Best Fishing Kayak Under 500

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is a great beginner or novice level fishing kayak. It has many of the standard features that you need and is available at an affordable cost. It is a one-person sit-on-top kayak with foot rests and padded seats which can be adjusted to fit people of varying heights. The padded seats are quite comfortable but some people might want to add an extra cushion if they plan to spend more time on the kayak. 

The hull and deck of the Tamarack Angler is constructed from a high-density polyethylene material that is colored in a simple matted brown shade. The material is durable and lightweight; the kayak only weighs around 52lbs but can  carry a load of up to 275lbs. Both ends of the kayak are fitted with carrying handles to make it easier to transport. While one person can still carry the kayak and easily lift it up onto a car or other form of transport, it is easier to carry it around with some help. But if you’re planning to go out by yourself, the durable UV-protected polyethylene hull fairs well against gravel and sand but it definitely isn’t scratch-proof.

The rest of the kayak’s construction provides many of the features you’d need for a relaxing fishing trip. The sharp bow, flat bottom hull, and tracking skeg provide steady and stable use in the water. The boat is already fitted with 3 fishing rod holders; 2 flush mount rod holders are placed at the left and right sides of the seat while a 360-degree swivel holder is mounted near the top. There are also 2 storage hatches; one is placed at the front of the seat and the other at the back. These hatches are 6 inches in diameter, and are quite deep compared to other hatches. The hatches also have a water-tight lid but we recommend putting items that you need to keep dry in a zip lock bag for added safety measures since a few drops of water still get into the hatches, especially when you’re on rough waters.

The main advantages that the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak offers are size, comfort, and portability. This tandem kayak is an inflatable set made with a 3-ply high-impact and abrasion resistant material. It’s a smooth laminated cover that feels quite durable. Although this inflatable kayak is more prone to tears and punctures than hard shell kayaks, the 3-ply material is a lot more durable than you might expect. Fully inflated, the kayak can carry 2 persons, with a maximum capacity at 400lbs. The seats are removable and adjustable - and very comfortable since the entire thing is made of the same inflatable PVC material. 

 

The Excursion Pro comes with many standard accessories that you need for fishing: 2 flush mounted fishing rod holders, and removable mounting brackets for other accessories. However, the rod holders face inward so fishing rods tend to get crossed when placed inside. When not in use, it fits in an easy-carry bag and weighs only 45lbs. The paddles are can be assembled and disassembled so you won’t have to carry 2 long paddles around. This kayak is great for those who enjoy traveling and want to avoid the hassle of transporting something so big.

This 2-person inflatable fishing kayak is made with 18-grade PVC layered with a thick 1000D tarpaulin material on the hull and a 840D nylon cover on the deck of the kayak. A common problem with inflatable kayaks is durability. But, the thick exterior covers along with the multiple air-chamber design create a near fail-safe system against tearing. Since the interior of the kayak is made in multiple chambers, tears will not deflate the entire kayak. 

When seated inside the kayak, the snug space is surrounded with tons of rod holders, storage spaces, and other knick-knacks for your fishing gear. The rod holders are adjustable so you can set your fishing rods the way you want. Lining the cockpit of the kayak are multiple mesh storage pockets. You actually get tons of little storage spaces but you’ll need to bring along a watertight bag if you want to keep some things dry. You can easily attach any bags or other equipment you bring to the D rings that are strategically placed along the sides of the kayak. 

On the water, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a very stable kayak which is very durable in both design and materials used when compared to other inflatable kayaks.

Vibe provides many high quality and affordable kayaks. The Skipjack 90 is a sit-on-top fishing kayak that offers great value for your money. The 9 foot long kayak provides a ton of legroom for a single person, along with a waterproof 6 inch cargo hatch. Additional storage spaces are provided: front and rear storage space with bungee tie-downs, and a tackle toss tray - which is extremely convenient to use when you get a good catch. The kayak is set with plenty of fishing accessories; there are 4 flush mount rod holders and an additional universal mount should you want to add in a fish finder or GPS system. 

The Skipjack 90 is also one of the more good looking kayaks, with the option of either the Wildfire, Moss Camo, or Jam Berry colors; all of which are set in cool color gradients that look great in the water. Aside from looking nice, the design of the kayak makes it very stable and comfortable. The seat, however, could use a bit more cushion for those looking to fish for longer periods.

This Tandem Fishing Kayak from Lifetime features a specialized hull design and build that allows it to sit a bit higher on the water than most kayaks. While the kayak is built as a sit-on-top tandem kayak, if a single person is on, they can easily stand on the kayak and not fall off. The design also makes it easier to paddle, improving tracking and efficiency. Aside from the build, the material used for this kayak, high density polyethylene,was built with HDPE construction which makes it more resistant to cracks and peeling. 

It also comes with a removable and adjustable seat and backrest, foot rest, and 3 flush mount fishing rod holders. The storage hatch is at the rear end of the kayak. The kayak is actually quite heavy at 82lbs but has rear and side carrying handles to make it easier to carry. While the kayak is built for two people, it can be a tight fit. You can easily paddle around and have fun but it can be a bit tricky when two people on the kayak are trying to fish. It is better as a single-person fishing kayak. But whether there is one person or two people on the kayak, it is still one of the most stable kayaks in the market.

