Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Review - Kayak Fishing Version

In this video I'm doing a full review of the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack inflatable fishing kayak - a kayak that's designed to paddle great and to be a fishing machine. Does it accomplish this goal? That's what I'm about to find out!
Buy the Sea Eagle 385 -
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Gear I have tested and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua-bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) bit.ly/43KLWQb
Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Hybrid 2-piece (Rec/Touring bit.ly/41VdlND
Aqua-bound Shred (whitewater) bit.ly/3L9h04E
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) bit.ly/3AaGAzS
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) bit.ly/3odrMxK
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) bit.ly/41yCpK0
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Dry Top bit.ly/41EvCyC
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket bit.ly/3L9awmd
NRS Axiom Dry Suit bit.ly/3A6RdUj
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens bit.ly/3KOMegb
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt bit.ly/41jskkf
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts bit.ly/41fyAtm
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/3Lb8Clo
NRS Kicker Wetshoe: bit.ly/3H6Sjna
NRS Paddle Wetshoe: bit.ly/3V3cYhx
Astral PFD Sandal bit.ly/41EiFVc
Sunglasses: Wiley X Outdoor Sun Glasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear:
NRS WRSI Current Helmet bit.ly/3L90rpz
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt bit.ly/41g8C9l
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
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Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
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[@bradleedenney]

I bought this about 4 years ago. Included a motor and the upper 360 seat. Seat is awesome to be able to turn around and sit comfortably. I bought the extra warranty, but if you have a seam leak, which you will, seaeagle will ignore you. Warranty does not include the known leaks between the black and green rubber seams. Leaks only on one side, but takes 2 days to deflate entirely. Needs a longer paddle if you sit higher on the 360 seat. Legit, still good, hard as steel when inflated and standing is fair, but I bought a stabilizer pontoon and attached it to the motor mount because any waves around, you can't stand up.

[@margaretnell2471]

I've got this boat and use it mostly on the Lake Constance (Swiss, Austrian sides) and Swiss mountain lakes (Davos, St.Moritz) and on the Mountain Rhine up to the Lake Constance. It's fab. Fast to get into the water, super portable and durable. Over the last years acquired some scratches but overall still absolutely airtight. Handles great. Whether the water is calm or choppy, with or without current it handles very well. AND it looks good. I'm currently the only one (and the only woman) with this kayak in this here region and often get curious looks and sometimes people ask about it. Always recommend it.

[@PaddleTV]

great to hear you're loving it! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@laprock]

I own a Sea Eagle Fast track, non-angler, and love it. I used it last season and am excited to use it again this summer. Its durability is exceptional and you really do forget that you’re in an inflatable kayak. The Hakka is super comfortable and tracking is exceptional. However, I think this boat lacks in features as it has a very simple design and all you really have are the d-rings to work with.

[@quake2u]

I love my Fast Track, I use it to scuba dive off shore on a reef in Florida. It has small tubes making it easier to enter and exit the water.

[@lewise.3556]

I love my 385FTA. but for bass fishing I added a trolling motor in which they sale the bracket and trolling motor. And it works great.

[@chosenone8657]

Itd be nice to see you review a couple of the different ORU Kayak versions. Like the beach lt or bay st

[@jimpeters4264]

Have you tried the Point 65 kayaks from Sweden? I'm especially interested in the Mercury tandem model, but the entire line looks intriguing. A rigid hull that breaks down into 3 manageable sections to dig in the trunk of most cars.

[@suneelkanuri]

Thank you for the great review. What pump would you recommend to inflate it quickly and easily?

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Great review, thanks

[@publiuszero79]

I saw ICast videos of the Kokopelli Kaster. I'm pondering on either the Sea Eagle 385fta or the KK. Is Kokopelli a good brand, and your thoughts on the Kaster?

[@fbmowner]

This kayak is pretty nifty but I have the AG Chinook 120 with the proformance seat, all in $600. The stock seats have rod holders integrated in the backs so you can have 4 holders if you're by yourself. It has storage straps on the front and back , it's longer than you would ever need for gear, you can make an easy rig for electronics and Its also 2 psi on the sides but lacks a performance floor. For more than double the price I don't see this being worth it. However I am biased toward AG due to my experience with it.

[@bobrich1950]

Ken, would love to see a review of the Aquaglide Blackfoot 130 as a comparison. In my research, Sea Eagle and Aquaglide seem to have the best inflatable fishing kayaks. Thanks

[@deepfakes9137]

I recommend Aquaglide Blackfoot 130. I recently purchased that Sea Eagle and the quality control was horrible. I have read many complaints about the quality control recently. I ended up returning it and getting the Blackfoot 130. I am happy with it

[@DenKwonDo]

I own a Blackfoot 130 and absolutely LOVE it! The only downside is that as soon as you stop paddling the wind will literally blow you away, even upstream in a river, also, when being used for whitewater purposes without a skeg, it is very difficult to control as it literally has no tracking. I plan on purchasing an aftermarket flex fin for being used in whitewater.

