Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks
Going fishing on a sunny day in a calm and soothing lake definitely ranks on the list of life’s sweetest pleasures. However, having someone with you to enjoy the day can enhance the experience even further.
Although having your personal recreational kayak is great, sharing it with someone can be an incredible bonding experience.
If you’re looking for a tandem kayak, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a helpful list of the top 10 tandem fishing kayaks of 2020.
Top 10 Tandem Fishing Kayaks Reviewed
1. BKC UH-TK181 Sit On Top 2 Person Fishing Kayak
There’s no doubt that Brooklyn Kayak Company makes some of the most beautiful and well-equipped kayaks out there. This is a 12-foot kayak capable of carrying up to 440 pounds. It’s also a great kayak for solo adventurists who are looking for a spacious kayak.
With 4 flush-mounted and 3 articulated fishing rod holders, this tandem kayak comes with many cool features. There are 2 waterproof storage hatches placed right under the paddlers’ legs and stern storage along with shock cord that can be used as a tackle or cooler.
All in all, it’s one of the best tandem fishing kayaks to own and is worth every penny.
Pros
- Value for money product
- Ample color designs
- Paddles are included
Cons
- It tends to sit on the water a bit lower
Conclusion
Equipped with amazing features, it’s an affordable and performance-oriented tandem kayak. Having a number of color choices to select one helps as well!
2. BKC TK122 12.9′ Tandem Fishing Kayak
The second place on this list goes to the BKC as well for their incredible 12-foot tandem kayak that also offers aluminum-framed cockpit seating.
Avid enthusiasts are aware of the impact such seats can have on your comfort during a long trip.
The kayak is capable of holding over 770 pounds and provides ample storage options. It has 2 articulated holders, 4 flush-mounted fishing rod holders, 8 scupper plugs, and many other useful pieces of hardware and features built into it.
Pros
- Variety of color choices
- Ample storage
- Paddles are included
- Outstanding seating positions
Cons
- Heavier than most kayaks.
Conclusion
This kayak offers spacious storage and tons of features in addition to comfortable aluminum-framed seats, which make it the best tandem fishing kayak under $1000 available today.
3. Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak
This tandem kayak from Intext is an inflatable that is very good value for the price. The marterial is laminated and robust polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a polyester core, which makes it durable and lightweight at the same time.
It comes with a useful removable bracket that can be used for installing additional hardware like GPS and fish finders. It can handle a load of up to 400 pounds with ease.
To enable fast inflation & deflation the kayak is equipped with high-pressure valves . Other stand out features are 2 removable skews that are ideal for shallow and deep waters, 2 footrests, 2 adjustable seats, and 2 integrated rod holders.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Pump and paddles are included
- Amazing features
Cons
- Although it has a tough look, hard-shell kayaks are far more durable than this.
Conclusion
This is an excellent inflatable kayak that’s also affordable. It’s perfect for fishing on calmer waters.
4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
The next recommendation on our list is a very robust inflatable kayak from Sevylor that has been designed specifically to withstand tough conditions.
The Coleman Colorado provides an extremely stable and comfortable ride experience. It’ll help you enjoy the waters even if you do not have a hard shell tandem kayak space.
The kayak is NMMA-certified and has been made using super robust polyvinyl chloride materials. It also has a special nylon cover that offers durable protection against punctures and a 1000 denier tarpaulin bottom as well.
You also have access to adjustable and paddle rod holders. You can also add a handy trolling motor.
The kayak also has D-rings for better organization and storage pockets on the inside. It is equipped with a valves that enable fast deflation and inflation in a completely-airtight system that’s guaranteed to not leak.
Pros
- Several air chambers
- Rod holders that are adjustable
- Solid construction
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Minor issues with the fittings and hardware
Conclusion
This is an incredibly durable and tough inflatable kayak that’s available at an affordable price. If you’re a beginner or budget-conscious buyer, this kayak will make perfect sense for you.
5. Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL Angler Kayak
Need an excellent sit-on-top kayak? Ocean Kayak is where you go! They’ve got some incredible models based on this design. The Malibu Two is one such model that’s also a great fishing kayak.
It’s resplendent with cool features, including 2 Scotty rod holders, 4-deck mounts, screw-in drain plates, a deck bungee, bow & stern toggle handles and molded-in side handles.
