by Paul G 

May 3, 2022

When you're looking for the best inflatable fishing kayak for your budget - you can quickly find your online searches going in circles (like a novice paddler with one broken blade). Having done a lot of the digging work for you, this guide boils it down to a choice between just three boats.

Let's see if we can get you on the water even if you don't have the storage space or the roof bars for a rigid-hull kayak...

best inflatable fishing kayak

What Makes a Boat the Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak for You?

With pretty much any item I can think of, a perfect fit for one person will be completely useless for another. In fact, it's probably pointless to recommend a single, universally best inflatable fishing kayak. With that said, creating some categories based on the most common priorities could work pretty well and save you a lot of leg-work.

It's highly likely you'll have a particular budget you're comfortable with allocating to getting the experience you want. That makes price-bracket useful to include in any categorisation. Then there will be the specific use scenarios you have in mind. For this guide, I've created three categories based on combinations of price, number of occupants/payload, paddling/seating mode and even whether you can mount an electric outboard!

Clickable links in the (dropdown) Table of Contents below will scroll directly to the category you're interested in:

Note: I've also done my best to pick boats that are reliably available (since I found a lot of results to online searches for inflatable fishing kayaks actually point to products that have been pulled from sale). That (along with the shipping logistics) is one reason I've used Amazon Associates links in this article. Qualifying sales resulting from using those associates links do not alter the cost of that item to you - while at the same time earning a typical commission of around 4% for Fishing Discoveries - with my thanks!

However, it is undeniably true that kayak anglers in the USA are far more "spoiled for choice" for inflatable options than the UK...

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak: Premium Sit on Top/SUP High Payload PLUS Transom for Outboard motor  (up to 2 person)

Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 Inflatable FishSUP - Swivel Seat Fishing Rig Package

Now, one reason the category is such a mouthful is that this pick from Sea Eagle covers so many bases in an incredibly compact and portable kit. Not only can you use this boat as a sit-on-top mode with the included swivel seat and standard kayak paddle, you also get a stand up paddleboard (SUP) paddle too. You can see in the image the multiple rod-holder mounts (2 supplied Universal Scotty Rod Holders) in action and also the mount/transom board ready to accept an electric outboard at the back. The maximum load of 500lb is impressive too - creating the scope for up to two occupants within that weight limit.

  • Exterior Size in Use: L12'6" x 40" x 6".
  • Deflated Size: 45" x 15" x 10"
  • Board Thickness:  6".
  • Hull Weight:  48 lbs. (including removable 3lb motor mount)
  • Capacity:   2 Person or 500 lbs
  • Material: 1000 Denier Reinforced Drop Stitch
  • Seam: Quadruple Overlap
  • Air Valves: One Way
  • Inflation Pressure: 12-15 psi

 The manufacturer-reported inflation/assembly time of 7 Minutes compares pretty well to new user reports of 10 to 12 minutes - though the advantages of purchasing an electric pump would seem worthwhile.

Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 Round Up

PLUS POINTS:

  • Stable 40" wide board
  • Good "Stealth" Fishing Color
  • Supplied carry bag a good, practical size
  • Non-slip EVA footpad on the deck
  • 36" Fish Ruler included for the deck 
  • 14 stainless steel D-rings to secure kit 
  • Removable mount for electric outboard (and space on deck for battery)
  • Carry handles at front (1x) Centre (1x) and Back (2x) of the deck
  • Swivel seat (compared to regular kayak seating)
  • Extended swallow-tail for extra stability and maneuverability (provides support for transom, motor and battery)

COULD DO BETTER?

  • Asking for the moon on a stick - but optional extra conversion kit for pedal-drive would make this an unbeatable offering!

Mega-Affordable, Two Person Sit-In Category

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak, K2: 2-Person, Red

OK, so it's a red fishing kayak and there's no mistaking that this is an inflatable option - but look what you get for an exceptionally low price-tag:

  • 2x integrated recessed fishing rod holders.
  • Inflated size: 12'7" X 3'1" X 1'6"
  • Packed size: 25 x 24 x 13 inches
  • Kayak Weight: 39lb
  • 3-ply super tough (PVC with polyester core) construction: Light weight and designed to be resistant to damage from abrasion, impact and sunlight PLUS unaffected by gasoline, oil and salt water (while withstanding higher inflation pressures)
  • High pressure inflation:  Increased rigidity and stability
  • High pressure spring loaded valves:  Easy inflation and fast deflation
  • Capacity:   2 Person max 400 lbs total load
  • 2x removable skegs: Long for deep and shorter for shallow water
  • 2x floor mounted footrests
  • 2x adjustable bucket seats
  • Removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories: For GPS systems, fish finders, swivel fishing rod holders and more
  • Carry bag & repair patch
  • Bow and Stern Storage space with stainless steel d rings for tying down gear
  • 2x 86-inch Aluminum kayak paddles: Non Adjustable 
  • High-output pump 

The above features are impressive and also need to be considered in relation to the higher-priced  kayaks in this guide. In other words, don't forget that it wouldn't be completely fair or appropriate to expect the exact same level of construction and performance as something costing 4 or 5 times more!

It's fair to say that the user reviews are generally very positive.

The exceptions include one or two reminders that it's important to check for any damage or signs of use on what are sold as "new" items (as mistakes can happen with high-turnover/lower cost warehoused items and any shipping/logistics program).

Premium-priced products are, of course, not immune to the same problems within the logistics chain.. 


