5 Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks of 2023 [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]

Are you tired of dealing with crowded ramps, expensive fuel, and annoying ramp fees? Say goodbye to all these problems and upgrade your fishing experience with an inflatable fishing kayak. These amazing boats are designed to be easy to store and transport, making them a lifesaver for anglers. Inflatable kayaks are lightweight, compact, and offer an unmatched fishing adventure in remote water bodies.

If you’re looking for the best inflatable fishing kayak, you’re in the right place. We’ve tested several options and picked out the top five that stood out for their quality and performance. Plus, we’ve included a buying guide at the end to help you make a smart decision. Get ready to take your fishing game to the next level!

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Compared

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
TOP PICK	Intex Excursion Pro Professional Series	Lightweight and Highly Resistant Removable & Adjustable Mounting Bracket Includes 86 Inch Aluminum Oars and High-Output Pump	Check Price
COMFORTABLE PICK	Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak	Easy-To-Carry Backpack System 24-Gauge PVC Construction Tarpaulin Bottom & Polyester Cover	Check Price
PREMIUM PICK	ADVANCED ELEMENTS StraitEdge Angler PRO	Versatile & Hull design Comfortable & Durable Accessories Included Length: 10’6”, Width: 38.5″, Weight: 45 lb Max. Weight 400 lb (181 kg), Max. Paddler Height: 6’1″	Check Price
SMART PICK	Sevylor Coleman Colorado™	18-Gauge PVC Construction  M1000D Tarpaulin Bottom & 840D Nylon Cover Mesh Storage Pockets Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders	Check Price
AFFORDABLE PICK	AIRHEAD Angler Bay Inflatable Boat	Includes An Inflatable Floor & A Movable Seat Constructed Of Heavy Duty Vinyl 3 Person. 96inch x 54 Inch, 24 Gauge Equipped With Wrap Around Grab Lines	Check Price

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Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Reviewed

At the top of our list is the Intex Excursion Pro, an exceptional inflatable fishing kayak that offers incredible opportunities for unforgettable fishing experiences and rough sea adventures. We personally put this kayak to the test and discovered its remarkable features firsthand.

One of the standout features of the Intex Excursion Pro is its superior build quality. Constructed with super-tough laminate 3-ply PVC, this kayak is highly resistant to abrasion and other potential damages. Despite its ruggedness, it remains surprisingly lightweight, ensuring easy portability without compromising on durability.

During our testing, we were impressed by the kayak’s stability, which is specifically designed to cater to the needs of serious anglers. The combination of high-pressure inflation and a multiple chamber design provides exceptional stability and safety, even in rough and highly turbulent waters. This feature gave us the confidence to navigate challenging conditions while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable fishing experience.

Furthermore, the Intex Excursion Pro is packed with a multitude of fishing features that enhance your convenience and hands-free fishing capabilities. The kayak boasts an all-inclusive accessory mounting system, allowing you to securely attach fishing accessories like fish finders to the mounting brackets. What’s even better is that the mounting bracket is removable and adjustable, providing you with the flexibility to organize your gear exactly the way you want.

Additionally, the kayak is equipped with stainless steel D-rings that enable you to tie and secure heavy equipment and dry bags. The inclusion of high-quality safety valves ensures quick and hassle-free inflation and deflation. When it’s time to pack up, the kayak conveniently folds into a backpack for compact storage. We found that the top handles made it incredibly easy to transport the kayak, even to remote locations.

To complete the package, the Intex Excursion Pro includes two high-quality aluminum oars and a high-pressure pump, ensuring that you have everything you need for your fishing excursions. Our personal testing confirmed that this kayak truly offers an exceptional fishing experience, making it the ultimate companion for any angler.

Discover the endless possibilities and elevate your fishing adventures with the Intex Excursion Pro.

If you’re searching for an affordable and versatile one-person inflatable kayak, the Sevylor Quick Pack is an excellent choice. We personally tested this kayak and discovered its numerous opportunities for memorable adventures.

The compact design of this 1-person kayak doesn’t compromise on its weight holding capacity of 250 pounds, making it perfect for short paddling trips with minimal gear. It’s specifically engineered for maximum portability and easy transportation, weighing just 25.5 pounds and conveniently packing into a compact backpack.

