Tandem Fishing Kayaks Compared

Why Go Tandem? Benefits of 2-Person Fishing Kayaks

Shared camaraderie is the main draw of a tandem fishing kayak, but they have various other advantages over single-person kayaks. For instance:

Buying Guide: Choosing A Quality Tandem Fishing Kayak

Kayak Style

Seat position and build are the two biggest factors of tandem kayak styles. Sit-on-top kayaks have uniform depth across the hull while the seats on a sit-in model are situated in a dug-out cockpit. Sit-on-top kayaks are safer in the event of a tip-over, but sit-in kayaks keep water away better.

Most kayaks are built of solid material, but others are inflatable. Hardshell kayaks don’t have any risk of puncture, but inflatables are far more portable and fare better in shallow water because their draft, the amount of the hull underwater, is generally smaller.

Durability, Design & Comfort

High-density materials like polyethylene make the most durable hardshell kayak hulls. Inflatables are most often made with PVC, although they can also have nylon or tarpaulin overlays for added puncture resistance. While the material determines the weight and durability, the shape of the hull affects speed and handling.

More curve, also called 'rocker,' will make the kayak more likely to rock but gives the yak greater maneuverability. Less rocker means better tracking and easy turning. Extra room in the cockpit will provide a greater sense of comfort, as will an ergonomic seat made out of breathable material.

Size & Weight Capacity

Longer kayaks will give anglers more room, and wider ones make it much easier to stand up and move around. However, the fishing environment can limit what the usable size of a kayak might be. Smaller rivers and shallower water likely call for smaller and shorter vessels.

A high weight capacity is always handy but bear in mind that kayaks that can carry weight are almost always heavier themselves. Longer and broader kayaks can usually hold more weight, so consider your destination and the amount of gear you have to find the perfect length for your needs.

Stability & Safety Features

Storage & Portability

The most important thing to remember when storing a kayak is to keep it from resting its weight on the hull, which can cause serious damage. Lean it sideways against a wall or hang it vertically. Storage for gear on the kayak is handy to have but likely isn’t a good place to leave things once it’s off the water.

Two people should be able to handle a tandem fishing kayak with relative ease, depending on their weight. Built-in carry handles and add-ons like dollies and skeg wheels can make it even easier.

Rigged vs. Unrigged

Unrigged kayaks are great for barebones anglers who don’t go out with lots of tackle and gear. They also have smaller price tags most of the time. However, spending a little more to have dedicated space for rods, dry storage, and paddle keepers will make spending long periods on the kayak much more comfortable.

If you can easily rig a fishfinder on board, then your fishing will be more strategic and effective. Rigged kayaks may also have space for a trolling motor or some other method of hands-free propulsion.

Speed & Propulsion

Longer kayaks go faster, and extra add-ons like foot-operated pedals make it even easier to keep up a good pace. Rudders and fins that go on the bottom of the hull allow anglers to fish while on the move or locate themselves on a GPS device. Most tandem kayaks have these add-ons in front of each seat, so both anglers can put their energy into propelling the craft. Hardshell tandem kayaks are more likely to have rudders and pedals than inflatables.

Price & Warranty

Tandem fishing kayaks run the gamut from unrigged inflatables that might cost a couple of hundred dollars to fully outfitted hardshell models that might cost upwards of $1,000. The more costly models usually have more dedicated space for electronics, rods, and other gear.

They’re also more likely to have longer warranties to protect the larger upfront investment. Lifetime warranties are the most optimal, but some manufacturers back up their products with 1, 2, or 5-year warranties.

1. Intex Excursion Pro

2. Lifetime Beacon

It’s not often that manufacturers build their hardshell tandem fishing kayaks with as much storage as the Beacon has, including hull storage with a hatch near the rear seat. There’s even room for a fishing cooler or a milk crate in the stern. Twin skeg rails allow the yak to track pretty well, and there are three pairs of scupper holes along the hull to let water out of the cockpit. The hull is pretty much flat, and the kayak itself is wide, making it easy to stand up and fish.

Anglers who are new to tandem kayaking or seasoned enthusiasts who want to bring a newcomer along will love how easy it is to use the Beacon. Since the riders sit on top, reboarding after tip-overs is easier. It’s a little annoying that the kayak doesn’t come with paddles included already, but that does allow you to take time to find exactly the paddle you want.

A wheel built into the skeg makes it easy for one person to move this yak over land, allowing the other person to carry gear or a tackle box. That also means a solo angler can also use this kayak easily. The polyethylene body is UV protected so it will hold its color longer. Maintaining this model is very easy since it self-drains and doesn’t have many nooks where sediment can collect.

