2 Person Fishing Kayak Buying Guide

So, if a solo fishing kayak is so much fun and such an effective fishing craft, then why wouldn’t a kayak made for TWO folks be even better? It seems for many anglers, having a 2 person fishing kayak which allows a friend to come along and share the fun and excitement of kayak fishing is a very good idea. And many kayak companies have addressed this desire for a double-person boat by offering a wide range of kayaks for two.

Truth be told, a tandem kayak can offer good fishing for two people without the expense of providing two individual boats. And if one of the people involved is nervous or inexperienced, being on a 2 person fishing kayak can be a very good way to introduce this person to kayak fishing without the worry of being alone on the boat.

2 Person Fishing Kayak Points To Consider

The first thing that potential tandem kayak anglers will need to remember is that two-person kayaks are longer and quite a bit heavier than singles.  This means that loading and unloading might be more of a chore than easy load and launch single boats.

Another point of tandem kayaks is that they are usually not as quick to turn and adjust to wind, current and big boat wakes as singles.  And it will take more effort from either paddlers, pedalers or motor operators to move the 2 person fishing kayak.  More weight just requires more energy to move.

Finally, tandem kayaks will cost more than a single kayak. However, we have to keep in mind that a tandem will put two people on the water at a lower price than two singles. Tandem kayaks will cost more than most single person kayaks. However, a two-person kayak will almost certainly cost less than two individual boats. Two people can get on the water for fishing cheaper from a tandem than two singles.

There are many tandem kayaks for an angler to examine- most kayak makers have at least a few tandem models.  Here are just a few of the many tandem fishing kayaks offered for anglers to consider.

Best 2 Person Fishing Kayaks

Hobie Mirage Compass Duo

Features

• Length: 13’6″
• Width: 35″
• Weight: 92 lbs
• Capacity: 475 lbs 
• Dual Mirage pedal drives
• Ergonomic seating
• Built-in H-tracks for accessories
• Above and below deck storage

Experience the power of the Mirage Compass Duo, equipped with dual MirageDrives featuring Kick-Up Fins that retract upon impact. This tandem kayak is a perfect blend of performance and convenience, featuring both the MirageDrive 180 and MirageDrive with Glide Technology, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride in both forward and reverse. Its sleek hull design optimizes speed and stability while minimizing drag. Inside the cockpit, you’ll find comfortable, ergonomic seating, 4 Integrated H-Tracks for accessory mounting, and ample above and below deck storage compartments for all your gear. The sleek waterline and Kick-Up Rudder system contribute to the kayak’s impressive nimbleness, responsiveness, and durability. The spacious Compass Duo is user-friendly and adventure-ready, making it the perfect choice for water excursions with adults, kids, and even furry companions.

Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC PK14 Angler

Features

• Length: 14′
• Width: 34″
• Weight: 95 lbs
• Capacity: 670 lbs 
• Upright seats and paddles
• Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene hull
• 2 instant reverse pedal drive systems
• 3 rod holders
• 4 accessory plates
• 2 pedal covers with cupholder

The BKC PK14 offers speed, stability, and shared enjoyment on the water. While designed for tandem adventures, solo kayakers will also find it easy to control using hand-operated rudder controls located near the rear seat. This kayak is agile whether managed by the rudder or paddle alone. Additionally, when combining pedal and paddle power, or upgrading to an electric trolling motor, solo kayakers can achieve impressive speeds.

Equipped with a large watertight bow storage hatch and a recessed cargo area behind the rear seat, the BKC PK14 Tandem Kayak provides ample storage. It boasts three flush-mounted rod holders for securing fishing gear during travel or hands-free fishing. The kayak’s scupper holes with optional plugs allow for drainage, and four integrated handles simplify transport and loading.

Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 15 Tandem

Features

• Length: 15′ 3″
• Width: 31″
• Weight: 90 lbs
• Capacity: 600 lbs 
• Two Hi / Low, First Class, Hand-Sewn Seating with Forward and Aft Adjusting
• Able to Convert to Solo Seating
• Two Seat Bases with Storage and Cup Holder
• Open Stern Storage Area
• One Tight Line Anchor Trolley
• Two Sets of Adjustable Foot Braces
• Padded Carry Handles
• Stern and Bow Bulkhead

Experience unforgettable moments with family and friends on the water with our solid tandem, hybrid canoe/kayak platform. Whether it’s fishing, hunting, camping, or simply enjoying a leisurely day on the water, the Ultimate FX Tandem fishing kayak guarantees cherished memories. Equipped with two high/low seats for enhanced fish-ability and day-long comfort, it can effortlessly transform into a solo paddling boat for moments of solitude. Moreover, the Ultimate FX 15 Tandem provides abundant storage space to fulfill all your kayak fishing requirements.

