Best Tandem Fishing Kayak
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Comparison Chart
Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Two Seater
2 watertight storage hatch
2 articulating rod holders
2 paddle parks
2 flush mount rod holders
Rear cargo area
Child seating area
Best Inflatable Two Man Fishing Kayak
Bow and stern storage
4 flush-mount rod holders
2 waterproof compartments
Rear cargo area with bungee tie down
Paddle rests
4 rod holders
Center platform
2 dry storage compartments
Rear cargo recess
2 cup holders and tackle tray
4 accessory plates
3 flush-mount rod holders
It is said that the best memories are often with others – and the same goes for fishing. With a two seater fishing kayak, you can share the experience with someone else and have more fun… and hopefully, more catch, too.
Problem is, with lots of 2-person or tandem fishing kayaks around, all with different features and prices, it can be difficult to find the one that best suits your needs and fishing style. So to make it a little easier for you, here’s our comprehensive guide on what to look for in a 2 seater fishing kayak. We have also come up with a list of the best tandem fishing kayaks to help make your search faster.
How We Chose the Best 2 Person Kayak for Fishing?
We have spent dozens of hours looking for all the two person fishing kayaks we could find. After seeing what is available in the market, we were able to put together a shortlist of all the double fishing kayak models we liked, those with the highest rating, and those most recommended by other consumers.
From there, we put all the boats against each other and compared them by their features, quality, functionality, and overall value for money. We also looked at each product’s advantages and disadvantages. Once we had all the details, we then discussed among our team of experts which ones to cut and include. After much deliberation, we were able to narrow down our list to only the top 5 2 person fishing kayaks you see below.
So whatever you choose, we can guarantee that it is one of the highest quality and most functional tandem kayaks for fishing that’s well worth your hard-earned money.
Top 5 Best 2 Person Fishing Kayak
- Best Overall and Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Two Seater: BKC TK122U
- Best Bang for the Buck and Best Inflatable Two Man Fishing Kayak: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead
- BKC TK181
- Elkton Outdoors Hard Shell
- Best Tandem Fishing Kayak with Trolling Motor: BKC PK14
Why we love it:
- Has multiple accessory track rails
- Comes with paddles
- Has extra seating for a child
- Great seats
What it is best for:
- Ocean, lake, or river
The BKC TK122U is our top choice for the best tandem kayak for fishing. With enough room for 2 people, huge weight capacity, and even extra space to fit a child in the middle, this is a great vessel for family adventures and fun fishing trips with a friend. It’s also designed for stability and can stay afloat against swift currents and choppy waters. You can even stand on it if you want.
What’s great about this two seater kayak fishing model is that it comes with everything you need to fish on lakes, rivers, and oceans. It has 2 articulating rod holders, 2 flush-mount rod holders, 2 paddle parks, and enough space at the back for your fishing gear. There are also 2 storage hatches for each seat to keep your personal belongings always within reach. On top of that, you can customize it and add all the accessories you want through its 4 track rails.
You can fish on the BKC TK122U the whole day without feeling any discomfort. With 2 ergonomic aluminum frame seats, it offers great comfort and support. There’s also enough legroom and space on the deck for you to move around.
Pros:
- ZCustomizable
- ZVery stable
- ZTracks well on the water
- ZComfortable and durable
Cons:
- QWatertight hatches are not very “watertight”
Why we love it:
- Very stable
- Comes with everything you need
- Lightweight
What it is best for:
- Freshwater and up to class III rapids
Don’t have the space at home, the right vehicle, or the patience to store and transport a huge hardshell fishing double kayak? Then, you may want to check out the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead. It’s inflatable, making it lightweight and easy to store. You can just take it out of your car when you need to use it, inflate it, and you’re good to go. Then once you’re done, you can simply deflate it, fold it, put it in the carry bag it comes with, and throw it back in your car.
The best thing about this inflatable kayak tandem fishing model is its rigid drop-stitch floor and exceptional stability. This will allow you to fish and cast with ease while sitting or even standing. Its floor is also durable enough to protect you and your partner from underwater obstacles.
Unlike many inflatable tandem kayaks, the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead is designed for anglers. It has multiple mounting points for adding fishing rod holders, bait trays, fish finders, GPS, and other accessories. It also has some space in the bow and rear for your gear. Plus, it comes with everything you need to immediately get out of the water as soon as it arrives.
Pros:
- ZCustomizable
- ZEasy to store
- ZEasy to transport
- ZComfortable
Cons:
- QLimited storage
Why we love it:
- Stable
- Comes with paddles
- Lightweight
What it is best for:
- Ocean, lake, and river
Our next top pick for the best two person fishing kayak is the BKC TK181. It has an extra space in the middle for a child, so you can take your family out for fun fishing trips. It also has some handy features that can help improve your game. For instance, it has 3 adjustable rod holders, 4 flush-mount rod holders, and paddle rests for a hands-free experience. As for storage, it has 2 waterproof compartments and a rear cargo area with a bungee tie-down for your gear.
