17 Best Fishing Inflatable Boats [New models]

Best Fishing Inflatable Boats Guide

Last article update: May 23rd, 2023 (12:05 pm)

If you like fishing, you may have faced the handling, transportation, and storage problems involved with a traditional rigid fishing boat. It’s perhaps one of the biggest reasons for avid anglers to give up their hobby.

Inflatable fishing boats have made the life of fishing enthusiasts much easier though.

In fact, I’ve been using SIBs for fishing for years, and have tried many types of inflatable watercraft during this time.

In this detailed guide, I will list my top picks for the best inflatable fishing boats in 2024. I will also cover the most important factors you need to consider when making your choice.

Let’s get started, the fish don’t wait!

Can You Use an Inflatable Boat for Fishing?

Although inflatable boats are by no means new to the market, older models weren’t tough enough to bear the heavy wear and tear that’s normally caused during fishing.

Despite the comfortable ride offered by some older versions of inflatable boats, they were never the first choice for fishing. Apart from the comparatively delicate fabric, which was prone to get punctured by fishing hooks, these older models were also very difficult to pilot.

However, most of the new generation inflatable fishing boats overcome these shortcomings. They’re not only much sturdier and easier to use than their earlier versions but even offer some amazing features, like:

  • Seats
  • Rod Support
  • Accessories Bag
  • Mounts for Motor

With the latest technological developments providing these useful capabilities, the inflatable boats are no doubt making inroads into the angling industry. They’re fast replacing the conventional hard body boats as the new favorites for fishing purposes.

Arguably, the biggest benefit accrued by you from an inflatable fishing boat is its tremendous portability and ease of storage. The storage and transportation expenses saved by you on each of your fishing outings are another advantage that you get. In addition, the inflatable boats are much less costly than the conventional hard-shell ones.

Most of the SIBs can be packed, stowed, and transported in large duffel bags that can be easily carried by you. The space occupied by these bags/cases is not much, which allows you to fit in your angling accessories also in your car.

So if you’re asking yourself, “Are inflatable boats good for fishing?” You bet they are!

The 5 types of fishing inflatable boats

Just like their traditional counterparts, inflatable fishing boats are available in various types having different configurations. Although all these inflatable boats enable you to move away from the shoreline towards deeper waters, you need to choose the right model to meet your requirements.

In this article, you’ll find all the relevant details about the five basic types of fishing inflatables available on the market.

Going in order, I will show you my recommendations for the best inflatable fishing watercraft of 2024 in the following categories:

  • Inflatable rafts
  • Inflatable dinghies
  • Inflatable pontoon boats
  • Float tubes
  • Inflatable sitting and standing (SUPs) kayaks

