How much should you spend for the best inflatable fishing kayak for yourself? This depends on a few things. But if you are serious about angling then this list is for you. Many of these picks are just as stable as hardshell fishing kayaks that cost 2 X as much!
In this guide, we will be going through our top inflatable fishing kayak picks and we also have included a guide that takes you through a step-by-step process of how to choose the best inflatable fishing kayak.
We also have a FAQ questionnaire I get from newbie anglers who want to learn more about inflatable kayaks.
Ready? Let’s go fishin!
Table of Contents
- Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak List
- How to Choose and Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- FAQs
- What is the Best Inflatable Kayak You Can Buy?
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak List
Below are some of the top-rated picks rated by both customers and pro anglers alike. We deep dive into each kayak to help you sort out if it’s a good pick for you and your angling priorities.
The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks go as Follows:
- Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler – (Top Pick)
- Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 160 – (Tandem Pick)
- Sea Eagle 350 X – (Most Versatile)
- Intex Excursion Pro – (Budget Pick)
- NRS Pike Fishing Kayak – (Durability Pick)
- Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro – (Small Angler Pick)
- Bote Lono Aero – (Stand Up Pick)
1. Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler (Top Pick)
Features
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 35.8”
- Weight: 45 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 635 Lbs
- Materials: 1100 Decitex Reinforced With Drop Stitch Floor
- Number of Paddlers: 3
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The Sea Eagle 385ft is a fantastic vessel for traveling long distances in search of fish. Its slender design allows the kayak to track better than most makes of inflatable fishing kayaks out there.
This means you have a kayak that not only can travel fast but you can also travel greater distances in flat water with a narrower streamlined hull. This allows you to cover more distance which in theory, gives you a greater probability of catching fish.
It is also a kayak that can be customized with gear such as swivel seats, and electric fishing motor rigs.
On-Water Performance
The boats’ faster speed and good tracking performance are great in medium to bigger-sized lakes that may experience a bit of chop from time to time. It is also a good kayak for calmer ocean bays.
If you are going into wavey coastal conditions or white water I would advise looking at the wide more durably built Sea Eagle 350x that can take on a wide range of water environments.
Kayak Design
The 385fta is a nimble package that is well designed and thought out. You can see that the bottom of the hull has an inflatable beam that acts as the boat’s keel. This is part of what makes the 385fta perform almost as well as recreational hardshell kayaks.
This inflatable kayak also has an inflatable drop stitch floor that keeps it stable in the water. Some customers even state that they can stand and cast on it. Although it’s not the perfect package for that use because of its more slender width.
There is plenty of room in the front and rear of the boat to store a wide array of fishing gear such as tackle boxes, fishing crates, a small live well as well as 4 areas to store rod holders at the front and sides.
What Customers Think
One customer went as far as to state that the Sea Eagle 385fta was the superior fishing boat out of his 5 fishing kayaks (including Hardshell SOT kayaks).
He stated that the lower rocker profile of this vessel allowed the kayak to track well. This same customer has even used it in 15 mph winds and it still held up. Most inflatable kayaks would not be able to get far in those conditions.
Some of the more critical reviews stated that the swivel seats weren’t as comfy as advertised, although the customer still loved the boat and installed his own custom seat.
Pros:
- One of the fastest Angling kayaks out there
- Stable for its thinner profile
- Tracks extremely well in the water
- Does well in the wind
- Can mount a motor to it
Cons:
- Scotty Mounts are only included in swivel seat/ motor mount packages
- Limited to calmer waterways
2. Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 160 (Tandem Pick)
Features
- Length: 16’4”
- Width: 38”
- Weight: 50 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 800 Lbs
- Materials: Duratex PVC With Drop Stitch Floor
- Number of Paddlers: 2
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 160 is our Tandem pick for fishing kayaks. This is because of its drop stitch floor, its rod holders available to both paddlers, and the fact that Aquaglide still provides room for anyone who wants to add a cooler or fishing crate to the mix.
