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...
How we test the best fishing chairs

These fishing chairs were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing chairs like these for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!
Tackle testers, Aidan Bordiuk, Tony Grigorjevs and Mark Sawyer have been sitting on a variety of chairs to ensure they deserve a place on this list! Whether you fish from well manicured platforms, need something to adjust to steep riverbanks or just to kick back and relax in while carp fishing, all the chairs below have been thoroughly tested so we can give a rounded review!
Our decision process of what makes the best fishing chair takes into account various factors including price point, weight, build quality and how easily you can find attachments for them, to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.
The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of angling you are likely to encounter! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Preston’s Absolute 36 Feeder Chair is rock solid on any type of terrain thanks to its four 36mm legs. It also has two additional 36mm left and right centre-placed uprights to enable you to attach any OffBox accessory including double knuckle side trays. It’s ideal for feeder anglers, and it works perfectly with a range of accessories including feeder arms, river tripods and keepnet connectors.
We were really impressed by this chair, it is robust, incredibly sturdy and the attachment list is almost endless, allowing you the option to customise the chair however you want. Regardless of where you take the chair, you will be able to get it level. In testing we took it to our favourite commercial and to the River Trent, and while the terrain at these venues couldn't have been anymore contrasting the chair never faltered.
If you do a lot of varied fishing and visit the river or reservoirs, often the banks can be steep and the last thing you want to feel is nervous or unstable on your chair as it really makes fishing uncomfortable, thankfully this chair prevents all that feeling of dread! The fabric is really robust too. I am a messy angler it has to be said, so the chair came home looking a little worse for wear, covered in groundbait and a whole manner of liquids, but with a quick wipe down it was looking brand new again!
This chair is also great if you can no longer sit on a seatbox as the range of attachments that you can buy for this chair won't impact your transition over, something chairs have faltered with in the past!
One of its key features is assured seated perfection, as the chair incorporates an extremely comfortable mattress and a high back section for head and neck support, making it perfect for long sessions, I can't say I fell asleep on the job while testing the chair... but I almost did!
Packing it away is easy, as it has a folding back section, and removable legs which can be stored at the rear of the chair using the straps provided. A shoulder strap is included in the price. Our only drawdown is that it is a little heavier and bulkier than other chairs on the market.
Pros
- Very strong and stable
- Fully compatible with all OffBox 36mm accessories
- Extremely comfortable
Cons
- Not the lightest chair available
The Caperlan Feeder CSB Chair is the best value fishing chair I have reviewed so far, while Decathlon might not be well recognised for their fishing equipment, some of it is really good as this chair proved. There is nothing else like this chair, at its price on the market!
In all honesty it really surprised me, I fully expected to be underwhelmed by it and my preconceived ideas were quickly eradicated when I got the chair on the bank. The chair is a sort of crossover from the camping market, tailored towards anglers so it includes some features are unique.
It is well padded, easy to keep clean and the spring loaded legs are easy to extend at the touch of a button. This is something not a lot of fishing chairs have, making it adaptable to even the most extreme terrains while allowing you to make micro adjustments to get setup perfectly flat, the spirit level in the chair legs help further!
The side tray comes with an attachment that allows it to be independent of the legs, which is superb. One con about having the tray attach to the leg is sometimes you struggle to get it where you want it because how extended the leg is, this problem has all but been solved by this, great job! The side tray comes with an extra leg which accommodates a brolly, something unique that I haven't seen in my 30 years testing tackle and it really impressed me!
The little niggle I had was the backrest not being quite along as I would prefer. While great for standard feeder fishing, if you were on the river looking up at your rod tips, the chair might not offer the same support for your head as well as some others can.
You need to watch Mark's full review on our YouTube channel here.
Pros
- Brolly fitting in the leg
- Spirit levels included in the chair
- Side tray fitting is great
Cons
- Backrest might be a little short for taller anglers
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.
I really appreciated how light this chair was, if you are angler that carries your tackle or likes to move around during your session, this chair is well worth further investigation. The mesh padding on the seat will ensure it won't wear away prematurely and it will stand up to any accidental hookings.
Another feature we liked, often something that is overlooked is the locking nuts on the side of the chair. If you have cold or wet hands, they can be a nightmare at times to undo, but these are made from soft rubber and are really easy to grip, so you won't have to carry the chair back to the car still setup! The locking nuts on the legs are also easy to grip and they can be rotated around the leg 180 degrees to ensure they aren't sticking out into your leg regardless of where you're sat, a nice little touch as far as we are concerned!
The chair can recline right back too and while it is unlikely you will need to do this while fishing, it does show how versatile they are, so you should be able to find a position that is comfortable for you! The chair packs away easily, into a flat, compact state making it easy to carry without banging into your back or leg and for easy storage in the car/garage.
It’s fully compatible with all the latest Daiwa System 36 accessories.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adjustable legs
- Reclines really far back
- Locking nut position can be adjusted
Cons
- No arm rests
If you're looking for a reliable fishing chair, consider the Preston Innovations Ignition Feeder Chair. It's designed for anglers who value practicality and comfort during their fishing.
The first thing you will notice is that this chair comes with a side tray, telescopic feeder arm and cross arm which we thought was great. They are the official Offbox attachments too so they won't break and they save you buying anything to start out, which is also great for beginners in our opinion to save being overwhelmed on what you might need to buy.
This is a no-nonsense, reliable chair which has been designed for feeder fishing and that is exactly what we used it for during testing. The upright position helps you cast well, but we would have liked to have seen a reclining option for those who like to a more relaxed approach when they are fishing. Everything sits at the right height when the chair is setup, but you may want to add a telescopic leg for your side tray to sit on to give you more flexibility in where it is positioned, especially if you are taller.
Each leg is fully adjustable to allow the chair to be positioned flat and level and they are long enough to accommodate most banks, which we rated! One thing that you have to take into consideration is that the legs don't fold away like they do on some others chairs so you can leave them screwed in which is fine on a barrow or you'll have to remove them when carrying it, they do store neatly underneath however.
The padded seat makes up for the inconvenience of removing the legs though, it is super comfortable. All in all, if you are an angler that goes fishing to catch a lot of fish or likes to fish matches and aren't fishing just to be out, this chair is a superb option for you!
Pros
- Supplied with side tray, feeder arm, cross arm and rod rests
- Independently adjustable legs
- Perfect for match fishing
Cons
- Would like to see adjustment for back rest position
- legs don't fold away
Best lightweight fishing chair