Here is a summary table first, followed by the details

TypeBoatDescriptionCapacityDetails
1.RaftSea Eagle Sts10 FeaturesBest Fishing Raft
Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker
The Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker Inflatable Fishing Boat is a great choice for anglers who want a versatile, durable and affordable fishing boat.
2 people
1200 lbs
Details
2.RaftSea Eagle Packfish7 FeaturesPackFish 7 SE
The PackFish 7 is a versatile and portable inflatable fishing boat that is great for lakes, ponds, and streams.
1 people
400 lbs
Details
3.Raft17 Best Fishing Inflatable Boats [New models] 1Intex Excursion 5
This raft is a good all-around pick, even for fishing. It is cheap and is perfect for a small group or family, with enough room to comfortably fish or cruise.
5 people
1320 lbs
Details
4.RaftSevylor Fish Hunter 360 FeaturesSevylor Fish Hunter 360
The Sevylor Fish Hunter 360 inflatable fishing boat is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy a day of fishing.
6 people
1250 lbs
Details
5.RaftAirhead Angler Bay 6Airhead Angler Bay 6
This boat is aimed at budget-fishermen, but it makes for a good family boat as well. It is roomy and has nice features, but lacks a few things that the Intex Excursion has at its price point.
6 people
900 lbs
Details
6.DinghySea Eagle Fishskiff 16Best Fishing Dinghy
Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16
The SE FishSkiff is revolutionary in that it's as rugged as a framed boat, but portable like an inflatable should be.
3 people
1700 lbs
Details
7.DinghySaturn Fb300nSaturn FB300
The FB300 was developed specifically for fisherman, with some very impressive features.
3 people
750 lbs
Details
8.DinghyBris 14 1 Fishing Kayak FeaturesBRIS Kaboat
This Kabout is great for fishing for 1 or 2 anglers on wide open lakes, or even narrow rivers passages.
3 people
750 lbs
Details
9.DinghyAleko 10 5 Fishing Inflatable Boat
Aleko Pro 10.5'
The ALEKO PRO 10.5' inflatable fishing boat is perfect for a day out on the lake fishing. It has a lot of extra features for anglers.
4 people
900 lbs
Details
10.Kayak385fta Sea Eagle SideBest Fishing Kayak
Sea Eagle 385 FTA Angler
This FastTrack inflatable fishing kayak is feature-rich, lightweight, and easy to transport.
3 people
635 lbs
Details
11.KayakSevylor Colorado Fishing Kayak FeaturesSevylor Colorado
This fishing kayak is designed for fishing, with a comfortable seat and plenty of storage for fishing gear.
2 people
470 lbs
Details
12.KayakIntex Excursion Pro Kayak K2 Image Attachment (large)Intex Excursion Pro
This low priced inflatable kayak has a lot of features for anglers, but the floor isn't stable.
2 people
400 lbs
Details
13.PontoonSea Eagle Foldcat FeaturesBest Fishing Pontoon Boat
Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat
The 375fc pontoon boat is perfect for fisherman who want a stable and comfortable platform from which to fish.
2 people
650 lbs
Details
14.PontoonSea Eagle 285 FeaturesSE 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat
Thanks to its unique frameless body, this pontoon boat is great for anglers looking for ultimate portablitiy.
1 people
450 lbs
Details
15.PontoonOutcast Fish Cat Panther FeaturesOutcast Fish Cat Panther
A quad hulled, super stable pontoon boat for fishing anywhere.
1 people
400 lbs
Details
16.PontoonClassic Accessories Colorado Xts Inflatable Fishing PontoonColorado XTS
This pontoon boat makes fishing comfortable, but is expensive.
1 people
400 lbs
Details
17.TubeCumberland Float TubeBest Fishing Float Tube
Cumberland Float Tube
The Cumberland Float Tube is perfect for fisherman who want to get closer to the action.
1 people
350 lbs
Details
18.iSUPSea Eagle Fishsup 126Best Fishing iSUP
Sea Eagle FishSUP 126
The FishSUP 126 is a great option for fisherman who are looking for a stable, feature-filled inflatable SUP to fish from.
1 people
500 lbs
Details

Inflatable Rafts for Fishing

Most inflatable rafts you see at the beach are simple toys that are designed for no more than paddling around in a pool. They are delicate and puncture easily, hence they are not suitable for fishing.

Intex Excursion 5

On the other hand, inflatable rafts on the higher end of the spectrum (like the Intex Excursion 5) can be almost as heavy-duty as an orthodox boat, but cost you thousands of dollars less.

Superficially, you may confuse these with a dinghy or a kayak. However, there are a few marked differences – mainly with respect to the configuration, shape and materials used.

Typically, a raft has an air-filled tube surrounding the flat open base of the boat. The floor can be of different types and may include inflatable seats.

Depending on the quality of the raft, you will notice large price differences. Materials used and general manufacturing quality varies a lot, but the price is a reliable indicator of what you get.

To make a real fishing boat out of a raft though, you need to build a hard floor like this one.

Where can you fish with inflatable rafts?

Inflatable rafts are great on flat water, like lakes and slow-moving rivers. They are not seaworthy or safe on rapids, so don’t take them out to sea or into whitewater.

Here are the best inflatable rafts you can use for fishing.

Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker 10 (STS10)

The Stealth Stalker 10 is another winner from the premium manufacturers of inflatable boats, Sea Eagle. It’s a two person fishing boat and has uses under various situations. It can be easily operated by one person in rough rivers or bays as well as calm lakes.

Sea Eagle Sts10 Features
Stealth Stalker 10 specs
Capacity2 people or 1200 lbs
Size10’1″ x 5′
Weight45 lbs
Air chambers3 ( port, starboard, and bow )
Vinyl1000 Denier 36 mil, reinforced floor

The STS10 boasts amazing stability and long durability and it allows you to enjoy fishing at your favorite spots. The completely enclosed hull of this lightweight inflatable boat provides you the desired stability and adequate space for all your angling accessories.

This boat has wide floorboards, so you can stand and move your supplies around with ease. It even comes with 2 swiveling seats

Besides being very easy to transport and convenient to store, there’s plenty of space inside the boat for all your fishing tools. This boat has two inbuilt 40″ fish rulers and four rod holding attachments to give it a marked edge over its competitors.

