If you are in the market for an affordable fishing kayak, this Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak Review is on target. This review will analyze the features and benefits that make this kayak unique. So if you are looking for a well-priced fishing kayak, please stay tuned.
Kayak fishing is a lot of fun and is a popular outdoor activity. With a fishing kayak, you can access coves and other areas that you may not be able to reach on foot or with a big boat.
Not everyone has (or wants to spend) a lot of money on a fishing kayak. However, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler kayak offers much value for the money.
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is an excellent option for those who want to hit their favorite fishing hole without burning a hole in their wallet. The Lifetime Angler kayak comes with many accessories so you can hit the water without spending a fortune.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Summary
| Number of Paddlers: | 1 |
| Weight Capacity: | 275 lbs |
| Kayak Weight: | 52 lbs |
| Length: | 10 feet |
| Width: | 31 inches |
| Material: | High-density Polyethylene |
| What’s included? | Kayak, paddle, adjustable seatback |
- Constructed of uv-protected high-density Polyethylene. Multiple footrest positions...
- Adjustable padded seat back and seat pad for comfort. Two flush mounted fishing rod...
- Front and rear shock cord straps. Two 6" storage compartments in rear and center. One...
- Front and rear t-handles for easy transport. Deep hull tracking channels
- Stability chine rails. Durable high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) construction
The Tamarack Angler 100 is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It’s rigid, flexible, and durable. The Tamarack kayak can take just about anything you can dish out from a durability perspective.
The kayak is 10 feet long, about 31 inches wide, weighs 52 pounds, and has a weight limit of 275 pounds. The Lifetime Tamarack is full of features for fishing adventures.
It comes with an adjustable padded seat back and seat cushion, two flush-mounted rod holders, a top mount fishing rod holder, and a paddle. A comfortable padded seat is a must when you spend hours sitting on a kayak.
This sit-on-top fishing kayak has multiple footrest positions, ample storage, and scupper holes for drainage. Lifetime packed a lot of value in this unit, and you don’t have to spend a lot of extra money on additional accessories.
The Tamarack Angler 100 is a fishing kayak that is ready to go but leaves room to grow if you want to add your accessories.
Lifetime Tamarack 100 Features
Ready for Fishing
For the best fishing experience, the Lifetime kayak comes equipped with features anglers will love.
For example, we love that the kayak has three fishing rod holders—two flush-mounted rod holders behind the seat and one top mount.
The flush mounts are great when you are paddling to keep your fishing rod out of the way of your stroke.
There is nothing more frustrating than getting to your favorite fishing spot and contending with your fishing pole on each stroke. The top-mount rod holder lets you keep an eye on your line while taking in the scenery.
We love the adjustable, padded backrest so you can take a load off, kick back and relax while you are waiting for the big one to bite. Then, you can quickly prop yourself back up and paddle away when you want to move to the next spot.
Easy To Maneuver
One of the great features of the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is the size. At 10 ft long, the kayak is small enough to be nimble yet gives you enough legroom to stretch out when you need to. In addition, it’s an ideal size for fishing because you can quickly get to those tough spots on the lake.
Let’s turn to the bottom of the boat. It’s equipped with a sharp bow, best for speed, and a flat-bottom hull, giving the paddler stability. There is also a tracking skeg, which will help you keep the kayak going straight where you want it.
Durable
The Tamarack Angler is made from blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), making the kayak rigid and giving it some flexibility. The kayak can take a beating and will last a long time if properly maintained.
The kayak is durable, and it’s an excellent option for beginners and avid anglers who don’t want to break the bank on an expensive kayak. It’s a durable kayak for the price.
The Angler 100 is impact resistant, so even if you hit a few bumps along the way, the kayak will hold up for you.
Storage
There are two six-inch storage hatches to keep your gear out of the sun, wind, rain, or whatever the weather might send your way.
A word of caution, though, the two storage hatches are not watertight. So if you put valuables in the hatches, you will want to use a dry bag to prevent water damage.
The front and rear of the kayak have shock cord straps (aka bungee tie-downs), which gives you a lot of flexibility when piling up your gear.
You can store a cooler or a crate full of fishing gear behind the seat and still have plenty of room on the bow for clothes or other stuff you bring along.
Two water bottle holders and ample legroom round out the storage capacity of the Tamarack Angler 100. For the size of this kayak, there is plenty of storage space.
The one thing you need to watch out for is the weight limit. Once you add the paddler’s weight and extra gear, this adds up quickly.
Other Features
- T- handles on the front and rear of the kayak
- One handle on either side of the kayak
- Paddle keeper
- Self-bailing scupper holes
- Front and rear carry handles
Design
The Tamarack is a sit-on-top kayak with an open cockpit/deck area compared to a sit-inside kayak, which has an enclosed cockpit for the paddler.
