Best Tandem Fishing Kayak

Some people prefer solo kayak fishing as it allows them to focus on the activity at hand and not get distracted. However, it can also be scary and downright dangerous. Just think about it: if something happens to you when you’re out on the water, there’s no one to help you. That’s way today, I’m going to reveal the best tandem fishing kayak.

With tandem fishing, you’ll get to bring someone along to your expeditions. This individual will give you the much-needed company, and help you fish (if they have experience).

More importantly, they can call for help if things go sideways. But you’ll need a tandem kayak if you want a kayaking companion.

So, what’s my pick for the best tandem fishing kayak? For the money, I’m going with the Lifetime 10-Foot Sport Fisher.

It’s reasonably-priced and has several accessories that are useful to anglers. Many buyers also like its compact structure, which takes up less storage space.

Read on to learn more about the best tandem fishing ‘yaks.

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My Favorite Tandem Fishing Kayaks

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Buy It Right

Finding the best tandem fishing kayak is relative. The truth is, you can fish off any vessel from a yacht to a boat or canoe.

However, investing in a ‘yak designed for this sport makes it easier and gives you a competitive advantage. To ensure you’re making an informed decision, here’s a list of things to consider when buying a tandem fishing kayak:

What to Look For When Buying a Tandem Fishing Kayak

The main things that you should focus on when buying a tandem fishing kayak are:

Maximum Carrying Capacity

Just like other kinds of kayaks, tandem kayaks have weight limits. However, these ‘yaks have specific carrying capacities- and this applies to all watercrafts.

Now, weight capacity varies significantly from one kayak to the next. But most 2-person fishing ‘yaks have a carrying capacity that ranges between 400 and 600 pounds.

Question is, how do you figure out what weight limit you need in a tandem kayak?

Well, you’ll need to add your weight to the weight of your companion in the kayak, as well as the combined weight of all of your gear.

Don’t forget to factor in the weight of your potential catch, too! Fish can be heavy.

Once you find that magic number, look for a kayak that supports a much higher weight than what you found. For instance, if the combined weight is 400 pounds, you’ll want a kayak that supports at least 530 pounds.

This ensures that the vessel can still float despite carrying that much weight.

Storage Space

No matter what kind of kayak you’re buying, you’ll probably want to know about its storage space.

However, this information is even more important if you’re buying a tandem fishing kayak.

Think about all the space that you and your fishing buddy will need to paddle comfortably, and stand on the deck as you cast a line or reel in your catch. In addition, each of you will be carrying a ton of fishing equipment.

If you’re planning on any longer fishing trips, you’ll probably need to tote even more gear.

It’s also wise to consider the height of your paddling partner. If they’re tall, they’ll need ample legroom in the cockpit.

Keep all these factors in mind when deciding on how much storage space you need in a ‘yak.

The best tandem fishing kayaks offer both front and rear bungee rigging.

Others have smaller watertight storage units within the deck for delicate items. Similarly, others have accessory rails where you can attach extra equipment like fish finders and rod holders.

Hull Design and Size

Yet another factor that should not be overlooked is the design and size of the hull.

To understand why the hull design matters, reflect on how you’ll be using the kayak. At some point, you’ll probably have to stand and adjust the position of your fishing rod or lean over when reeling in fish or placing bait.

Now think about how much movement is involved when there are two anglers onboard!

This goes to show how important it is to consider a tandem kayak’s stability. And while there are other factors that come into play, this stability largely depends on the hull’s design and size.

The best stability is achieved by a wider hull, particularly one with a flat bottom. However, this also comes at the expense of speed.

So, a kayak with a wide and flat bottom will have amazing stability, but it will move much more slowly than a longer or narrower model.

Weight is another factor that you should consider. It impacts the watercraft’s portability.

Tandem kayaks are heavier than regular ‘yaks, as they’re designed to support more weight.

When you factor in fishing equipment, paddling gear and mounting tools, the extra weight can easily surpass the 100-pound mark.

