Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Buyers Guide

by Ringo Ladue November 06, 2020

How Do I Find the Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks?

Anglers have been catching fish from kayaks since the kayak was invented, and kayak fishing continues to gain popularity. Inflatable kayaks have gotten better and better and are now soaring up the popularity charts. Given these two facts, it was only a matter of time until some of the best fishing kayaks were inflatable fishing kayaks. Now we are here to help you find the best inflatable fishing kayak to enhance your kayak fishing experiences.

One of the first things to remember on your hunt for the best inflatable fishing kayak is that "Best", is relative to your needs. Fishing kayaks are not one size fits all, and anglers are going to have different preferences. You want to find the best inflatable fishing kayak for you. To do this we are going to take you through some different things to look for, some of the advantages of inflatable fishing kayaks, and some reasons to choose an inflatable fishing kayak for your next adventure. Then we will show you some of the best inflatable kayak reviews and give you some options to choose from. We will send you away with some closing tips and you will be ready to conquer the kayak fishing world!

Why are Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Soaring in Popularity?

Traditional kayaks have been used for kayak fishing expeditions for years. They are highly effective and can be utilized as solo fishing kayaks as well as tandem fishing kayaks. Kayak fishing is a different way to experience fishing and it becomes many anglers preferred method of fishing; it's just something that you have to experience to fully understand.

Inflatable kayaks have grown in popularity over the years as they have gotten better and better. The military grade materials that are used in high quality inflatable kayaks has increased their performance and durability. The quality and advantages of inflatable kayaks has led to them now becoming the preferred style of kayak amongst kayakers of all skill levels.

Now, inflatable fishing kayaks are becoming a preferred method of fishing. With the advantages of kayak fishing and the advantages of inflatable kayaks versus traditional kayaks, it is easy to see why an inflatable fishing kayak would help you maximize your kayak fishing experience. Inflatable fishing kayaks are easy to use, easy to transport, and are amongst the highest performing fishing kayaks on the water.

What are the Advantages of Inflatable Fishing Kayaks?

Inflatable fishing kayaks will maximize your kayak fishing experience by making it easier, more efficient, more adventurous, and with a little luck... more plentiful! One of the greatest advantages of kayak fishing is that you can get to places that you may not otherwise be able to get to by land or larger boat. Fishing these harder to reach areas can lead you to some secret spots that are not often fished. Whether it be a lake off the beaten path, a narrow river, or the mangroves of Florida, kayak fishing will be your preferred option without a doubt.

Getting to and from your kayak fishing destination becomes exponentially easier with an inflatable fishing kayak. You will no longer need a trailer or large roof rack to transport your kayak. Now your fishing kayak will fold up small enough to fit in a carry bag that can be put in the backseat or trunk. It is quick to set up so you can maximize time on the water and start catching fish. This eliminates the need for an expensive trailer or roof rack, allows you to drive faster and safer without anything being hauled behind or above your vehicle, and will even allow you to easily bring your fishing kayak on a plane, train, bus, or RV!

With a traditional kayak, you must have a place to store it in between uses. In some situations this is not a big deal, while in others it could keep you from owning a kayak at all. If you live in a condo or apartment you are going to be hard-pressed to find extra storage for a large item like a fishing kayak. With an inflatable fishing kayak you can keep it in the carry bag which will easily fit in a storage closet or chest and may even fit under your bed.

Inflatable fishing kayaks have become higher quality, higher performing, and longer lasting through military grade design and construction. Expert kayak fisherman have been involved in the design of these fishing kayaks and they now are designed for convenient and efficient use. There are many accessories, such as rod holders, that come included or can be added. Many of these items can also be adjusted for your convenience and preference.

As you can see there are many advantages of an inflatable fishing kayak over a traditional fishing kayaks and they are getting better all the time. From the high performance that is customisable to user preferences to the ease of storage and transport, inflatable fishing kayaks are making their mark on anglers around the world. We expect that you will continue to see inflatable fishing kayaks skyrocket in popularity and we recommend that you see they can maximize your kayak fishing experiences today.

What are the Disadvantages of Inflatable Fishing Kayaks?

