Fishing sessions are far more enjoyable if you're comfortable when out on the bank and a good quality fishing chair can make all the difference to how relaxing your angling is.
Chairs have evolved from the classic deckchair that was around a few years ago, they now have extendable legs to keep you level and safe whatever the bank may look like, and many offer the option to add side trays and a whole manner of different attachments to keep everything to hand. The material and padding offer great back support and many of them are incredibly light, so they don't weigh you down if you have to carry them.
The best fishing chairs at a glance
There are fishing chairs available for all branches of angling now, long session bedchairsfor carp fishing, specially designed feeder fishing chairs as well as chairs you can comfortably fish a pole whilst sat in. If you need a new seat for your angling, check out this great list which includes something for everyone...
Best fishing chair for versatility
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The Maver MV-R Feeder Chair is an incredibly comfortable seat with additional bonuses. It’s supplied with an adjustable leg system to accommodate a variety of heights, as well as offering a stable platform from which to fish.
The 30mm front legs make it easy to attach any accessories you like to use, be they side trays, feeder rests, keepnet arms or pole socks.
The chair is also very strong and sturdy, it will take up to 20 stone and features convenient armrests that can be unclipped when pole fishing.
Covered in a robust, wipe-clean material, the sturdy metal framed chair features a padded mattress, padded headrest, and adjustable back rest and arm rests.
Pros
- Easy to clean material.
- Very comfortable.
Cons
- The arm rests could be better.
Best fishing chair for support
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The eye-catching all-black Daiwa N’ZON Feeder Chair has a solid steel and aluminium frame and comes with fully extending 36mm front legs and adjustable back legs, both with large tilting mudfeet.
It’s fully compatible with all the latest Daiwa System 36 accessories. The specially designed feeder chair has a high padded back section that supports your head and neck, so if you’re fishing running water and staring up at your rod-tips for long periods, this chair will help rather than hinder you. The extra-long front legs can be easily levelled.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Adjustable legs.
Cons
- No arm rests.
Best fishing chair for accessories
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Four fully adjustable 30mm legs on the Preston Innovations Inception Feeder Chair not only provide more points to attach accessories but also provide a lot of adaptability when it comes to height, which is especially useful on steep banks.
The downside, though, is that these can get in the way when fishing a pole. Removable legs, folding backrest and a carry strap make transport easy. There is even a footplate available separately if required, and it’s compatible with Preston OffBox accessories.
Pros
- Very strong and stable.
- Fully compatible with all OffBox accessories.
Cons
- Not the lightest chair available.
Best budget fishing chair
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The Wychwood Tactical X Compact is a stripped-back, cheaper and lighter version (3.5kg) of the popular Tactical X range, making it very easy to carry on long walks and shorter sessions. It folds flat for transport and includes swivelling mudfeet.
The drawback with this light, affordable chair, though, is that only the front two legs adjust, and it won’t accept feeder arms or side trays.
Pros
- Ideal chair for carrying on long trips.
- Looks great.
Cons
- Rear legs don't adjust.
Best fishing chair for mobile anglers
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Special magnesium alloy makes the Korum Aeronium Supa Lite Chair V2, Korum’s lightest-ever chair at an incredible 2.3kg. The totally waterproof seat is made from a unique hardwearing webbing with additional padding around the shoulders.
Fully adjustable legs feature swivelling mudfeet for extra stability. A reclining version is also available, as is the deluxe, with armrests and a removable padded mattress for longer sessions.
Pros
- One of the lightest chairs available at 2.3kg.
- Waterproof, hardwearing material.
Cons
- Not really ideal for longer stays.
Best fishing chair for short sessions
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A very comfortable and fantastic-looking chair featuring an ultra-strong frame, you can be certain that you will remain comfortable and safe in the Prologic Avenger Camo Chair.
Pivoting mud feet and extendable legs make light work of any uneven banksides, whilst the padded armrests give that extra added comfort. The armrests are also removable, so should you want to reduce the weight, or if you want to use a pole from the chair and they are getting in the way, you can. It makes the chair that bit more versatile.
Pros
- Ideal for short stays.
- Removable arm rests.
Cons
- The adjustable legs can be temperamental.
Best all-round fishing chair
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An improved version of the best-selling fishing chair of all time, the Korum Deluxe S23 Accessory Chair has a patented vertical system utilising square 23mm legs. A breathable seat offers superb comfort while remaining lightweight and durable. The quick fold design ensures it is quick and easy to transport and store.
The telescopic legs on the Deluxe version allow for greater and easier adjustment, and it features reclining and independently removable armrests for added comfort and adaptability. The latest Compact model is smaller and lighter, making it ideal for quick sessions, long walks or a roving approach. Compatible with all Korum side trays, feeder arms and wheel kits.
Pros
- Very versatile chair.
- Great for accessory add-ons.
Cons
- It is a bit bulky.
