stay on the water as long as the kayak will allow you to.
A good indication of whether an inflatable kayak is made out of durable material is to check the product reviews section. The reviews section reveals any problems that customers have experienced with the product itself, and can also allow you to determine whether the product is durable.
Alongside this, this is the section where customers can vent any issues or frustrations that they have experienced with the company’s customer service.
Although problems can occur that are out of a company’s control, such as a product arriving damaged after delivery, how they rectify the issue reveals a lot about them.
If a company goes out of its way to help its customers, then it is likely that you are going to feel more confident in purchasing their products. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.
To avoid disappointment and potential danger on the water, always make sure that you do your own research and make sure that you’re happy with the product reviews section before making your purchase.
Stability
A large factor to consider when purchasing a kayak suitable for fishing is stability. Fishing on a kayak can be great fun for you and a friend, however, you’ll need to ensure that you buy a stable kayak to help avoid the eventuality of capsizing.
If you’re a seasoned kayaker, you may be comfortable with capsizing and falling out. However, you are going to have your fishing gear and tackle with you and you never know how cold the water is going to be, especially when it comes to kayaking in the winter months when the temperature is colder.
Wherever you are when you fall into the water, the cold-water shock is going to mean that the first thing you are likely to do is to attempt to get back into the kayak.
However, depending on where you are fishing, you are likely to be up against the weather conditions and any currents and rapids in the water, so it’s safer if you are in a stable kayak from the offset.
As a result, then, you should always look for a sturdy kayak to ensure it’s less likely to tip over, and always make sure that you know how to capsize before planning any fishing trips.
Weight
When purchasing your new kayak, it is important to note the maximum weight that the kayak can handle. This is especially important when it comes to tandem inflatable fishing kayaks, as if you go with a friend, there is more than just your weight in the kayak.
You will also need to take your friend’s weight alongside the combined weight of both of your fishing gear and tackle into account before deciding on an inflatable kayak.
It is important that you load the kayak according to the maximum weight capacity, as you don’t want to risk loading it with a cargo that’s too heavy as you could risk having it sink on the water. Be safe by making sure that your kayak can carry the weight that you require it to.
Storage and set up
Something important to think about when purchasing a kayak is the storage and how easy it is to set up. People quite often prefer inflatable kayaks as they’re compact and much easier to store around your home as opposed to a standard kayak that requires a lot more space to store.
However, that being said, you’ll need to think about the set-up time that the kayak requires. A lot of inflatable kayaks are specifically marketed with little time to set up for your convenience.
However, you will need to factor this time into your time on the water, as no one wants to waste hours of valuable fishing time pumping a kayak. After all, fishing on a kayak, as opposed to the shore, is only as convenient as your kayak is to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to fish on a kayak?
Provided you take the proper precautions, yes – fishing on a kayak is safe. The precautions you need to take at sea vary depending on the situation.
However, you should always ensure that you wear a life jacket, no matter the circumstances. Even if you’re in shallow water and you feel like you’re safe and experienced, you need to respect the water by wearing a life jacket. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Alongside a life jacket, you will also want to make sure that your kayak is a bright color. A lot of kayaks come with eye-catching graphics and come in bright, neon colors because they are much easier to spot in the water.
This is ideal when you’re out fishing late in the evening, and is an extra and arguably the easiest precaution to take just by making sure you choose the right color.
Do inflatable kayaks pop easily?
The answer to this question will entirely depend on the quality of the inflatable kayak in question and where you intend to be fishing, although whether it will pop easily is entirely circumstantial.
A lot of good-quality, durable kayaks claim to be puncture-resistant, but how well they hold up will also depend on how you treat the kayak.
Despite the anxiety that surrounds them, inflatable kayaks have incredibly strong exteriors and punctures are usually a rare issue if you choose a good quality kayak.
However, user discretion is advised when using an inflatable kayak. For instance, if you find that you’re going to be fishing in a shallow area that is quite rocky, you could be at risk of rubbing your kayak with the rocks and causing friction that could damage your inflatable kayak over time.
Alternatively, if you hit a sharp rock at a bad angle, a hole could form.
Although they are not common, punctures can happen, so you’ll need to be careful to avoid any tears or punctures when you’re out fishing.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. All the best inflatable fishing kayaks are right here. Don’t hesitate to pick one of these bad boys up and get to fishing!
Wondering if inflatable kayaks are safe? Check out this article with more info!
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