Really, the only drawback to inflatable kayaks is that because of their light weight and air-filled body they can get blown around in extra windy conditions. In normal conditions you could argue that they outperform traditional fishing kayaks, but extreme wind can be a factor. Inflatable kayaks are generally wider, which gives them more stability, but also can make some models not as fast on the water as traditional kayaks.

What Should I Look for when Buying an Inflatable Fishing Kayak?

One of the first things to look for when considering an inflatable fishing kayak is the construction. There are different kinds of materials used to construct high quality inflatable fishing kayaks, such as PVC, Nitrylon, and Hypalon. There are advantages to each (PVC is the most economical, Nitrylon is stronger but heavier.) but Hypalon is the most durable and reliable and is used by the US Coast Guard and militaries across the world.

Are you looking for a 1 person fishing kayak or are you more interested in a 2 or 3 person fishing kayak? Whether you want a high quality solo fishing kayak or high quality tandem fishing kayak, there is one to meet your needs. Solo fishing kayaks can be easier for beginners to learn their way, but tandem versions offer advantages as well.

Accessories are one of the next areas to look at on your quest to find the best inflatable fishing kayaks. Some inflatable kayaks will come with built in features such as a ruler printed on a side wall for easy use. Some of these can be huge pluses and can make your kayak fishing experience more enjoyable. You will want to see how customisable the setup is and if you can move accessories, such as rod holders and cup holders, into preferred positions. If you can set up your fishing kayak exactly how you want it you are going to enjoy your experience more and you are going to catch more fish.

Comfort should be a major factor in your decision and once of the first places to check is the seat. If your inflatable fishing kayak can be outfitted with a comfortable and supportive seat you will greatly enhance your experience and allow yourself to enjoy longer expeditions. You are going to be looking for cushion in the seat and seat back, and a back support that is easy to adjust and offers great support. You may even want to upgrade to a swivel seat option for even greater comfort and efficiency.

The stability of the kayak should certainly not be overlooked. When you are fishing in a kayak you will inevitably find times when you think it is easier or more effective to stand up. You want an inflatable fishing kayak that will be stable in the water and allow you to reel in big fish even if they put up a little fight. You will need a firm base that you feel confident standing in while fishing and that is also stable when traveling through waves and wakes.

Paddle options another key component in your decision. Your kayak paddle selection will depend on your intentions and your skill level. There are beginning kayak paddling options as well as more advanced options as you move up in skill level.

To add to your comfort you may want to add a foot rest or other accessory to your inflatable fishing kayak. These items can often be attached and adjusted with a clip, and easily removed when you don't want to use it. Customization options will really help you create YOUR best inflatable fishing kayak.

You may want to minimize your paddle use and look into a motor for your kayak. With the proper motormount there are several options for motors that are designed for use with kayaks. Another kayak motor option to look into is the Bixpy Kayak Jet Motor. This propulsion style jet is one of the most innovative products on the market and gets a high recommendation from us.

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, let's take a look at some of the best inflatable fishing kayak reviews. We are here to help you find the best inflatable fishing kayak for you, so if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us here.

The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Reviews

1.) Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler Inflatable Kayak

The Sea Eagle 385fta Fishing Kayak is one of the overall best inflatable fishing kayaks and it really shows it's advantage in tougher outdoor climates and waters. It has a range of innovative features created by anglers, for anglers. Everything from non-slip flooring, to a dynamically designed stern and bow, to rod and paddle holders are included.

It also has a range of storage options built into the spray skirts, so that you can hold all of your tools, lures, and supplies. The cherry on top is that it is also extremely comfortable. The fishing kayak can be setup as a solo or tandem fishing kayak, and can even seat three people plus equipment and can be purchased with a deluxe or swivel seat rig package.

The Sea Eagle 385fta Inflatable Fishing Kayak features high quality design and construction that is second to none. This is a great fishing kayak for those new to kayak fishing as well as more experienced anglers. The high quality construction does make it little heavier than other inflatable fishing kayaks, but it is still easy to transport, easy to set up, and easy to get on and off the water.

We highly recommend the Sea Eagle 385fta Inflatable Fishing Kayak and we expect that you will find it to be an excellent kayak fishing option. You will find it to be user friendly and high performing. Seating options, multiple d-rings, and rod holder attachments will allow you to customize your Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track Angler just how you like it. We had to put this one at the top of the list because it is our personal favorite!