[@JamesBatto]

Hi Ken, great review. Could you possibly review the Sea Eagle 350 FX Fishing Explorer compared to the 385 FTA Angler? Thanks

[@FrankLadd]

I'd like a boat like that but one that could withstand the rigors of surfing and surf launches and landings.

[@SpongeBob-pb9fe]

I fish from the non angler version just because it was cheaper and came with a second seat and paddle for a friend with no issues. I am trying to figure out if I can rig up some makeshift bungie cord rod holder tubes on the rings though

[@suneelkanuri]

Here is a work around idea. Use a milk crate and secure the milk crate with bungee cords to d-rings. Then attach your rod holders to the sides of the milk crate.

[@SpongeBob-pb9fe]

@@suneelkanuri honestly can’t believe I didn’t think of that. I’ll give it a go, thank you!

[@SpongeBob-pb9fe]

@@suneelkanuri I got a metal milk crate and tested it. It fits snug against the sides. I don’t even think it’d require bungie cords but with them I don’t even need an actual rod holder as the bungie cord pins my rod firmly against the milk crate using the loops on the sides of the kayak. 10/10 highly recommend, can even put my feet against it for leverage while paddling

[@publiuszero79]

Having a tough time deciding between the Blackfoot Angler 130 & the SeaEagle Fasttrack 385fta. I would be ocean fishing, mainly. Which do you recommend?

[@PaddleTV]

There both solid kayaks, but I would give the Sea Eagle the edge for ocean fishing, because you're going to inevitably encounter some wind and the Sea Eagle FastTrack will do a better job of tracking because of the integrated bow keel. bit.ly/3eYJ8H2

[@MarzThe7]

Would love to know how this compares to the Aquaglide Blackfoot 130.

[@PaddleTV]

The Blackfoot is even more comparable to the Sea Eagle 350fx. They are very similar. The 385fta is a little different. It paddles a little better than both the 350x and the Blackfoot 130 thanks to the integrated bow keel, which helps it track better. This means the 385 will get pushed around by the wind less.

[@kyleo1236]

Have you never heard of the Bōte brand inflatable kayaks. They make a few models of pedal drive and regular inflatable fishing kayaks.

[@nickclashez]

I been seeing them as well I wonder if they stack up to the sea eagle

[@kyleo1236]

@nickclashez7716 my dad has a pedal drive Bōte kayak and it's really nice. It uses drop stitch like inflatable paddle boards so it's very solid. I haven't been in a sea eagle so I'm not sure how they compare. I do have a hard shell fishing kayak (seastream angler 120) and the Bōte is pretty comparable. The Bōte is faster through the water than my kayak but it's also not quite as stable.

[@pengbrow]

Please review Bote Zepplin!

[@sayerwoadhyll8440]

A few comments about the one I own. Keel Valve Placement. Color and Lettering. Swivel Seat installation. Disclaimer, I've only taken mine out a few times. The location of the valve for the inflatable keel. It is difficult to get to the valve under the skirt with the stiff inflation hose. Color and Lettering. I'm not an angler. The lettering on the side attracts the rangers.... sheesh. Then why did you get it? I got mine because of the increased protection against punctures. My companion hound has sharp claws. The pictures and reviews I had seen prior to the purchase showed the color as all green and no silly lettering, that's what I assumed would be delivered. Living in the desert, we don't consciously buy outdoor items that are BLACK. I REALLY dislike the black and the silly lettering. That surface gets damned hot! Trying to figure out how to get a lighter color and remove the ranger attracting "Angler" announcement on the side is my next chore. My 380X inflatable is much more bearable under the Sun's rays just not as forgiving to the dog paws. Oh, the swivel seat.... That thing is a pain to secure. You should practice putting it on a few times before you decide to use it. Another reason I want a different color; I wanted to use a Sharpie to draw strap instructions for the seat upon the hull (yes I need a diagram - old man). With it being black, drawing on the hull isn't possible. Drawn on the seat platform instead. Maybe SeaEagle could put a sticker on the seat platform. You were smart not to show the seat installation during your video, but for a completely honest review, perhaps you should have.

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

Would there be enough room to add a second seat to make it for two people to paddle around when not using it for "fishing" ? I see myself using it for fishing but would like to add a second seat for when the wife wants to just paddle around a lake together. Thoughts?

[@dogzbestfrnd1]

I've taken my daughter ( about 5'3") lake fishing and there's definitely enough room, even when fishing. We have two 385 angler models for our family. I highly recommend the Deluxe inflatable seats... very comfortable, as you can inflate to desired firmness and they keep you off the floor, should water enter the kayak.