This tandem fishing kayak is crafted for stability. It can maintain its balance in most water conditions, from calm to choppy. You can even stand on it while casting or simply stretching your feet.
Overall, the BKC TK181 is a solid and reliable platform for trolling, paddling, and of course, fishing. It tracks well on the water, especially with 2 people paddling. Plus, it comes with paddles. So you can immediately go out on the water with a family or friend and catch some fish.
Pros:
- ZDurable
- ZAllows stand-up fishing
- ZTracks excellently on the water
- ZHas lots of fishing rod holders
Cons:
- QNo accessory tracks
Why we love it:
- Has extra space in the middle
- Comes with paddles
- Has ample storage
What it is best for:
- Lakes, rivers, and ocean
The Elkton Outdoors Hard Shell is a solid and sturdy 2 person kayak fishing model that can easily glide through the water. It’s also slightly smaller than other tandems, making it easier to carry and transport. With its size, it also fits in the bed of a truck and trailer perfectly.
What we liked about this kayak are its fishing features. It has 4 holders for your fishing rods and 2 storage compartments for your keys, wallets, phones, and other items that you need to stay close and protected. You might want to put them in a dry bag, however, as some consumers noted the dry storage hatches to take in water.
Furthermore, the Elkton Outdoors Hard Shell offers ample storage. It has two storage areas at the front and back where you can put all your gear. There’s also a designated platform in the middle where you can put in a cooler or ice chest. Or you can use the extra space as a child seat, too.
Pros:
- ZSolid
- ZGlides through the water with ease
- ZEasy to paddle
Cons:
- QDry storages are not very watertight
Why we love it:
- Very stable
- Comes with 2 paddles
- Comes with 2 trolling motors
- Adjustable seats
What it is best for:
- Rivers, bays, lakes, and open sea
Here’s a 2 person kayak fishing model that will get you to your fishing spot in the fastest way possible. The BKC PK14 is equipped with 2 trolling motors, so you can cruise smoothly and effortlessly on the water. It also comes with 2 paddles, in case you want to move in the water more quietly.
This tandem kayak is comfortable, too. With a 14-foot hull, it has plenty of space for you and your partner. It also comes with ergonomic and adjustable seats that allow you to sit in a higher position. Thus, giving you a better vantage point for fishing. This can also keep you drier when you’re on the water.
On top of that, the BKC PK14 is extremely stable. You can even stand on it while casting. It’s packed with fishing features as well, including 4 accessory plates, 3 flush-mount rod holders, 2 watertight hatches, and a rear cargo recess. There are also dedicated spaces to put your drinks and tackle tray.
Pros:
- ZMoves on the water with ease
- ZSpacious
- ZComfortable
- ZAllows stand-up casting
Cons:
- QHeavy
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak 2 Person?
When you search Google or Amazon for a 2 person fishing kayak for sale, you’ll be given hundreds of different models. If you don’t know what to look for, you might end up with an expensive purchase that won’t do you any good in the water. You might also fall into choosing a kayak that’s not fit for fishing.
So if you don’t want to regret your decision later on and go through the hassle of returning an unwanted product, here’s a complete guide on how to find the best double fishing kayak for you.
Type
There are different types of kayaks and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. But for fishing, you only have three options: sit-on-top, a traditional sit-in, and an inflatable. To give you a better understanding of their differences, here’s a quick rundown on each type of fishing kayak:
Sit-on-top Two Seat Fishing Kayak
This type is preferred by most anglers. For one, it has an open cockpit. So it is easier to get in and out of, which is crucial if you happen to capsize. Such openness also gives you more legroom and space to move around, thus, making it more comfortable. This is especially important as you’ll have 2 persons in the vessel. Remember, an uncomfortable ride can cut your time on the water significantly.
Furthermore, a sit-on-top two person kayak fishing model has self-bailing drain holes, which automatically remove any water that comes in or flows over the deck. So it won’t get filled with water. Meaning, if you do capsize, you can just flip it back up, reenter, and continue with your fishing excursion. No need to swim back to the shore just to drain it. More importantly, this type of kayak has a flatter and wider hull. So it’s more stable on the water.
On the downside, it’s much harder to stay dry on a sit-on-top due to its open cockpit design and drain holes. For a slightly drier ride, you can cover these holes with a scupper plug. This kayak type is also usually heavier and harder to transport.
Sit-inside Fishing Kayak Two Person
The opposite of a sit-on-top, this type of kayak has an enclosed cockpit, giving you more protection against the elements. This is the reason why it’s ideal for fishing in areas with cold weather. It’s also lighter, thus, easier to carry. Plus, it’s designed more for performance rather than stability. So it will move faster and is easier to maneuver on the water.
However, a sit-in kayak has lesser space for storage and room to move. It’s also more challenging to get in and out of. On top of that, you will be sitting lower, making it harder to catch fish. Now, there aren’t a lot of good sit-inside tandem fishing kayaks available on the market. For this reason, we didn’t include any sit-inside fishing kayak for 2 persons on our list.