2.) Sea Eagle 350fx Inflatable Fishing Kayak

The Sea Eagle 350fx Fishing Kayak is one of the best types of kayaks for solo kayak fishing. It has all the benefits of the larger 385fta, but with a paired down, smaller, one man-size. These features include EVA foam padding and thick 2000 denier reinforced panels for extra durability.

Benefits of inflatable kayaks in this size are the options for increased storage. At 11'6" it is a foot shorter than the 385fta Fishing Kayak. This makes it easier to handle, easier to navigate, and easier to carry. Not only can you customize the skirts, but you also have storage options underneath them.

This Sea Eagle Inflatable Fishing Kayak also features 16 high capacity self-bailing drain valves and is great for whitewater rapids up to Class IV. This make it an excellent option in rougher waters while the large removable skeg makes it also an excellent option in calm waters. The high performance of Sea Eagle Kayaks is well known and their reputation for high quality inflatable kayaks dates back over 50 years!

The Sea Eagle 350fx Inflatable Fishing Kayak is available in three amazing discount packages. The deluxe, pro, and swivel seat all offer more customization options, making it perfectly unique for your own personal fishing trips.

3.) Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro 1 Person Fishing Kayak

The Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak is one of the most stable types of fishing kayaks on the market. Its wide berth is designed so that you can easily stand up in the kayak, allowing you to reel in even the biggest of catches.

Drop stitch flooring with a high density drop stitch core makes this inflatable fishing kayak as sturdy, durable, and high performing as they come. Aluminum ribs are built into the bow and stern, adding to its sturdy design while enhancing performance and tracking.

The Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro also features an accessory frame system at the front and rear of the kayak. This makes the inflatable fishing kayak fully customisable so that you can tweek it exactly how you want it. An easy to remove deep-fin is in place to boost tracking on calm waters even more and if you really want to upgrade to an electric fin for a motorized fishing kayak.

The durability is enhanced with a polyester fabric surrounded by layers of vinyl that creates a PVC tarpaulin hull material that is extremely tough. Extra abrasion pads in high use areas add to the durability and make it long lasting. The solo fishing kayak seat has a capacity of up to 400lbs with gear, so you can bring everything that you will need. You can even attach an outboard motor should you wish.

The Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro is another great kayak fishing option that we highly recommend. The ability to customize it exactly to your ideal specifications is what separates it from other inflatable fishing kayaks.

4.) STAR Pike Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

The STAR Pike Inflatable Fishing Kayak is a great looking kayak that is extremely agile and on of the fastest fishing kayaks on the water. It is a durable inflatable fishing kayak, with a sleek design, great versatility, and great stability. At 12'8" long and 39 inches wide you have a firm base that allows you stand up to fish while maintaining stability.

Three separate air chambers and a drop stitch floors give the kayak its stability and durability and enhance the tracking and performance of the fishing kayak. Drop stitch material is the go-to option for creating a durable, high performing inflatable kayak that offers great stability. This inflatable kayak is self-bailing and is great in choppier waters.

Two removable fins (9" and 5") allow you to easily change options based on conditions. While it doesn't offer a fully customisable frame system it does feature 32 D-Rings, 2 nylon daisy-chains for storage behind the seat, 3 Scotty Mount attachment points, and and adjustable seat with back support. This is still a capable of giving you a great setup with plenty of options. Handles on either end of the inflatable fishing kayak make it easy to carry and get in and out of the water.

Amazingly, even with the heavy-duty PVC makeup, aluminum framed seat, mounts, and rigid keel inserts, it still only weights in at 45 pounds. This makes it ideal for anyone traversing both land and water, or someone who has camping gear and equipment with them. If you are looking for an inflatable fishing kayak that oozes efficiency, then the STAR Pike Inflatable Fishing Kayak may be the choice for you.

5.) Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

The Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayak is a fantastic kayak that is available in 2 sizes. Built for sport and fishing, it is extremely agile in even the toughest conditions. There are 6 self-bailing drains so choppy waters are no problem. It is designed as a one person inflatable fishing kayak and can carry a load with gear up to 400lb.