Intex Excursion Pro K2 Round Up

PLUS POINTS:

  • High maximum weight capacity (400lb) 
  • User-reported stability, good tracking & responsiveness when paddling 
  • 15-minute complete set up time from first-time use (faster with practice) 
  • Integral pressure gauge confirms proper rigidity and operating pressure
  • Generous on-board storage space
  • 4.6 star rating from 27,000+ Amazon reviews
  • Stable while climbing in/out and floor rigid enough to stand on

COULD DO BETTER?

  • Fixed paddle length won't suit all users - and some people will opt to buy separate (possibly adjustable) paddle
  • Supplied carrying bag could be more robust 
  • Some users report lack of support for repairs beyond 90-day warranty period (check for problems early and return if your product is affected)
  • Integral rod-holders tend to angle a pair of rods so that they cross over (though this can be fixed by buying separate Scotty rod holders with rail adaptors - which will fit onto the accessory rails included with the kayak)

Mid Price Solo Paddler Pick for Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak (includes Two Person Option Also)

Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130 Fishing Kayak (with Steelhead 150 2-person option)

While the "130" model of this kayak is included to meet the solo-angler category requirement, it's also available as the two-person "150" model (via the USA link only though!). 

Self-Bailing Drainage holes help to eliminate shipped water while 1000D reinforced/layered PVC and high-backed padded seating combined with proper "fishing" colours and rigid drop-stitched flooring for stand-up casting make a compelling case for being the best inflatable fishing kayak as a true "paddle only" boat. As a sit-in kayak, its profile is more streamlined and refined than the Intex. The long waterline and pair of skegs create good tracking and support long glides.

Core Features include:

  • Length in Use:. 10' 10"  x 39.5" x 13" (1-person model) and 12' 6"  x 39" x 13" (2-person model)
  • Packed size: ‎33.11 x 20.6 x 12.5 inches (1-person model) and 31.7 x 21.3 x 15.3 inches (2-person model)
  • Kayak Weight: 40lb (1-person) and 44lb (2-person)
  • 1000 Dernier reinforced layered PVC construction: Designed to withstand collisions with obstacles and also create a rip/damage resistant, padded base which protects the riders
  • Weight Capacity:  400lbs (1-person) and a massive 600lb (2-person) - best in test figures
  • Halkey Roberts Locking Valves:  Reliable inflation and deflation
  • One Fixed and One Removable skeg: Improved tracking and gliding performance
  • Floor mounted footrest: 2 in 2-person model
  • Adjustable High-backed EVA padded seat: 2 in 2-person model
  • 7x Hard Mounting points: For accessories including GPS, Fish Finders, Rod Holders and More
  • Lightweight Breakdown Paddle: 2 in 2-person model
  • Dual Action High Volume, High Pressure Hand Pump 

Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130/150 Fishing Kayak Round Up

PLUS POINTS:

  • Best in Test weight capacity (400lb & 600lb) 
  • Rated up to Class III Rapids 
  • Generous Bow and Stern Storage
  • Subdued Colors - ideal for fishing
  • Paddle Pockets
  • Front Bow Spray Shield
  • Bungee "Stuff Compartment"
  • Complete Setup and Takedown takes around 10 minutes each
  • Central floor bladder completely removable for ease of cleaning
  • Tough plastic nose cones on both front and rear tips for protection and longevity

COULD DO BETTER?

  • Need to buy separate Scotty Rod Holders AND ensure correct screws (appropriate to inflatable craft) as follows: four 1/4" (0.25") x 7/8" (0.875") Pan Head screws for each mount (avoid pointed-tip wood-screws)

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Final Thoughts

I hope this guide is genuinely useful in cutting through the overwhelming sensations of being spoiled for choice when faced with so many possibilities and factors to compare. The adventure of getting out on the water in your own craft (and not being confined to only fishing from the bank) are fantastic benefits which enrich your angling. Innovations in inflatable fishing kayak technology and design have created some brilliant opportunities at a surprising range of price points - including highly affordable options.

That's really a great gift to all anglers who would struggle to find (or justify) the storage space required for rigid-hull kayaks. Even the ability to transport your boat to the water can be a huge problem if you don't want to (or can't) fit roof bars to your vehicle. If you're on a family trip, your roof bars might already be occupied by other items. It's amazing how well the boats in this guide pack down - and equally amazing how they peform when fully set up.

I wish you the very best in finding the very best inflatable fishing kayak for your exact needs and budget. I also look forward to hearing about your kayak fishing adventures in the comments below.

Paul                    

 

 

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About the author 

Paul G

Angler, Author, Blogger & Biologist

Dr Paul Gaskell

  • Interesting, Paul. I’ve only been a kayak angler a very few years (nearly always fished from the shore previously) but I researched things carefully, first getting a s/h Stearns Spree One inflatable in very good order; this worked really quite well, and at barely 3m long (or inside a large bag before inflation) was highly portable. But it was a bugger to paddle in a straight line, and worse, it was cramped. I swapped it for a s/h rigid plastic job, the Mk1 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100. After installing various fittings by Scotty and Railblaza to hold rods, my Lowrance Elite 5Ti fishfinder sonar, and GoPros, I’ve used it quite a bit. Car-topping it is a bit of a hassle but I devised a method of making things easier on my dodgy back (I’m over 70), and once in the water it’s a delight.
    I do sometimes hanker after an inflatable: they’re getting better all the time, and so convenient. The Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 you’ve listed looks really interesting – will have to research its availability in UK/France. But there’s an alternative you might well have mentioned: a Czech firm called Gumotex uses a very tough material, and they offer a dedicated kayak called Halibut, well spec’d – check it out on YouTube etc, costs around £1100 in UK.
    rgds Tony

    • Thanks for the heads up Tony I’ll have to look into suppliers for Gumotex to point people towards (and dig out some specifications on the “Halibut”) when I get the chance to add updates to the article.

      Paul

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