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.
If like me, you like to rove around with minimal tackle and are quite happy sat on a bucket this chair is a perfect addition to your kit. Often a chair is bulky and one more thing to weigh you down and carry to you swim which is why I often go without, but having tested the Wychwood Tactical X Compact I reluctantly gave it back and immediately bought my own. The chair is really light thanks to its aluminium frame and it packs down really flat. The chair is great for carp fishing, river fishing, or taking down the beach, all scenarios this chair has become accustomed to when out fishing with me.
There are two drawbacks to the chair, the rear legs aren't adjustable in the compact version, but the way I sit I have never found that to be an issue, plus it helps it become a bedchair buddy, easily straddling the width of the majority of bedchairs out there. The other is it has no carry strap, but they can be bought for next to nothing on Amazon. For the price and the versatility the Wychwood Tactical X Compact offers, I haven't found a better chair under £60, it is a standard chair but it will appeal to those who don't think they need a chair, until they use one. like this!
Pros
- Ideal chair for carrying on long trips
- Looks great
Cons
- Doesn't have a carry strap
Best fishing chair for short sessions

www.fishingrepublic.co.uk
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

www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Korum Ruckchair represents a groundbreaking solution for anglers seeking an efficient method to transport their fishing tackle. It ingeniously combines a comfortable, lightweight chair with a compact, flatbed carryall that can be easily carried like a rucksack. This design allows anglers to access their tackle directly beneath their seat, similar to a traditional seatbox, but without the associated weight and challenges.
Designed with the needs of anglers in mind, the Ruckchair boasts several features that enhance its functionality. The bag is equipped with entry points on both sides, facilitating easy access to gear regardless of the angler's position. Additionally, it includes a rear slot pocket specifically designed for banksticks and S23 chair legs. The rucksack straps come with a vertically adjustable chest strap, which aids in evenly distributing the chair's weight, thereby enhancing comfort during transport. Moreover, the Ruckchair is fitted with extra D loops for securing unhooking mats and nets, alongside a convenient carry handle for effortless mobility. It includes four telescopic S23 legs that can be adjusted to accommodate the angler's height and the specific terrain being fished.
Constructed from 100% polyester with an aluminum frame, the Ruckchair weighs a manageable 6.3 kg.
Pros
- Very versatile chair combining a chair and a rucksack
- Great for accessory add-ons
- Perfect for a mobile angler
Cons
- It is a bit bulky and very heavy when laden with tackle
Best fishing chair for comfort

www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The famous Nash Indulgence 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.
This is by far and away the most comfortable fishing chair on the market, so good in fact we questioned chucking the rods out just in case we had to get out of it! The shape is quite unique in the fishing market, with the round frame hugging your body as you sit in it, which when coupled with the micro fleece mattress makes it hard not to fall asleep in. Once setup the chair is sturdy but it is quite big and due to the weight it is better aimed at longer session anglers who need a place to relax, alternatively you can take either with you for short sessions just be aware it is quite bulky.
The chair has mesh pockets sown into it which are great for items like receivers or your phone, it just stops you scrambling around looking for them while keeping them off the ground, or falling out of your pocket when you get up, which happens more often than you think! The Nash Moon chair is perfect for anglers who want comfort on the bank and if you want even more luxury, you can opt for the Indulgence option which is slightly bigger and even more comfortable!
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 reclining carp fishing chair

www.total-fishing-tackle.com
A strong yet exceptionally lightweight construction using magnesium alloy allows the Fox Super Deluxe Recliner 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.
The padded armrests just compliment the deluxe foam chair really help support you during your fishing sessions. If you struggle with back issues this chair will really help out as thanks to its reclining options, you are sure to find a position that takes the pressure off!
Folding legs are held in place by spring-loaded locking pins for ease of use.
Pros
- Armrest for comfort
- 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.