Most anglers have done kayaking in so many ways and reasons: for recreation, for fishing, or simply for exploration. There are different types of kayaks, and some prefer inflatable kayaks, as they are more lightweight, easy to install, and easy to carry. If you’re planning on buying a new one, it is important to know how to buy a good kayak.
In this review, we discuss several factors you should consider when you’re looking for the best inflatable fishing kayak. If you also want to know different essentials for a good kayak, you should continue reading. We also compare the best budget kayaks you can find in the market to give you more options to choose from.
Top Inflatable Fishing Kayaks Overview
| Image | Name | Persons Capacity | Weight Capacity | Dimensions | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak | 2 | 400 lbs | 11'6" X 2'6" X 1'3" | 33.53 lbs |  |
 | 2. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak | 1 | 220 lbs | 9' X 2'6" X 1'1" | 23.9 lbs | |
 | 3. Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe Kayak | 3 | 650 lbs | 34" x 19" x 11" | 49 lbs | |
 | 4. Sevylor Quikpak K1 Kayak | 1 | 400 lbs | 103" x 36" x 30" | 18 lbs | |
 | 5. Sevylor QuikPak K5 Kayak | 1 | 250 lbs | 33.5" x 8.5" x 20" | 25.5 lbs | |
 | 6. Sevylor Big Basin Kayak | 3 | 490 lbs | 18" x 10" x 24" | 34.76 lbs | |
 | 7. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Kayak | 2 | 470 lbs | 30.1" x 11.6" x 19.2" | 39.68 lbs | |
 | 8. Advanced Elements FireFly Kayak | 1 | 250 lbs | 94.49" x 34.65" x 9.84" | 16 lbs | |
 | 9. Airhead Montana Kayak | 2 | 500 lbs | 27.5" x 11" x 19" | 36.3 lbs | |
 | 10. Sevylor Fiji Kayak | 2 | 400 lbs | 124.8" x 34.8" x 35.5" | 23.8 lbs | |
Benefits of an Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Inflatable kayaks have become more popular among anglers nowadays. Why do they prefer to purchase these types of kayaks? What are the advantages and benefits of having one? Here are some of the reasons:
Portability
Because inflatable kayaks are very easy to deflate, you can easily store them and carry them around. You can even place it at the back of your car or even in your backpack as you travel.
Lightweight
Its weight is also one important factor why people prefer this. You do not need to exert much effort when carrying it, yet it has great weight capacity.
Stability
Inflatable kayaks are among the most stable types of kayaks, which would work best for you if you’re nervous in the water.
Ruggedness
Inflatable kayaks can take scrapes, submerge sticks and bumps. In the case of punctured kayaks, you can quickly repair them with your repair kits.
Things to Consider in Buying an Inflatable Fishing Kayak
One of the first things you would consider when buying a kayak is the price. You want a cheaper one, but you would also consider the quality, speed, stability, durability, and portability. Let us go through several factors you should consider if you want to purchase the best kayak for you.
Deck Space
You should be able to move comfortably when you ride in your kayak. This means that there should be enough deck space to accommodate you and other important items; otherwise, your movement would be too restrictive.
Storage
When you go fishing, you need quite a few items and pieces of equipment. You should be able to store them properly and, at the same time, they should be easily accessible to you, so you do not have to waste your time looking for them. Some kayaks feature storage spaces that are just underneath the armrests to make them more accessible.
Weight capacity
Kayaks have different weight capacities, and this is one thing that you want to consider. Your kayak must be able to accommodate your weight and the weight of all the pieces of equipment you bring along with you. This, however, does not mean that you buy a heavy kayak. Lightweight kayaks are more encouraged as they are easy to carry around and are very portable.
Comfort
The seats of your kayaks must be comfortable. Most seats are foamed and adjustable, and this is something you want. You might be sitting for a long time in your kayak, so make sure that it features enough padding on its seat, that you can easily adjust it, and that there is enough leg space to suit your needs.
When buying a kayak, you can also ask these questions to guide your decisions:
- What water type will you be kayaking on? Coastal, calm lake, river, swells, etc.?
- What are your height and size? How much weight are you carrying?
- What are the gears you would be bringing?
- To what purpose are you kayaking? How many hours do you plan to kayak?
- What is the weather and water temperature?
Types of Kayak
There are, however, several types of kayaks and these are the following:
Self-bailing kayaks
These work best for whitewash waters. Allowing the water in and passing it back out makes sure that your boat does not flip. This is best for rough water kayaking.
Sit-on-top kayaks
An open design kayak that is more appropriate for warmer climates. Expect more water splashing, however.
Sit-inside kayak
This is a traditional design for a kayak. This has an enclosed cockpit that keeps water out of the kayak.
Canoe-style
Still an open design kayak but with walls that are higher. Canoe paddlers, or single-sided blades, are used for this type of kayak than the typical double-sided kayak paddle.
Essentials of a Good Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Here are the essential things and accessories you should look for when you’re buying an excellent inflatable kayak:
- Air pump – two types of air pumps may come along with your kayak: hand or foot pump. It would help if you had this to fill your kayak with enough air.
- Attaching hardware – this allows you to mount D-strings to various parts of your kayak.
- Boat sponge – this can be used in cleaning your kayak, especially when it’s wet.
- Paddle – longer kayak paddles are more appropriate for an inflatable kayak. If you want that which can easily be stored, a four-piece paddle is more suitable.