[@bradleedenney]

There is a lot of room for one person, with stuff, not much room for stuff if there are 2. Get the 360 seats, and you will have plenty of room because you can switch where your legs are.

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

@@bradleedenney thanks for the reply!

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

@@dogzbestfrnd1 thanks for the reply!

[@dogzbestfrnd1]

@@JohnArnoldPhotography 👍

[@rondonato7443]

Can this kayak handle ocean surf?

[@muikong7922]

Thank you for your video 😊 I looking for inflatable kayak. I thinking sea eagle 385 and nrs pike pro i see u two of video fo now i dont know buy Which one ？

[@PaddleTV]

To be honest... it's hard to go wrong with either! Both are top quality products from great companies that stand behind their products.

[@chris-zu6sf]

I got the 385fta because my son likes to go fishing. @@PaddleTV

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

Please do a review of the NRS Pike Pro. That’s a way more proper fishing kayak!

[@PaddleTV]

I did! Although I didn't get to actually fish out of it... Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqrPdqOsn9KLj5I

[@chirotastic2502]

​@@PaddleTV Can you say a bit comparing the two? I'm looking closely at both and would be interested in your thoughts. I'm mostly interested in fishing but would absolutely just go out for an occasional paddle.

[@bobrich1950]

Also, how do you think this would perform up to Class II rapids ?

[@bradleedenney]

They sell leg straps, which can also be used as backpack straps to carry it back up. It is very low to the water, so water will constantly get in, but the drain hole are there for a reason.

[@PaddleTV]

I would be totally comfortable in Class 2 rapids with it. If it was a shallow river, I would remove the fin, but otherwise, it's good to go!

[@genebattaglia886]

Thinking about getting this boat and selling my 285FPB.

[@peterkitchener8787]

Hmmm I'm not sure about that one. Mite be ok for rivers or flat water.

[@SpongeBob-pb9fe]

I think they rate it for rapids levels 1 and 2. From personal experience as long as there’s no rocks you’re constantly scraping against and the waves aren’t bad enough that you’re getting airborne or completely flooded by water I would feel comfortable

[@ColtSievers1000]

Crazy money

[@brian1204]

Quite surprised at your unfamiliarity with the other various inflatable fishing kayaks.

[@PaddleTV]

Yeah, it's not a style of kayak that I've spent much time in.

[@RTanna89]

Bought the package with the motor, honestly disappointed in the quality for what I paid. don't have time to type out all the issues I've had at the moment, but if they had a serious competitor I would have returned my fta and bought there's. Also what kind of fishing boat doesn't have a cup holder?!?!

[@bestblade9848]

I have to disagree with you . Saturn make really good inflatables with great materials with much better prices and I’m talking base in experience. I own sea eagle boat and Saturn as well . I just ordered an other boat from Saturn the OK420 .

[@PaddleTV]

I'll have to check the Saturn's out! Never heard of them.

[@nameinaframeindy]

Bixpy J-2 skeg mounted motor. Thank me later.

[@Dodge_podge]

Bote Lono, NRS Pike, NRS Kuda? You already reviewed the Pike previously. The intro is perhaps unintentionally saying that this boat has no competition for an inflatable fishing kayak. You said the same words, "inflatable and fishing don't go together" in the Pike review. You also reviewed the base model of the Pike with no accessories and didn't bring a rod with you at all on choppy waters. After watching the whole review, I find it much less valid considering the this boat is $200 more than the Pike, and this Sea Eagle doesn't have a frame seat, and doesn't have accessory mount points in the basic package. It also doesn't have the option to outfit it with 5 track mount adapters, two adjustable rod holders, a 13x16 fishing crate with 4 additional rod holders, $150 paddle, paddle holder, cup holder, easily $600 worth of stuff you'll likely want anyway for $400. What do you get with the Sea Eagle? A $60 cheapo paddle, two small holes cut out of a splash guard to fumble your rods into and get stuck trying to take them out, and the option to add an acceptable seat for a couple hundred bucks more. The Pike and Pike Pro are objectively and undeniably a better value but you somehow didn't remember they exist despite being decked out head to toe in NRS gear. It may have been unintentional, but if not, it makes me think you're just ignoring it to make every boat you review seem like the best so the brand wants to work with you for the money.