Even though you’ll have an extra pair of hands to carry your tandem kayak, you’ll want to consider the impact of such weight both on dry land and in the water.

Is it tailored for fishing?

Since you’re looking for a tandem kayak to go angling, you need to make sure that it’s designed for fishing.

So, if you’re investing in a fishing kayak, it should be rigged with essential angling accessories.

At the very least, it should have several rod holders to hold you and your partner’s fishing rods. The best fishing tandem ‘yaks also have dedicated mounting areas for a GPS system, fish finder, tie-downs, trolling motor, and an integrated tackle box.

Steering Options

Yet another factor you should keep in mind is the kayak’s method of propulsion. Paddling is the most common form of steering with tandem fishing kayaks.

But that doesn’t stop you from exploring other options. This breakdown shows how paddle ‘yaks stack up against pedal and motor-driven alternatives:

Paddle

If you prefer simplicity or are planning to fish in hard-to-reach spots, I recommend a paddle kayak.

Its lack of sophisticated elements means that a paddle kayak will let you get as close to your preferred fishing spot as possible.

Its simplicity also means that this kayak is easy to carry and transport.

Simply toss it in the back of your truck or hoist it on your car’s rooftop and you’re good to go.

If portability is your number one concern, think about getting an inflatable paddle kayak. You may be able to haul it in the back seat or even in a backpack!

And inflatable kayaks are so affordable! You may find an inflatable tandem fishing kayak for as little as $300.

Like any other watercraft, paddle kayaks have their fair share of drawbacks. In this case, they make fishing more challenging.

For one thing, you have to put your paddle down to be able to cast a line or reel in your catch.

Another disadvantage is their slow speed. A paddle kayak only goes as fast as you can paddle.

This can be a deal-breaker for anglers who have to travel long distances to reach their fishing destinations.

Pedal

As implied by its name, a pedal kayak is powered by a pedal.

As you move this kayak by pedaling instead of paddling, your hands are free to do other things.

In other words, you can fish and pedal at the same time.

As they move faster, pedal kayaks also let you cover longer distances more quickly than you could with a paddle model.

Need to travel far and wide to reach your favorite fishing spots? A pedal-driven tandem ‘yak is your best friend.

But there are a few downsides to pedal kayaks. The first is that they’re pretty bulky and heavy.

The pedal drive system adds quite a bit of weight, making a pedal tandem kayak harder to transport and store. Luckily, you’ll have your companion to help with this.

Another downside is how expensive pedal kayaks are. Be prepared to spend a considerable chunk of change on these bad boys, as they start at around $2,000.

Lastly, these ‘yaks aren’t as versatile as their paddle counterparts.

They can’t go over timber, rocky terrain and other tough submerged cover. So, there are going to be certain limitations on the kinds of areas you can fish from.

Motor

Of the three, motor-driven tandem ‘yaks are the easiest to maneuver. The motor bears the brunt of propelling the vessel, helping you save a significant amount of energy.

In fact, the convenience that stems from this aspect alone cannot be compared to that of a pedal-driven model.

That said, installing a motor on a tandem fishing ‘yak is very sophisticated. It involves configuring more wires and parts, and this automatically increases the risk of failure.

There are more parts and systems that could fail or break if not handled properly.

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If you’re looking for a reliable and stable kayak that can support two anglers without a hitch, the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem model is perfect! This hard-shell kayak boasts a solid but compact build, and it comes rigged for fishing. Here are a few more reasons why I’ve chosen this Lifetime ‘yak as my pick for the Best Overall tandem fishing kayak.

Design and Construction

Most tandem fishing kayaks are quite big. However, the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem kayak sets itself apart by being a little more compact while still providing enough space for two average-size adults.

Boasting a 10-foot length, this kayak is not only easier to carry but also takes up less storage space. That said, this kayak’s compact structure limits the amount of gear you can carry onboard.

Additionally, it wouldn’t be a great fit for taller paddlers.

But on a more positive note, I like how versatile this kayak is. The majority of tandem fishing kayaks are meant to be paddled by two.

