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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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.
It’s brilliant for shallow water, and dead simple to set-up on sloping riverbanks – or simply position it on a fishery platform. 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.
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.
Pros
- Very strong and stable.
- Fully compatible with all OffBox 36mm accessories.
Cons
- Not the lightest chair available.
Best fishing chair for support
www.fishingrepublic.co.uk
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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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 chair features four adjustable legs, allowing you to maintain stability on uneven ground. Its padded mattress offers a level of comfort that makes it suitable for extended periods outdoors.
Additionally, the chair comes equipped with an Offbox Side Tray, Telescopic Feeder Arm, and Cross Arm, providing handy options to keep your gear organised. To keep your rod secure when in place using the feeder arm, the chair includes Preston's rod safe multi and U rests, ensuring your equipment is secure while you fish. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport, whether you're heading to a river, a lake or your local commercial.
Pros
- Supplied with side tray, feeder arm, cross arm and rod rests
- Independently adjustable legs
Cons
- Would like to see adjustment for back rest position
Best budget 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.
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 Supa Lite Stretch Chair, Wighing just 3.9kg and totally waterproof seat is made from a unique hardwearing 'stretch' 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
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
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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.
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 mid-range carp fishing chair
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
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.