PackFish 7 from Sea Eagle

PackFish 7 is one of the most portable inflatable boats in the market. The small fishing craft is perfect for a single person angling expedition. With only 22 pounds of weight, it can be simply carried as a backpack.

The boat is actually an alternative to a float tube. Unlike float tubes, the large air chambers allow for a totally dry fishing experience, but still only have 4 inches of draft.

Sea Eagle Packfish7 Features
PackFish7 specs
Capacity1 person or 400 lbs
Size9′ x 4’8″
Weight32 lbs
Air chambers2
Vinyl 1000 Denier PVC coated Polyester, 840 Denier Nylon protective cover

The PF7 has a frame-less design, which allows it to be folded and packed into a small bag. It inflates in 5 minutes to 1.1 PSI, and you’re ready to fish.

Despite its small size, it has some amazing features like rod holders, storage pockets for your fishing accessories and tackles, fishing rulers etc.

The little boat has an optional hard floorboard as well, which means you could stand up in it and cast. It comes standard with an inflatable seat with great back support.

The PackFish 7 just might be the perfect backpack fishing boat.

Intex Excursion 5

The Excursion 5 is a very popular family-oriented inflatable raft. It is rugged, has a large capacity and size, so it is marketed to family hobby boaters. I have a detailed review of the raft here.

Intex Excursion 5 Parts
Intex Excursion 5 specs
Capacity 5 people or 1,320 lbs (600 kg)
Size 144″ L x 66″ W x 17″ H
Weight44 lbs
Air chambers3
Vinyl30 gauge

The Excursion 5 is also a very popular raft among fishermen on a budget!

It is large enough to fit your fishing gear, including coolers and even a trolling motor.

There is a catch though. As with most inflatable rafts, you will need to build a hard floor for it, to make it stable enough to move around on. It makes for a great weekend project, and you’ll get a perfectly capable fishing boat for a great price in the end. Here is how to build one.

Sevylor Fish Hunter 360

The Fish Hunter is an inflatable raft that was designed to be a fishing boat. It has some nice angler-oriented features, you can read more about them in my detailed review of the raft.

Sevylor Fish Hunter 360 Features
Sevylor Fish Hunter 360 specs
Capacity 6 people – 1250 lbs
Size 137″ L x 67″ W
Weight48 lbs
Air chambers5
Vinyl heavy-duty 32 gauge PVC

Sevylor got a lot of things right when they designed this raft. It features heavy-duty vinyl to avoid abrasion related damage, huge capacity to fit all of your fishing supplies, an optional transom to mount a motor, and 2 Berkley quick set fishing rod holders.

Even at around double the price of the Excursion 5, it is a good buy.

If you are even a little serious about fishing though, you will need to build a hard floor for this boat as well. Being a fishing raft, I really think Sevylor should make one and sell it as an extra, but they don’t.

Angler Bay from AIRHEAD

This is one of the most affordable and lightweight inflatable fishing rafts on the market. I go through all of its features in this review.

Angler Bay Parts
Angler Bay specs
Capacity6 people or 900 lbs
Size 140″ L x 66.5″ W x 17″ H
Weight28 lbs
Air chambers3
Vinyl heavy duty 32 gauge PVC

It has inbuilt drink holders, wrap-around grab lines, and rod holders to let you enjoy your fishing expedition with your family or friends.

Like most inflatable rafts, it does not have a hard floor. You will need to build one yourself if you want improved stability during your fishing trips.

The Angler Bay is value for the money and a real deal for the fun anglers. It isn’t as good as more expensive fishing boats, but it gets the job done.

Inflatable Dinghies for Fishing (aka sports boats)

As I mentioned, a Dinghy is very similar to a Raft. However, their shape is different and they are much more rugged.

Aleko Pro Fishing Dinghy

Unlike a raft, which has an air-tube completely encircling its floor, a dinghy has u-shaped bladders. These air bladders are connected at the boat’s rear end with a transom.

This arrangement not only provides it extra stability, but also makes it easier and simpler to navigate and control. It’s easier to place a strong outboard motor on the transom as well.

Although some models of rafts are almost as stable and comfortable as dinghies (like the Intex Mariner 4), in general, the dinghies are more stable and comfortable. Most of them are seaworthy as well. This is partly due to the rigid hard floors they are equipped with, and the keel running along the bottom of the boat.

The compactness of dinghies makes them easy to transport and store, albeit they are heavier than simple rafts. Note that high PSI drop-stitched air floor dinghies are lighter than hard-floor ones. Either way, they combine the benefits of a raft with the better maneuverability and controls of a traditional boat.