[@PaddleTV]

You're right about one thing... I totally spaced on already reviewing the NRS Pike. I think because I didn't test it while actually fishing, or even with the fishing accessories, that I didn't think of it as a fishing kayak. Yes... I forgot. It happens more and more these days. Just ask my wife... I keep forgetting our anniversary. :) Seriously though - I've tested around 70 kayaks over the past couple of years. I think that's enough to deserve some slack for losing track of boats at times. That being said, I've never heard of the Bote Lono, and I haven't tried or seen the Kuda. I'm sure there are a few other inflatable fishing kayaks that I don't know about or can't think of right now. I didn't mean to imply that there wasn't any competition... but I did mean to say that there wasn't many options compared to the other types of kayaks out there. That aside... I don't think you're being completely fair. I do believe the Sea Eagle and NRS Pike are both great kayaks. I also believe they're both solid value. As is the case with most reputable kayak manufacturers (and Sea Eagle and NRS are two of the most reputable and long standing kayak manufacturers), the question isn't whether the product is good, or even good value - the question is who the kayak is for. That being said... You've explained what you love about the NRS Pike... but I'd love to hear what you don't like about the Sea Eagle 385. I spent a day fishing out of it, and really enjoyed it. I spoke to the points that I thought could be improved (foot pegs being the most memorable). On the flip side... it has some real strengths. The fact that it is available with a 360 swivel seat is really cool, and I'm looking forward to trying that. It's also available with a motor mount and motor. It's designed to be used as both a single and a tandem kayak, which makes it very versatile (half the packages come with 2 seats, 2 paddles) and it has reinforced side tubes (2000 denier), which makes it one of the most durable kayaks on the market. Bottom line... they're both great kayaks with different pros and cons. I stand by that!

[@Dodge_podge]

@@PaddleTV You're right, I apologize for accusing you. It's so hard to find high quality, unbiased reviewers these days that I got frustrated with the idea that you were being unfair, but that assumption wasn't fair to you. I still think the sea eagle has lackluster and dinky accessories for the price, but I appreciate your view and the response. Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

I appreciate it.... and I totally appreciate where you were coming from. It is VERY hard to find real reviews online. And like I've said in the past... there's no such thing as completely unbiased. I should stop saying that. Even though I aim to be unbiased, we all have our own natural biases shaped by our experiences. Cheers!

[@bobfedyski502]

Turn sideways if you stand, then you can see bread your feet as wide as you need. Seems a pretty simple work around. 🙂

[@PaddleTV]

A good thought... but it doesn't actually help, because the issue of stability relates to the side to side stability of a kayak. When you stand sideways you are in fact much more unstable.

[@Sugarfoot108]

I stopped watching the moment you said there is no foot brace. As an experienced paddler, you know that connection to the foot brace is vital to paddling properly, efficiently and even safely so as not to overload the shoulders, wrists etc. I used to respect your reviews, but I believe you have sold your paddling soul. You fail to call out some awful design flaws by manufacturers who seem to have no idea on the ergonomics of paddling.

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

You can install them. Sea Eagle sells them. I also use the much slower Sea Eagle 380x. Depending on what type of water I'm on I don't always use the foot pegs. I agree that pegs are a necessity for most kayaks, but in the Sea Eagles it's easy to brace your feet against the side walls and the floor. Again if you need to cover distance, install the foot braces. However, sometimes it's nice to have more room

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

@@waynebrucemanbat5787 I looked on their website but could not find any optional foot pegs for it? That has kept me from getting it to this point. Do you know if they still sell them?

[@Sugarfoot108]

@@waynebrucemanbat5787 - As a pro paddle coach - Proper foot connection is vital for any kayak unless it is NOT a kayak. In a rowing boat, you have a solid connection through the feet and rowlocks and the seat to a much lesser degree. These points act as the fulcrum on which you drive a boat forwards. In a kayak, the paddle is in the air. A degree of fulcrum can be achieved through a good paddle technique where you fix the upper arm and push down with the lower arm. Sadly most paddlers do not learn this technique. But the real drive and fulcrum start from the foot connection to drive up the body into the rotation and into the arms. I am seeing way too many inflatables appearing on the market without even attempting to offer the basic fundamentals to be able to paddle efficiently. It would be like offering a bicycle without peddles and saying well they can freewheel it but peddles are available as an aftermarket option. As it is, this kayak is good for bibbling to nearby very fishing spots. This comes across as lazy or ignorant on paddlig in the design process that could be easily rectified. Attempting to have a wide-legged brace against the side walls shows again how little people understand about paddling.

[@PaddleTV]

Isn't the point that I mention that there's no foot braces??? If I wasn't being genuine, I wouldn't have mentioned that fact. Furthermore... this is a fishing kayak. The people this is designed for are anglers, and paddling is of secondary importance. No, it's not designed for you... but that doesn't mean it's not a great kayak for someone else. I stand by that.

[@MnNative]

When you have it packed and walking say a quarter mile to a lake, how are you carrying the seat? I understand your position on pedals, but even with fishing kayak, I want to cover some water. Maybe will paddle 5 to 6 miles. Just a thought.