Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

A tandem kayak lets you enjoy fishing trips and paddling expeditions with your friends and family. Tandem kayaks have made it easier to reach all water bodies with maximum ease and comfort. Since kayaks offer an inexpensive and trouble-free fishing experience in multiple water bodies, more and more people are now in kayak fishing.

Therefore, the market is flooded with dozens of tandem fishing kayaks, making it pretty challenging to choose the one that perfectly suits your needs.

To help you buy the best tandem fishing kayak in 2024, we have tried & tested multiple options available in the market and shortlisted these five best options that stood out for quality and performance.

Top Rated Tandem Fishing Kayaks Reviewed

BKC TK181 is an outstanding 2-person kayak that comes packed with multiple performance features, making it ideal for expeditions and fishing trips. This tandem kayak is made with the needs of serious anglers in mind and supports hands-free fishing. The kayak is 12’8”x34” and is one of the most stable inflatable kayaks.

It weighs only 67.7 pounds and offers incredible portability. The maximum weight holding capacity is 595 pounds and easily accommodates two adults with all their fishing gear.

Additionally, our testing further revealed that it is made exceptionally stable and can withstand rough conditions. It has 34 -inch long beam and a wider base, but since it is a lightweight kayak, we do not recommend it for serious adventures like swift currents and turbulent waters. Brooklyn TK81 kayak features rugged construction and promises long-term performance.

It uses molded single piece high-density polyurethane making it exceptionally resistant against punctures and other damaging factors like gasoline and salty waters. Since it is a tandem kayak, it comes with two fully padded seats. The seats are widened and supportive, and we found them perfect for long-distance trips.

Additionally, it has an impressive storage organization. You will get a bungee accessory mounting system to tie all your fishing accessories at close access.

Plus, there are water-resistant storage hatches to keep the gear dry at the front and rear. The most standout part of this tandem fishing kayak is its seven fishing rod holders. Fishing rod holders are dotted around its yak to support hands-free fishing and enhance your performance when you reel in retch.

Three of its rod holders are fully adjustable, making the kayak perfect for professional casters. The kayak is available in multiple colors and designs to choose from.

If you are not on a budget and looking for the best tandem fishing kayak, here we have an excellent opinion for you. Elkton Hard Shell Tandem Kayak comes equipped with all the necessary features and accessories you need for a well-rewarding and exciting fishing trip.

The best part of the tandem fishing kayak is that it is built to last. It is made of premium quality rotomolded polyethylene material.

This high-density plastic is highly resistant to punctures, cracks, and impact. With such heavy-duty construction, you can expect safe adventures and reliable performance for many years to come.

With a weight holding capacity of 650 pounds, this tandem fishing kayak easily accommodates two adults with all their heavy fishing gear. Additionally, it has an impressively comfortable seating area.

The two fully padded seats with high backrests offer ultimate comfort and relaxation on long-distance trips. Storage and accessory mounting mechanism is another key concern of the anglers. Thankfully this tandem kayak by Elkton offers plenty of storage space at both front and rear.

In addition to the main storage area, it has an airtight and water-resistant storage hatch where you can keep all your personal gear. Plus, a comprehensive bungee accessory mounting system allows you to secure your additional accessories like fishing gear, etc.

Since it is particularly made for fishing, it comes with a total of six rod-holders. Two rod holders are fully adjustable, offering quick and easy access of the fishing rods to each angler. Also, flush-mounted rod holders are pretty helpful in catching maximum prey.

Although it is pretty expensive, the kayak includes everything you need for a complete fishing experience. The package includes two paddles, bungee cords, fully adjustable seats, and fishing rods for a ready-to-go experience.

It weighs around 74.4 pounds and easily fits in the bed of a truck offering compact storage and maximum ease of transport.

Next on our list is Lifetime 10 Foot 2 person kayak. This lightweight and affordable fishing kayak is made for short fishing trips in calm water. It is probably the most compact tandem fishing kayak you can buy today.

The kayak is 10 feet long and 36 inches wide. The extra-wide floor makes it pretty stable for safe and secure adventures. However, it has a limited speed, and it is not a perfect option if you love to paddle fast in choppy conditions.

The kayaks come with a fully adjustable seating area. It has two seats with a high backrest. The backrests are fully padded and very supportive, but the bottom is not padded. Plus, there are multiple footrest options giving you maximum comfort and ease.

The feature we loved most about this kayak is that its seats are detachable, and you can buy fully padded seats for additional comfort.

Since it is a compactly designed fishing kayak, you have limited onboard storage space. The kayak has a fully covered storage area at the rear. This waterproof storage area is perfect for keeping all your valuable essentials.

The accessory mounting system is not extensive, and you will get a few D-rings to tie and secure your additional accessories. The kayak also comes with three rod holders at quick access for both anglers.

Also, there is a space provided for trolling motors for an enhanced fishing experience in the calm waters. Although kayak comes inexpensive, it does not compromise quality. It is crafted with high-density polyurethane that offers impressive tracking in the shallower waters.

Its maximum weight holding capacity is around 500 lbs, and you can enjoy a side saddle and stand-on fishing experience with limited fishing gear.

Sea Eagle 370 Pro is a professional-grade inflatable sports kayak designed for two to three persons. This kayak comes with an impressive onboard storage space that easily accommodates three adults and all your fishing accessories.

The kayak is made with high-density polyethylene and is highly resistant to punctures and other damaging factors.

Although it is an expensive option, it is highly durable and offers reliable performance for many years to come. The kayak is designed for challenging adventures and comes with two skegs on the bottom. The bottom skegs offer impressive tracking speed and stability.