Where can you fish on a dinghy?

Wherever your heart desires really. You can even get out and fish on the ocean in a dinghy, as they are rugged enough for larger waves, and their motor will get you back to shore safely.

Here are some great inflatable fishing dinghies.

Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16

The FishSkiff is Sea Eagle’s only fishing dinghy, and they did an exceptional job with it. It comes with NMMA & CE certifications, is tough as crocodile hide, has air-drop stitch construction, and can be fitter with a motor up to 10 HP for effortless, fuel-efficient planing. Nice!

You can fit up to 3 swivel seats on the boat, but that is a bit crowded. The size is optimal for two people.

17 Best Fishing Inflatable Boats [New models] 2
Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 specs
Capacity3 person
Size16′ x 4.5′
Weight84 lbs
Air chambers3 + 1 keel
Vinyl1000 denier, reinforced, fusion welded

The drop-stitch floor of this fishing boat makes it rigid like a framed boat, but much lighter and more compact. It is the best choice for fisherman who want to be able to roll up their boats and take it anywhere.

Saturn FB300 Fishing Boat

Saturn did a great job with the new FB300 fishing dinghy. It paid attention to the needs of anglers, and added basically everything you could ask for in an inflatable fishing boat.

Look at all of the features that have been integrated, and you’ll see that this dinghy is unique on the market.

Saturn Fb300 Inflatable Fishing Boat
Saturn FB300 specs
Capacity4 person or 1000 lbs
Size10′ x 5.2′
Weight152 lbs
Air chambers3 + 1 keel
Vinyl1,100 Dtex UV-resistant PVC

This boat has great size for fishing, and the extras are phenomenal: tube protectors on the top AND the bottom, splash guards, double grommet lines, bow motor mount extra-rugged PVC.

You name it, this boat has got it. This is the reason I think the Saturn FB300 is the best inflatable fishing dinghy in 2024.

BRIS 14.1 ft Kaboat

A Kaboat is a kayak + boat in one. It is a hybrid between a dinghy and a kayak. This Bris Kaboat is highly durable and performs exceedingly well in almost all types of waters including rivers, oceans, lakes or bays etc. It is composed of four air chambers, bench seats, an air floor and four tracking fins.

Bris 14 1 Fishing Kayak Features
Bris Kaboat specs
Capacity3 person or 750 lbs
Size14.1′ x 4.3′
Weight86 lbs
Air chambers4 + 1 air floor
Vinyl 1100 Denier PVC

This boat wasn’t developed for fishing specifically, but a lot of fisherman use it. You will have to make some modifications though, like adding fishing rod holders.

It’s got great water tracking and can be used with the included oars as well as a gas motor or electric trolling.

The narrow and long kayak style design provides the Kaboat high speeds of a Kayak while maintaining the stability of an inflatable. It is very stable, you can easily stand and cast on the high pressure drop-stitched air floor.

Saturn also makes a Kaboat of similar size, but the Bris is better. This has larger tubes, is a bit wider, more air chambers, and it is cheaper.

The Bris kayak-boat hybrid is available is a number of sizes. I tried the 14-foot model, which had good space in it for 2 fisherman plus supplies.

ALEKO PRO 10.5 inflatable fishing boat

This dinghy by ALEKO was developed specifically to meet the needs of fishermen. It has everything you would expect from a high-quality dinghy, like heavy-duty PVC, aluminum flooring, all-around rubber strikes to prevent damage from rocks, handles, and good oar locks.

It also has value-added features for fishing, like 2 built-in rod holders and fittings for a front board, which you can use for preparing bait or cleaning fish during your trip.

Aleko 10 5 Fishing Inflatable Boat
Aleko PRO specs
Capacity4 person or 990 lbs
Size10.5′ x 4.9′
Weight134 lbs
Air chambers3 + 1 keel
Vinyl1.2 mm polyester-reinforced PVC

The size of this boat really hits the sweet spot of not too big, and not too small. It will fit 1-2 fisherman and their gear with ease, and the extra front board really comes in handy.

The 1.5′ tubes provide stability out on the water, so you can easily stand and cast all day long.

This boat provides great value, but many Amazon customers complain about the lack of quality and the unresponsive customer support from Aleko.

Inflatable Kayaks for Fishing

The speed of these narrow, man-powered watercraft is their biggest advantage. Inflatable kayaks offer similar agility and speed as their traditional hard-shell counterparts, while making them easier to store and transport.

Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak

Some models of inflatable kayaks even allow you to place a motor, thereby further increasing their speed and power.

Kayaks are inherently easier to control and make an ideal choice for those anglers, who like to travel over long distances for fishing.

Types of fishing kayaks

There are two basic varieties of kayaks, each offering a different set of advantages and shortcomings:

  1. Sit-inside kayak: Has more space for you to carry accessories. However, it’s vulnerable to get filled with water and also puts a limitation on the fishing positions.
  2. Sit-on-top kayak: This type of kayak is actually a SUP, or stand up paddle board with added features. Most anglers prefer to go for the sit-on-top kayak for fishing

Once you’ve finalized the type of kayak, you need to choose a specific model that suits best for your requirements of speed Vs stability.

Longer and narrower models of kayaks offer you higher speeds but are lesser stable than shorter and wider kayaks.

Where can you fish with a kayak?

Inflatable kayaks are versatile beasts, but they do have their limits. They are perfect in rivers, lakes and bays. However, they are difficult to control on windy & wavy sea/ocean water.

Here are the top inflatable fishing kayaks.

385fta FastTrack Angler Series

The 385fta FastTrack Angler Series inflatable fishing kayak is the perfect choice for fishermen who want a kayak that is easy to transport and store. It is a fishing-specialized version of Sea Eagle’s Fast Track line of kayaks.

385fta Sea Eagle Features
Sea Eagle Fast Track Angler Kayak specs
Capacity2 people or 635 lbs
Size150″ x 36″ x 18″
Weight44 lbs
Air chambers4
Vinyl1100 decitex, reinforced side and bottom

This kayak is made with a durable PVC material and features a comfortable seat with a backrest. The kayak also comes with a paddle and a foot pump for easy inflation.

This kayak is easy to set up and take down, and even the base package comes with everything you need to get started fishing, including a seat, carry bag, pump, and paddle.

The 385fta is very stable on the water, thanks to the high-pressure drop stitch floor. You can fish standing up after getting used to the feeling of standing in a kayak. The boat is very stable, making it a great choice for fisherman who want to be able to stand up and fish without worrying about tipping over.

It has several features aimed at making fishing in a kayak more convenient, like the fish ruler, custom spray skirts, and tons of D-rings.

If you upgrade the kayak at SeaEagle.com, you can even get it with a swivel seat, and a kayak motor mount.

Being a Fast Track kayak, it is rated for Class II whitewater.

Sevylor Colorado Fishing Kayak

This inflatable kayak has been designed for one thing: fishing.

Sevylor Colorado Fishing Kayak Features
Sevylor Colorado Fishing Kayak specs
Capacity2 people or 470 lbs
Size10’9″ x 3’3″
Weight40 lbs
Air chambers3 (2 main and 1 floor)
Vinyl18 gauge PVC with 840D nylon cover, 1000D tarpaulin bottom

You get a lot of fishing at a bargain price as well, including Berkley rod holders, double walled 18-gauge PVC, reinforced bottom, and plenty of storage space. Even the seat backs have pockets for storing whatever your heart desires.

It is easy to inflate and deflate using the Boston valves, and it has multiple air chambers for safety.

I have used this kayak and can say it was very stable. The tracking fins are great for keeping straight, just make sure you attach them before inflation. The sides are high and rigid, so you stay dry even in waves and currents.

Because of the kayaks size, wind can catch it and force it off course. You should get at least 96″ oars with this kayak though, because it is long and wide. And because the package doesn’t include paddles.

Another negative was that the fishing pole just wiggled in the rod holder. There are 6 rod holders all together, but only 2 Berkley attachments.

A lot of people even add a trolling motor to it by building and attaching a cross brace made out of 1″ PVC pipes. This fits perfectly into the rod rear holder.

Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak

Intex has really done a great job with the 2nd version of its pro fishing kayak. Here is a full review I wrote on it.

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Features
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak specs
Capacity2 people or 400 lbs
Size151″ x 37″ x 18″
Weight39 lbs
Air chambers3
Vinyl30 gauge, 3 ply

It is made out of 3 ply PVC with a polyester core. This makes it lightweight and highly resistant to damage, and also allows higher air pressure for extra rigidity.

It is easy to inflate and deflate, both take around 8-10 minutes.

It has built in fishing pole holders which are set up so you can troll along with them behind you. There is a problem with them though: they are right in front of the rear seat, so they are in the way if you want to paddle from the rear seat. It’s better to sit in front, paddle from there, and set your fishing rods behind you.

