Waiting for a fish to bite can take hours at a time when you’re bait fishing in a lake or the surf. Quite often you resort to sitting on a raincoat or looking for the comfiest rock or tree stump to sit on.
So why not bring a chair with you on your fishing trip?
Best Portable Fishing Chair
Most Comfortable Fishing Chair
Best Ice Fishing Chair
You’ll have a far more enjoyable experience by bringing the best fishing chair along with you.
You can sit back, relax, and even read a seafood cookbook while waiting for the fish to bite, instead of getting a numb bum or a sore back from perching on a rock.
I’ve had days where I’ve been wading for 14 hours, and wished I’d had a chair just to take a load off between sessions.
The Best Fishing Chairs From the Review
Before we proceed with the whole lineup, here is a quick look at the best 4 overall…
Top Pick
ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
Made of a heavy-duty PCS that makes it both durable, long-lasting, and lightweight. All that while still being portable and quite light.
ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
The best fishing chair overall is the ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair.
It’s durable, light, compact, portable, comfy, and it’s low to the ground to keep you out of sight of any spooky fish you’ll be hoping to catch.
Best Portable Fishing Chair
Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack
A chair that has an inbuilt folding stool that is perfect for fishing trips where you’re on the go a lot and can’t carry a chair around all the time.
Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack
The best portable fishing chair is the Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack.
Being a chair and fishing backpack all in one makes it the best for fishermen who like to move around.
You can carry your chair and tackle, all in one handy backpack.
Most Comfortable Fishing Chair
Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair
Features its own awning that provides excellent shade and some rain protection while you’re fishing.
Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair
The most comfy fishing chair is the Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair.
It has a long back that provides excellent support and comfort, an awning for blocking sun and wind, and its open dimensions make it spacious for anyone to sit on.
Best Ice Fishing Chair
Coleman Camp Chair
A perfect fishing chair for anyone that tends to stay in one fishing spot and likes to settle in or want’s a side table for rigging, cutting bait, or using for lunch.
Coleman Camp Chair
Best Ice Fishing Chair
The best fishing chair for ice fishing is the Coleman Camp Chair.
Made from aluminum and polyester, it’s ideal for cold climates, and it comes with a handy table for rigging baits and keeping things off the ice while fishing.
Our Best Fishing Chairs
Top Pick
ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
Made of a heavy-duty PCS that makes it both durable, long-lasting, and lightweight. All that while still being portable and quite light.
ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
The ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair frame is made of a heavy-duty PCS (powder-coated steel frame) that makes it both durable, long-lasting, and lightweight.
The steel stands up well to corrosion making it a great fishing chair for use anywhere, even at the beach.
Build
The seats of this heavy duty chair are made from a TechMesh fabric that does a good job of dealing with any wear and tear, plus it’s water-resistant to boot, stopping you from having to sit in a soggy seat when it rains.
The TechMesh is also breathable thanks to its mesh design.
This ensures any water that hits it drains off and allows breathability to keep you cool when sitting in the chair on warm summer days.
Folding Chair
It’s a folding chair with a high back for good back support that is a comfortable place to sit.
Opening and closing the chair takes just a few seconds and is super easy.
Build
Once open, it stays structurally strong and can hold up to 300 pounds, and is wide enough to accommodate people of every size.
The chair sits low off the ground and is the perfect fishing chair for when you want to stay out of sight from fish, as the low profile makes you harder to see.
Portability
It’s also a portable fishing chair that is easy to carry around thanks to its small folded dimensions, despite being heavy duty.
It’s also quite light at 6.8 lbs and comes with a shoulder carry case that makes it easy to transport to your fishing grounds.
Height
The only issues with this foldable chair are that being so low to the ground it can be tricky to get out of, and the back isn’t tall enough for resting your head on. It also doesn’t have rod holders but the portability more than makes up for it.