The kayak comes with a fully customizable seating area. Seats are fully padded and feature a high backrest for maximum ease and comfort.

Also, it is lightweight and offers a quick 10-minute setup making it an excellent option for new casters also. Another great feature of this kayak is its one-way valve system. The quick inflation and deflation offer an easy setup and risk-free expeditions in choppy conditions.

Also, the kayak has an all-inclusive accessory mounting system and plenty of onboard storage, allowing you to keep all your fishing accessories and personal gear at quick access. Finally, it has drain valves at the bottom to remove the water that enters the cockpit.

The final on our list is the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-person fishing kayak. It is one of the most affordable yet highly functional tandem fishing kayaks you can buy today. It is a compact and lightweight fishing kayak that offers an incredible fishing experience in small water bodies.

Its maximum weight holding capacity is 470 pounds and accommodates two adults with limited fishing gear. The kayak is made with 18-gauge high-density PVC that offers impressive resistance against punctures and cracking.

Additionally, its multiple airtight chambers design ensures the angler’s safety even in challenging conditions. The most standout part of this kayak is its incredible stability, and it is a perfect option for new anglers. The kayak has an extra-wide base coupled with a 100D tarpaulin bottom.

This heavy-duty bottom construction offers impressive tracking performance for a risk-free fishing adventure. Although it is a compactly designed inflatable kayak, its onboard space is used wisely. You will get two large, fully padded seats for maximum comfort. Additionally, it has ample onboard storage.

Multiple storage pockets, rod holders, paddle holders, and a motor mount lets you keep all your personal gear and fishing accessories organized. The best part is that its Berkely fishing rod holders are fully adjustable and offer an unmatched hands-free fishing experience.

The biggest downside of this tandem fishing kayak is that it doesn’t come with fishing rods, paddles, and pumps, which adds extra cost to the package.

What To Look For While Buying A Tandem Fishing Kayak?

Tandem fishing kayaks are available in a wide range of sizes and weight holding capacities. Depending upon your paddling needs and budget, there’s a particular set of features you must look for while buying a new tandem fishing kayak.

In this buying guide, we have discussed all the key essentials and features of the best tandem fishing kayaks you must consider to make a wise decision.

Size

Size is an important concern while buying a tandem fishing kayak. A tandem fishing kayak should be spacious enough to accommodate two anglers with all their fishing gears.

Although compactly designed tandem kayaks offer ease of transportation and compact storage, they lack storage space.

Such kayaks are not ideal for long-distance fishing expeditions since you cannot carry extra gear with you.

Stability

The stability of the design is one of the critical features of any fishing kayak. If you love to paddle in turbulent and moving water bodies, a wider base with high-density bottom construction offers better tracking performance and enhanced stability.

However, if you choose a wider base, you will lose the fast-tracking speeds. If you are new to angling, we recommend you buy a kayak with a drop-stitch type floor for additional stability and safety.

Weight Holding Capacity

Along with size, weight holding capacity should be your top concern while buying a tandem fishing kayak. A two-person kayak should have a weight-holding capacity of 550 lbs at least. With this capacity, it can accommodate two adults with minimum fishing gear.

If you are a professional caster and go on long-distance fishing with maxim fishing gear, you should look for options offering a weight carrying capacity of 650 lbs and above.

Storage Organization

Well-organized storage space is an essential feature for a fully enjoyable fishing experience. A best tandem fishing kayak should have ample storage space for all your essentials and fishing accessories.

You should look for a separate water-proof storage hatch to keep your valuables safe in the waters. Plus, it is advised to look for an extensive mounting mechanism, paddle holders, fishing rod holders, and mounting space for motors.

Safety Features

You should look for maximum safety features in a tandem fishing kayak for risk-free and enjoyable fishing trips. If you are buying an inflatable fishing kayak for two persons, it is advised to look for multiple airtight chamber designs.

If one chamber gets punctured, the other remains infatuated and helps you get out of dangerous situations.

Additionally, you should look for the features like safety valves, drain valves, and self-bailing floors for maximum safety in challenging conditions.

Build Quality

A tandem fishing kayak is a serious investment, and you must look for a rugged build quality for a reliable and long-term experience.

Since the kayak directly comes in contact with multiple damaging factors, it should be rugged enough to resist punctures and cracks.

A high gauge PVC construction or molded single-piece polyurethane are the two best options if you paddle in challenging conditions.

Portability And Storage

Portability and storage are other critical features since crowded ramps and high ramp fees can break your day. An inflatable tandem fishing kayak that easily packs into backpacks offers incredible maneuverability and compact storage.

A lightweight and compactly designed inflatable kayak is pretty easy to transport to remote water bodies and saves you additional fuel and ramp fees.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Tandem fishing kayaks or two-person kayaks let you enjoy fishing trips with your friends and family members. All the kayaks we have reviewed above come packed with performance features and support hands-free fishing.

Although all options are tested for quality and performance, our two favorites on the list are;

• BKC TK181 12.5′ Tandem Sit On Top Kayak for its competitive piece, rugged build quality, highly stable designs, and well-organized storage space.
• Elkton Outdoors Hard Shell Fishing Tandem Kayak for its impressive maneuverability, fast speed, premium build quality, and ample storage space.

The weight carrying capacity of a tandem fishing kayak is a critical feature you must consider while making a purchase. Anglers carry a lot of fishing accessories like fish finders, fishing lines, fishing rods, GPS, dry bags, and spray skirts.

In order to accommodate heavy fishing gear and two adults, a fishing kayak should have a weight holding capacity of 600 lbs at least.