Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Reviews 2021 With Buying Tips

Kayak fishing is really fun if you love catching fish and going on a water adventure. I especially love kayak fishing because it’s challenging as compared to regular boat fishing. Of course, if you really want to appreciate the art of kayak fishing, you’ll need a proper inflatable fishing kayak.

If this happens to be your first time to experience it, then join me as I go through some of the best inflatable fishing kayak brands that I love. I’ll also discuss some tips on how to choose the best one and some other interesting stuff for you to know.

Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Comparison Chart

Preview

Model

Capacity

Inflated Size

Buy

Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak

3 Person

12 ft 6 in x 2 ft 10 in

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

2 Person

10 ft 3 in x 3 ft
Intex Challenger k1

1 Person

9 ft x 2 ft 6 in
Sevylor Coleman kayak

2 Person

10 ft 9 in x 3 ft 3 in
sevylor quikpak kayak Sevylor Quikpak K1 kayak

1 Person

8 ft 7 in x 3 ft

8 Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Reviews in Details

1. Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak

The Sea Eagle inflatable kayak is capable of holding up to 3 persons and has a weight capacity of 650 pounds, making it ideal for fishing. Not only can you bring your 2 buddies to the fishing trip, you can also store a bunch of your catches inside the cockpit.

If you get tired of fishing, you can go for a speed ride as it’s got great tracking and 2 skegs for speed.

best inflatable kayaks for fishing

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It’s made from a sun-resistant material, which only means that it can endure being exposed to the sun for a longer period of time. Apart from that, it’s also resistant to saltwater. Now, you’re not limited to the areas you can explore with your kayak.

It also comes with several accessories for added convenience. One of them is a carrying bag which makes it quite easier to transport the kayak in and out of the water.

2. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak- Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

The Intex Explorer K2 is a kayak that can support two people. It has a dimension of 20 x 36 x 123 inches and has an adjustable skeg so that you’ll have an easier time changing directions. What makes this really ideal is that it’s very comfortable even for two people and a bunch of fish that comes from a fishing trip.

This is because it comes with an inflatable seat that has a high backrest and enough legroom for everyone in it.

Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

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Among the two main features of the Explorer K2 is durability and comfort. Since it features adjustable seats, you can easily customize them to suit your needs when it comes to comfort. Additionally, its lightweight design makes sure that it can be easily stored and transported, not to mention it provides buoyancy as well.

3. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is an amazing one person sit-on-kayak that has high durability and complete sturdiness. It comes with a big cockpit that can actually fit a lot of fish. Its I-beam floors are also used for adding more sturdiness to make sure that you don’t topple over even if you filled the cockpit with the fish. It has a total weight capacity of 220 pounds which makes it ideal for your next fishing trip.

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

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Additionally, it comes with a hand pump which can get it fully inflated in just 10 minutes. Deflating only takes a couple of minutes so you can store it in no time. Just like the other inflatable kayaks in the market, the K1 weighs less than 30 pounds, making it extremely lightweight and easy to transport.

It has a huge storage space where you can store your stuff and an area where you can fit a cooler. Overall, it’s an excellent inflatable kayak if you’re looking for a nice blend of performance and budget.

4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak

The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is one of the best fishing kayaks you can find pretty much anywhere. It is made of 18-gauge PVC which makes it durable enough to take on rough waters. It also has a 1000D tarp bottom and 840D nylon shell making it puncture-proof and impact-resistant. It’s also got a trademark Airtight system to ensures no leakage.

Additionally, the kayak features a compartmentalized chamber. As a result, even if one part of the kayak gets punctured, the rest won’t be affected. If this isn’t enough, you can also find D-rings which allow you to attach other equipment into it.

best whitewater kayak for beginners

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You also have paddle holders to make sure your paddles are held securely as you fish. There’s also a pressure gauge which lets you check the optimal air amount to pump in. Lastly, you have the option to fit a trolling motor, thus allowing you to go to your destination faster.

5. Sevylor Quikpak K1 Kayak

Another awesome kayak developed by Sevylor, the Quikpak K1 is one of the easiest kayaks to use and also one of the easiest to set up. It has a 5-minute setup system and a backpack system allowing you to roll it up and keep it in a spacious backpack along with a pump.