Otherwise, it’s a perfect fishing or camping chair that you can take anywhere with ease.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS (Powder-coated steel)
- Seat Material: TechMesh Fabric
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 28 x 8 inch
- Max Weight: 300 lbs
Pros
- Compact, portable, and comes with a carry bag
- Durable frame handles corrosion well
- High weight capacity for people of all sizes
- Comfortable to sit and relax on
- Easy to open and close
- Breathable mesh seat keeps you cool and lets water drain
Cons
- Can be tricky to climb out of
- Back is not high enough for resting your head
Best Ice Fishing Chair
Coleman Camp Chair
A perfect fishing chair for anyone that tends to stay in one fishing spot and likes to settle in or want’s a side table for rigging, cutting bait, or using for lunch.
Coleman Camp Chair
The Coleman Camp Chair is a perfect fishing chair for anyone that tends to stay in one fishing spot and likes to settle in or want’s a side table for rigging, cutting bait, or using for lunch.
Features
The fishing chair comes with a flip-out table. It’s not a fishing chair with rod holder but it comes with a cup holder that could easily be converted to a rod holder if needed.
But when folded it’s still pretty bulky, so you wouldn’t want to use this fishing chair when moving spots a lot, as you’ll likely have to make two trips.
Build
The frame of the fishing chair is made from heavy-duty aluminum, one of the best materials when it comes to handling corrosion, making this an ideal fishing chair for surf fishing when saltwater tends to cover everything.
Seat
The seat material provides comfort when sitting, and it’s tough and water-resistant too. There does seem to be an issue with the seams on this fishing chair though, and after about a year they seem to unravel from the frame.
Specs
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Seat Material: Polyester
- Weight: 7.12 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 31.1 in. x 21 in. x 7.5 in
- Max Weight: 225 lbs
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Durable aluminum frame lasts
- Comfortable angle for your back
- Light and portable for taking fishing
- Water-resistant seat material that handles wear and tear
- Folding side table for rigging baits or lunch
- Cup holder for your morning coffee when fishing
Cons
- The short back doesn’t support your head
- Seams seem to open easily in some cases
Best Portable Fishing Chair
Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack
A chair that has an inbuilt folding stool that is perfect for fishing trips where you’re on the go a lot and can’t carry a chair around all the time.
Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack
The Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack combine a storage place for your fishing gear and fishing seat all in one.
The backpack has an inbuilt folding stool that is perfect for fishing trips where you’re on the go a lot and can’t carry a chair around all the time, like when walking up a trout river.
Build
The foldable chair is both sturdy and durable thanks to its powder coated steel frame and quality polyester seats.
It provides quite a lot of comfort on the water since it’s part of a backpack, and you can ensure a comfortable fishing experience no matter where you’re fishing.
Weight Capacity
The chair features a load capacity of 300 pounds, is easy to set up, and super easy to carry.
It’s not a fishing chair with rod holder. The other thing it’s missing is a back, so it’s more of a stool than a fishing chair.
The backpack is ideal for carrying your tackle around in comfort, with an adjustable shoulder strap on each side, three outer pockets, and one main compartment.
Portability
Overall it’s one of the best fishing chairs when it comes to portability as you don’t have to carry around an extra chair, just your fishing tackle backpack. It’s not for lounging on though with no back, but ideal for short breaks and having lunch on.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS (Powder-coated steel)
- Seat Material: Polyester
- Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 18 inches
- Max Weight: 300 lbs
Pros
- Doubles up as a backpack for convenience
- Easy to fold out and use the fishing chair
- A durable steel frame can handle corrosion well
- Light and portable for taking fishing
- You can pack tackle and your lunch in the backpack
- Comfortable to sit on
- Comfy backpack to carry too
- Good weight capacity for all sizes
Cons
- No back support
Quik Chair Portable Folding Chair
Features a slim folded design, is lightweight at 6lbs, and comes with a handy carrying bag with a strap that makes it easy to carry to and from the fishing grounds.
