Tandem kayaks are for dreamers: anglers who dream of sharing the fishing and kayaking experience with a friend or family member. But the dream becomes a nightmare when limited space and poor design lead to a slow and cumbersome kayak that causes more arguments than happy memories. I have shared many happy hours on the fishing kayaks in this review. Each boat is reliable, stable and sporty with fishing features so my friend and I can concentrate on having fun.
Best Two-Person Fishing Kayaks of 2025: Top Picks
- Feelfree Kayaks Lure II Tandem
- Brooklyn Kayak Company 13 Pro Tandem
- Hobie Mirage Oasis
- Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak
Feelfree Kayaks Lure II Tandem
Feelfree Lure II Tandem Specs
Length: 14’2”
Width: 36”
Weight: 105 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $1,599
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FEELFREE KAYAKS ECO FISHING SHOP
Why I Love It
I’ve been a fan of Feelfree Kayaks since the New Zealand kayak company arrived in America in the early days of the kayak fishing craze. Their famous Wheel in the Keel has a cult following that appreciates the ability to roll the boat without a kayak cart. To test the Lure II, I fished with my teenage daughter. The boat’s stability, durability and comfort let us forget about kayaking and just have fun. To start with comfort: the Gravity seats are the most comfortable padded, fitted and adjustable seats on the water. I pull a lever to raise the seat for fishing and lower it to paddle the kayak. The boat has two sonar pods so I can position my fish finder in the forward or rear cockpit. Gear tracks in the fore and aft cockpits allow me to install rod holders and accessories for each angler. The Lure II Tandem isn’t just a kayak with two seats, it’s two complete fishing kayaks in one boat.
Reasons to Buy
- Adjustable, high-low seats
- Fore and aft gear tracks and sonar pods
- Wheel in the Keel
- Heavy-duty build quality
Consider Another Model If
- You have limited storage or transportation options
Bottom Line
The Feelfree Lure II Tandem is a full-feature fishing kayak for two people. The boat is super stable and easy to paddle with comfortable high-low seats. The Lure II is a big, heavy tandem, but the convenient wheel in the keel helps manage moving the boat.
Best Budget Tandem Fishing Kayak
Brooklyn Kayak Company 13 Pro Tandem
BKC 13 Pro Tandem Specs
Length: 12’9”
Width: 34.25”
Weight: 85 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $1,167
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Why I Love It
Reviewing kayaks for Kayak Angler isn’t like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. In addition to the premier kayaks I test and photograph, I also review boats at the lower end of the price range. When I saw Brooklyn Kayak Company on the Internet, I reached out to their office (in Brooklyn) and the folks sent a TK122 for me to test drive. Not only is the TK122 one of the least expensive tandem kayaks, but it is also light and easy to operate. As part of the testing process, my wife and daughter (both novices) paddled and fished out of the boat. But that doesn’t mean the TK122 skimps on fishing accessories. The boat has two large square hatches to store gear below deck and four flush mount rod holders and gear tracks to install more accessories. The high-low frame seats are simple and light but still comfortable. The only sacrifice is the durability of the plastic parts, but the TK122 will last for years of fun trips.
Reasons to Buy
- Save money by buying one kayak instead of two
- Casual angler who fishes sheltered water
- Flat deck for standup fishing
Consider Another Model If
- Durability is important
- Open water and long distances are on the game plan
Bottom Line
Rigged for fishing with high-low frame seats and huge deck hatches, the Brooklyn Kayaks 13 Pro Tandem offers the most value for the money. The boat comes with two fiberglass paddles so it is ready to fish right out of the box. The TK122 is lighter than other tandem kayaks making it easy to manage on water and land. Of course, saving money comes at a cost, the TK122 doesn’t use the highest-grade foot pegs, handles and gear tracks, but the boat is ready for years of fun.
Best Tandem Pedal Kayak
Hobie Mirage Oasis
Hobie Mirage Oasis Specs
Length: 14’6”
Width: 33”
Weight: 130 lbs
Capacity: 550 lbs
MSRP: $4,599
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Why I Love It
If I’m going to splurge on a tandem pedal kayak, I might as well go all the way with the Hobie Mirage Oasis. Sure, the boat is expensive, but it pays off in quality construction, design and features. I’ve pedaled the Oasis with friends and the sporty, streamlined hull is fast and agile. Hobie’s ergonomic seats have lumbar support and an adjustable back and bottom to keep my legs from going numb. Then there’s the industry-leading Mirage Drive MD180 with Kick-Up Fins with forward and reverse and fins that collapse when they hit an underwater object. I like the Mirage Drive because it is light and compact, leaving more space in the kayak cockpit. Hobie makes the most of the space with two eight-inch round hatches and a large bow hatch for storage. A pedal-powered sit-on-top kayak is faster and more efficient than a paddle-powered fishing kayak making the Mirage Oasis ready for long-distance fishing trips on open water.
