If you’re an avid fisher, then getting a kayak must be your top priority.
Kayaks can help you cover fishing grounds that would not be possible with a regular boat. While single kayaks can do the same thing, tandem kayaks are designed for more than one person.
So, if you’re looking for greater fun and a greater catch, then keep reading!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tandem Fishing Kayaks
- OUR TOP PICK: Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak
- BEST INFLATABLE TANDEM FISHING KAYAK: Driftsun Rover 120/220
Comparison Chart of the Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks
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When Would a Tandem Fishing Kayak Come in Handy?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s go over the situations where a tandem fishing kayak would come in handy. This will help you decide whether you need a single or one where you can fit more than one person. Let’s go over the few places where a tandem kayak would be useful:
Outing With Friends and Family
If you’re looking for a purpose beyond fishing, then you should definitely consider a tandem one. Since a tandem kayak can fit more people, you can enjoy the water with your friends and family. Moreover, you can also fish with them and not get bored.
Storage
If you have a lot of fishing gear that needs to be stored, then a tandem fishing kayak is the best option for you. Since a single kayak does not have the same amount of space, a tandem one would be more feasible with regards to space and ease of use.
Comfort
Tandem versions are of better quality and have greater comfort than singles. So, if you are a regular fisherman or even a fishing enthusiast, you need to get a tandem kayak. Being in the water for a long period of time can get tiring and boring as well. So, in order to make your fishing experience more comfortable, investing in one can be very handy.
What to Look For When Buying a Tandem Fishing Kayak
Let us now go over the main features that you should consider before buying a tandem fishing kayak. This will help you narrow down the models that you need to look for, and will give you better insight.
Weight Capacity
One of the most crucial factors that you need to consider is the weight capacity of the product. You need to make sure that it is strong enough to hold your weight and the weight of another person or your gear. On the safe side, make sure that it can hold around 50 pounds more than the required weight limit.
Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219
Size
You need to make sure that the size is big enough to fit whomever or whatever you want. If you get a small one, then you will not have enough legroom. This will make your fishing experience uncomfortable and difficult as well.
Storage Options
When two or more people are using one tandem kayak, then you need to make sure that it has good storage options for all your gear. Storage options can be different depending on the type of kayak. These can range from waterproof hatches to storage wells.
Review of the Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks
Now that you’ve gone over the main considerations and uses of a tandem fishing kayak, let’s dive right into the reviews of the best ones:
Best Overall:
Brooklyn Kayak Company TK219
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a fun and useful product that makes fishing a more enjoyable experience. Most of the users found the model to be designed very well, and the material to be very solid and durable. The customer service on this product is also very impressive. Moreover, it is very fast and efficient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes it stand out is that this high-end model has all that you could want from a tandem fishing kayak. The weight capacity is around 440 pounds, and it also comes with a 34-inch beam that provides greater stability. It is very easy to use and row this boat, even in the rapid waters. It also comes with 2 waterproof hatches for storage.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re a fishing enthusiast who regularly goes into waters to fish, then this will be a great investment for you. It is made with high-quality material for durability and is very portable as well. Fishermen who go out with their friends occasionally to fish will find it to be very useful for them.
Bottom Line
If you don’t mind splurging, then this is the best option you should get. It has exceptional storage and space for your stuff and legs. It is also portable and lightweight and very easy to use. You will definitely enjoy fishing with it.
Best for the Money:
Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the users are very impressed with this kayak. Its quality is very strong, and it can handle strong tides or rifts in the water. It can be easily handled by anyone, and it is a perfect recreational vehicle to take your kids out in the water as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This impressive vessel can do a lot more than cover fishing grounds. It is pretty sturdy and can hold up to 500 pounds in weight. It also comfortably seats up to two people, but a third person can also sit up in the front of the kayak’s hull. It is designed from high-quality polyethylene and has great tracking ability.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a no-nonsense fool-proof tandem kayak, then this is the best option for you. It has all the main features that you would want from a tandem kayak without the frills. If you don’t want to splurge a lot of money on a luxurious model, then this is the model that you should opt for.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this is a well-renowned brand that aims to provide high-quality and durability in all their products. It is not any different. It has all the features that you would want in a quality tandem kayak and is one of the best ones out there for the money.
Best Inflatable Tandem Fishing Kayak:
Driftsun Rover 120/220
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users found this raft to be extremely reliable and made with high-quality materials. It is super stable and can hold itself pretty well in tough waters. It is easily adjustable and has a solid bottom for you to stand upon. This product is also pretty lightweight and easy to handle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the reasons why this inflatable kayak stands out is because it provides most of the features of a regular kayak in a very lightweight form. The deflating quality also makes it very easy to store, and it is very easy to offload when you’re done fishing as well.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re looking for a kayak that is easy to handle and very convenient to use, then this is the best option for you. It is also great for taking children out as it can be used by beginners. It is also quite safe and reliable to use and has excellent stability and maneuverability too.