During our testing, we found the Sevylor Quick Pack to be incredibly easy to transport to remote water bodies, ensuring a paddling experience full of fun and excitement. It features a sit-inside design with an ergonomic seat, providing comfort throughout your journey. The kayak is constructed using the industry’s finest 24-gauge PVC, delivering durability and reliability. With its multiple airtight chambers, it ensures safe and secure paddling adventures, even in demanding conditions.

Despite its compact size, we were pleasantly surprised by the ample onboard storage space offered by the Sevylor Quick Pack. It includes a far-reaching bungee lacing system where you can easily tie and secure all your gear and fishing accessories. The bungee lacing is conveniently provided on the stern and top, allowing quick access to your essentials. Additionally, the kayak is delivered with valuable accessories such as two-sided paddles and a spray skirt.

While the spray skirt is perfect for keeping you dry, it’s important to note that it’s designed for calm waters. If you plan to venture into more turbulent waters, we recommend considering additional protective measures, such as Class IV rapids. Thanks to its two-piece paddle set, the kayak easily packs into a backpack for compact storage and effortless transportation.

The Sevylor Quick Pack proves to be a versatile option for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. However, we must highlight that due to its compact size, it may not provide the same level of stability as larger kayaks, making it less suitable for rough sea adventures. Nevertheless, it remains an exceptional choice for leisurely paddling and fishing in calmer waters.

Experience the affordability and versatility of the Sevylor Quick Pack, an inflatable kayak that combines convenience, ample storage, and ease of transportation for your fishing excursions.

StraitEdge Angler Pro is a short-length inflatable kayak that is designed for people who love to paddle over long distances and spend a long time in the waters. The kayak is 10 feet 6 inches long and is pretty easy to paddle, thanks to its compact design. In addition to impressive maneuverability, this inflatable fishing kayak comes with a frame accessory mounting mechanism.

Its 1-inch rails mounting mechanism is provided on both front and back where you can attach all your fishing accessories at quick access. Moreover, it comes with stainless steel D-rings at the front for safe and secure heavy equipment storage. The kayak also comes with built-in paddle holders. You can securely place your paddles in the paddle holders when you reel in the ratch.

The feature that we loved most was its incredible stability. It comes with an aluminum rib frame technology coupled with a hull design, making it exceptionally rigid and stable. The kayak features a drop-stitch floor with extra width to make it incredibly stable. The extra floor width makes it pretty easy to stand on and balance yourself on the kayak, even in challenging conditions.

during our testing, we noticed that this kayak is made with maximum comfort and cushion in mind. The seat offers incredible support with a solid aluminum frame and features a mesh covering for maximum breathability. The maximum weight holding capacity of the StaritRidge Inflatable kayak is 400 pounds which is pretty impressive considering its competitive price tag.

The kayak packs in a duffle bag and comes with a shoulder strap for compact storage and easy transportation. Although this kayak is the perfect option for long trips, this one is not built for speed. Its short length coupled with a solid hull design and extra width makes it pretty slow. Also, this inflatable kayak doesn’t include a pump which adds extra cost.

Next on our list is the best two-person inflatable fishing kayak featuring rugged 18-gauge PVC construction. This tandem kayak has a maximum weight holding capacity of 470 pounds and is a great choice for long-distance paddling adventures. This inflatable fishing kayak features the industry’s best construction and can easily withstand the most demanding adventures.

It comes with 18-gauge PVC construction and five Airtight system chambers, making it a perfect choice for tough conditions. Additionally, you will get an extensive accessory mounting and onboard storage system.

It comes with various mesh pockets to keep your valuables at quick access and stainless steel D-rings for pulling, tieing, and securing all your heavy equipment.

Plus, there is an accessory mounting rail and obligatory paddle holders to keep all your gear organized and safe, making your fishing adventures safe and full of fun. Since the kayak is designed for two people, you will get two fully adjustable seats.

Its space is well organized for two adults and fishing gear, and it is the perfect choice for family adventures. Also, you can customize the seating areas to make it a single-person inflatable kayak.

The kayaks’ ergonomic design adds more perfection to your fishing experience. The built-in space for a small trolling motor and obligatory paddle holders let you keep all these things out of sight to help you catch your prey easily.

The inflatable kayak was delivered with a carry bag for compact storage and easy transportation. Also, it comes with a pressure gauge but lacks double-sided oars and a high-pressure pump, adding extra cost to the package.