Reasons to Buy
- Ambitious fishing plans
- Ready to rig for fishing
- Steering controls in fore and aft cockpit
- Mirage Drive 180 with Kick-Up Fins are fast, efficient and durable
Bottom Line
Tandem fishing kayaks are heavy and awkward with limited space, but Hobie’s Mirage Oasis overcomes these challenges with a full-feature, premium kayak powered by their powerful Mirage Drive 180 with Kick-Up Fins. This sit-on-top tandem is certified for big-time fishing and serious anglers. If your tandem fishing dreams have no limitations, then the Mirage Oasis is the boat to take you there.
Best Tandem Inflatable
Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler
Sea Eagle 385fta Specs
Length: 12’6”
Width: 36”
Weight: 45 lbs
Capacity: 635 lbs
MSRP: $1,834
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Why I Love It
Versatility. I can rig Sea Eagle 385fta as a single or tandem kayak. I can add a trolling motor or an impeller. And, the boat is designed to easily inflate with a drop-stitch floor to increase rigidity. Anglers purchase an inflatable fishing kayak because they want to save space and weight. The 385fta is one of the lightest and most compact tandem inflatables. It’s one of the best handling inflatables as well, with a separate air chamber in the bow that acts as a keel to keep the kayak on course. Reinforced vinyl on the pontoons and hull provides an extra layer of protection against punctures. I’m looking for an inflatable tandem kayak that stores and transports easily; the Sea Eagle 385fta checks all the boxes.
Reasons to Buy
- Solo or tandem options
- Motor-ready
- Light and compact
- Durable and stable
Bottom Line
The Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler may not be the most spacious or comfortable tandem inflatable, but it is the lightest, most compact and versatile. I paddle the kayak or install an electric motor to take the work out of fishing. Other tandem inflatables may have a more comfortable seat or efficient pedal system, but the 385fta is capable of deflating and packing in minutes, which is the reason most people purchase an inflatable kayak.
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Brands
- Vibe Kayaks
- Native Watercraft
- Perception Kayaks
- NuCanoe
- Blackfoot Kayaks
- Jackson Kayak
- FeelFree Kayaks
- Brooklyn Kayak Company
- Crescent Kayaks
- BOTE
- Wilderness Systems
- Hobie
- Sea Eagle Boats
- Old Town
- Bonafide Kayaks
- Pelican Sport
How We Tested the Best Tandem Fishing Kayaks
Kayak Angler magazine is the leading authority on all things kayak fishing. As editor, I have access to the latest and greatest fishing kayaks for testing and review. We receive dozens of fishing kayaks each year and I spend hours assembling, moving, storing, transporting and maintaining each boat.
Once I have a fishing kayak, I like to assemble the boat and document the process. Then, I load the boat on my car roof, in my truck bed or onto my kayak trailer and cart it to the water.
To test the tandem kayaks in this review, I invited a friend or family member to fish with me. In most cases, I volunteered my wife or daughter, both novice kayak anglers. Working with another angler allowed me to evaluate how the boat moves and maneuvers. Is there space for paddling and casting? Where do I store gear and tackle? Are my guests and I comfortable and safe?
At the end of the day, I unload my gear and load the boat for transport. Tandem kayaks are large and heavy, so transporting and storing the boat is a key component of ownership. Asking my partner for a hand helps, but I need to be able to move the boat by myself.
After testing the tandem kayaks in this review, I realized the fun part of fishing in a tandem is fishing in the tandem. Operating the boat and working the fishing rod is a challenge, and the best tandem fishing kayak makes the experience fun. Sharing a fishing day with another person in a small boat should lead to laughter instead of arguments. With the best tandem fishing kayak, I spend more time laughing than cursing. And if you’re fishing solo, don’t miss my top picks for the best fishing kayaks.
Feature photo: Patrick Hayes