However, the Lifetime Sport Fisher can be used for either solo or tandem paddling. So, even if you end up kayak fishing alone, you’ll won’t struggle to navigate or control it.

Water Performance

Another area where the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem kayak seems to shine is its handling in water.

More specifically, it’s one of the most stable kayaks on the market. It gets its stability from the 3-foot wide deck, hull shape and 60-pound heavyweight profile.

All these features combined translate to a stable platform, allowing you to stand and fish without falling over.

Storage Space and Accessories

As mentioned earlier, the compact design of this kayak reduces the available onboard storage. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t bring any fishing equipment.

The rear is fitted with two rod holders and a 6-inch dry storage hatch. This gives you a nice spot to store any fragile items that need protection from moisture or water.

There’s an additional rod holder on the right side of the ‘yak, bringing the total to three. Also, there’s another storage compartment at the front, which includes some tie-down strap to secure your items.

When it comes to accessories, the kayak arrives ready to row with two paddles. The kayak also has some carry handles to ease portability.

LIFETIME 10-FOOT TWO-PERSON TANDEM FISHING KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS

Length	10 ft.
Weight	60 lbs.
Carrying Capacity	500 lbs.
Hull Material	‎Polyethylene (PE)
Type of Vessel	Hard-shell

Most Important Take-Away: If you’re looking for a tandem kayak that’s a bit compact and still suitable for fishing, the Lifetime 10-Foot Tandem model is the right choice. Measuring 10 feet long, it provides adequate space for two anglers and has several accessories to make your fishing experience easy.

Where to Buy Lifetime 10-Foot Sport Fisher

You can purchase this product at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
• TRACTOR SUPPLY

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Most anglers have a difficult time deciding between canoes and kayaks for fishing, and it’s easy to see why.

On one hand, a canoe has an elevated seating area, giving you a better view of the water below. On the other hand, a kayak offers better stability. This means you can stand on the deck and cast a line or reel in fish without falling overboard.

So, which one should you choose? Well, the NuCanoe Frontier 12 is a hybrid, enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds. While its base model comes as a solo fishing kayak, you can purchase and add an extra seat to its unique rail system, which makes it an awesome choice for anglers who want some flexibility for their fishing kayak.

Here’s a closer look at its features:

Design

The biggest selling point of the NuCanoe Frontier 12 is its hybrid design. It borrows features from a canoe and a kayak, so you can have the best fishing experience.

For instance, it has the elevated seating of canoes and the wide deck seen in most fishing kayaks. At 12 feet long, the vessel offers more than enough space for the two paddlers and their fishing gear.

In fact, you can even add a junior seat for a child or pet, which makes this ‘yak perfect for family fishing expeditions.

Another aspect I love about this kayak’s design is the fact that it’s available in multiple colors. Anglers will have the freedom to choose from Army Camo, Patrol Blue, Bottomlands Camo, Shadowgrass Camo, Gulf Coast and Thunderstorm.

It also has a flexible design, allowing you to use it either as a solo fishing kayak or a tandem fishing kayak. You can add a second seat and third seat to accommodate the whole family.

Storage Space

The NuCanoe Frontier 12 ensures that anglers have no shortage of storage space. I’ll start with the day hatch positioned at the bow. This storage unit arrives fitted with a gear bucket insert – handy for storing snacks and dry clothes.

Next, you’ll see several horizontal rod holders, each of which has a rod tip protector for maximum protection.

And just in case you need more storage for the rods, there’s a massive 70-inch gear track running down on either side of the cockpit. Here, you can attach a wide range of fishing equipment, such as fishing rod holders, fish finders, and a GPS.

Innovative Kayak Seat

Although this kayak’s hybrid design is a major selling point, the Fusion 360 seat is also a standout. This kayak seat is designed to rotate a full 360 degrees.

For anglers, this means that you can easily access any fishing gear mounted in the rear. It also means that you can install a tiller-drive outboard motor and operate it from your kayak seat with ease.