The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 Fishing Kayak is made from a high-density polyethylene and is available in either an Olive or Sand color option. This one-person kayak is 12 feet in length, giving you tons of space inside. It is set with a front and rear storage hatch, along with 3 rod holders, adjustable foot pegs, and retractable carry handles. The design and build of this kayak is rather simple but it boasts a narrow build that improves tracking and maneuverability. However, the small 29 inch width makes it nearly impossible to stand on the kayak without tipping over. While the stability of the kayak is not enough for standing use, the build is meant for anglers to sit; thus, it also gives plenty of legroom. 

The front and rear storage compartments are waterproofed and tightly sealed. There are also cords rigged across the front and back so you can place other items securely in the kayak. Prolonged usage can become uncomfortable so it is great if you plan to fish for just a few hours. Otherwise, fitting a custom seat is another alternative.

Built as a one-person sit-on-top fishing kayak, the Perception Sound 10.5 is a long and narrow kayak built from a high-density poly-poropylene. This kayak offers a ton of storage at the rear. The gear storage is a large cavity behind the seat that is set with cords that keep bags and other gear in place. The front is also set with a dashboard where you can place smaller items, such as your phone, wallet, bait, and other small items that you need within easy reach. Unfortunately, the items on the dashboard will likely get wet so securing your non-waterproof gadgets is a definite must. The front dashboard also provides a space for mounting equipment, such as a GPS or Fish Finder system. There is even more storage provided by the pockets set under the seat, you can reach down under your legs to retrieve these items. 

This kayak is also very lightweight, making it easy to carry around; it is only 46lbs despite being 10.5 inches in length. The extended length provides more leg space and also gives the kayak a bit more speed when tracking. Although the stability is slightly compromised, it also has easy maneuverability owing to the narrow design.

The Bali SS Kayak from Sun Dolphin is actually a recreational kayak instead of a fishing kayak. However, it can still function as a good fishing kayak because of its sturdy build, large storage compartments, and high stability. The low cost also makes it a great kayak for beginners since you can easily add in a few fishing accessories, such as a rod holder and anchor to turn it into a budget fishing kayak. 

The kayak also boasts comfortable seating, which is due to the padded backrest and adjustable foot braces to keep you steady. The very compact design makes the kayak seem quite small but it is actually quite roomy, providing enough leg space for most people. Other major advantages include its light weight and travel-friendly size.

The Intex Excursion 4 is not your typical kayak but it is a great boat to use when you want to go on a fishing trip with your family or a few friends. This inflatable boat can easily fit 4 people with the large 1100lb-capacity. The boat has 2 main hull chambers with the standard Boston valves, which are easy to inflate. The set comes with an air pump; one person can easily inflate the entire boat with the manual pump. Using an electric air pump is even easier. 

The boa is fitted with inflatable seats and backrests so it is quite comfortable even when there are 4 people in the boat. With more people on the boat, there is limited space for other equipment. There is only a single envelope-style gear pouch for storage. The sides of the boat are fitted with a grab line which goes all the way around. This line is extremely useful in case somebody falls over. 

Although the boat is fitted for 4 people, there are only 2 mounted fishing rod holders placed on each side. Mounting other fishing rod holders is difficult. However, the boat is definitely fitted for a fun fishing trip with friends.

This tandem kayak from Intex is another recreational kayak which you can use for a fun and quick fishing trip. The Intex Explorer K2 has the standard features you would look for in a fishing kayak, excluding the accessories. However, there are plenty of fishing rod holders and other accessories that you can purchase along with this kayak - and still stay below the 500 dollar mark. When you aren’t fishing, this is also just a fun kayak to use. 

It is also quite durable, considering that it is an inflatable kayak and not a hard shell item. The advantage of the air-filled PVC material, however, is that it provides very comfortable sitting. When fully inflated, the kayak spans 10 feet, with a width of 3 feet. After use, it easily deflates and can be stored or carried in a compact carry bag that comes with the package. Other items that come with the set are the oars and air pump.

This paddle board from Tuxedo Sailor feels like a rigid and hard paddle board but is actually an inflatable paddle board. The set comes with a kayak conversion kit which is why it has made it onto this list. The conversion kit comes with a 2-in-1 paddle, kayak seat, 3 fishing rod holders, air pump, removable fins, and paddle holders. A waterproof bag to store your essentials and large travel backpack for the entire set also come with the board. 

This set is a good alternative, especially when you are looking for something affordable. It is a multi-function product which you can simply use as a paddle board, as a kayak, or as a fishing kayak, depending on the items you attach. Installing these add-ons is actually quite easy, with a fitted clipping system in place. The board is also large, spanning 12 feet in length and 34 inches in width; these dimensions give it really good stability, allowing you to stand or sit without falling off. However, this is better used for calmer waters, such as fishing or paddling on the beach or on a lake.