In fact, this package already comes with a cooler which is a rarity with inflatable kayaks. This soft cooler also features 4-rod holders to add to the mix. This is one of the best inflatable fishing kayaks to look at if you want to support a fleet of fishing rods from the boat.
Its narrow nose and lower profile allow you to go through chop with relative ease. Its two-passenger capacity also makes it a heavier boat that is less susceptible to wind. And when battling windy conditions, two paddlers is always better than one.
On-Water Performance
The Blackfoot Angler features even better tracking than the single 130. You will also go faster with the tandem as you have more paddling power with the second person.
The shallower profile coupled with the pointed nose, like the Sea Eagle 385fta allows you to travel at a good pace which makes it an ideal companion for some of the bigger lakes out there. This vessel is not recommended for white water play though.
Kayak Design
The Blackfoot Angler 160 provides a wide array of assortments for tandem anglers who are serious about their fishing. The Blackfoot Angler features 10 universal mounts that are compatible with any accessories that can be Scotty Mounted. This opens up the boat to a wide array of possibilities such as extra rod holders, go pro mounts, cup holders, and much more.
The actual purpose behind the design of the Blackfoot Angler 160 is speed and tracking. While the Blackfoot may not have the keel of the Sea Eagle 385 fta it has a Posi-track Weedless Fin that attaches to a US fin box system. This means you can swap out the fin for other makes that are outside the Aquaglide umbrella. As a SUP enthusiast, I always appreciate a vessel that is open to a little fin experimentation ;).
What Customers Think
One British Columbian Customer states that the boat gave them a lot of confidence in swells and was an excellent ocean paddling companion. In Fact they paddled the waters of Howe Sound, which aren’t exactly the calmest in the area, and the kayak was more than a match.
Another customer even compared it to another inflatable fishing kayak (it remained nameless) and he said that the Blackfoot Angler 130 beat it in every single way. He said he could even stand, sit, or even have his legs over the side and the kayak never felt tippy.
Pros:
- Great stability, can even use it to stand up and fish
- Tracking and glide in this kayak are great
- Lots of customizability for accessories including rod mounts, coolers, Universal Accessory Mounts
- Very well made, you will never have to worry about a hook digging into this kayaks frame
- Comes with a fishing cooler
Cons:
- Heavy for an inflatable kayak at 50 + lbs
- Probably need two people to transport it a long distance or a kayak cart.
3. Sea Eagle 350 X (Most Versatile)
Features
- Length: 11’5”
- Width: 39”
- Thickness: 6”
- Materials: 1000 Denier with 2000 Denier reinforced sections, double layer high-pressure drop stitch floor with EVA foam padding
- Weight: 50.7 pounds
- Maximum capacity: 575.5 pounds
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The Sea Eagle 350 X is the pick to choose for more challenging environments. It’s built the same way as the Sea Eagle Explorer series in that it can withstand up to class IV rapids.
So if you are hunting for salmon as they are making their trek through river systems this would be an ideal silent stalker that you may be looking for. It also comes with a fish ruler, and 4 fishing rod holders and can be compatible with the swivel seat fishing rig package.
On-Water Performance
The 350x will be one of the most stable kayaks in the line-up due to its wider width and bigger side bladders. It also has a drop-stitch floor that allows you to cast without feeling tippy.
While the tracking on this kayak will be sufficient for smaller to medium-sized lakes it wouldn’t be a yak that I would choose to cover a lot of ground in bigger lakes. This is because it’s a boat that is designed more for rapids and white water play rather than flatwater paddling.
Kayak Design
This yak is meant to take some punishment. In fact its lineup is probably some of the most durable of all inflatable kayaks. Drag it on the ground, throw it in the rapids, it doesn’t matter. The 1100 and 2200 Decitecx makes this extremely durable and almost puncture proof.
