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The best fishing kayaks under $500
Does it seem like all kayaks on the market are out of your budget?
When shopping for fishing kayaks, there’s a high chance all you’re seeing are the more expensive options. If you ask professional anglers and seasoned hobbyists for recommendations, they’re likely to recommend professional-grade kayaks that leave a huge hole in your bank account.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The current market is vast and there are tons of decent fishing kayaks available for under $500. You just have to know where to look.
And to make the search easier for you, we’ve done most of the research for you. In this list, we’re looking at the 7 best fishing kayaks under $500 and explaining what makes them such good choices.
By the end, you’ll have a great idea of which kayak best suits your needs. And sooner or later, you’ll be hitting your local lake with your very own fishing kayak!
Best overall
Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Fishing Kayak
Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Fishing Kayak
This kayak is tailored for anglers, which is why it’s our favorite. The Pelican Sentinel 100X allows you to store your gear, row along the water, and ease your mind in a comfortable and spacious boat.
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We kick off our list with the best model under $500 available today. The Pelican Sentinel 100X is the perfect fishing kayak for people on a budget. It’s lightweight enough for easy transport while still being heavy enough for you to keep your balance. On top of that, the kayak itself is incredibly spacious, allowing you to comfortably sit and fish.
This is a sit-on-top kayak, which is why we found it to be great for fishing. So, finding a comfortable position on the kayak is easy. And at the back, you have space to put all your fishing equipment and secure it so you won’t have to worry about losing your gear while rowing.
This kayak is specifically designed for fishing, which is what sets it apart from the rest. However, keep in mind that this isn’t exactly a beginner’s kayak. So, before going on your fishing trip, you may want to do a couple of practice runs first.
Best premium
Perception Flash 9.5 Fishing Kayak
Perception Flash 9.5 Fishing Kayak
The beauty of this boat is in its design and materials. While it’s still in the $500 price range, it performs just as well as some of the more expensive models on the market, making it worth the investment.
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If you have a bit of money to spend and want a good fishing kayak, this is a great option for you. While it’s definitely the most expensive option on our list, it delivers and easily meets the requirements for a fishing kayak.
To start, this is a sturdy boat. It’s made out of polyethylene, which is arguably the best alternative to kevlar in the price range. That’s why many customers have said this boat has survived many fishing trips even when they accidentally bump a rock.
Another cool feature is the space on this kayak. This is a short and wide kayak. So, you’ll have a lot of space for all your gear and equipment. In fact, you might even find a place to store a cooler where you can place your fishing refreshments.
And since it’s wide, it also allows you to balance very easily. So, even if you’re new to fishing on a kayak, adjusting to this boat won’t take up too much of your time.
Best affordable
Intex Challenger K2 Fishing Kayak
Intex Challenger K2 Fishing Kayak
This is a two-personal inflatable kayak available for well below $500. While it may not be as durable as other models, this is the best model you can get when on a very tight budget.
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If you’re looking for the best kayak at the lower price possible, this is the option for you. This is an inflatable kayak, which makes storage and transportation much easier. So, if you’re pressed for space in your apartment and still want to buy a boat for out-of-town fishing trips, this is the best pick available.
Before you go complaining, we’ll address the elephant in the room. We know this is an inflatable kayak that isn’t as durable as the plastic models. However, technology has come a long way in recent years, which is why customers found this kayak to be more durable than expected.
And while it won’t withstand the same usage as kevlar or plastic kayaks, it’s a great option for the casual fisher. This even comes with aluminum oars, which makes it easier for you to row. And since it’s a two-seater, you can easily bring a friend along or use the extra seat as storage space.
Best tandem
Intex Explorer K2 Fishing Kayak
Intex Explorer K2 Fishing Kayak
With the Explorer K2 Kayak, fishing doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor! If you bring this kayak along with you, you can fit another person on the boat, giving you a person to talk to and share stories with while fishing.
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Fishing is a fun and meditative experience. But that doesn’t mean you have to go solo. With this Explorer kayak, you get to bring a companion with you on your fishing trips that can instantly double the fun for everyone involved!
