Going on a fishing trip and searching for the best tandem fishing kayaks in the market? We are here to help you!
Quick Overview – Best Tandem Fishing Kayak
- Best All Around Tandem Fishing Kayak: Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem
- Best Performance Tandem Fishing Kayak: Intex Challenger Kayak
- Best Value Tandem Fishing Kayak: Bestway Lite Rapid X2 Tandem Kayak
Quick Comparison – Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks
Buying Guide
Here is a list of desirable features that are very sought after by every avid angler that loves to freestyle it once in a while by going on a kayaking trip with their fishing buddy. The qualities have been chosen after deliberated consultation from revered angling websites on the internet.
The Material of the Kayak
In the past, kayaks were built with wood, just like other boats. With the evolution of fishing into a proper industry and its establishment as a competitive sport, there have been many changes that now support this establishment.
Nowadays, we come across various materials that are being used in the construction of a kayak depending upon its final cost, sturdiness, and quality. One thing for sure in the products we have chosen is that whatever material they are constructed from is the best according to the latest market research.
As wood kayaks are still in fashion due to their sturdiness, we cannot rule out the possibility of you encountering a top-quality wood kayak. If we come to think of it, classic wood kayaks do give off that classic rusty look, which for obvious reasons, is liked by a lot of people. If you choose a wood kayak, be sure to check the boxes for the newer necessities that have been adjoined with kayaking.
The most desirable material in kayaking considering impact resistance as the most revered quality is Rotomolded Polyethylene. From the sound of the name, it might feel like the final product is just made from plastic and cannot form a sturdy kayak.
But in reality, polyethylene’s flexibility is the most sought-after quality in kayaks as they are often subjected to shallow waters, which makes them prone to impact with beaver dams, rocks, and fallen trunks.
The most popular kayaks these days due to their many qualities, our inflatable kayaks. The constructive material for inflatable kayaks is also plastic, but it greatly differs from remolded polyethylene.
But not to worry, it holds its shape and does not pose any threat even if some sharp object tries to bust it. However, it is one of the most revered types of kayaks used in competitive sports designed for kayaking.
Paddles
Perhaps the most essential accessory for kayaking is a pair of paddles to forage through the water in the hope of finding the perfect treat to add to your list of finds. Most of the time, a set of paddles comes with the kayak as a complete package.
But sometimes they are sold separately. For sure, we root for the package that includes all accessories, but sometimes the paddles in the set are not up to the mark, and so it might make sense to purchase separate paddles.
The quality of the material of paddles also matters, but most often, people choose the same type of material for paddles as they do for kayaks. In the kayak that you purchase, do make sure that it includes paddle rests.
Paddle rests are smallholding spaces for paddles when you are not foraging through the water streams; rather, you have landed on the perfect spot to find your best catch. Paddle rests are a necessary part of the kayak, as it is not entirely possible to hold the paddles at all times. Neither is it possible to store them someplace in the kayak as it only holds minimum space for two to three people only.
Storage Hatch
There are many essentials that are absolutely necessary for a comfortable fishing trip, such as beverages and sandwiches or any other type of food. To handle these essentials on a kayak, storage space is vital.
While purchasing a kayak, make sure that it comes with a storage hatch, preferably, which is waterproof to ensure no water reaches your essentials. The storage hatch can be used for many other useful purposes, such as storing the bait for swimming.
It is agreed upon by all anglers that a storage hatch is one of the necessities of angling that one can not miss by any chance if one hopes to enjoy their trip without any troubles.
Accessibility
For the new additions to this industry of fishing, kayaking is not as easy as it is for the experienced anglers. The accessibility of a kayak is most important for those who are new to his field. The accessibility feature includes its portability and other accessories such as storage hatches, paddle rests, etc.
The most accessible kayaks are inflatable ones as you can easily transport them to the river and inflate at the moment. After you are done with your adventures, it is super easy to deflate the kayak and fold it into a compatible structure to carry it back to your campsite.
Cargo Area
Often, the term cargo is coined with airplanes and railways, but in this sense, a cargo area is assigned as a storage space for any extra material you might want to keep with you during the fishing trip.
It is not a vital accessory, but it does help in making the trip comfortable as you get extra space for all of your gear, be it
rod or reel, but also including the fish you might catch on your hunt.
Mounts
Undoubtedly there are many accessories involved in fishing for a nice catch, and on a kayak with limited area, there is no space to store a lot of equipment that has the potential to make or break your trip.
So, kayak engineers adopted a cool way to store any equipment and accessible to users. They developed mounts for all equipment one needs on a fishing trip. Most anglers already know what a helpful device a fish finder is on such trips; for those of you who do not know, a fish finder releases waves to locate any living beings in the water.
In the advanced kayaks, there are mounts to hold the fish finders in place; usually, they are placed at the front so they can be easily accessed by fishermen. Another accessory that often needs to be put down to rest is the fishing rod. There is no way that a person can hold the rod in the air for the entire length of the trip, so look out for a rod holder.