The boat also features an 11.5 inch tube diameter which keeps you enclosed in the boat in those rougher waters. It also has 16 self-draining valves that can be easily opened and shut depending on the waterways you are on.
What Customers Think
One customer recommended this board for fishing/ camping and storage uses while commenting that its build quality was top notch.
Many love the stability that the 350x provides them while they are out casting on the lake.
Some complaints included how the kayak was very heavy and that you needed 2 people or a kayak cart to lug it to the shore. Another was that the kayak is a tight fit in the bag and that it requires some planning before folding the kayak back into the bag.
Pros:
- Can handle most waterways that can be thrown at it including class IV rapids
- Very stable to stand and cast on
- Great for bringing a lot of gear with you or even as a camping kayak
- Can come with a swivel seat
Cons:
- This will be one of the slower boats on the list
- The tracking and speed of this boat are not the best
- Some issues with glue failing on fin attachment
4. Intex Excursion Pro (Budget Pick)
Features
- Length: 12.5’
- Width: 37”
- Height: 18”
- Materials: 3-ply laminate PVC with a polyester core
- Weight: 43 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs.
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The Intex Excursion Pro is the best inflatable kayak for folks on a budget. While the boats are normally in the mid-hundreds they frequently have sales on Amazon of 40% off or more.
But we didn’t pick this kayak just for its cheaper comparable price tag. The Intex Excursion is a very solidly built little boat that features 2 rod holders as well as a removable/adjustable mounting bracket for fish finders, GPS, or even swivel rod holders. This boat shows you that you don’t have to mortgage the apartment to afford a budget fishing kayak capable of housing accessories.
On-Water Performance
The On-Water performance of the Intex Excursion Pro will not be better than any of the other kayak on this list. There is some “wagging” when paddling this kayak and adding the directional skeg for decent tracking is a must.
But for the price tag, it will paddle better than other budget kayaks like the Intex Explorer or Sevylor Colorado boats. While the boat is made of a PVC-like material it is not meant for standing. Unlike other inflatable kayaks on this list, the Excursion Pro has an IBeam floor, so it will lack the standing stability that most of the drop stitch floors have.
Kayak Design
The kayak’s design is relatively simple and has the basic components of a budget inflatable kayak. It has two side walls and the I beam floor. What makes this one different from other budget models is its material.
On the Intex website, its said to be made of Super-Tough laminate material with polyester core. From what I know this is like an in-between material between PVC and vinyl materials that cheaper inflatable kayaks and boats are made of.
The bucket seats are also included in the package although I’ve heard a few reviewers complain about them.
What Customers Think
One customer made a good point of comparison comparing both the Excursion Pro to his Intex Explorer kayak stating that the Excursion Pro was the superior vessel due to its materials. There are actually a few customers that recommend you spend the extra hundred or so to upgrade from a cheaper vinyl kayak to the Excursion Pro.
There have, however, been some reports of seams being split open after only a couple of uses. The buyer should be advised that this boat has only a 90-day warranty and there have been some less than pleasant remarks about Intex’s customer service.
However many of the ratings on this boat are positive with many people owning the kayak for 3 or more seasons.
Pros:
- Kayak can be found at a great price many times during the year
- It’s stable to sit and paddle in
- Comes with some decent accessories that allow add-ons
- The boat is nice and portable
Cons:
- Some complaints about quality control issues
- Can’t stand on this boat
- Only has a 90-day warranty
5. NRS Pike Fishing Kayak (Durability Pick)
Features
- Length: 12’8”
- Width: 39”
- Thickness: 11”
- Materials: PVC drop stitch
- Weight: 48 lbs
- Maximum capacity: 375 lbs
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The NRS Pike is an excellent fishing kayak for folks who want something that well, paddles like a kayak! Its hull is well designed with a rigid keel insert in the bow of the boat.
It features 5 YakAttack accessory Mounts with 3 on the front of the boat and 2 on the back as well as a fish ruler. Its fishing seat is also one of the more comfortable in the inflatable kayak game.
