Fishing chairs have always been popular with pleasure, carp and specialist anglers. But, with the continued success and popularity of feeder fishing, out-and-out feeder chairs designed specifically for the task are on the increase. But what should you look for in one?
Whether you're a serious match angler or just enjoy a day on the bank pleasure fishing, a chair could be the most important item of tackle you own to ensure you stay comfortable. A lot of the modern chairs come with adjustable legs to keep you stable on uneven ground and have the ability for you to add accessories such as side trays and rod rests.
Best feeder fishing chairs at a glance
• Best for comfort - Korum S23 Accessory Chair
• Best for casting - Middy MX 100 Pole/Feeder Reclining Chair
• Best for accessories - Preston Innovations Absolute 36 Fishing Chair
• Best for lightness - Matrix Accessory Feeder Chair
Chairs are also a great option if you require back support, as even the best seatboxes just don't offer that level of comfort, often causing you to sit at an awkward angle. The next thing to ask is what sort of fishing will you be doing? If you want to use a pole from time to time too with your chair, it is best to choose one without arm rests, as these can get in the way when shipping out. If you're a mobile angler that likes fishing the rivers, a chair that's lighter would be far more beneficial to that style of angling.
Best for support
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 for casting
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.
Pros
- Long backrest offers great support.
- Shape allows for easier casting.
Cons
- Quite heavy.
Best for lightness
These Matrix chairs come in Accessory or Deluxe versions and are designed for feeder or float fishing. The Deluxe has 25mm legs, extensive padding, and a lightweight but sturdy metal construction. It also has removable leg extensions and adjustable back support.
The compact Accessory weighs in at just 4.9kg and has a low back to aid casting. The 25mm legs take all Matrix 3D accessories and it folds flat for easy transportation.
Pros
- Fully adjustable.
- Lightweight at just 4.9kg.
Cons
- Low back for casting but it does reduce back support.
Best for accessories
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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 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.
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.
- Arm rests for added comfort.
Cons
- Not the easiest to cast from.
Best for customisation
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The Shakespeare SKP Feeder Chair really does offer the ultimate in comfort for all-day fishing. With plenty of compatible accessories, this chair system is perfect for the angler who wants everything close at hand. It has a sturdy footplate available as an add-on option for use when faced with steep banks or when sitting in shallow water.
The chair’s high back offers neck support for anglers fishing rivers with rod tips pointed skyward. The front section of the chair features a sturdy metal cross section that offers rock-solid stability on any type of terrain, as well as helping to prevent frame twist.
The cushioned sections are well padded and comfy to sit on, and key features include a solid lock-secure handwheel back setting, and a plethora of add-on items to enhance your fishing enjoyment.
Pros
- Very comfortable.
- Great back support.
Cons
- Not as strong as some other chairs.
Best for comfort
An improved version of the best-selling fishing chair of all time, the Korum S23 Accessory chair has a patented vertical system utilising square, rounded-edged 23mm legs. A breathable mattress offers superb comfort, but is lightweight and durable. The quick fold design ensures it’s easy to transport.
The deluxe version has telescopic legs for greater and easier adjustment as well as reclining and independently removable arm rests for comfort.
Read our full review of the Korum S23 Accessory Chair here.
Pros
- Upgraded version of the best-selling fishing chair to date.
- Lightweight and strong.
Cons
- Arm rests can get in the way.
What to look for in a feeder fishing chair
When deciding on a chair for feeder fishing, look for ones without arms or armrests, as these can get in the way when casting or putting down the butt section of your rod. A high padded rear section to support your head and neck, combined with an easy tilting or reclining mechanism, is another ‘must’ because it will allow you to get comfortable, even when fishing on fast-running water where your rod tips are pointed skywards.
Telescopic front legs are another essential. Most banks (and this applies to all venues) slope toward the water, so you’ll need longer front legs to level up your chair. Having a design that allows the use of integral side trays, rod rests and a keepnet arm will always make things quicker and easier for you once you’re actually fishing.
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.
<strong>Frequently asked questions about feeder fishing chairs</strong>
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.
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 Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.