Feelfree US Lure II Tandem

Features

• Length: 14′ 2″
• Width: 36″
• Weight: 105 lbs
• Capacity: 500 lbs 
• Patented Wheel in the Keel
• Molded in handles
• Recessed fittings
• Molded in paddle park
• Drain plug
• Patented Gravity Seat x2
• Removable Sonar & Electronic Pod x2
• Front hatch
• Front Uni Track rail
• Mid Uni Track rail
• Rear Uni Track rail with tie down system
• Molded-in crate recess
• Fishing rod holders
• Stand up leash x2
• Standing pad

Introducing the latest addition to the Lure Series – a tandem fishing kayak by Feelfree. Designed to meet the high expectations of anglers, it provides the same exceptional comfort, stability, and versatility found in our kayaks, but now multiplied by two. The Lure II boasts two complete cockpits, each equipped with removable sonar & electronic sonar pods, standing platforms, and patented Gravity Seats. No compromises are made in delivering the ultimate experience for two anglers.

Points To Consider For 2 Person Fishing Kayak With Pedals

A tandem kayak which uses pedal power will be twice as complicated and will require some coordination to keep the two pedals working in sync. However, two pedalers can really make a kayak get up and move.

All pedal kayaks cost more than their paddle powered forms, and this comes double with tandems. But pedal power is a very efficient and pleasant way to move a kayak whether single or double.

Paddling or pedaling a 2 person fishing kayak will require a certain level of cooperation and coordination.  It helps if the paddle strokes of both paddlers can be kept close to the same rhythm and amount of thrust. A too powerful paddler or pedaler in the front can create steering problems for a less enthusiastic paddler in the rear where most of the steering of a kayak is done.

Points To Consider For 2 Person Fishing Kayak With Trolling Motor

A good designed-for-kayak-use motor can make a 2 person fishing kayak a real joy.  The motor will have to push more weight than it does in a solo kayak, but most modern kayak motors can handle a tandem kayak with no problem.

A properly fitted and mounted electric kayak propulsion system can make two-person kayaking much less strenuous and a lot more fun. It’s a good thing to just sit back and let the battery and motor do the hard work.

Anglers will need to be aware that kayak motor systems require batteries of some sort, but the newer Li-Po battery systems are remarkably light weight with long run time.

Points To Consider For Inflatable 2 Person Fishing Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks can answer a lot of problems for anglers, but the larger size and greater complexity of a tandem is also a consideration. Modern inflatable kayaks come with both manual inflation systems and electric pump systems, so inflation and deflations are much easier than old-fashioned pump-up boats, and the modern inflatable fishing kayaks are easy to paddle or pedal.

Although inflatable kayaks are not as efficient on the water as solid hulled boats, an inflatable can be taken a lot of places that traditional kayaks can’t. And some inflatable kayaks can even be folded up, packed tightly in its bag and taken on airlines planes.

Tandem Fishing Kayak FAQs

What is the most stable 2 person fishing kayak?

There are a number of excellent two-person kayaks for stability, but potential buyers need to be aware that stability can also come with slower, more difficult to paddle or pedal hulls.

Can you stand in a 2 person fishing kayak?

This depends entirely on the person doing the standing. Some folks can do just fine standing in a tandem kayak, and others can’t handle it. Of course, standing in a tandem means that the standing angler will assume that the other angler won’t make any sudden movements which might upset the balance of the kayak.

Does the color of a fishing kayak matter?

In most cases, the color of any kayak is irrelevant. However, a brighter colored kayak is easier to see, and it might be safer in waters which have heavy boat traffic.

Final Thoughts On 2 Person Fishing Kayaks

And from our experiences with fishing from 2 person kayaks, the biggest consideration for happy tandem kayaking is that both anglers agree on the destination and the fishing. If one angler wants to, “go over there!” and the other angler wants to, “go over THERE!” it can be a problem.

The more experienced paddler in a 2 person fishing kayak setup needs to be sitting in the rear seat where the steering and directional control comes from.

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