On-Water Performance
As mentioned above the rigid keel insert allows the NRS Pike to track almost as well as a hardshell recreational kayak. Its lighter weight will also give your paddle strokes that little bit extra glide as well.
In terms of stability, this is a fantastic pick. You can even paddle this kayak like an inflatable paddle board thanks to its 38” width. For those who like to do fly fishing, this could be a good pickup!
Kayak Design
The NRS Pike is surrounded by 10.5” side tubes made of NRS’s own blend of PVC that they outfit their white water rafts with. The sit-on-top kayak gives you a good amount of room for gear in both the bow and stern of the boat, protected by bungee deck rigging.
On the inside of the kayak is a 4” drop-stitch deck that can inflate to 8 psi. This allows you to stretch your back from time to time while doing some spot fishing. Why not combine the best of both worlds of stand-up and sit-down fishing?
What Customers Think
The NRS pike is a premium watercraft so there is not a ton of online reviews other than video testimonials.
Most of them have very high praise of the STAR Pike which is NRS’s in-house inflatable watercraft brand. For 2022 they switch it to go under the NRS fishing umbrella. But many of the features that made the STAR brand Pike great remain.
One customer really loves this boat for getting to the hard-to-reach fishing spots. He’s put it through the wringer by dragging it, fishing in the winter, and hitting stumps and his kayak does not even feature a dent.
Pros:
- Tracks very well in the water
- The kayak is one of the best-designed crafts
- Materials is supremely durable
- The boat is extremely stable to stand and sit on
- Customers who bought this boat swear by it
Cons:
- The price tag is very steep
- Kayak is pretty heavy to load
- Not as compact as other kayaks on the list when folded down
6. Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro (Small Angler Pick)
Features
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 38.5”
- Weight: 45 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 400 Lbs
- Materials: PVC Tarpaulin w/ Drop Stitch Floor
- Number of Paddlers: 1
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The StraitEdge Angler Pro like many other kayaks on this list, features a drop-stitch floor. And just like the Sea Eagle kayaks, it can fit a motor, but in a very different way. The StraitEdge Angler can fit Bixypy motors which is a motor placed on the fin of the boat.
It also comes with aluminum bars that you can use to clamp on rod holders, fish finders, GPSs as well as other fishing amenities. It also comes with dry bag storage compartments for the front and back of the boat for those valuables that you don’t want to get wet.
There are also 2 rod holder compartments next to the seat to boot.
On-Water Performance
The StraitEdge Angler Pro is a very stable pick that can actually paddle at a decent rate. It won’t be faster than the Fasttrack Angler Pro but its bow and stern keel allows the kayak to track sufficiently in the water. What holds the speed back of this kayak is its wider width and shorter length
The stability on this boat is sufficient with a measured width of 38.5”. With a width like this, you can certainly stand on the boat although the shorter length may still make it a bit challenging for taller people.
Kayak Design
The StraitEdge Angler is designed for people up to about 6 feet. If you are significantly taller than that then you may have some issues fitting into this boat, especially with a lot of gear.
The kayak features 5 chambers made of PVC and a drop-stitch floor that gives the kayak some extra stability.
Anglers who like lots of accessories listen up! The kayak comes with an accessory frame system that allows you to mount most aftermarket rod holders, fish finders as well as GPSs. Advanced Elements provides them both on the front and the back of the boat.
What Customers Think
This is a kayak that for the most part customers agreed that it was stable and well designed. One even said that this kayak was more stable than their Hardshell Jackson kayak.
Others really appreciated the roominess feel of the kayak where you have a lot of room to operate within the kayak without feeling confined.
However, there have been a few hiccups.
One customer has problems with the 4 bolts that held the seat, and as a result, he lost the nuts in the lake. Only one strap was holding it and it, in turn, broke the buckle, which brought some questions on accessory quality control.