Quik Chair Portable Folding Chair
The Quik Chair Portable Folding Fishing Chair features a slim folded design, is lightweight at 6lbs, and comes with a handy carry bag with a carry strap that makes it easy to carry to and from the fishing grounds.
Build
These folding chairs are made from a durable PCS frame that makes them perfect for every type of fishing, from the beach to lakes and rivers, as the coating ensures no rust can burrow its way in.
The 300D polyester fabric is also durable and water-resistant for long-lasting use outdoors.
This good fishing chair also features a handy cup holder that could be even more useful if converted at home to a rod holder, which is quite easily done. It also comes with a carrying bag so you can transport it easily.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, these fishing chairs have a comfortable seat and the back is high enough to offer enough support for your head.
They are comfortable to sit on, even for extended periods but they don’t hold much weight.
The chair maxes out at 225lbs, which is a bit low, and it’s not that wide either, so larger people may find it uncomfortable to squeeze into.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS (Powder-coated steel)
- Seat Material: 300D polyester material
- Weight: 6lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 34 inches
- Max Weight: 225 lbs
Pros
- Light, compact, and comes in a handy carry bag
- 300 D polyester seat is super durable
- Great comfort and lumbar support
- Handy cup holder on the armrest
- Great price for the quality
- A long-lasting frame that handles wear well
- You can convert the cup holder to a rod holder
Cons
- Max weight capacity is a little low at 225 lbs
- Not wide for larger people and may be uncomfortable
Kijaro Dual Lock Chair
A great heavy-duty fishing chair thanks to its durable build and excellent locking mechanism.
Kijaro Dual Lock Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair is a great heavy-duty fishing chair thanks to having a high-quality steel frame, polyester, and having an excellent locking mechanism that ensures it stays strong and rigid while you’re sitting in it.
Build
The seat and back of this fishing chair features a breathable mesh polyester fabric that not only repels water but allows airflow for keeping you cool.
It’s a comfortable chair to sit on that provides great lumbar support and it’s a good height that makes getting in and out a piece of cake.
Features
This is not a fishing chair with rod holder but this sturdy and durable fishing chair also features two cup holders, both of which can be fashioned into rod holders, or you could save one for your drinks and make one a rod holder.
These folding fishing chairs also come with an organizational pouch that features a zippered pocket and two slide pockets. It’s an ideal spot to store fishing tools, or even your phone on dry days.
Weight
At 9.5 lbs, it’s not the lightest of fishing chairs but it does come with a case with a shoulder strap which makes it easier to get to your fishing grounds.
The chair does come with its flaws though.
Assembly
It tends to arrive with loose screws, so make sure you tighten them before sitting in it.
Also, the design has a major issue whereby all the pressure rests on a thin metal bracket which is likely to wear out after a year or so.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS (Powder-coated steel)
- Seat Material: Polyester
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: NA
- Max Weight: 300 lbs
Pros
- The durable polyester seat is long-lasting
- The seat is meshed for breathability and is water-resistant
- High-quality steel frame handles corrosion well
- Locks open and closed for super stability
- Comes with two cup holders and an organizational pouch
- Light and compact for portability
- Has a carry case
- Comfortable and supportive to sit on
Cons
- Bolts can arrive loose and need tightening
- The design may fail within a year or two
TravelChair Slacker Chair
The right fishing stool for anyone who moves spots often but still wants a chair for a relaxing fishing experience.
TravelChair Slacker Chair
The TravelChair Slacker Chair is the right fishing stool for anyone who moves spots often but still wants a chair for a relaxing fishing experience.
Size
This folding chair features tiny dimensions and a low weight of 1.9lbs that makes it easy to move around while you keep fishing in different areas.
You can clip it to your backpack, and even put it inside an insulated cooler bag it’s so small.
Build
The stool is made from steel with 600D polyester so it’ll last a long time.