Flexible Power Options

Although the Frontier 12 isn’t designed as a pedal kayak, it’s compatible with a pedal drive system. As a matter of fact, Frontier has an aftermarket Pivot Drive system that can be purchased separately.

Once you buy it, attach it to the gear tracks at the cockpit. The pedal drive then works with a propeller in the stern to propel the kayak forwards.

The kayak can also be fitted with a gas or electric outboard motor. That said, these upgrades aren’t necessary as the Frontier 12 performs pretty well as a paddle-driven ‘yak.

2023 NUCANOE FRONTIER 12 KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS

Length	12 ft.
Weight	77 lbs.
Carrying Capacity	650 lbs.
Hull Material	‎Polyethylene (PE)
Type of Vessel	Hard-shell

Most Important Take-Away: If you enjoy fishing in either a canoe or a kayak, the NuCanoe Frontier 12 is an excellent choice. This vessel combines the features of the two to offer anglers the best fishing experience. These include an elevated seating area, heaps of storage space, a higher weight limit, and an ultra-wide deck for rock-solid stability.

Where to Buy 2023 NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak

You can purchase this product at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• ECO FISHING SHOP

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Comfort is one of the most important factors of a tandem fishing ‘yak. Ideally, the vessel should have adequate space for both anglers and their fishing gear. It should also have a reasonable carrying capacity and be stable enough to fish in.

If you’re looking for such a kayak that has it all, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 135 is it. Although it has a hefty price tag, it has a unique set of features to back this up. Here’s what makes this tandem fishing kayak special:

Size and Carrying Capacity

Measuring 13.5 feet long, the Tarpon 135 is one of the largest tandem fishing ‘yaks in this review.

Although this presents a challenge in portability, it also provides ample space for two anglers. Whether you’re stretching your legs or throwing a fishing line, you can do so without any limitations in movement.

The icing on the cake is the 600-pound carrying capacity. This allows you to load the kayak with all the fishing gear you’d like to carry.

Storage

The storage space onboard the Tarpon 135 is another feature that makes it perfect for tandem fishing.

For starters, Wilderness Systems has added its Orbix watertight hatch in front of each kayak seat. This is the ideal place to store your keys, wallet, phone and any other devices that would be ruined if they came into contact with water. It’s also great for storing any items that you want quick access to.

Secondly, both the stern and bow have large tankwells. Each of these tankwells has an adjustable bungee cord system to secure your fishing gear tightly.

Also onboard are two molded-in cup holders, so you can stay hydrated when fishing for extended periods. And to crown it all, there are two sets of the manufacturer’s Slidetrax rails.

These are great for attaching extra accessories like fishing rod holders and a camera mount.

Design and Construction

For the price, you’ll be getting a tandem fishing kayak with a very sleek design. It comes in two very unique colors: Galaxy and Mango.

Whichever one you pick, you can rely on this vessel to last for the long haul. That’s because it’s constructed using quality polyethylene that can withstand harsh outdoor elements.

Comfort

I also like that the Tarpon 135 is designed with the anglers’ comfort in kind. It sports the manufacturer’s legendary Phase 3 AirPro seating system.

Every kayak seat constitutes a mesh fabric with a honeycomb-style ventilation to facilitate airflow. Factor in the 3D foam material and you have a seat that offers maximum breathability and lumbar support.

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS TARPON 135 SPECIFICATIONS

Length	13.5 ft.
Weight	88 lbs.
Carrying Capacity	600 lbs.
Hull Material	Polyethylene (PE)
Type of Vessel	Hard-shell

Most Important Take-Away: If you don’t mind splurging on a high-end tandem fishing ‘yak, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 135 is a fantastic choice. The stylishly-designed kayak has a length of 13.5 feet, providing adequate space for two adults. It’s also comfortable and has more than enough accessories for the serious angler.

Where to Buy Wilderness Systems Tarpon 135

You can purchase this product at the following retailers:

• AMAZON

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Inflatable kayaks are equally suited for fishing as their hard-shell counterparts. They tend to be larger, resulting in some of the most stable fishing platforms. They’re easy to carry – helpful for those occasional times that you go solo fishing. And thanks to modern technology, they’re pretty durable.