Pros:
- Great stability on the water, smaller people can stand
- Lots of options for different aftermarket accessories
- Tracks decently for a boat of its size
Cons:
- Not a ton of room in this vessel
- Not the best for taller anglers
- Gets bullied by the wind fairly easily
7. Bote Lono Aero (Stand Up Pick)
Features
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 35.5”
- Thickness: 6”
- Materials: 1100 Decitex reinforced drop stitch
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Maximum capacity: 400 lbs
Why is it a Good Fishing Kayak?
The BOTE Lono Aero is probably the most unique-looking pick on this list. It provides the on-water paddling power of a kayak mixed in with the stand-up capabilities of a stand-up paddle board. With PVC/ Drop Stitch construction just like an inflatable SUP.
It makes a good fishing pick because of the custom BOTE patented innovations that it is compatible with or is included with. It can also be used as a pedal kayak. A rare feat with most inflatable fishing kayaks.
On-Water Performance
The Bote Lono Aero provides solid stability at 35.5” wide (On the wider spectrum of most paddle boards). This coupled with the 12’6” Length will make the Lono Aero a good platform to spot fish as well as do all kinds of casting in the shallows.
The pedal drive (not included) will help increase the speed of your boat tremendously. Although in comparison to other inflatable kayak packages this boat is a bit on the heavy side. It also is more susceptible to getting pushed around by the wind because of its bigger sidewalls which act as a sail.
Kayak Design
The Bote Lono Aero is a good pick for bigger guys and gals who want legroom and more seat room. For those who are smaller and have a kayak that’s more of a cruiser type take a look at the Deus Aero inflatable kayak.
The Lono Aero has a curious innovation in the back of the kayak. It has an inflatable cover that has a hole that is compatible with BOTE’s own Kula coolers. Kula coolers can be used for a wide variety of things such as a live well, a place to stash smaller tackle boxes, clothing as well as other miscellaneous fishing accessories.
What Customers Think
Some commonalities in some customer reviews were the fact that they loved the pedal drive and the rudder steering mechanism that you can attach as well as BOTE’s fast shipping and communicative customer service.
Some things customers were not a fan of was the fact that for shorter people it was difficult to reach the pedal drive from the seat position. The same customer also went on to say that folding the Lono Aero back up was not particularly easy.
Pros:
- A great pick for taller anglers
- Tracks well in the water
- The seat has had a lot of compliments
- Can add a lot of different accessories to it
Cons:
- Is more susceptible to wind pushing it around
- A heavier package
- Some customers feel it feels awkward on the water
How to Choose an Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Just find a kayak that doesn’t go pop when a hook accidentally lands on it! Easy right?!
Well not quite. While durability is an obvious criterion there are a few more that you should be aware of before purchasing an inflatable fishing kayak.
Materials Are Important
While you can buy a $100 inflatable kayak and experiment fishing on it, I wouldn’t recommend it. Heavy-duty vinyl-made kayaks like the Intex Challenger K2 and the Intex Explorer are decent recreational crafts but they are far from hook proof.
The same goes for inflatable kayaks that have a fabric cover. Fabric is like a magnet for hooks so avoid using kayaks like the AdvancedFrame Convertible or the Aquaglide Navarro for fishing purposes. The bladder inside the protective fabric is not very thick either.
For most inflatable fishing kayaks you should be looking for ones that are made of PVC. The bigger the denier number the thicker and more puncture-proof the materials are. Almost all of the kayaks on this list are made of some sort of PVC except for the budget Intex Excursion kayak which is like a hybrid-like material.
While you may find that other sites may list other materials such as Hypalon and Nitrylon are starting to become dinosaurs in this industry. This is because the materials are more expensive to produce, which a lot of the time is overkill for kayaks that are paddle-powered.
Where Are You Paddling?
