How do we get down to that one chair that is exactly right for our needs? What are the considerations we should be aware of as we begin our search for balance between comfort and practicality in our fishing chair? Let me be clear. This might be our quest, but ultimately it will be your chair. I feel it’s important to offer you the best possible tools to find the fishing chair that fits all your needs. It’s true that we all have different needs and desires when it comes to getting the best fishing chair, but there are some obvious qualities we’re all looking for as well.

No one wants to spend the time and money looking for a fishing folding chair neatly and easily packed, only to get one that hurts the bum to sit in. On the flip side, there’s also a lot of work in a DIY fishing chair.

There’s got to be some comfort level. Of course we want a chair that doesn’t fall apart the second time we use it. We also understand that manufacturing isn’t always perfect, so warranties can be a big deal. The fact that our chair will be used for fishing means it’ll have to be made out of durable materials. This is our first elimination. Any fishing chair not meeting these common values is out. Let’s spend that time narrowing down your preferences instead.

Maybe it’s a big deal to you to find a chair folding inward from three directions, like the tripod type. You prefer the way they store on your backpack for the mountain stream fishing/hiking trips. Perhaps a chair with rod holder is what you’re after, because you enjoy long days of surf fishing right on the beach.

Alternatively, the best carp chair, as far as comfort is concerned, could be your goal. Different chairs could be called for here, especially if you fish many areas, with varying approaches. So let’s get to the meat and potatoes, and explore those options that put together properly, will result in the right mix for you.

Fishing Chairs that Fold

The blatant benefit of such chairs is geared towards storage and travel. The drawbacks to be concerned about might be along the lines of manufacturing. It’s definitely going to take either nuts and bolts, or any of a number of innovative folding designs. Any model you lean towards should have good marks in durability. How does the folding feature work? What are the involved parts made out of? Is assembly required? If so, what does it involve?

These are some of the questions that beg answering. If travel and storage are not an issue you can go with a fixed fishing chair. You’ll still want to know it’s durable, but the folding contraption won’t be a concern.

Fishing Chairs with Rod Holders

I mean you got your drink holder on one side, your rod holder on the other, and maybe a zipper pouch on back for your gear. What could be better right? But what’s the rod holder made of? Is it reinforced to withstand the weight of a nice fish? How does it work paired with a folding chair? Does it make the chair a lot more bulky? In theory, the built in rod holder has great sway. Answer these questions to your satisfaction, and you just might have a winner. There’s an image in my mind of a guy getting up for another beer, and returning to find his chair and rod running towards the middle of the lake. I’d make up a big fish story at that point.

Fishing Chair Storage

Here’s another option many fishing chairs offer. What’s the storage like? Where is it on the chair? Does it add to the bulk, or is it built to tuck in with the chair? Storage can be a big deal too. If you already have to carry the chair a ways, it definitely adds value if you can pack your gear in it too. Let’s face it. Part of our challenge as fishermen is carrying all the stuff we think we need (even though we often use only 10% of it). Yep, I put it out there. I’m guilty of it too.

Fishing Chair Weight

This will come down to a matter of what the chair is made out of. We know we don’t want poor material that won’t last. So does a lightweight frame use inferior material? How does a lightweight chair hold up to a big ole’ boy fishing in it for a while? He’s not going to collapse in the river we hope. You’ll really want a lightweight feature if you’re packing it in, or you have a long trek to your fishing hole. Finding a chair that doesn’t lose stability or durability to get lighter is also important.