The screws do loosen with use though, so be sure to check and tighten them after each outing.
The seat is a comfortable place to sit for women but unfortunately for men, the three-pronged design eventually puts too much pressure on your tender parts, and after 20 minutes you’ll be standing up.
Weight
Overall it’s a great folding chair thanks to its lightweight and portable design, and comfortable in short bursts.
But it’s not the best if you want a chair to sit on for hours at a time.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS
- Seat Material: 600d Ripstop polyester
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 24 x 4 x 4 inches
- Max Weight: 275 lbs
Pros
- Super light at 1.9 lbs for taking fishing
- Simple yet sturdy design with a solid weight capacity
- Folds up tiny for portability
- Super durable 600d Ripstop polyester seat
- Water-resistant for keeping you dry
- Comfortable to sit on for a women
Cons
- No back support
- Not so comfortable for men after 30 minutes or so
- Screws need tightening periodically
Most Comfortable Fishing Chair
Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair
Features its own awning that provides excellent shade and some rain protection while you’re fishing.
Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair
The Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair is an adjustable fishing chair that offers some luxury when out by the water.
This chair features its own awning that provides excellent shade and some rain protection while you’re fishing.
It’s the ideal chair if you fish from the beach as you’ll have full sun protection with maximum comfort while waiting for a fish to bite.
Features
The chair also features a full-back so you can rest your head plus two cup holders that you can convert to rod holders if you like.
There is also a storage pouch on the chair where you can keep any fishing tools you might need quick access to.
Assembly
It’s an easy chair to set up and is durably made from steel and 600D polyester, so it can handle a life surrounded by saltwater.
Despite having the awning, it’s also quite light at 10lbs and comes with a carry case for portability.
It’s certainly one of the best options around when it comes to shade, but in heavy winds, it’s not the best.
Awning
The awning is likely to catch the wind and blow the chair away, so be sure to take the awning down on windy days.
You should also be sure to tighten the screws often as they tend to loosen and check the hinges regularly as they tend to wear out after a year or two.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS
- Seat Material: 300 x 600D polyester fabric
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 7.5 x 37.4 x 6.3 inches
- Max Weight: 225 lbs
Pros
- Comfortable to sit on with good back support
- Durable frame and seat material
- Portable, light, and comes with a carry case
- Has 2 cup holders and a storage pocket
- A built-in awning that provides excellent shade
- The awning can also provide some protection from the rain
Cons
- Screws loosen over time
- Hinges can wear out after a year or so
- The shade awning does get taken in the wind
GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Field Chair
A durable and very portable chair that is perfect for beach, river, or lake fishing.
GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Field Chair
The GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Field Chair folds up to 4.7 x 5.5 x 26.8 inches, weighs just 3 lbs, and comes with a shoulder strap for portability.
Getting this chair from your car to your fishing spots couldn’t be easier.
The chair sits 17 inches off the ground, so you’re never too low for your comfort levels and
It comes with a padded backrest and has a padded seat so you can have a relaxing fishing experience.
It’s made of steel and polyester, like many of the other fishing chairs, as it is durable overall. The chair is perfect for beach, river, or lake fishing and will stand the test of time and saltwater.
Capacity
With a load capacity of 250 pounds, it will take the weight of most people, and it’s semi-comfy to sit on.
Women will be fine but men will get some discomfort in their nether regions due to the 3 legged design, so it’s not the best fishing chair if you plan on sitting for long periods of time or doing long fishing sessions.
Specs
- Frame Material: PCS
- Seat Material: Polyester
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 4.7 x 5.5 x 26.8 inches
- Max Weight: 250 lbs
Pros
- Padded seat and backrest for extra comfort
- Super light and portable
- Has a handy cup holder on the side
- A great load capacity of 250 pounds for all sizes
- Easy to set up and fold away
- Well made for durability and corrosion resistance
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable for men due to the 3 leg design
What To Look For In The Best Fishing Chairs – Buying Guide
Can it handle life by the water?