The padded seats are comfortable and adjust quickly, as do the foot braces. Best of all, this kayak is backed by a 5-year limited warranty for nearly unparalleled peace of mind.

3. Sevylor Coleman Colorado

4. Lifetime 10 Foot

There are no frills on this tandem fishing kayak. It’s a straightforward model, but it still has all the essentials. Footrests run the entire length of the cockpit for a comfy ride, whether one or two people are inside. Both seats are easy to adjust and remove for cleaning. You can even bring a smaller passenger, like a child or a dog, in the center of this yak. It’s wide enough that everyone will be comfortable, and that width also gives it some of the best stability available on the market.

A 6-inch hatch in the stern makes for great storage, and there are also three built-in rod holders. The Lifetime 10 tandem fishing kayak can also hold a trolling motor. For a hardshell, it’s surprisingly lightweight, and the hull is built out of a UV-resistant polyethylene material. Self-bailing scupper holes in the bottom not only keep water out but also make cleaning this kayak a breeze.

Compared to many other hardshell kayaks, and especially hardshell tandem fishing kayaks, the Lifetime 10 foot is pretty light and easy to transport over land or take down off a car rack. It tracks very well in the water and, being two feet shorter than some other models, can turn much more easily. Of course, that detracts from its overall speed, but it can still get moving at a pretty good clip. The paddle is included with this model, which means it’s ready to hit the water right out of the box with little more than a few seat adjustments for comfort.

5. Brooklyn Kayak Co. TK122

6. Hobie 2020 Mirage

7. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T

Fishing in a Tandem Kayak

To get in a tandem kayak, point the bow toward the water and get about half of the body in the water. The person in the back should get in first to stabilize it while the other paddler gets in the front.

If the craft is inflatable, pump up the bottom before you pump up the sides. Check the PSI to ensure it’s pumped up to the right level.

When closing in on a target, try not to paddle—otherwise, paddle in a scooping motion. If you feel discomfort in your wrists, you likely need to adjust your paddling style.

Tandem Kayak Fishing Safety Tips

Tipping over is always a concern, but it can be prevented by communicating with your partner before standing and positioning your kayak well when caught in bad conditions. In choppy water and high winds, use the bow to cut into the chop head-on. Make sure you have a PFD on at all times, as well as some form of sun protection.

If the kayak tips over, the first thing to do is flip it right-side-up. To climb back in, reach across to the opposite side and pull your torso onto the kayak.

Caring for Your Tandem Fishing Kayak

If you have self-draining scupper holes, all you need to do after a kayaking trip most of the time is give it a good spray down with clean water. Don’t hesitate to flip it over to get larger debris out. Hardshell kayaks will benefit from a UV-resistant application about once a season.

Store the kayak on a vertical hook if possible, otherwise use a rack that will hold it on its side. If you don’t have any storage equipment, lean it against a flat wall on its side.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are the top brands of tandem fishing kayaks & who makes the most stable models?

The most commonly known tandem kayaks are made by companies like Driftsun, Intex, and Advanced Elements. Each company has several models that are stable on the water, but it depends on how you plan to use it. The Intex Excursion Pro is one of the easiest kayaks to paddle and never feels like it’s going to tip.

Is it easy to transport a 2-person kayak?

If both paddlers can chip in, carrying a 2-person kayak by built-in handles is a fairly easy task. Overlanding with a dolly is pretty easy for just one person, but overlanding in complicated terrain is usually easier if two people are carrying it. That way, they can each maneuver the kayak to get it to the launch site more quickly.

Why is a tandem fishing kayak with pedals so much more expensive?

The design tech used in kayak pedal propulsion systems has been improved and developed over several decades. Crafting and manufacturing take much more attention to detail than a single-piece molded kayak does. The good news is that tandem fishing kayaks with pedals are more often than not built to last for a long time.

Is it possible to paddle a double fishing kayak solo?

Many tandem fishing kayaks have removable seats so that solo anglers can use them. Inflatables are more commonly the type that have this feature. As long as you can get used to having the extra length and weight, you can paddle a tandem fishing kayak by yourself.

What color of kayaks attract sharks?

Is it easier to fish in a tandem kayak?

Generally speaking, tandem fishing kayaks are wider and have better stability, making it easier to fish off of them. They also have more room for gear storage and are more likely to have a higher number of built-in rod holders. Space for a fishing cooler and electronics is also more common on tandem kayaks.

Where can I find quality tandem fishing kayaks for sale?

There are many manufacturers of tandem fishing kayaks. Most of them have a presence on Amazon, either through self-managed seller profiles or through authorized retailers. All the same warranty benefits apply most of the time, and there are almost always good shipping deals.

Conclusion