<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe cream of the angling kayak crop is the pedal kayaks<\/strong> and one of the best is Hobie\u2019s Mirage Compass Duo.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe hefty price tag<\/strong> is worth it when you consider what you\u2019re getting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe well-crafted pedal design provides impressive cruising speed<\/strong> and keeps your hands free to cast or troll as you move<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMinimal drag means the Mirage is silent as it cruises over the water and won\u2019t startle fish the way a paddle kayak will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Custom options and comfortable seats round out this jewel of a kayak if you\u2019re willing to break out the checkbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSpendy<\/li>\n\n\n\n Pedal drive system requires frequent maintenance<\/li>\n\n\n\n Fast and stable<\/li>\n\n\n\n High level of performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow To Choose The Best Tandem Fishing Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n\nExperience Level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n As a newcomer, you probably won\u2019t be sure how much you\u2019ll enjoy kayak fishing. If you\u2019re just getting your kayak career started, it may be best to go with a cheaper kayak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany of these \u201centry-level\u201d boats, including the inflatable models above, are designed with a focus on stability <\/strong>that beginners will appreciate.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you take to the sport and find you love it, there are plenty of good mid-range fishing kayaks <\/strong>you can upgrade to like the Vibe Skipjack Tandem<\/strong>. If your budget is a little tighter but you\u2019d prefer a hard-sided boat, Lifetime\u2019s Tandem <\/strong>gives you a competitive boat, albeit with fewer of the custom options.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo impressive is Vibe\u2019s line of boats, that I\u2019d include their Skipjack at the high end of hard-sided boats while the Hobie Mirage Compass Duo usually comes with a substantial financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As great as these boats are, I\u2019d recommend the pedal models only to experienced paddlers<\/strong> who know that they\u2019ll be using them often enough to get their money\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo You Want to Use it Solo?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n In some cases, it\u2019s nice to have the flexibility to use your tandem fishing kayak on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to keep in mind that tandem kayaks can be difficult to paddle on your own. The boat will be underpowered and harder to turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But some tandem boats are designed to be paddled both solo or tandem. If you want that versatility, make sure that the boat\u2019s specifications are meant to handle that. Many inflatable and entry-level tandems are meant to be paddled solo or tandem too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight & Storage Capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Weight or \u201cload\u201d capacity refers to how much the boat can safely carry. Bear in mind that the load capacity includes the paddler\u2019s weight<\/strong> as well when you\u2019re doing your research.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOverloading a boat will cause it to sit lower in the water than it\u2019s designed. This will make it less responsive, unstable, and susceptible to capsizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all storage space is created equally. Most angling kayaks have large open storage spaces <\/strong>in either the bow or storage where gear can be secured with deck bungees.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThese are good places to store tackle boxes or coolers. Water sensitive gear should be kept in dry bags if they\u2019ll be stored here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enclosed watertight storage<\/strong> varies a lot between companies and models. Some only have small circular hatches in front of the seats that will fit personal items and fishing tackle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you plan on doing longer trips<\/strong>, I\u2019d recommend a model that has watertight storage in either the bow or stern <\/strong>to ensure your tent, sleeping bag, and other gear stays as dry as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTrip Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n How long you can be out will depend on a combination of your boat\u2019s load capacity, storage space, and how efficiently you can pack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you see yourself as more of a day paddler with the occasional overnight trip, you can get away with a smaller boat with lower load capacity and storage space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you plan on being out longer, it\u2019s worth looking at a boat that can carry more gear. If your trip will require you to cover several miles, pick a boat with a comfortable and adjustable seat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou may have to sacrifice some stability, but it\u2019s also worth selecting a more streamlined boat for more efficient paddling and tracking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n