If you prefer these inflatable models, you should check out the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead. Here’s a comprehensive review of it:

Design and Construction

Is this your first time fishing in an inflatable kayak? If it is, you might be worried about snagging the vessel with a hook or slicing it with a fishing knife.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about this with the Elkton Steelhead.

This inflatable kayak is constructed using 1000D reinforced PVC and has a drop-stitch floor for maximum durability.

Drop-stitch is a construction technique, whereby aramid fibers are used to connect the top and bottom parts of a yak at equal distances from one another.

The result is a kayak with a more efficient structure and rigidity to withstand foot traffic, abrasion and tearing. This rigidity allows you to fish from the kayak in a standing or sitting position without worrying about falling over.

The rest of the kayak is just as thoughtfully designed as the floor. For instance, the two kayak seats are made of EVA foam to provide anglers with ample lumbar support.

One other thing I like about this kayak is that it comes in a great size. Measuring 12.5 feet long, it’s big enough to accommodate two anglers without being too bulky.

Storage

As with other inflatable kayaks, the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead doesn’t have a ton of onboard storage.

The bow has a reasonably-sized cargo compartment with a bungee cord. You will see another enclosed storage compartment on the stern although it’s a little bit smaller.

Fortunately, Elkton makes up for the limited onboard storage by incorporating seven hard-mounting points. Here, you can attach any preferred fishing equipment, whether it be a fishing rod holder, bait tray or fish finder.

Accessories

Another thing you’ll love about this tandem fishing kayak is that it comes ready to launch. Put simply, it includes everything you need to go on that fishing expedition with your ally.

There are two breakdown paddles – one for each angler, a dual-action high-pressure pump, two seats and a removable skeg to aid in tracking.

ELKTON OUTDOORS STEELHEAD INFLATABLE FISHING KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS

Length	12.5 ft.
Weight	44 lbs.
Carrying Capacity	600 lbs.
Hull Material	1000D PVC
Type of Vessel	Inflatable

Most Important Take-Away: Equipped with a drop-stitch floor, this inflatable fishing ‘yak offers the best combination of stability and maneuverability. Plus, it’s moderately-sized, providing just enough space for two anglers without being too bulky.

Where to Buy Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak 

You can purchase this product at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• WALMART

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If you’re just getting started on kayak fishing, you’ll probably not looking to spend a ton of money on your first ‘yak.

However, that doesn’t mean that you should overlook other features like water performance and fishing accessories. Thankfully, the Intex Excursion Pro strikes a great balance between pricing and performance. Here’s a detailed look at what this tandem fishing kayak has to offer:

Design and Setup

One of the first things you’ll notice is that it’s an inflatable kayak. More importantly though, it’s designed using high-quality materials so you don’t have to worry about it ripping or tearing easily.

Intex uses a tough laminate PVC material alongside a polyester core. This results in a kayak that’s able to withstand constant abrasion, impact and prolonged sunlight exposure.

Furthermore, getting started with this kayak shouldn’t be difficult as Intex has provided all the hardware you’ll need.

First off, the kayak itself comprises high-pressure valves, enabling you to reach the required PSI easily. Secondly, the manufacturer includes a dual-action pump so you can inflate the vessel as soon as you get it.

Size and Storage Space

When fully inflated, the kayak measures 12’7″ by 3’1″ by 1’6″. This means there’s more than enough space to fit two adult paddlers without compromising on comfort.

The Intex Pro Kayak also prides itself on offering adequate storage space. The large storage units at the bow and stern are great for storing fishing gear.

If that’s not enough, you can use the d-rings and mounting bracket to attach extra rod holders, fish finders and other fishing equipment. The only drawback is that it has a smaller carrying capacity of 400 pounds.

Water Performance

If you’re a beginner, you might be a little bit scared of paddling a tandem kayak. Fortunately, the Intex Pro has features that make paddling easy.