It cites itself as being for the technical fisherman. The material is a heavy duratex substance with a drop-stitch hard bottom floor for extra stability. It has all the features you would expect from a top of the range kayak, such as Scotty mounts and positrack rings. With all of the attachments and rings it can accomodate all of your accessories.

It is stable and well balanced and offers good performance on the water. You can stand up in the kayak and the Blackfoot Angler XL version features a raised seat, so the transition from standing to sitting and vice versa is easier than other models. Additionally, the Blackfoot XL raised seat sits on top of a cooler that you can keep your fish, or some ice cold beverages in. There is also velcro all along the floor so that you can adjust your seat and accessories exactly where you need them.

Named after the rugged terrain of the Blackfoot mountains, the Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayak lives up to its namesake. It has had glowing reviews since its redesign from the Blackfoot HB Angler SL and we are confident that you will find it an excellent choice.

Bonus Alternate Option #1: Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 Inflatable Fishing Skiff

While this option is not an inflatable fishing kayak, it is somewhat similar and we wanted to include it here. The Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 flirts the line between a kayak and an inflatable fishing boat. It can get you anywhere a bigger vessel would, without the fuss. The FiskSkiff 16 measures 16 feet in length and is made with 1000 Denier PVC material, so you know that you are getting a high-quality fishing skiff. This is an incredibly durable boat that is built to be long lasting, and showcases maximum performance.

One of the main advantages that you will see between the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 and inflatable fishing kayaks is area that you can cover with an outboard motor. This allows you to take the FishSkiff on longer excursions and get to different fishing spots quicker. A trolling motor is also often used with both the FishSkiff 16 and inflatable fishing kayaks, with a motormount.

The Sea Eagle FishSkiff comes with a plethora of options for customization, increasing its versatility and making it easier to catch more fish. The FishSkiff is completely self-bailing and features low gunwales that make it easy to both catch and release fish. These gunwales are also convenient for anyone wanting to snorkel or scuba as they allow you to easily slip in and out of the water.

You can seat two people with equipment and fish more than comfortably. There are two swivel seats that give you added comfort and allow you to quickly and easily stand up and sit down. At 16 feet long you can also go into rougher or deeper waters than you would be able to with an inflatable fishing kayak and the FishSkiff will also handle better in windy conditions.

This really is a different class than the inflatable fishing kayaks, but after reading all of this information you find that you are looking for something more, we would highly recommend the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16. It is a fantastic inflatable fishing vessel.

Bonus Alternate Option #2: Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 Inflatable Fishing SUP

Similar to the balanced small fishing kayaks, the Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 Inflatable Fishing SUP is an excellent fishing option. It is different from an inflatable fishing kayak in that you stand or sit on top of the paddleboard. An inflatable fishing SUP works best in calmer, flat waters. There are so many features packed into this model, that the possibilities are endless.

It is made from premium 1000 denier material with a nonslip EVA foam deck. Its stability and buoyancy are increased by the inclusion of a swallowtail, that can also be used for an electric motor or battery pack. The inflatable fishing SUP features a 3'4" width that makes it incredibly stable and easy to fish. You can paddle it sitting down, like you are using an inflatable fishing kayak, or standing up.

The FishSUP 126 is 12'6" and designed for one person and has a capacity with gear of up to 350 lbs. It has small deflated dimensions and is lightweight whether inflated or not. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a fishing vessel but is searching for something even more lightweight and easy to transport than an inflatable fishing kayak.

This model is available in a fantastic range of discount packages. They include a start-up package, a deluxe package, and a swivel seat package. The swivel seat package features an incredibly comfortably seat with rod holders that allows you to fish as long as you want with no pain. There is a motor mount that allows you to install an electric trolling motor which really makes this a fishing machine. There are also 14 D-Rings that allow you to customize the inflatable fishing SUP to your needs.

This is another excellent alternative to an inflatable fishing kayak and one that we have had a lot of fun on. We encourage you to take a look at the Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 Inflatable Fishing SUP and see if it might be just what you are looking for.

Time to Get an Inflatable Fishing Kayak and Get on the Water

Thanks for reading our Inflatable Fishing Kayak Buyers Guide and stay tuned as we will update it as new products come in. We hope that we have assisted you on your quest to find the best inflatable fishing kayak and if you have any questions please contact us here. Get an inflatable fishing kayak and you will soon see what all the hype is about!