Best Tandem Fishing Kayak: 2023’S Top Picks For Fishing With A Buddy

Some kayak anglers enjoy the calmness of heading out on the water alone. For them, casting into a tranquil lake on a sunny day, with nothing but birds and frogs disrupting the silence, has to be one of life’s greatest joys. 

Others, however, may find fishing alone to be boring, and for them, having someone there can make a world of difference. Plus, it can turn out to be quite a bonding experience. 

But if you’re going to do it, you’ll need the best tandem fishing kayak first. 

But how do you pick one? What makes a good tandem fishing kayak? What should you be on the lookout for, and what should you avoid?

Well, these are the questions we’re going to answer in this article.

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Best Tandem Kayak For Fishing Buying Guide: What Features Should You Consider?

Before we head into the tandem fishing kayak reviews and recommendations, let’s take a quick look at some of the things you should consider when choosing one.

One thing that became apparent early on during my research – and was further confirmed by several kayak anglers I talked to – was: 

When it comes to the best tandem kayak for fishing, you have to evaluate your personal wants and needs – including those of your fishing buddy, of course – before you can make the final choice. 

The kayak fishing market is filled with outstanding models and endless amounts of accessories. While most differences seem subtle at a glance, they can – and will – make a significant impact on how you use your new kayak. 

I encourage you to talk with whoever will accompany you on your fishing trips and discuss where and how you’ll be using the kayak. 

Once that’s settled, you can pick the best tandem fishing kayak for you both of your needs, using the criteria listed below!

Hull Design & Dimensions 

When it comes to choosing the best two person fishing kayak, one of the first – and arguably, most important – factors to consider would be the design of the hull and the kayak’s overall dimensions, weight included. 

First, let’s talk about how you’ll be using your tandem fishing kayak: 

Adjusting your fishing rods and casting, leaning over, reeling in your catch, and retrieving gear – there’s a lot of movement going on onboard a fishing kayak. 

Now, make that a double. 

You can’t expect your fishing buddy to sit perfectly still as you catch the fish! 

So, yes, stability is crucial for a two-person fishing kayak. It’s the one thing that should never be compromised. 

A broader hull, preferably with a flat bottom, is a proven way to ensure stability in a kayak. However, things aren’t always that simple: 

You have to look at how the design affects other factors such as speed, tracking, and maneuverability. 

Broader hulls feel more stable on the water, sure – but it’s the longer and narrower ones that travel faster. 

Second, tandem kayaks aren’t the most lightweight or compact options around. 

When you add the fishing gear, accessories, and mounting hardware, don’t be shocked to see the weight of a fully-rigged fishing kayak go well above the 100-pound mark. 

Sure, you’ll likely have a second pair of hands to help you transport it – but that doesn’t mean that weight shouldn’t be a concern, both in and out of water. 

Is It Rigged For Fishing? 

The reason why you’re getting a specialized fishing kayak comes down to the included accessories and hardware that work with your fishing gear. 

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be much – if any – difference between fishing and “ordinary” recreational kayaks, now, would it? 

So, if you want to get the best tandem fishing kayak, it must be rigged like one: 

Things like multiple holders for you and your partner’s fishing rods, dedicated mounting spots for a fish finder, GPS, and a trolling motor, tie-downs, storage, an anchor system, a built-in tackle box are a must in an angling kayak, tandem or not. 

In short, it should be equipped with all the little extras and accessories that ensure the best possible kayak fishing experience for everyone involved. 

You’d probably be able to transform any non-fishing kayak into a rigged-out fish-catching machine with aftermarket kits, but such DIY projects can be time-consuming and budget-draining. If you want to do yourself a favor, go with a specialized angling kayak. 

Top tip; It might seem like a no-brainer but make sure you know where the best fishing spots are – for a helping hand check our our free interface map of fishing spots near you.

While we’re on the subject of great advise, be sure to read our best kayak fishing tips.

Maximum Load Capacity: The Higher, The Better 

Who, what, and how much you can bring on board the kayak – without compromising its ability to stay afloat – depends mostly on the kayak’s maximum load capacity. 

Now, I get that, with the tandem kayaks being as massive as they are, it’s easy to forget that tandems still have certain limitations in terms of how much weight they can carry safely – but they do. 

Different models will have different maximum weight capacities, but you can generally expect the best 2 person fishing kayaks to fall in the range of 400 to 600 pounds. 

Be sure to take your and your partner’s weight into account, everything you’ll pack for the day – food, water, fishing gear, and the like – and even your potential catch; the numbers add up faster than you think. 

I’d recommend that you stay at about 75 percent of the kayak’s maximum capacity. You can load it to the max – theoretically speaking, that is – but not without performance-related consequences. 

You’ll Need Plenty Of Storage Space 

Storage is always something to consider when choosing a kayak. With two grown adults, their fishing gear, food, water, spare clothes – and any other essential items you might bring on board – it becomes a make-or-break factor. 

And the longer your fishing trip is, the more storage space you need. 

Now, here’s the good news: 

Fishing kayaks in general – and especially the two-person models – typically go above and beyond in terms of onboard storage space. 

However, different models offer different storage solutions. 

Be sure to check whether the kayak has front or rear bungee deck rigging (preferably both), tie-downs for accessories, and mesh pockets. A dedicated space to store your catch in order to keep it fresh or away from ‘gators, a well for a kayak cooler, and at least one waterproof storage compartment for your valuables would be nice. 

Paddles, Pedals – Or Maybe A Motor?  

Paddles are the golden standard, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look into other propulsion methods when choosing the best 2 person kayak for fishing. 

Pedal-driven kayaks, for example, can be an outstanding alternative. A pedal kayak free up your hands, allowing you to focus on the real reason you’re there – catching fish – and they’re typically less taxing on the body than paddling.

But if you want to kick the “oomph” factor to the max, look into tandem fishing kayaks with rear motor mounting systems. You can’t argue with the convenience and efficiency of a motor-powered kayak – especially if you’re planning a particularly long fishing trip.

You should still have a pair of well-made, reliable paddles onboard your two-person fishing kayak. Motors run out of fuel, and pedaling systems fail; a simple paddle can be a real life-saver in such a scenario.

Best 2 Person Fishing Kayak – Reviews & Recommendations

Final Verdict – Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks

Some two person fishing kayaks are nothing more than a standard sit-on-top recreational kayak with a couple of flush-mount rod holders added to it – enough to pass as a fishing kayak, but not quite enough to meet a real angler’s needs. 

Other fully rigged options tend to cost an arm and a leg. 

Then, there’s the Lifetime 10 Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak – a two-person kayak that offers an outstanding bang for your buck. 

And although this was, by no means, a clear-cut choice, I consider it the best tandem fishing kayak. 

It’s relatively lightweight and portable – for a hard-shell, anyway – but still offers a substantial enough load capacity, storage options, and accessories to provide a comfortable fishing experience. 

Given the price point that we’re talking about here, it doesn’t get much better than that!