There are many fishing chairs to choose from but whichever chair you end up picking, it’s going to need to last and one of the most frequently asked questions is what materials is a durable fishing chair made of?
When buying a chair look for a steel or aluminum frame that has a seat made of polyester fabric or nylon fabric.
The steel should be powder-coated to block any corrosion from setting in, and the polyester or nylon should have a denier count of 300 or above for lasting abrasion and water -resistance.
NOTE
All the chairs featured above use these materials and will be long-lasting.
Is it easy to carry?
Portability is a key aspect of a fishing chair’s carrying comfort that’ll ensure you are going to enjoy using it.
Make sure the chair you choose is light enough to carry (10 lbs or under) and has small folded dimensions.
Here’s a quick look at the Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack.
Transport
Guiding, I’ve had to lug some heavy equipment around the river banks, and believe me, it doesn’t add to the relaxation or enjoyment of your fishing day.
TIP
Having a light chair that comes in a handy carry case is much easier to load into your car and carry to the fishing grounds.
Convenience
A bulky chair might require two trips, one for your fishing tackle and one for the chair, plus it might take up valuable space in the trunk of your car.
You can also find chairs that are built into backpacks for the ultimate in portability or small stools you can tie to your backpack with ease.
Comfort vs How you fish
The level of comfort you’re looking for from your fishing chair needs to match the way you fish.
What’s your fishing style? Are you a carp angler who will spend the day at one spot or a moving spin or fly fisherman that changes spots on the river every 30 minutes?
NOTE
If you plan on being in the same spot all day, look for a chair with maximum comfort. This means a high back, armrests, and great back support.
Comfort
If you move to fish, you’ll have to choose portability over comfort slightly, and pick a smaller chair without a back that is easy to move around but provides some comfort when you want to take a break from standing up and fishing, to have lunch for example.
Load capacity vs Comfort
Every chair is made different and can handle a different amount of weight.
This usually ranges between 225-300 lbs, so be sure to pick one that matches your weight.
Load Capacity
Load capacity in chairs is also an indicator of their width and durability.
Chairs with a smaller load capacity end up being a little slimmer and made from less heavy materials, so bear that in mind if you want to be able to sprawl out and really relax when waiting for a fish to bite.
Cup Holders & Rod Holders
There are fishing chairs with rod holders already built in. But a cup holder is still a useful feature to have when you get a bite you have a safe place to put your drink while you catch your fish.
They are also useful because they can be converted into a fishing rod holder.
Just slot in some UV piping and seal it up, and you’ll have an in-built rod holder in your chair.
The best setup is getting a chair with two cup holders and converting one into a fishing rod holder, so you have both features at your fingertips.
Reclining Away
Best Portable Fishing Chair
Thanks for reading my article about the best fishing chairs, I hope you enjoyed it and found the chair for you.
If you can’t quite make your mind up, here are the two fishing chairs I would choose and for different reasons.
Best Portable Fishing Chair
For active fishermen who tend to move around a lot, the Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack are ideal.
The chair is integrated into a tackle backpack for portability while being there to provide you with comfort when you need a break between fishing spots. Perfect for a fishing trip with lots of moving around needed.
Top Pick
If you’re looking for a chair you can sit back and relax in while waiting for the fish to bite, the best one to go for is the ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair.
It provides excellent comfort over long periods, is light and portable, durably made, and sits low so that fish can’t see your profile and won’t spook.
Take It Easy!
Thanks again for reading my article, I hope it was useful and have decided on the right chair for you.
Please share the article around with your fishing mates and check out some of our other articles if you’re looking for some new fishing gear. These pen fishing rods are great if you’re looking for portable gear.
When travelling, another thing to consider is footwear. Having the right shoes makes all the difference when walking on different terrains, find one with the help of this review.
We cover everything from brolly systems to fish finders, and all the rods and reels in between.