Inflatable Fishing Kayak Two Person
If you don’t have space at home, a vehicle, or a trailer for a huge hardshell sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak, then consider getting an inflatable. It’s lighter and packs small, making it easier to carry and transport. Keep in mind, however, that it will be slower and less durable than the other types.
Propulsion
When it comes to fishing kayaks, you can also choose how you want them to move. The cheapest, quietest, and simplest method is paddling. However, it’s also the slowest. If you want to get to your destination faster and have a more hands-free fishing experience, then you may want to look for a pedal drive.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending more, want to cover more distance, and get to where you want to be in the fastest way possible, then check out fishing kayaks 2 person with a trolling motor.
As a side note, some paddle-driven kayaks can also be added with a motor or pedal drive later on.
Length
This is one of the most important factors that you have to consider. The length of a kayak will give you an idea of the type of paddling you’ll be doing. For instance, longer kayaks are faster and more efficient in cutting through the water. So you’re able to move forward with little to no effort. This makes them ideal for large and open bodies of water. But the tradeoff is that it’s more difficult to store and transport.
Meanwhile, shorter kayaks are easier to maneuver, which makes them better in small bodies of water. However, this also makes them less stable, and thus, harder to paddle. Furthermore, shorter kayaks will also offer less space for storage and less space between the other paddler.
That said, the best length for a 2 person kayak fishing boat is between 12 to 14 feet.
Width
A kayak’s width plays a crucial role in its stability. Generally, the wider the width, the more stable it is on the water. The trade-off is that as you go wider, the slower you will be.
Stability is particularly important in fishing as you’ll be constantly casting lines, which causes the kayak to move. So if your vessel is too narrow, it’s more likely to capsize. You’ll also need an extremely stable 2 man fishing kayak if you are planning to stand on it.
That said, you’ll need all the stability you can get when it comes to fishing kayaks, especially in tandem varieties.
Weight Capacity
Before buying a 2 seat kayak for fishing, you must first check its weight capacity. You’ll need something that can handle 2 passengers and all the fishing gear you’re hauling. If you’re planning to take home your catch, you should consider its weight as well.
Manufacturers will provide you with a kayak’s total max weight capacity. However, not all of it is usable. See, as you go near the limit, it will be harder to paddle. More importantly, its stability will be affected and there’s a higher risk of flipping over. So to ensure a safe ride without struggling in paddling, you should stay within 70% of the boat’s max weight capacity. For example, if the limit is 500 lbs, don’t go over 350 lbs.
Comfort
Since you will be in the kayak for a long time, you’ll want something that you can be comfortable in. To ensure that, you should check out the seats. Ideally, they should be able to support your tush and back. They should also be breathable and well-ventilated so you can stay dry while paddling.
Furthermore, you should check the legroom for you and your partner. Keep in mind that your fishing gear will also be taking up space in your cockpit. So consider getting a tandem kayak fishing model with more legroom than you think you’ll need. This will ensure you won’t feel cramped during long trips on the water.
Weight
The weight of a kayak will give you an idea of how easy or difficult it will be to transport. The longer and wider the vessel is, the heavier it will be. Thus, the harder it will be to take from your home to the water and back.
So when choosing what 2 seat fishing kayak to buy, make sure to check the weight and consider how you’re planning to transport it. Will you hoist it on top of an SUV? Then you might want something lighter. If you have a truck or a kayak trailer, then you’ll have no problem dealing with a heavier one.
Fishing-Specific Features and Storage Options
Finally, look for a 2 person angler kayak that offers as many features that can help improve your fishing experience. For instance, rod holders are a must for fishing kayaks. They can keep your fishing rods protected and organized while moving between spots or rigging lures. They are also great when you need to carry or set up multiple rods simultaneously.
If you want to personalize your kayak and add in some accessories like a camera, GPS, and others, then you should also look for a boat with tracks or mounts. For a fish finder, a universal transducer mount can make installation a breeze.
Aside from that, you should also keep an eye out for a kayak’s storage options. With more places where you can store your fishing gear and keep them safe and dry, the better it will be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best length for a tandem kayak?
A: The best length for a tandem kayak is 12 to 14 ft long. This will allow two people to comfortably fit inside, while still having enough space for gear.
Q: Are tandem fishing kayaks good?
A: Yes, tandem fishing kayaks are good if you want to take somebody else with you on the water. They are stable, have enough room for two people, and are perfectly capable of letting you fish in fresh and/or saltwater. Moreover, many of them can be configured for solo paddling. So you can use them even when you’re alone.
Q: Is a tandem kayak more difficult?
A: Yes, a tandem kayak is more difficult to use than its single counterpart. Because it is heavier, it is harder to transport. Its longer length also makes it more challenging to maneuver. Most of all, you will have to pay close attention to your partner’s paddling and movements as you might end up going in circles.