It’s also got the Airtight system that prevents any sort of leakage.

sevylor quikpak kayak

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The Quikpak K1 is designed to offer excellent portability even when you compare it to other kayaks on the market. This is because its seat can double as a backpack. Also, you can easily fold it upon deflating. It only weighs 16.5 pounds, thus making it an extremely lightweight product.

Unlike most inflatable kayaks, the K1 is quite comfortable thanks to its efficient design. You have enough legroom to stretch your legs without getting stiff. Also, its backrest ensures that you remain comfortable throughout your fishing adventure.

6. Atoll 11′ Foot Inflatable SUP

This is great stand up paddle board that is very sturdy and also really light. Because of its steady construction (it’s made of military grade PVC material), it’s a great paddle board where beginners can practice their paddling skills at. It also comes with a nylon backpack that can carry the deflated paddle board, the pump, and also the paddles. It also comes with 15 D rings for you to carry some of your stuff during your ride. It may be a little bit lightweight but it’s still fun.

Atoll Foot Inflatable SUP

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7. Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat

The Intex Excursion Inflatable boat is a great versatile boat that can be used for almost any trip. It has high buoyancy because of its 3 air chambers and an extra auxiliary one. It also is very sturdy with an I-beam flooring and a body that’s made of high quality materials.

It’s both puncture-proof and scratch-proof which makes it great for riding even the rapids and strong currents.

Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat

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It measures 12.5 feet long and 5.5 feet wide, making it a really huge inflatable kayak as compared to the ones on this list. Additionally, it can hold up to 1,000 pounds and fit 3 adults and 2 kids.

The Excursion 5 comes with a number of accessories such as two inflatable seats, four fishing rod holders, oar locks, two aluminum oars, and a motor mount. You can fit in a 1.5 HP motor in the mount to make the kayak go even faster.

8. SereneLife Inflatable Kayak

This is one of the most popular stand up paddle boards you’ll find. It’s around 10 inches long and has a 30-foot deck which allows you to balance yourself while standing. It’s also got really good maneuverability and sturdiness that even kids can handle it. Most importantly, the top deck is slip-proof which makes it ideal for beginners.

Granted it’s not really specialized for fishing, but it’s great for a ride in the lake and great for practice.

SereneLife Inflatable Kayak

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It has a universal design but is very stable due to its 6-inch think body. As it can easily inflate and deflate, you can take this board anywhere you want. It also comes with several features including a carrying bag, oar, and an air pump.

One of the main features of this board is its four extra D rings which are located on its mid-sides. As such, you can attach a kayak chair or cooler if you want to remain standing throughout your adventure.

How to Select the Best Inflatable Kayaks For Fishing

Now that we’ve gone through the best inflatable kayaks, the next thing to ask yourself is which one out of the 7 is for you. Well, I usually advise beginners to take into consideration the following factors which can definitely help you out:

Type

First thing’s first, you have to choose which type you want: a sit-in or a sit-on-top. Most traditional kayaks are sit-in kayaks. The problem is, they’re a little bit harder to control than their sit-on-top counterparts. If you’re a beginner, you may want to consider getting a sit-on-top kayak first. More experienced riders prefer sit-in variants because they can store more fish and fishing gears.

Width

Width is really important for a fishing kayak because more width gives more stability. The more stable the kayak is, the less likely it is to tip over – especially if you’re reeling in a really big fish. For this reason, it’s ideal to choose the wider types of kayaks. The wider the kayak is, the better it will be for you.

Weight Capacity

The higher the weight capacity, the more fish you can carry. As you can see, all of the kayaks that I’ve mentioned all have pretty high weight capacities.Therefore, depending on how many fish you plan to catch, you should get the heavier ones.

Solo or Tandem Type

Are you planning on going on the fishing trip alone, or are you planning on going with a friend? If you usually go by yourself, then you should get a solo kayak that only has one seat. If you often go with your friends, then you might want to split the payment to buy a tandem type variant.

Length

You might also want to consider the length of the kayak to determine how much fish you can fit inside. Obviously, the longer the kayak is, the more space you have to put the fish in. Always consider getting the long ones but don’t scrimp on stability for length.

