Lifetime Tamarack 10’ Angler Kayak Review

Buying your first fishing kayak can be a daunting prospect. There are so many models available to choose from, and so many features to compare and consider.

The difference between a good and substandard kayak can seriously affect your experience of kayak fishing, but it can also seriously affect the price tag of those vessels.

If you are looking for a kayak that isn’t so expensive as to break the bank, but also has all the necessary design features and performance quality required of a fishing ‘yak’, then the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 could be the perfect choice for you.

This popular vessel has been praised for its stability, comfort and durability, three things which are essential to any fishing kayak.

Read on for a closer look at the details of this boat, covering its many benefits and any drawbacks as well.

Performance On The Water

The Tamarack Angler 100 has been specifically designed with anglers in mind and as a result, stability on the water has been a top priority for the design team.

The flat hull of this vessel means that it stays stable even on rough and choppy waters, allowing you to concentrate on casting and catching rather than on not capsizing! 

This kayak is so stable that it is even possible to stand up on it if you so desire. The hull also boasts chine rails positioned wide apart for additional stability.

This is perfect for beginners who may be wobbly on the water at first as it minimizes the effect of any weight transfer you make and allows you to put your effort into padding without rocking the vessel from side to side.

The Tamarack Angler 100 also has particularly deep hull channels through which water can stream easily. This assists the way the kayak tracks through the water, and results in a smooth and streamlined ride.

Although the speed of this kayak is not up to racing standards it is definitely appropriate from fishing and recreational purposes.

You can maneuver with agility and control even through narrow passages and areas of low hanging vegetation thanks to the expert design of this kayak. More advanced  kayakers will be able to gain good pace with the right paddle and paddling technique.

Durability

Thanks to the blow-moulded high-density polyethylene material that the body of the Tamarack Angler 100 is made from, this kayak is durable and resilient. It is built to withstand rough waters and all weather conditions.

Wind and waterproof, the hard outer shell has even been treated with a special UV coating which makes it resistant to the sun’s powerful rays. This not only protects the kayak from thinning and weakening over time, but also allows it to keep its olive green color even after long exposures to sunlight.

The polyethylene material is very rigid and keeps its shape even when the kayak is fully loaded. It is also resilient against bumps and scratches and the hull will not dent or scuff even if thrown into hard collisions.

This is ideal for anglers who fish close to shores or banks that are densely populated with rocks and boulders as it allows you to be bold and adventurous without worrying about the durability of your vessel.

The brand Lifetime doesn't take their name lightly, and this kayak really does have the durability and design integrity to be a kayak for life.

Portability

The Tamarack Angler 100 weighs a total of 55 lbs, which is a considerable amount for any one person to handle. Of course, this weight is indicative of the kayak’s sturdiness, however it does make portability an issue for some users.

There are front and rear t-handles featured in the kayak’s design which aid lifting, dragging and carrying. However, buying a kayak cart is no bad idea when it comes to handling a vessel of this shape and size.

Comfort

Comfort is key for any fishing kayak, and the Tamarack Angler 100 has plenty of innovative features to ensure that you stay safe and mobile while also feeling comfortable. Expeditions can last from a few hours to a whole day, so the addition of a padded seat and adjustable seat back is essential.

The foam of the seat cushions your bum well and prevents it from going numb over a long trip, and the adjustable seat back enables you to alter the angle at which you are sitting to maximize your comfort. 

What is more, this kayak has adjustable footrests that are contoured so that they mould well to your feet and provide the best support possible.

Pressing against the footrests relieves the pressure on your lower back and so it is of utmost importance. These adjustable footrests mean that this kayak is suited to anyone no matter how short or tall they may be. 

The Tamarack Angler 100 is a sit-on-top style kayak, meaning that your legs are not contained within the front of the vessel. This is great for aiding mobility as it allows you to twist and turn in your seat, and enables you to access items stowed in the rear compartment of the boat easily.

This open design also makes dismounting at the shoreline very easy, and allows you to re-enter the kayak if you fall out in the water.

Storage space

There are two key storage compartments on this kayak, one at the rear of the vessel in the well of the stern, and one in the belly of the boat between your legs. These compartments are both 6 inches deep and precious items can be kept inside for safety.

However, these compartments, particularly the one in the cockpit, are not entirely watertight and some spray can seep through. For this reason all items stored inside should be sealed in a drybag for added waterproofing and protection.

As well as the two dry compartments, the Tamarack Angler 100 has ample storage space on the stern deck, and the addition of an elasticated bungee cord is very useful for securing tackle boxes, cool boxes and other bits of kit and equipment.

The front well of the boat also makes for a great storage area for items that you need more immediate access to, such as water bottles. 

The kayak features three conveniently placed rod holders so you can have multiple lines in the water at one time. There are two flush mounted holders behind the seat of the kayak, and one swivel rod holder on the front side, which has 360 degree rotation.

These rod holders are sturdy and stable so you don’t need to worry about losing your rod in the water or about them wobbling as you paddle.

Another really handy design feature is the paddle keeper. This allows you to rest your paddle securely on the kayak while you concentrate on fishing.

There is a cord to ensure that the padding doesn’t roll off into the water, alleviating you of any worries that it may do so.

Value for money

These days it is difficult to find a decent fishing kayak for under $1000 so the fact that the Tamarack Angler 100 is so affordable really is a fantastic surprise.

The reputation and reliability of all Lifetime products means that the quality of this kayak will last a very long time and you will get lots of use and enjoyment out of your investment. 

The adjustable foot rests mean that friends and family will also be able to ride and enjoy this kayak as it can be altered to suit anyone’s dimensions.

As a sturdy and stable vessel with lots of storage space, this kayak works particularly well for beginners and first time buyers who perhaps aren’t ready to commit to a more expensive model just yet.

Final Verdict

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 fishing kayak is a great choice for beginner and intermediate kayakers due to its durability, comfort and great storage solutions. This kayak won’t go at top speeds but tracks well in the water and stays steady enough that you can even stand up on it.

With a maximum capacity of 220 lbs it is only suitable for single person use, however the adjustable footrests and seat back mean that anyone can enjoy rising it no matter what their height is.

The expert engineering of this vessel means that it can handle rough and rocky waters as well as calm and tranquil waters, and that it will last a long time so you will feel your money was well spent. All in all, this is an excellent fishing kayak.