In most fishing conditions you will probably be in calmer water. In this case, any of the above picks will be fine for that. But in more extreme environments such as white water or coastal ocean climates, you have to be careful with what you choose.
If you are looking for a stable kayak that can tackle all kinds of different water conditions thrown at it the best choice would be the Sea Eagle 350x which is Class IV rapids rated.
When it comes to offshore fishing you have to be wary as inflatable kayaks can be controlled more easily by the elements than hardshell sit on top kayaks. Wind can be one of the biggest obstacles to ocean paddling so it’s best to check the weather and water conditions before heading out.
On-Water Performance
For fishing, you want a good balance of stability with tracking, speed, and maneuverability for those tighter spots. Inflatable kayaks like the Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack kayaks are great for traveling long distances in search of honey holes. You can also increase your speed by getting the trolling motor mount package which turns your kayak into a motorized pontoon.
While you do not need a craft that has the most hydrodynamic hull available. It’s also no fun paddling a dog of a kayak that wags from side to side. Budget kayaks are a great way to introduce yourself to the world of kayaking they will become increasingly more frustrating to handle as your skillset grows.
For maneuverability, you want a shorter inflatable kayak. Crafts such as the Advanced Elements StraitEdge Pro Angler give you a wider width coupled with a shorter length which makes it a good boat for maneuvering into those tighter spots.
Stability
For Stability look for a kayak that has a wider width and a solid drop stitch floor to give you that extra support.
If stand-up fishing kayaks are your thing, crafts like the Bote Lono Aero and the NRS Pike fishing kayaks would be great picks as their wider widths and drop stitch floors allow you to have a higher-up view while spot fishing.
Durability
We covered a lot of this in the materials section of this guide so just to recap PVC is usually the go-to for many of the top inflatable kayak manufacturers today.
To increase the durability of your boat you want to be wary of your surroundings. If you were a former canoe owner I know how easy it is to just paddle half speed and kamikaze the boat into the bank with zero issues. But with inflatable kayaks, you have to be a bit more careful. Not to say that this will pop your kayak but repeated scratches and scaths wear down the material.
So how do you know if an inflatable kayak has durability? Yes, you can read through the product description but let’s face it, manufacturers want you to think their materials are best so they will often use fancy words to make the kayak sound indestructible.
Instead, you should look through 4- 2 star ratings of customer reviews. These are the ones that are usually the most detailed and fair. You should also look at the warranty period. Usually aim for something within the 2 year and over range.
Maximum Capacity and Passengers
Or in other words how much gear/ pets/ humans do you want to fit in your boat?
If you want to fit two grown adults in one boat then it is best to get a tandem boat. Many inflatable kayaks have “tandem configurations” in short boats. But often times these are cramped and lack space and legroom to really be optimal for both anglers. These tandem inflatable kayaks should have a maximum capacity of over 450 lbs minimum.
Boats like the Blackfoot Angler 130 is a true tandem kayak that has a max capacity of 800 lbs that allows you to bring multiple paddlers as well as gear.
So Solo anglers you should look for inflatable kayaks that are at least 350 lb maximum capacity and over.
Another thing to keep a look at when comparing kayaks is the width. As a rule of thumb and wider width and a longer length will produce a more steady boat.
Portability and Storage
One area where budget inflatable kayaks have more expensive kayaks beat is portability. Vinyl style kayaks can fold more easily because of their thinner material but of course, that means that they are also that much more exposed to possible punctures.
While most inflatable kayaks can fit in your car you should keep an eye out on the package weight. Most manufacturers mention the total package weight on their website.
When people think of inflatable kayaks they think of how lightweight and portable the kayak is. And while they can fold up into smaller dimensions, many quality inflatable kayaks can be surprisingly bulky even when packed up.
Most manufacturers will come with a carry bag, but I personally like the bags that are backpack style like the ones that come with BOTE. Being somewhat of a SUP enthusiast myself I’m often surprised at how clumsy many of the “tote” style bags are that come with the package. On Top of that many are almost impossible to fit back into the bag after a session on the water!