The kayak also has a mounting bracket that you can attach accessories to, like GPS or fish finders.

It also comes with a pump, 86″ oars, and 2 seats, which are pretty comfortable thanks to the backrest.

Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing

Pontoon boats are arguably the most preferred inflatable fishing boats on the market because of their numerous advantages.

Classic Accessories Colorado Xts Inflatable Fishing Pontoon

The stability of some larger models is so great that you can comfortably stand while fishing. This becomes a deciding factor if you don’t like to fish in a seated position.

However, pontoon boats have a few shortcomings too.

They’re not very easy to keep floating in a particular place for a longer time and most pontoons don’t have large storage space on them. Therefore, it’s not a good choice for you, if you like to carry many fishing accessories.

You can purchase inflatable pontoon fishing boats that have a metal frame, and also ones that are frameless.

While most inflatable pontoon boats had frames in the past, most fisherman are now looking for frameless models.

Why?

Frameless pontoon fishing boats are

  • usually lighter
  • easier to assemble
  • have larger bladders because they don’t have poles limiting space
  • have higher weight capacities because the weight of the frame is not there

While frameless models cost a bit more, the advantages outweigh the extra costs in my opinion. You will have a more portable boat which is easier to pilot.

Where can you fish with a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats are used in lakes, ponds, and even calmer rivers. Do not use them in the ocean though.

These are the best inflatable fishing pontoon boats.

Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat

One of the most popular pontoon inflatable fishing boats, the 375fc FoldCat gets its name from its unique folding frame design. This spacious fishing boat for a couple is surprisingly fuel efficient and extremely lightweight, which makes it easily portable as it can fit inside your car.

Sea Eagle Foldcat Features
375fc FoldCat specs
Capacity2 people or 650 lbs
Size12’4″ x 4’6″ 
Weight48 lbs without cross boards, 75 with them
Air chambers4
Vinyl1100 Decitex reinforced

The 375fc is simple to assemble – you can do it in just 10 minutes without any expertise. The aluminum frame folds up with the boat, so there is no wasting time with additional assembly.

The pontoon boat is backed by a 3-year warranty, which is a lot in the industry. It is made out of highly durable 1100 Decitex reinforced fabric.

Despite being an inflatable boat, the FoldCat has an incredible stability and rigidity, that’s primarily because of the aluminum under bars and cross-boards, and the pontoon tubes. This allows you to cast your fishing line 360° in a standing position or while sitting comfortably on the swivel seats (which are included in the package).

It has lot of space for all your fishing stores including tackles, lures, batteries etc. The motor mount allows you to easily place your motor and the oarlocks let you put the oars. Hence, this inflatable boat can be motored or paddled to your favorite fishing spot.

Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat

If you like the stability and high vantage point a pontoon boat provides, but can’t be bothered with the assembly the metal frame requires, you need the Sea Eagle 285 frameless pontoon boat.

Sea Eagle 285 Features
Sea Eagle 285 specs
Capacity450 lbs
Size9″ x 4″
Weight30 lbs (42 lbs with floorboard and motor mount)
Air chambers3
Vinyl1000 denier reinforced

This boat has a U shaped pontoon design, which replaces the traditional frame you would expect on a pontoon boat. It is incredibly stable, and has just 4″ draft thanks to the large tubes. You can stand on a pontoon and not have it tip over.

You can even stand up and cast with the floorboard installed. You need good balance though, since the boat is neither wide nor long, so not much room for mistakes.

In fact, it is very compact. It folds down into a larger duffel bag-sized carrying bag, so you can take it anywhere.

Feature-wise, the Sea Eagle 285 has a lot going for it. Swivel seats, full floor carpet, motor mount, fishing rod holders, and generally more storage room than a framed pontoon boat.

Outcast Fish Cat Panther

This pontoon boat from one of the leading inflatable boat manufacturers is extremely comfortable and comes with super-cool features that set it apart from competition. It has an unbelievable 5-year warranty as well.

Outcast Fish Cat Panther Features
Fish Cat Panther specs
Capacity1 person or 400 lbs
Size9′ x 5′
Weight63 lbs
Air chambers4
Vinyl1000 PVC

The low-profile of this boat provides it extra stability in windy conditions, while its unique design makes it easy to maneuver and track. It is quad hulled, so very stable even on rivers and streams.

Obviously breaking down the 6-piece frame is more work than deflating a simple inflatable raft, but you get much more fishing power in return. The frame is constructed using lightweight, but strong aluminum.