Best fishing chair for comfort
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The famous Nash Indulgence Deluxe Moon Chair features a collapsible frame and adjustable tension straps. Now available as a deluxe version with the addition of full-size swivelling mudfeet for soft ground and to protect groundsheets, one-touch leg adjustment for uneven banks, and a folding frame.
Both feature mesh pockets to store valuables like receivers, keys and phones safely, while the peach skin mattress and micro fleece-padded skirt give a level of elegance and comfort rarely found in fishing chairs.
Pros
- Unrivalled comfort.
- Pockets to keep valuables safe.
Cons
- It is pretty large.
Best fishing chair for pole fishing
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More of an all-rounder than just a feeder chair, Middy’s MX-100 Pole/Feeder Reclining Chair offers incredible comfort and flexibility. Its unique design allows for an extendable side bar to be fitted to the main frame, while the supplied front and rear pole rests hold a pole in place hands-free. A handy rear rippled foam rest keeps spare rods close to hand, and an up-and-over mid-positioned rest can be flipped over to act as a butt rest.
Finally, the front rest’s ribbed head section allows for quivertips to be accurately positioned. It also features a U-bend to hold a pole. There’s a side tray and a one-way arm with a threaded stick that acts as a keepnet holder. A cut-away section makes for easy shipping of a pole, and a high padded headrest, adjustable legs, swivel mudfeet and multi-positional recline complete the picture. It folds flat for easy transportation.
Read our full Middy MX-100 Feeder fishing chair review here.
Pros
- Long backrest offers great support.
- Shape allows for use with a pole.
Cons
- Quite heavy.
Best mid-range carp fishing chair
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A strong yet exceptionally lightweight construction using magnesium alloy allows the Fox Duralite Fishing chair to boast a 180kg load rating. Fully adjustable locking legs feature large swivelling mudfeet. Arm rests are included for added support, while the 3D mesh and polyester padded seat aids comfort and saves on weight.
Folding legs are held in place by spring-loaded locking pins for ease of use.
Pros
- Lightweight chair weighing 3.2kg.
- Very strong.
Cons
- The armrests are quite low.
What to look for in a fishing chair
Fishing chairs are all designed to be comfortable and help make your stay on the bank far more pleasurable. There are a few obvious differences between the chairs on the market, and the style of fishing you do most often will dictate which chair is most suited to you.
If you do a lot of match or feeder fishing, it's well worth getting a chair that has legs that you can attach accessories to, like side trays and feeder arms. This will create a fishing station that will keep everything to hand, making your fishing more efficient and will stop you bending down looking for bits of tackle and bait, which can put a lot of strain on your back. Arms on a chair are personal preference, some anglers love them, some hate them. If you are quite an active angler or are likely to be using a pole from the chair, get a chair without arms or one you can remove them from if you need to.
If you stay on the bank for short sessions and like to stay mobile, a chair that is as light as possible will benefit you massively and stop you debating whether to take it with you or not. Conversely, if you like to stay on the bank for longer sessions, a larger, more comfortable chair would be a much better choice, as the weight won't matter as much as the comfort if you are sat in it for long periods during your stay.
Glossary
Accessories: Devices or gadgets that attach to your chair legs and serve a particular function.
Keepnet arm: An accessory designed to secure a keepnet to your chair.
Feeder arm: A way of attaching your rod rest to your chair and providing a place to position your rod when float or feeder fishing.
Mud feet: Oversized plastic discs attached to the bottom of the legs to stop the chair sinking into the mud.
Arm rests: Raised bars running parallel to the seat that allow you to comfortably place your arms on them.
Tool bar: A multi-purpose accessory that normally fits across the front two legs of a seatbox, primarily designed for holding multiple keepnets, but might also take pole socks, tulips, or rod rests.
Adjustable leg system: Screws lock the legs into place, which can be unscrewed individually to allow the chair to be levelled on any surface.
Frequently asked questions on fishing chairs
Can I use a chair for pole fishing?
The answer is almost certainly, yes! Whilst pole fishing isn't generally the easiest to do from a chair, it is possible if you look out for a few features. Some chairs have specific indents on the back to allow you to ship in and out with ease. It is also definitely advised to use a chair without arm rests as these will impede your ability to use a pole. But it is worth noting that most pole anglers opt to use some of the best fishing seatboxes.
What chair is best for feeder fishing?
This comes down to what you are going to be using your chair for and how you transport it to the bank. If you only use the chair for sitting on and like to remain mobile, then a lightweight chair with minimal amount of space for accessories would be ample. However, if you like to setup in one place and have everything to hand, then a chair that has plenty of options to add side trays and rod rests would be far more suitable for you.
Do I need a chair that has adjustable legs?
You don't need a chair that has adjustable legs, no. However, if you can afford to get a chair that has adjustable legs, we strongly recommend it due to the versatility it brings. As we know, not all pegs or banks are even, and you will be far more comfortable if you can get your chair level. Having a solid base will also prevent the chair toppling over, which could end up with you and your tackle in the lake.
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.