The benefit of a sit-on-top kayak is that you have more room for casting, and it’s easier to access your gear since the kayak is more open.
A sit-on-top kayak is also much easier to get back on if you fall overboard. You can slide right back on, whereas a sit-inside kayak is more challenging to get back inside.
Your center of gravity is higher than a sit-inside kayak with a sit-on-top kayak, which means the more weight you put on the kayak, the less stable it will be.
The Tamarack Angler 100 is a very stable kayak thanks to its design. With a stable flat bottom hull, deep tracking channels, and stability chine rails, the kayak is great for newbies or experienced kayak anglers.
The carry handles make it easy to transport the kayak to and from the water with the help of a buddy.
Who Is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 For?
The Tamarack Angler 100 is an affordable fishing kayak for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money. We love that you can throw your fishing gear on board and hit the water immediately.
The kayak leaves room to grow and has ample legroom for taller folks and multiple footrest positions for different-sized paddlers.
Lifetime designed the kayak to be functional yet straightforward without spending big bucks. So you get a well-priced kayak for weekend warriors or avid anglers who don’t want too much money.
There is plenty of room for gear, and the kayak is very stable and durable. In addition, the included accessories mean you don’t have to spend extra money on more equipment.
Who Is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Not For?
If you are looking for a high-end fishing kayak, you may want to look at other models. This kayak does not come with tracks to add a fish finder or other fishing accessories. Additionally, it does not have a place to mount a motor.
Some folks have taken it upon themselves to add a motor, but the manufacturer does not recommend this and may void the warranty.
Other Things To Consider
Transportation
Transporting a kayak is something people often overlook. Transportation is easy if you own a pickup or a car with a roof rack. However, if you don’t have a way to transport the kayak, you will need to invest in a rack for your vehicle.
Adding a roof rack can be expensive, so keep that in mind when shopping for a new kayak. You can always use a utility trailer, and there are other ways to transport a kayak without a roof rack.
Keep this in mind the Lifetime Tamarack weighs over 50 pounds, so lifting it overhead onto a roof rack and tying it down is not simple for everyone.
If you are interested in an inflatable kayak, which is super easy to transport, check out this article.
Storing Your Kayak
Storing a kayak is another thing that people don’t always think about before buying one. Kayaks take up a lot more room than you might think. If you have space in a garage for a kayak, that’s great. Some folks use wall mounts to save space. You can read more about that if you are interested.
You can also store a kayak outside, although that is not ideal unless you can keep it covered, locked up, and out of sight.
The Tamarack 100 kayak weighs over 50 pounds, so the paddler will need to maneuver the kayak to get it on a wall or other storage contraption.
Launching Your kayak
Depending on your kayaking spot, getting your boat from the car to the water is not always easy. If you can park next to the water, that is very helpful, but it’s not always possible.
If you are paddling with a buddy, you can help each other out and take turns carrying your kayaks from the car to the water. You also might want to consider investing in a kayak cart to ease the burden. You can read more about kayak carts here.
Tamarack Angler 100 Price
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is very reasonably priced and packs a lot of value.
This boat has a stable flat bottom, agility, and ample storage, an excellent kayak for beginners and avid anglers who don’t want to break the fishing kayak budget.
PROS
Ample storage space
Adjustable seatback
Comes with paddle and paddle keeper
Stable flat bottom durable design
Inexpensive fishing kayak
Self-bailing
CONS
Heavy for one person to lift
Does not have tracks for additional accessories
FAQ’s
Is the seat replaceable?
Yes, you can replace the seat if you want a different model. The stock seat is adjustable and does provide some upper back support. However, seats are very much an individual item. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to kayak seats.
If you decide the seat that comes with the kayak isn’t for you, you can swap it out for a different one.
Can I take my dog with me?
Many users take their dogs on the Tamarack 100 since there is plenty of space. However, we recommend you keep in mind the weight limit of the kayak (275 pounds). Once you add the paddler’s weight, a dog, fishing gear, etc., weight can add up quickly.
Can you stand up on the Tamarack 100?
Some users stand up on this kayak, although it is not designed for that. Some fishing kayaks are specifically designed to stand up and fish. With proper balance and a life jacket, you might be able to stand up.
Conclusion
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing kayak is an excellent value for the money. If you are a fisherman and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a kayak, this is a fantastic option.
It comes with almost everything you need to hit the water, except fishing gear and a life jacket. In addition, the kayak comes with a paddle, adjustable backrest and seat, plenty of storage, and ample legroom.
The Tamarack Angler 100 is excellent for beginners and avid anglers alike. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy a very durable fishing kayak.
Happy paddling!
Why the scupper holes? Kayak sits higher when their plugged?
Thanks for your comment. Scupper holes are there so water can drain out of your kayak. You can buy plugs for the holes if you want to. Hopefully, this answers your question.