There are many tandem kayaks on the market. However, we chose to feature this one because of its cool design and affordability. This is another inflatable kayak that can easily fit two people. And if you don’t plan on bringing someone with you, the extra seat means more storage space for your gear!
On top of that, it comes with oars and a pump. So, using the kayak is actually very easy. You can start using it the second it arrives, making for a very convenient experience. Again, inflatable kayaks may not be the most durable option available, but they definitely work.
Best beginner kayak
Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Fishing Kayak
Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Fishing Kayak
This is a simple and highly functional kayak that’s great for beginners. It’s easy to set up and relatively easy to balance, while still giving you enough space to store the essential gear on your fishing trip.
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While manning a kayak is easier than manning other types of boats, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. And if it’s your first time kayaking to a fishing spot, we recommend using this boat. We chose this model for beginners because it’s incredibly easy to set up, allowing you to start kayaking the second it arrives.
Even though this is an inflatable kayak, it’s pretty durable. While we don’t recommend taking it out in rough water with lots of rocks, it can easily handle the calm lakes and rivers near you. This is why it’s a great starter kayak for people looking to fish.
One thing we didn’t like about the kayak is the space. When you go fishing with this model, you won’t have as much space for your gear as compared to the others on the list. However, when you start fishing with a kayak, you’d want to start slow anyway, so it might be best to keep your gear to a minimum on your first couple of trips.
Best under $300
Yocalo Pioneer Kayak 4 Inflatable Boat Series Fishing Kayak
Yocalo Pioneer Kayak 4 Inflatable Boat Series Fishing Kayak
This is a spacious and easy-to-use boat available for under $300. So, if you want a fun boat to use for your next fishing trip with friends, this is a great option for you.
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If you don’t want to spend more than $300 on a kayak, you can still get a good model. And in this price range, we found this Yocalo inflatable boat to be the best option. Again, when shopping in this price range, inflatable kayaks are about the best you can get, so it shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
With that said, inflatable boats aren’t the most durable option. So, if you plan on hitting intense waters for advanced fishers, then this isn’t the boat for you. But if you want to go on casual fishing trips with your closest friends and family, this is a great option.
Customers enjoyed the space on the kayak. The surface can easily fit more than one person and a lot of gear while still staying afloat. This makes it great for family fishing trips. And since it’s inflatable, you’ll have a much easier time rowing through the river and lake with the aluminum oars.
Sadly, you really won’t be getting the best options when shopping in this price range. However, this Yocalo boat is a gem among all the other options. And if you want a good kayak for fishing on a small budget, this is the best choice available.
Best 3-person kayak
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Fishing Kayak
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Fishing Kayak
You won’t find too many kayaks that can fit three people in this price range. This model can easily fit three people, is relatively easy to use, and is one of the overall best options you can find below $500.
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If you think tandem kayaks are fun, then this one might interest you even more. If you want to go fishing as a trio while exploring the great outdoors, this is a great kayak for you. It’s designed to fit three people, which is what sets it apart from the other options.
With that said, if you sit three people in the kayak, you may start losing space for your fishing gear. So, if you plan on bringing a lot of equipment, it’s best to use this as a two-person vehicle.
This is an inflatable kayak. This is arguably the reason it’s so affordable despite having so much space. This means that the kayak won’t be as durable as the solid plastic models on the list. However, it will be more than strong enough to handle a casual fishing trip a few times a year.
The beauty of this kayak is its flexibility. If you don’t have three people for the boat, it serves as a great fishing boat. And if you plan on loading the boat with three people, it’s a great option for adventures as you can use it to explore lakes and rivers alike.
What to look for in a good fishing kayak under $500
Most anglers have their own opinion on which boat is best for fishing. Some people recommend classic pontoon boats, some only enjoy fishing on actual fishing boats, but there’s also a fair amount of people very happy to fish on kayaks!
Kayaks are relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver. You don’t need that much experience to start learning how to paddle on a kayak. And if you find the right model, you’ll find it very easy to balance and stay in a single spot while waiting for fish.
But when you start shopping on a budget, it can be harder to find a good kayak. The sub-$500 price range is full of great options. However, not all of them are well-suited for fishing.