When considering the portability of the kayak you are looking at, take a look at the folded dimensions and measure it against where it will be stored to ensure that it fits properly.
Accessories
When we talk about Accessories here we are talking about the items that come with the package. Most packages come with a pump, paddle, bag and repair kit as well as add-in seats. As you would imagine, some are better than others in this department.
A company that I think does well is Sea Eagle which gives you the choice of the kind of package you want to choose from. Packages such as the 385fta and the 350X give you choices on how many accessories you want to add to your craft.
For Sea Eagle kayaks you can get a bare-bones standard package that comes with everything needed or you can go a bit extra and have a swivel seat and an electric motor with a mount.
When it comes to things like seats and paddles, spending a bit more may be in your best interest. Especially if you plan on paddling out there for longer periods of time.
Seats that work best are usually the adjustable “lawn chair” style seats that are provided by NRS Pike and the Blackfoot Angler 160 which feature adjustable height and back angles that you can fully adjust.
Add-on Accessories
This is the fun part! And thankfully all of our picks allow you to have some degree of customizability. When looking for an inflatable kayak that can be fully customizable you need to look for things like bars/ accessory frames, YakAttack/ Scotty Mounting points, and built-in rod holders. Here are a few ideas of what you can mount onto an inflatable kayak below:
- GPS
- Fish Finders
- Rod Holders
- Cup Holders
- Action Camera Holders
- Cell Phone Holders
- Fish Rulers
- Motor Mounts
- Fishing Spears
- Pedal Drives
- Fishing Racks
- Fishing Crates
- Paddle Holders
- Transducers
If you are an avid fisherman I’m sure you could add more to the list! Sometimes you can also DIY a lot of these mechanisms as well!
F.A.Q’s
Below are some common questions I get about inflatable kayaks.
Can You Put a Trolling Motor on an Inflatable Kayak?
With many of the above inflatable kayak models, you can mount a trolling motor on them. Some inflatable kayak packages like the Sea Eagle 385 fta Angler gives you the option to choose a package that allows you to mount a motor onto it.
Other models such as the Intex Excursion CAN be fitted with a motor but it may take a bit of customization and know-how.
Will a Fishing Hook Pop and Inflatable Kayak?
This depends on the inflatable kayak you have. If you choose a higher denier PVC kayak its almost impossible to even try fitting a hook into it. But if you go for a cheaper budget kayak made of vinyl the possibility is much more likely. No matter how careful you are.
Do Inflatable Kayak Pop Easily?
Most inflatable kayaks from respectable brands do not pop easily and need to be put through the wringer.
However, manufacturing defects can happen in the odd instance where seams come undone or valves become loose. When looking for an inflatable kayak make sure that it’s made of PVC and has a good warranty period that protects you against these defects.
Why Are Some Inflatable Kayaks Much Cheaper Than Others?
Inflatable kayaks that are cheaper tend to have less craftsmanship and cheaper materials put into the boat. When inflatable kayaks go up in price they are more thoughtfully designed, use better accessories and upgrade their materials from vinyl to a more durable denier of PVC.
The On-Water performance of more thoughtfully designed kayaks compared to cheaper kayaks is night and day.
What is the Best Inflatable Kayak You Can Buy?
We personally like the Sea Eagle 385fta Angler because of its sleek hull design and its 4 different packages available for purchase. It is an ideal pick if you are traveling in calm ocean bays or larger lakes. It can also be fitted with a motor mount and motor!
But what kind of kayak you are looking for depends on you and your needs. To find the best inflatable kayak for yourself there are a few boxes you need to check.
- Good Materials
- Decent On-Water Performance
- Good Stability (Especially for standing)
- Good Durability
- Know-How Much Cargo you Plan on Bringing
- Find a Package with Good Quality Accessories
- Find a Package that can host a wide array of Add-on Accessories
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