- Lifeline – this is safety equipment you should consider having along with your inflatable kayak. This will make sure that, during a capsize, you are still intact with your kayak.
- Repair kit – it’s important to bring along a repair kit with you in case accidents happen. It should immediately be accessible for you and must contain the essentials: spare parts, D-strings, patches, and pare valve.
- Storage bag – make sure that you have a water-proof storage bag and can accommodate all your items.
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Reviews
1. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak Inflatable Set
This two-person inflatable kayak is great for recreation, especially if you like to share your experience with someone. With a weight capacity of around 400 pounds, you can be assured that it can carry you and your companion’s weight. It’s also easy to repair in case it gets punctured.
Even when exposed to sunlight, its coating doesn’t fade much because it is UV-resistant. This is more appropriate to be used in gentle waters.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- It can accommodate two people.
- Tough material
- Vinyl coating is UV-resistant.
Cons
- It May take a long time to prepare the kayak.
- Not suitable for whitewash water
2. Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe Kayak
This inflatable kayak can fit two to three people with its 650-pound weight capacity versus the usual 350-pound weight capacity of other two-person kayaks. The hull uses a 30 millimeter K80 PVC to ensure durability, making it appropriate even for class 3 whitewater.
If you desire, you can also opt to take out the 2nd seat for more storage. This kayak can be inflated in just eight to fifteen minutes.
Pros
- Quick to inflate and deflate
- Very lightweight and easy to carry
- More storage space
- It can be used even in Class 5 rapids
Cons
- Not as fast as other rigid kayaks
- If you kayak alone and don’t have much weight, the wind may be a problem.
3. Sevylor Quikpak K1 Kayak
This inflatable kayak takes only a little time to be installed and inflated. In just 5 minutes, you can have this kayak set up quickly. It is also very lightweight and comfortable that you can even carry it in your backpack.
The durability of Sevylor Quickpack K1 is because of its 21-gauge PVC material. You do not need to worry about it being punctured or scraped. Its multiple air chambers ensure that even if one chamber is punctured, the kayak won’t immediately sink.
Pros
- Very portable
- Multiple air chambers
- Very easy to inflate
- Stable and durable
Cons
- It can get a bit bouncy
- May not be able to combat strong winds
4. Sevylor QuikPak K5 Kayak
More lightweight yet longer than the K1 version, this inflatable kayak is portable and easy to store. If you like traveling and don’t want any hassle in carrying your things, then this kayak is good for you, as it can easily fit in your backpack.
Because this is a beginner kayak, you don’t need to remember much in setting this up. Because of 1000D x 1000D polyester bottom material, you can be assured of the product’s durability.
Pros
- Very portable
- Easy to set up
- Comfortable and could accommodate even those who are 4 feet tall
- It contains plenty of storage space
Cons
- Free accessories that come with the product are not of good quality
5. Sevylor Big Basin Kayak
What sets this inflatable kayak apart is that it can accommodate three people with ease. One adult and two kids could ride this kayak without having to worry, as it has a 490-pound weight capacity. Its material uses heavy-duty PVC, and the bottom features a rugged tarpaulin that makes it even more durable. Its multiple air chambers also make sure that when it is punctured, it won’t sink quickly.
Pros
- Multiple air chambers
- Could accommodate three people
- Comfortable seats with back support
- Enough storage
Cons
- It can be slow if you go solo
6. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak
This two-person kayak has double-wall construction and is covered with thick impact-resistant nylon, making it durable and could stand several scraping. It features several air chambers that could prevent it from sinking. Can hold a weight of up to 470 pounds, this inflatable kayak is very stable. Even if it is not as speedy as other rigid kayaks, you can still place trolling motor in the kayak to increase speed.
Pros
- Very portable
- Easy to inflate
- Stable on water
- Features several air chambers
Cons
- Not very speedy without a motor
7. Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak
This incredibly light inflatable kayak is best for children and teenagers who can do kayaking solo. It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and can be inflated quickly. Because of its weight, you can easily carry this around and even store it in a tight space after deflation. It’s durable and could track well.
Pros
- Lightweight and very portable
- Very easy to set up
- Durable
Cons
- Not much weight capacity
- Not speedy
8. Airhead Montana Inflatable Kayak
This kayak is made to accommodate two persons and has a weight capacity of around 500 pounds, appropriate for gentle waters or even moderately rough waters. This kayak can fit in your duffel bag when deflated, making it very easy to carry around during your travel.
Its 840-denier nylon material makes the kayak water and UV-resistant. The stretch net in the kayak can also help you store your items effectively.
Pros
- Great weight capacity
- Offers more space
- It can be inflated and deflated within a shorter time
- Very visible on the water
Cons
- Instructions along with the kayak are not very clear
- It may be too heavy when carried around
9. Sevylor Fiji Kayak
This two-person kayak can carry up to 400 pounds. This is very versatile, as you can remove the middle seat if you want more space and storage. The 22-gauge PVC material makes this kayak very durable to minimize punctures. In case holes happen, multiple air chambers could keep your kayak stay floating.
Grab lines are available at the bow and stern. This is very stable on the water, so that it would be great for your leisurely kayaking.
Pros
- Multiple air chambers
- Stable
- Very portable
- Could accommodate two people
Cons
- Maybe too cramped when two people are riding the kayak
- It meant only for beginners
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the best inflatable fishing kayaks that you can find in the market, it will be easier to decide what to buy. Just remember all the considerations you must have in buying a good one. Decide, pick, and enjoy your kayaking activity!