Comfort Features

Of course, you would definitely want to be comfortable while you’re fishing on your kayak. Some of the comfort features that I usually look out for would be a back seat and leg room. I usually look for seats that have a tall back so that I won’t hurt my back while fishing. I also look for kayaks with a really spacious leg room so that I won’t get cramps.

Price

The last thing to consider is the price of the kayak. While there are some kayaks that only cost around $100, I would recommend going for quality. Most kayaks below that price range may not be as durable or as comfortable as the more well-known brands. Those that cost around $250 to $1,000 are pretty decent choices.

Types of inflatable kayaks

Aside from knowing how to choose a best fishing kayak, what other things should you know about inflatable kayaks? Well, it’s good to know that there are different types out there aside from the traditional fishing kayak. This allows you to know how to choose which kayak for what purpose. Kayaks are categorized into different types, namely:

Fishing Kayaks

This is the type of kayak that we’ve all been talking about throughout the whole article. This is the special type of kayak that’s designed for fishing. It’s stable enough to reel in big fish and spacious enough to fit your catch. It usually has higher seats, wider built, and a strong motor. It’s ideal for fishermen who also like kayak riding.

Expedition Kayaks

This is another type of inflatable kayak that’s quite versatile. It can be used for both recreational use and fishing. It’s ideal for kayak riders who don’t only fish but also like riding the rapids. It can also be used for chill afternoons in the rivers. It’s also good for flat water riding in the lakes. Basically, it is good for any type of ride. You may also like inflatable air lounger.

Flatwater Kayaks

Flatwater kayaks are for those who like to take long rides on the river. This type of kayak can only take flatwater and may not be able to withstand the rapids. Flatwater kayaks can be characterized by their rather sleek and cool-looking design. They’re also designed to be tough and have a high weight capacity so that it can last for many hours per day.

Recreational Kayaks

Recreational kayaks are used for fun purposes like group rides or just spontaneous rides down the river. The great thing about recreational kayaks is that they’re not very expensive but are very durable. They can last for long hours and can even take weak to medium strength rapids. Unfortunately, they have a low weight capacity.

Whitewater Kayak

The last type would be the whitewater kayak which is literally built for riding on the rapids. These kayaks were designed to take even really strong rapids. They’re made of very strong and very durable material. They’re also made really short, thus making them very easy to maneuver. If you’re a pro paddler, then you’ll really enjoy cutting through the rapids at very exhilarating speed.

Advantages of an Inflatable Kayak

As compared to regular kayaks, inflatable kayaks have a lot of advantages, especially for fishermen. Here are some of them:

Lightweight

First off, an inflatable kayak is lightweight. Since it can be folded, it doesn’t carry a lot of weight on them compared to other traditional kayaks. They also have the chance to be more robust because you can inflate them to how much you want.

Easy Storage

Another thing about inflatable kayaks is that they’re easy to store. Since they can be deflated, you can pretty much put them anywhere you want. I just store mine in the closet or our little backyard shed if I’m not using it.

Easy to Bring Around

As it’s easy to store, it’s also really easy to bring around. All you have to do is bring it to the lake or the beach and inflate it there. I find this easier than inflating it in my home before bringing it over to the water. I use a strong pump on the kayak so it doesn’t take long to fully inflate my own kayak.

Shock Absorbing

One of the greatest things about inflatable kayaks is that they can easily absorb shocks and impact. Therefore, if you land hardly after a rapid, you won’t damage the kayak so bad. This is actually better than the more traditional rigid kayaks that you usually find in the stores. You can read here about inflatable costumes.

Safe for Beginners

Inflatable kayaks are very stable when fully inflated. This is why inflatable kayaks are ideal for beginners or even children for that matter. They don’t capsize that easily and are pretty steady too.

Easy Control

Since an inflatable kayak is very sturdy, it allows you to have better control when you’re making turns and tracking. Sure, it doesn’t go as fast as the slimmer and more rigid kayaks, but it still serves its purpose.

Puncture Resistant

Most good quality inflatable kayaks are made of an abrasion-resistant material such as nylon and rubber. Thus, even if you hit a sharp rock while you’re kayaking through the river, your kayak most likely won’t get scratched or punctured.