Bottom Line
Your hunt for a sturdy, durable, and easy to handle kayak will end with this model, and it will surely not disappoint you. With its impressive controls and convenience, this unit will definitely help you make the most out of your fishing experience!
4. Perception Rambler 13.5
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users report that this is a great three-person recreational kayak that can be used for various purposes. Most users loved its aesthetics and design. It is also very stable and roomy, making it very comfortable to use and useful for fishing as well. It can also handle a considerable amount of weight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this product stands out is because of its versatility and usage. It is a very impressive model as it comes with a lot of storage and is very easy to use. It can be maneuvered by people of different skill sets. So, even if you’re a beginner at fishing, you will enjoy using it.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re a beginner or intermediate fisher, then you will find the most use out of this product. Since it is a recreational model as well, families and friends can enjoy boating and fishing in this tandem kayak. Its hull shape is designed for greater stability, so you need to put minimal effort into rowing.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a recreational kayak to use with your kids, then this is the perfect one for you. It is very high-quality and comes with seats that can be removed if you are going out with adults. The boat is highly customizable and very impressive in terms of performance.
Best Tandem Sit up Top Fishing Kayak:
Vanhunks Voyager Deluxe Kayak
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to users, this is a great product that looks pretty good and is highly stable as well. The seat is also super comfortable, and it can row through the water pretty well. It also comes with two paddle cables, and the design is very convenient. It is also durable and can handle weight very well too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We particularly like this model because of its heavy-duty design and impact-resistant material. This is a deluxe model that is super stable and allows you to sit up or go top fishing on it too. The seats are comfortable, and the boat is also very easy to paddle regardless of your skill level.
Who Will Use This Most
A professional fisherman who wants a very sturdy and stable kayak will find this to be the perfect one. It is great for advanced kayakers who want to test their skills in chopped waters. It is also perfect for families who need a strong boat and can also be used by intermediates.
Bottom Line
All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and comfortable tandem fishing kayak, then this is the one for you. With its beautiful design, strong build, and impeccable features, this is one model that will definitely not let you down.
Pros and Cons of Tandem Fishing Kayaks
Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of tandem fishing kayaks. This will make you more aware of what you should expect from a fishing kayak. Moreover, it will also help you in making the right decision for purchasing.
Pros
First, let’s see all the benefits you could get:
Company
One of the main benefits of these is that you can have company in the water as you fish. Aside from fishing, you can enjoy nature with your loved ones, and you will be able to spend quality time with them too.
Safety
In case of emergency, it is always safe to have another person on board with you. While fishing or simply just kayaking, having a second person can be very helpful. This is because if you’re not an experienced angler or swimmer, the second person can aid you.
Efficiency
You’ve probably heard of the phrase, “two heads are better than one!” This can apply in this situation as well. If you have another person on board, you both can capture more fish as well.
Cons
Meanwhile, a major drawback includes:
Space
Two or more people means that you will both have to adjust your cargo and gear in one small place. This can be a bit difficult for some people, especially if one has more stuff than the other. Transporting two people can also be difficult as you both have to rhythmically maneuver the kayak.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article was worth reading and helped you decide which tandem kayak to get. This can be a difficult decision to make if you’re unsure about the types of models you should go for. However, this article was aimed to make you understand which features you should consider and focus on. Happy Kayaking!
People Also Ask
Still got a few doubts or ambiguities in your mind? That’s okay. You can go over these following frequently asked questions to get further insight into your queries. These answers may help you decide better which model you should get and what features you should consider.
Can You Use a Tandem Kayak Solo?
Since a tandem kayak is longer and stronger than a single, it can be difficult to maneuver or control it by a single person. It is possible to use it solo if you lose the backseat’s ability and are a professional. However, if you sit in the back seat and start paddling, then no.
How Much Weight Can a Tandem Kayak Hold?
An average tandem kayak can hold up to 500 pounds. However, there are some models that can also hold up to 600 pounds. A typical kayak that is used for recreational purposes can only hold up to 250-300 pounds, while a sit on top one can hold up to 400.
Where Should the Heavier Person Sit in a Kayak?
Using and maneuvering a kayak is much easier if you evenly distribute the weight. If one of the paddlers weighs more than the other one, it is much better if the heavier one sits at the back. You can also even the weight out using your gear and other materials.
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