Final on our list is AIRHEAD Angler Bay Inflatable Kayak that comes with all these necessary components you need for a safe and exciting fishing adventure. This two-person inflatable boat features an impressively stable design making it the perfect choice for light fishing adventures. The most standout part of this inflatable kayak is its rugged construction.

It features heavy-duty vinyl construction and offers unmatched resistance against punctures. Also, it is highly resistant to damage in salty waters and offers long-term performance. Plus, its space is used wisely, and it comes with a fully customizable seat. You can adjust to your favorite position for a more relaxed and enjoyable fishing adventure.

Also, it has ample storage space where you can stow all your gear at quick access. In addition to a wide storage area, it comes with D-rings and accessory mounting brackets. This mounting machine lets you tie all your equipment safely and securely. You will also get two rod-holders and a battery storage bag to keep all these things out of sight when you are close to your prey.

The additional safety features of this kayak include electrically welded seams and wrap-around garb lines. Remember, it is a lightweight inflatable kayak that is ideal for slow-moving lakes and calm waters, but we do not recommend it for moving waters like rivers and streams.

How To Choose The Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks?

Depending upon your needs, budget, and the condition in which you paddle, you need to look at a particular set of features while buying an inflatable fishing kayak. In this buying guide, we have discussed all the key essentials and features of an inflatable fishing kayak one must consider before making an investment.

Stability

The angler’s safety and fishing performance largely depend on the stability of an inflatable kayak. For a safe and rewarding fishing experience, it is advised to look for the most stable fishing kayaks. Stability is a key concern if you love to paddle in choppy conditions and moving water like a river.

Wider fishing kayaks with high-pressure inflation are more stable and let you balance yourself with all your gear and fishing accessories. A shorter length will also make it more stable, but it will reduce the kayak’s speed. Also, a drop-stitch type floor adds extra stability and helps you easily stand on the inflatable kayaks.

Weight Holding Capacity

Weight holding capacity is another crucial factor of an inflatable kayak. A single-person inflatable kayak should have a weight holding capacity of at least 350 pounds. The higher weight holding capacity of the kayak lets you carry more gear and also makes it more stable in the waters. A two-person kayak should have a weight holding capacity of around 450 pounds at least.

Safety Features

The safety features of an inflatable kayak make it suitable for more challenging adventures and offer a fun fish-catching experience. The most sought out feature of the inflatable kayaks is multiple airtight chambers. This design is pretty helpful against punctures. If one chamber gets punctured, the other chambers remain inflated to prevent the kayak from drowning. The self-bailing floor is another critical feature you must look for if you paddle in choppy conditions and rough waters. The self-bailing floor automatically drains the water from holes and keeps the boat from filling up with water.

On-Board Storage

Onboard storage and a comprehensive accessory mounting mechanism are crucial parts of an inflatable kayak. Anglers carry a lot of fishing accessories like fishing reels, GPS systems, fish finders, fishing rod holders, dry bags, spray skirts, and many more. You need ample storage space to keep your gear organized and have quick access. Therefore you must look for an accessory mounting mechanism, mesh storage pockets, paddle holders, motor space, and D-rings to enjoy a hands-free fishing experience.

Build Quality

Last but not least, build quality is a critical factor you need to consider while buying a new inflatable fishing kayak. For a safe and long-term experience, it is advised to invest in professional-grade kayaks featuring high-grade PVC construction. A professional-grade build quality offers impressive resistance against salty waters, punctures, gasoline, and other damaging factors giving you the best value for money.

FAQs

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Final Thoughts

We are hopeful that this buying guide and review of the best inflatable fishing kayak will help you make a wise and well-calculated decision. All the inflatable kayaks reviewed above are tested for quality and performance, but the two we liked the most are:

• Intex Excursion Pro Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak for its rugged build quality, plenty of fishing features, customizable storage space, and ability to withstand the harshest conditions.
• ADVANCED ELEMENTS StraitEdge Angler PRO Inflatable Kayak for its comprehensive accessory mounting system, highly stable design, rugged construction, and competitive price.

Finally, it is advised to look for a comprehensive storage system to make your trips safe and organized. A customizable storage space lets you place all your accessories at quick access and enhances your hands-free fishing experience. Also, you must invest in a high-quality fishing kayak with a weight holding capacity of 400 pounds or above.