Easy to Repair

If ever there is a scratch though, you won’t have to worry about your kayak deflating. All you have to do is attach a patch over the hole and it should be okay. Of course, you might want to paddle your way to the shore when you notice a hole and then patch it up there. Most inflatable kayaks come with repair kits anyway, so you won’t have to buy patching unless your existing one’s completely irreparable.

Tips on Using an Inflatable Kayak

Now that you know more about inflatable kayaks, let me provide you with you a few tips on how to use an inflatable kayak. I find that beginners don’t really know what to do with their inflatable kayaks after they buy it. As such, here are a few tips that you can follow.

Test it out first

The first thing you’ll want to do when you get your kayak is to test it out. Just leave it in the river or a pool for a while to see if there are any leaks or defective parts. If the kayak is fine, then hop on and test out the weight. Don’t paddle right into the unknown regions without getting the hang of sitting in your kayak first.

Buy a life jacket

This is another tip for first-timers. Most beginners would scoff at the idea of having to buy a life jacket as they don’t deem it necessary. However, you can never be too safe. In the event that anything happens, the life jacket can keep you from drowning.

Buy water-proof coverings and bags for your stuff

When you go kayaking, expect your stuff to get wet. Hence, if you bring a phone or some food, you’ll want to keep them dry by storing them inside a waterproof bag or covering them with a waterproof cover.

Always check the weight capacity before you paddle

This is one of the most basic things to do before you paddle. It’s also one of the most overlooked things for beginners. When you check for the weight capacity, you must also consider the stuff you’ll be bringing. Add your weight and the total weight of your belongings to see if the weight capacity can handle it.

Always bring a first aid kit

Like I said, you’ll never know when something will happen. You might get wounded or injured. In the unlikely event that it happens, you’ll need to have yourself a first aid kit so you can treat yourself.

Bring a spare paddle or paddle leash

Beginners have the tendency to lose their paddles while they’re out in the middle of the lake or river. This is really dangerous because you could get stuck there without any signal or rescue. To avoid this, it’s ideal to either bring a spare paddle or a paddle leash at the very least. This will help you to always have a backup paddle so you can get back to shore whenever you want.

Are inflatable kayaks safe?

A lot of beginners are actually concerned about the safety precautions about kayaking. Well, I would definitely say that kayaking is dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is why you should follow some of the safety tips that I’ve mentioned above. If you can, make sure you get some kayaking lessons from a professional before you actually go out kayaking.

In addition to that, you just have to know what you’re doing in order to keep yourself safe. Kayaking is very safe as long as you absolutely know what to do.

Can you use an inflatable kayak in the ocean?

For me, it’s both a yes and a no. There are certain kayaks that can be used for riding in the ocean, while some are only limited to smaller bodies of water. You have to go for the type that is made of a very hard shell material so that it can withstand prolonged use. You might also want to buy the steady and sturdy wide ones with a size of up to 13 ft and a weight capacity of up to 700 pounds. This will ensure that you’ll keep afloat even if you’re paddling in the ocean.

Are inflatable kayaks good for fishing?

Definitely! After all, we have been talking about inflatable fishing kayaks in the entire article. Of course, we’ve also discussed what you should look for in an inflatable fishing kayak. This is because fishing kayaks are built with features and functions that are specifically designed for aiding you on your fishing trips. If you want to get a good inflatable kayak for fishing, then you need to check out the guide that I provided above. This way, you’ll be totally ready for your fishing trip.

What if my inflatable kayak has a hole?

It’s quite normal for inflatable kayaks to have holes after some time of usage.All you have to do is patch them up. Of course, the first thing to do is to know how to locate the leak. To do so, apply soapy water on your kayak and figure out where the bubbles come out. That’s the source.

Once you find the source, get your repair kit and a patch. Patches are good for holes that are as big as push pins. If it’s smaller than that, you can use some glue after you deflate your inflatable kayak.

Final Notes!

Sure, fishing on your inflatable kayak is a really fun activity, but there’s more to it than just riding on your boat waiting for the fish to bite. You have to know how to choose the best inflatable fishing kayak to suit your needs. This will allow you to fully enjoy your fishing trip to the max. With my selection of the top products, this buyer’s guide, and a few more interesting inflatable kayak facts, you’re now ready to go.

About the author

Kawsar Ahmed

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