One such feature is the 36-inch wide deck. This gives the kayak a decent amount of stability, enabling you to paddle and fish without the worry of toppling over.

Next, Intex has incorporated two detachable skegs. The skegs enable the kayak to track in a straight line; hence, minimizing the risk of going off course.

Lastly, the inflatable kayak seats offer infinite adjustability. You can switch up their positions as you deem fit.

This, in turn, ensures that every angler has ample space to paddle efficiently. You’ll never run into a situation where your paddles keep colliding with each other.

INTEX EXCURSION PRO KAYAK SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

Length	12.5 ft.
Weight	39 lbs.
Carrying Capacity	400 lbs.
Hull Material	PVC
Type of Vessel	Inflatable

Most Important Take-Away: If you’re looking for a tandem fishing kayak that doesn’t cost a fortune, the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak fits the bill. With a price tag of less than $300, it’s the most affordable of the batch. And yet, it doesn’t compromise on performance or fishing accessories.

Where to Buy Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series

You can purchase this product at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• WALMART

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Tandem Fishing Kayaks

For some anglers, the thought of bringing an extra person onboard is a bit daunting. Will the kayak be able to support both people, and all your fishing gear? Is there a higher risk of the ‘yak capsizing or sinking?

It’s okay to have these concerns but they shouldn’t stop you from purchasing the kayak.

To put your mind at ease, I have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about buying tandem fishing kayaks, along with some of my recommendations to choose a tandem kayak that will address most of the common concerns (such as stability, comfort, and portability).

I hope this extra information is helpful to you as you make your choice!

Who makes the best tandem kayak for fishing?

Buying a tandem fishing kayak is not a small investment. So when looking for one, you’ll want to ensure that you’re buying from a trusted brand.

This way, you’re guaranteed that if anything goes wrong, you’ll get a refund or replacement.

Based on this, I’d say the best manufacturer of tandem fishing kayaks is Wilderness Systems. The brand has a wide range of options to pick from.

But what I love even more is how spacious their kayaks are. They provide enough room for the anglers and their gear.

And thanks to their higher weight limits, you don’t have to worry about the kayak’s performance getting affected by the extra weight.

Other brands I’d recommend are Intex, Elkton Outdoors, Driftsun, Sevylor and Lifetime.

What is the best length for a tandem fishing kayak?

On average, the length of tandem kayaks ranges between 12 and 13 feet.

You may encounter a few models whose lengths fall between 10 and 14 feet. However, the sweet spot in my experience tends to be either 12 or 13 feet. I find this to be the perfect size for most people.

Do tandem fishing kayaks capsize easily?

No, they don’t. Tandem kayaks – whether they’re meant for fishing or not – are designed to be super stable. Most of them have flat bottom hulls and wider decks, resulting in unparalleled stability. That said, here are a few paddling tips that will come in handy:

• Be deliberate about seating – the first decision you’ll need to make is figuring out which angler sits where. Usually, the person seated at the front sets the pace while the rear-seat paddler follows their lead. As such, the individual who has more paddling experience should sit at the front while the less-experienced one sits in the rear.
• Kayak in unison – no matter how long the kayak is, chances are that you’ll be sitting in very close proximity. So if you’re not careful, your paddles might keep colliding with each other. To avoid this, do your best to paddle in unison. The rear-seated angler has a better view of what’s happening. So they should time their paddling strokes to match those of the front paddler.
• Make course corrections from the back – even though the front paddler sets the rhythm, it’s the back paddler who has the greatest impact on the course and directional changes. You may encounter situations where the yak starts going off course no matter how hard you try to paddle. In such instances, the rear-seat paddler will need to perform a backstroke on the side you’d like to go. They can then rejoin the front paddler with the forward strokes.

How much weight can a tandem fishing kayak hold?

Tandem ‘yaks – particularly those designed for fishing – tend to have the highest weight limits. Now, the carrying capacity will vary from one kayak to the next. But most of these vessels can hold between 400 and 650 pounds.