This single person pontoon boat is an ideal choice for those lone anglers who want to experience flat water or river fishing alone, and don’t mind spending more time on assembling/disassembling the boat.

Colorado XTS – Classic Accessories

The Colorado XTS is a pontoon style inflatable boat that’s loaded with great features for both experienced as well as budding anglers alike. The removable fishing gear bags allow you to store all your fishing accessories in them.

Colorado Xts Features
Colorado XTS specs
Capacity1 person or 400 lbs
Size9′ x 4’8″
Weight80 lbs
Air chambers2
Vinyl840 denier nylon top and 1100-denier PVC

With transport wheels, it’s very convenient to transport it. The inbuilt rod holders, anchoring arrangement and extra storage space in the rear make it one of the most popular inflatable boats in its category. Despite being easy on your pocket, it offers many advantages and features that even some other premium inflatable boats don’t have.

Its stability and ease of maneuverability along with the ability to house an electric motor make it a perfect choice for lakes. I’ve personally used it with an electric motor and a 60lbs marine battery and it performed very well. You won’t have to compromise on your fishing tools with the Colorado XTS.

Being a framed pontoon boat, there is quite a bit of assembly work involved before you can go out on the water.

Float Tubes for Fishing

What is a float-tube? They can be described as improved and strengthened inner-tubes that allow you to comfortably sit with your feet hanging in the water. These small watercraft are actually small pontoon boats, and are the most economical option for fisherman.

Cumberland Float Tube

Float tubes are too small for a motor to fit and most models aren’t suited to be used with oars.

So how are they propelled?

Float tubes move in the water with the help of your feet. You usually need to wear fins to provide more speed and enable a higher level of control.

Yes, you read that right, you paddle with fins.

The lightweight float tubes are very easy to transport, which is perhaps their biggest advantage. If you are looking only for portability from an inflatable fishing boat, the float tube is a great option for you.

Their small size allows you to maneuver easily into tight spaces and also provides better stealth for movements. However, they’re not very easy to control. The float tubes are also not a good choice if you like to fish in a standing position and don’t like to get wet while angling.

Where can you fish in a float tube?

Float tubes are meant to get you onto the water and fish without moving around much. They are not meant for traveling longer distances. They are great though in calm lakes, ponds, and bays.

Here is the best fishing float tube.

Cumberland Float Tube

This is arguably the best float tube available in the market. Its shape allows you to move easily through difficult waters using your legs.

Cumberland Float Tube Features
Cumberland Float Tube specs
Capacity350 lbs
Size47″ x 56″
Weight14 lbs
Air chambers3
VinylPVC

The cargo pockets provide space for your fishing tools, while your rods can be safely placed in the rod holders. They are not very stable rod holders though, as they are velcro straps. But just so you know, all float tubes have velcro rod holders.

The boat also has drink holders for the party-type anglers. There’s enough storage space on the boat for all your angling accessories.

The construction material used is abrasion-resistant, thereby giving it protection against puncturing. I wouldn’t bang it against sharp cliffs though.

The adjustable seats are extremely comfortable for you to sit and enjoy for a long time.

SUPs for Fishing

As I mentioned, SUP fishing boards are also called sit-on-top kayaks. You can choose to stay standing (if you have good balance), or you can put a chair on the board and use it from a sitting position. The best fishing SUPs come with a swiveling chair, you just need to learn to paddle without falling off.

Sea Eagle Fishsup 126

The fishing SUP is lightweight and portable like a float tube, but provides some real advantages.

You get:

  • Much better propulsion,
  • a higher viewpoint,
  • less contact with the water if you can stay on.

Manufacturers have started making fishing-specific SUPs. These come with rod holders as an included accessory.

They are also long and wide, so you can fit a deck bag on the nose of the board.

Where can you fish with a SUP?

Larger SUPs are great for flat water, while shorter, more maneuverable ones are made for river fishing. Stay away from rapids or waves in general though.

Here is a purpose-made fishing SUP.

Sea Eagle FishSUP 126

There are not many SUPs that will be suitable for fishermen. This one, by Sea Eagle, is one of them.

Sea Eagle Fishsup 126
SE FishSUP 126 specs
Capacity500 lbs
Size12.5′ x 3.3′
Weight44 lbs
Air chambers1
Vinyl1100 Decitex Reinforced Drop Stitch

The SUP is incredibly stable thanks in part to the swallow tail design. It has a high weight capacity (as compared to normal SUPs), so you can pack a lot of gear onto it.