It is capable of carrying up to 500 pounds and is over 13 feet long.
Pros
- Outstanding sit-on-top model
- Tons of features
- Highly stable
- Solid build
Cons
- The paddles need to be purchased separately
Conclusion
This is another excellent model from Ocean Kayak and is certainly the best tandem kayak for ocean fishing at such a bargain price.
6. Lifetime Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak
If you’re looking for a high-quality entry option, this kayak from Lifetime should definitely be on your list. It has a rock-solid design. The material is polyethylene with a high-density, thus ensuring superior durability and strength.
2 padded backrests and 3 fishing rod holders have been built into this kayak. A weight capacity of 500 pounds are more than sufficient to carry you and your partner safely with all your fishing equipment.
It’s also extremely stable. The hull is pretty flat, but nevertheless provides decent tracking. Each paddler has multiple footrests as well, which enhances the kayak’s comfort factor. The stern has a storage hatch of decent size.
Pros
- 2 paddles are included
- A practical and simple design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Storage options are not that great on this kayak.
Conclusion
Rugged, stable, and sturdy – this tandem fishing kayak is an awesome bargain at this price point.
7. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T 12 Foot Tandem Angler
The Skipjack model from Vibe Kayaks is being claimed to be capable of seating two to three people with ease.
It’s capable of carrying more than a staggering 500 pounds.
It’s a feature-rich kayak with 2 flush mount fishing rod holders and 4 spots where you can mount other fishing rod holders. If you’re someone who likes installing additional hardware to reflect your taste, this one’s a perfect fit for you!
Each paddler has 2 storage hatches accessible right under them along with a bungee cord and tank near the stern. This kayak’s an absolute stunner and provides a number of great features.
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Paddles are included
- Pooch/Child seats are available as well.
Cons
- May be too heavy for some
Conclusion
It’s an excellent kayak for family fishing trips – the midship animal/child seat allows you to seat young children or pets without being worried.
8. Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Elkton Outdoors is a 12 foot tandem kayak and comes equipped with a number of useful features.
It offers a seat for children in its midship section. With adjustable seats, scupper plugs, rod and paddle holders this kayak provides all the necessary features for a comfortable fishing tour.
2 hatches and cargo wells in the bow and stern provide ample storage space.
It is a lightweight kayak at just 60 pounds and yet is capable of carrying up to 650 pounds. It’s ideal for fishing enthusiasts.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Tons of features
- Paddles are included
- Solid construction
Cons
- Seats could have been better
Conclusion
This is a great family kayak option that ranks alongside the tandem kayak from Vibe.
9. Old Town Twin Heron Angler Tandem Kayak
The world’s oldest kayak-building company enters this list with its ‘Twin Heron’ tandem kayak model. It has been specifically designed to ensure the bow doesn’t raise in case someone sits solo on the kayak’s stern.
The kayak comes with a weight capacity of 500 pounds, a well thought through foot rest, that is designed to provide a stable and comfortable platform for helping you navigate choppy waters.
The removable front seat allows you to take your dog with you. Alternativeley you can use the space for your fishing gear or other equipment.
It’s a practical and beautifully designed kayak that’ll fulfill all your needs.
Pros
- Removable front seats
- Versatile functions
- Spacious design
Cons
- Limited storage and can seat only 2 occupants.
Conclusion
With a stunning design and gorgeous fishing lines, this kayak is an absolute head turner that cannot be ignored.
10. Riot Kayaks Escape Duo DLX Angler
The Duo DLX Angler clearly was designed for avid fishing enthusiasts. It has 2 integrated seats made of aluminum. It also comes with 2 adjustable and 4 recessed fishing rod holders.
It’s a versatile tandem kayak that can be paddled by 1 or 2 fishermen. It also offers 4-deck plates & compartments along with tracks for installing accessories.
The kayak also has molded footrests that are suitable for all users, an agile and solid hull offering great stability and performance. Storage wells are available in the bow as well as in the stern.
There’s no denying the fact that the folks at Riot have come up with a top-notch tandem kayak model here.
Pros
- Excellent seating choices
- Beautiful and smart design
- Versatile functions
Cons
- Limited storage
Conclusion
This kayak is super-stable and versatile with a great-looking design that can easily seat 1 or 2 people.