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In the world of fishing, finding the ideal angler kayak that effortlessly combines portability and performance is a pursuit for many avid anglers.
This guide explores the top contenders in the realm of lightweight angler kayaks, designed to enhance your fishing experience without weighing you down.
Want to know the best lightweight fishing kayak? My top pick is the Aquaglide Chelan 120, weighing less than 30 pounds.
Top 12 Best Lightweight Fishing Kayaks Reviewed
1: Aquaglide Chelan 120 (the lightest)
- Weight: 28.3 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Length: 11 foot 3 inches
- Width: 32.5 inches
- Depth: 11.5 inches
The Aquaglide Chelan 120 is the lightest fishing kayak and is even lighter than most recreational and touring kayaks, weighing just over 28 pounds.
It’s extremely portable, being an inflatable kayak that can be carried in the included backpack. However, this does not come with a pump.
There is plenty of space on the deck, with the drop-stitch floor providing rigidity for improved stability and performance on the water. This is pretty quick over the water and can handle both flatwater and moderate rivers.
One of the best features of this kayak is that it has a Universal Accessory Mount. This lets you mount a rod holder (not included) in a convenient central spot on the deck. You’ll also find MOLLE plates with mesh bags so you can organize your tackle and gear.
There are splash guards at the bow and stern, both with bungee cords to secure gear to the deck. There are D-rings and webbing loops for tying down additional gear.
For comfort, there’s a padded seat with a high backrest for support. The backrest is adjustable. I like that the seat also benefits from having storage pockets and the front and back. The adjustable footrest lets you stabilize yourself in the seat.
Pros
- Can be transported in a backpack
- Very lightweight
- Accessory mount
Cons
- Pump not included
> More Aquaglide kayak reviews
2: Sea Eagle 385FTA FastTrack Angler (best tandem)
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 635 pounds
- Length: 12 foot 6 inches
- Width: 36 inches
- Depth: 9.5 inches (tube diameter)
The Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Angler is a tandem kayak that’s built for versatility and convenience.
It can be paddled tandem or solo and it even has the stability for standing up, allowing for easier and more comfortable casting. The non-slip EVA padding on the deck helps to make standing safer.
This stable fishing kayak can handle most types of water, including up to Class II rapids.
It’s packed with features for the experienced angler, including front and rear spray skirts with built-in fishing rod holders, tool and tackle holders, plus bungee cords for securing gear. There’s also space under the spray skirts to store larger items and an angler ruler along the sides of the kayak.
Another excellent feature of this inflatable fishing kayak is that it has four separate air chambers. Having multiple air chambers is better for safety and buoyancy as it helps to keep you afloat if one chamber happens to suffer a puncture.
However, this is made from tough, durable material that’s built to handle dogs’ claws, dropped hooks, and sharp rocks.
A downside to this is that there’s not much legroom for two large adults when paddling tandem. This also affects how much gear you’re able to bring. I recommend it for fishing with a child or a dog.
Pros
- Durable material
- Good tackle storage
- Stable fishing platform
Cons
- Not the most spacious for two adult anglers
> Full Sea Eagle 385 FTA review