So, to help you figure out which options will actually be good companions on your fishing trip, we’ve listed some of the most important features to consider when shopping for a kayak under $500.
Sit-in vs sit-on-top
The first thing you have to decide is where you want to sit. With most kayaks, you have the choice to sit on top and to sit inside the kayak. For fishing purposes, we highly recommend choosing a sit-on-top kayak as opposed to a sit-in model.
The reason for this is that sit-on-top kayaks are easier to balance. When you’re out fishing, you usually have to wait in a single spot for a while before getting any nibblers. And if you’re a beginner, it can be hard to find your balance on a sit-in kayak.
The only disadvantage to a sit-on-top kayak is that they are slower and harder to maneuver. So, you will lose some speed, which isn’t that important when it comes to fishing kayaks, anyway.
However, if you plan on fishing in a place that’s prone to storms, the extra speed may prove crucial in some situations. That’s why we recommend thinking about where and when you plan on fishing when choosing a kayak for the job.
Materials
Another major factor to consider is the materials used in making the kayak. Ideally, you want to have a kayak made of strong and buoyant materials. That way, you can rest assured that the kayak will last you a long time and will serve as your vehicle for many fishing trips to come.
Most people agree that kevlar is the best material when it comes to kayaks. It perfectly combines strength and buoyancy without weighing that much. With that said, since this is a premium material, you might have a hard time finding a kevlar kayak available for under $500.
In this price range, you’re likely going to have to choose a plastic kayak. This isn’t a bad thing, as there are companies that use strong materials like polyethylene and their own unique material blends for the best strength and buoyancy.
Weight
While it may not seem like it from the get-go, the weight of your kayak is very important. When you’re looking for sports kayaks, it’s best to go for lightweight options as these are faster and easier to paddle forward. However, when fishing, you might benefit from getting a slightly heavier kayak.
This is because heavier kayaks can support more weight. This means you can easily load your equipment onto the boat before hitting the lake. And since you might end up adding weight to your boat if you get a big catch, you may want to opt for a kayak with a bit more weight to it.
Space
Lastly, you want to get a kayak with a bit more space if you wish to go fishing. This is because anglers need a fair amount of equipment when they hit the waters. On top of that, you may even want to bring a friend or two along with you while you’re fishing.
So, while a solo kayak may be nice, you may want to get a tandem or even a three-person kayak. Again, the best way to figure out the best-sized kayak for you is to determine your needs, how many people will ride, and how much equipment you’ll need to bring.
Why you need a kayak for fishing?
Since there are dedicated fishing boats available on the market, you may be wondering why you should consider a kayak in the first place. Well, the answer is simple: kayaks are more accessible and easier to maneuver.
Generally, kayaks are cheaper than fishing boats and pontoon boats with motors. The downside to this is that you have to paddle to wherever you need to go. However, this may be a plus for some people as it can greatly enhance the fishing experience.
On top of that, if you find the right kayak, you’ll have more than enough space for all your fishing equipment. So, if you’re planning on going into the fishing season with a cost-effective yet functional fishing boat, we highly recommend getting yourself a kayak.
FAQ
What material is best for kayaks?
In our opinion, the best material for kayaks is kevlar. This is a premium material that’s durable and lightweight. On top of that, it’s very buoyant, so you can easily float with a kevlar kayak. However, this is a fairly expensive material, so if you’re on a budget, we might recommend going for polyethylene or other plastic-blend kayaks instead.
Are shorter kayaks more stable?
Generally speaking, shorter kayaks are more stable and easier to control. However, this is only true if the kayak is wide as a short and narrow kayak may prove to be a bit harder to balance in. So, if you’re new to kayaking but still want to go fishing with one, we recommend getting a short and wide option as that will be easier for you to stay in one spot while waiting for a biter.
What kayak should I use for fishing?
Fishing kayaks are a bit wider and heavier than sports kayaks. This is to allow you to carry more equipment with you on your fishing trip. So, if you plan on bringing multiple fishing rods, coolers, and other gear with you, we recommend getting a kayak with more space than the standard sports options.