The trip also revolves around the process of finding the sweet spot for fishing. During all the breaks and foraging, there is a desperate need for handling the rod. And just like fish finders, there are mounts to hold rods on a kayak.
Before finally paying your money for a kayak, you must make sure it contains all necessary mounts for the equipment you own and will be using on the trip.
The Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks – Our Top Picks
Fishing is often much more than just a hobby; it is a passion, and it takes a lot to succeed at this strenuous activity. There are many ways to fish in open waters, but the most efficient and probably fun method for fishing in a stream or river is through kayaking.
For those of you who are new to this field, a kayak is a small boat-shaped structure that seats 1 or 2 people at max. The kayak is run in the water by paddling, and there is no motor involved with this type of boat.
After finding the sweet spot for fishing, one can stop their journey and peacefully find their hunt. A kayak is a rather smooth method of transportation while fishing in low-density streams where anglers need to relocate every once in a while, to find a worthwhile fish. Be patient though 🙂
Let’s take a look at the best tandem fishing kayaks available in the market!
The Best All Around Tandem Fishing Kayak
Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem
Pros
- Inflatable
- Durable
- Heavy-duty PVC
- Extremely stable
- Aluminum paddles included
Cons
- Expensive
To land the first position in the best three kayaks from all over the internet is not easy. From every key aspect, this Driftsun Rover tandem takes over every other kayak. Starting from the quality of the material, Driftsun Rover is constructed from heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin, which makes it resistant to any punctures.
It is not called Rover just for fashion; this particular kayak is equipped for heavy white waters. The tubes are reinforced with 1000D layers of PVC, which will provide stability for all, or any water swirls that you might have to go through.
Amazon
The Best Performance Tandem Fishing Kayak
Intex Challenger Kayak
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for longer trips
- Inexpensive
- Ultraviolet damage resistant
- Puncture resistant
- Easily Inflatable
- Aluminum paddles included
- Intex output pump included
Cons
- No mounts included
Intex Challenger Kayak is no joke when it comes to serious business; this kayak can overcome all difficulties any water body can throw at it. First of all, it is constructed with highly durable vinyl that makes it super dependable as it is completely ultraviolet and puncture-resistant.
The colors that it carries are sporty for a reason so that it can be easily spotted in case anything goes wrong. It is highly comfortable and holds just enough space for two kayakers to enjoy without having to worry about their paddles being clucked together.
As it is inflatable, it can be easily carried to and from the location of the trip, and the package includes a pump that can perform both functions. Not having mounts makes it less useful for longer fishing trips, but if you are looking for performance first and comfort second, this might be just the one for you!
Amazon
The Best Value Tandem Fishing Kayak
Bestway Lite Rapid X2 Tandem Kayak
Pros
- Adjustable seats
- Comfortable
- Drain valve is integrated within the kayak
- Removable fin
- Grab rope included
- Paddles included
- Great Value
Cons
- Only supports 350 lbs. of weight
This kayak is super affordable and it is specially built for people who are only beginning to set foot in this field. A major issue faced by kayakers is incoming water that involuntarily enters the kayak, but this model is ingrained with a drain that easily solves this issue.
It is inflatable, and thus it can be easily carried, the seats are adjustable and thus highly comfortable for long term missions. If you are looking for a cheap tandem fishing kayak, you really cannot go wrong here.
Amazon
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I purchase a short kayak or long kayak?
If you are purchasing a solo kayak and weigh as much as an average individual, then it is better that you purchase a short length kayak. However, if you are planning to purchase a tandem, then a longer kayak is better as weight distribution for two people can be achieved by a longer kayak. Alternatively, have you given thought to a canoe?
How to escape the drag?
Drag is created by the friction between the water surface and the surface of the kayak. First, let’s make it clear that the material of the kayak has no significant effect on drag. The surface area of the kayak is the main culprit of creating friction. The longer the kayak, the more friction it will create hence greater the drag. The shorter kayaks have the lesser surface area and thus create significantly less friction, thus lesser drag.
Which kayaks are more stable: long or short?
Weight distribution depends upon many factors, but in water, it mainly depends upon the surface area of the kayak and the weight of the individuals being carried by the kayak. In tandem kayaks, the longer kayaks are more stables, as they can manage the weight of two highly overweight individuals.
In smaller tandem kayaks, there is not much space between the two individuals, which creates the hustle of paddles being struck together, so it is often better to purchase a longer tandem kayak.
Happy Kayak Fishing
Tandem fishing kayaks are the best way to spend your vacation with one special person doing what you both love to do the most. It is not only a super-efficient method to reach those solitary shallow spots in a river that are otherwise unreachable but are also super comfortable as well.
There aren’t many tandem kayaks in the world that can offer superior quality with durability that can withstand the roughness that accompanies your adventures. The best tandem fishing kayaks that we have chosen above are the best from a lot of superior tandem kayaks, and they might be your only option to have a good time in a kayak without having to worry about any leaks. Check out our article on fishing SUPs, if you want something lighter for two or this article if you are looking for a single-person kayak.
Happy Kayaking Guys and remember to be aware of other boats!