The deck is covered by non-slip EVA foam, which makes it comfortable to stand on and provides extra protection against hooks, knives, etc.

It even has a motor mount for your electric trolling motor (up to 55 lbs thrust).

It comes in several varieties, but this one with the swivel seat and the detachable motor mount is the best in my opinion.

As an alternative to the seat, you can sit on a cooler as well. This helps save space on the SUP.

How to choose an inflatable fishing boat?

In order to select the right inflatable boat for your fishing requirements, you need to weigh your options with a few important parameters.

Storage space in the boat

An experienced angler knows that apart from patience, awareness and knowledge, fishing accessories are important to get a good catch. Your success rate increases with more number of accessories like rods, lines etc.

This fact is clear from the variety of products available on the market. The angling stores have a wide range of fishing gear and other products including :-

  • Fishing Rods – different lengths, weights and strength.
  • Fishing Line – made of different materials and having different lengths.
  • Hooks and Bait – Live or artificial bait.
  • Other Accessories – pliers, tackles, reels etc.

A large number of accessories are required even for fly-fishing. Generally, anglers carry loads of such tools like line clippers, flies etc in vest pockets. The space management to accommodate these add-ons inside an inflatable boat is a major challenge. Hence, the top inflatable boat manufacturers cater for lot of storage space.

Your costly reels and rods are kept safe from the oars with the help of the rod holders. You can also have a troll while you’re paddling out.

The zipper compartments allow you to store smaller items and the watertight box can be used to keep your phone, camera, wallet, keys etc safe from getting damaged by water. There’s enough space to keep an emergency medical and survival kit to let you go out fishing alone.

Stability

This is an important consideration, if you need to move around on the boat in order to hold tight and fight a strong catch. An inflatable boat with broad cross members provides you the required stability to shift your weight from one side to the other without the danger of capsizing.

However, a broader boat compromises on speed as compared to a narrower craft. So, you need to consider this point and look for your ideal boat with adequate stability and speed.

Maneuverability

While you’re out fishing in the water, you may need to cross through narrow portions to avoid damage to the boat. A highly maneuverable boat is helpful in such situations.

Generally, a shorter boat having a smaller turning radius is effective for ease of movement. These boats allow you to take sharp turns around trees or through wriggling water channels to avoid damages or getting stuck in weeds in calm waters.

With good maneuverability and some practice, you can easily steer clear of rocks while fishing in whitewater rivers. In this case also, the trade off is speed as the shorter boats are much slower than their longer counterparts. However, it’s recommended to go for a boat with high maneuverability, even if it can’t achieve great speeds.

Durability

This is directly affected by the material used and if you buy a cheap inflatable boat, you can almost rest assured that the manufacturer has used low quality materials. Vinyl boats, for example appear attractively economical, but they’re flimsy and shouldn’t be used for fishing purposes.

These weak boats can easily get damaged by gravel, hooks, rocks or even fish spines. You must select an inflatable boat made using heavy duty and strong materials. Fabric reinforced boats are an ideal choice for angling as they’re strong and yet lightweight.

Whatever material is used to manufacture an inflatable boat, they should be used with care and you must never mishandle it in the same manner as you do with the traditional fishing boats.

That said, the inflatable boats may not be as sturdy as the conventional boats, but can last long enough with due precautions. Keeping a patch repair kit for your inflatable boat is a good idea, especially if you intend to go fishing in an area with underground obstacles etc.

Considerations for Buying an Inflatable Boat for Fishing.

  1. Type of Fishing Boat: There are five basic types of inflatable fishing boats including Dinghy, Raft, Float Tube, Kayak and Pontoon. Choose the right type for your needs based on the different advantages and limitations of each.
  2. Construction Material: PVC is the most popular material as it’s not only lightweight, but also strong enough to avoid untimely damages to the boat. These boats are also economical and adequately durable. Hypalon fabric is much more stronger, but boats made using fabric are more costly also.
  3. Stowage and Portability: Although most inflatable fishing boats can be packed inside a large duffel bag allowing easy storage, you must check its deflated weight and inflated capacity before buying.
  4. Your Favorite Fishing Spots: If you want to do fishing in a local pond, any type of inflatable fishing boat can be bought. However, if you plan to go in unpredictably rough waters, you must avoid taking a float tube or a raft and should select your inflatable fishing boat with care.

Are you new to the world of inflatable boats? Then my Getting Started Guide is for you. You’ll find tips, tricks, and how-to articles to start off right.

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