As kayak fishing gains popularity, there is an increased demand for entry-level boats that are reasonably priced. Although there are numerous high-end kayaks available, the price ranges are sometimes prohibitive for someone wishing to start kayaking. We’ve put together this list of the best fishing kayaks under $500 in response to the increased demand from anglers looking for a good value for money.
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500 – Quick Comparison
| Product image | Product name | Editor's review | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Intex Challenger | Best cheap fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Explorer K2 2-Person | Best inflatable fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Intex Excursion Series | Best for group use fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Intex Excursion Pro Series | Best PVC construction fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Sea Eagle 3-Person | Best two-person fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 | Best affordable price fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Pelican Maxim 100X | Best for beginners fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
  | Sevylor Coleman Colorado | Best inflatable tandem fishing kayak under $500 | See pricing details |
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500 Reviews
1. Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak Set – Best cheap fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Weight: 25 lbs.
- Material: Plastic
- Maximum capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Dimensions: 9′ x 2’6″ x 1’1″
Reviews:
Intex Challenger K1 has a ton of features to enable you to enjoy your fish-hunting experience without any hassles. In addition, all crucial features and settings are included to make your fishing expedition as simple and convenient as possible. The top kayak on our list of best inflatable fishing kayaks is made for one person.
Intex Challenger K1 is undoubtedly the best fishing kayak under $500. The kayak’s sturdy construction and welds ensure that it can keep its stability and toughness over time. In addition, a unique padded backrest is supplied so that a person may paddle over various aquatic areas with the appropriate comfort and ease. Comes with a unique cargo net that can be used to store additional fishing gear without having to worry about losing it.
Pros:
- For one individual.
- Crafted with first-rate components.
- Fishing-friendly conditions.
Cons:
- Not suggested for families.
- Not for rough seas only.
2. Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set – Best inflatable fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
Weight: 35 lbs.
Component: Polypropylene
Size: 10 feet 3 x 3 feet x 1 feet 8 inch
Maximum weight limit: 400 pounds
Reviews:
Intex Explorer K2 is now one of the most reasonably priced fishing kayaks on the market. One of the reasons I like this kayak is that it can be compressed to a third of its original size. Intex has made sure that you may spend valuable time with your friends and family in a relaxing setting.
Intex inflatable kayak comes with two aluminum paddles or oars that may be used to propel it from place to place with ease. Inflatable seats can stretch up to 10 feet when completely inflated, which is just astonishing. While seated inside, the kayak will start moving gently in the direction you want it to go as soon as you remove the skeg from it.
Intex Explorer K2 offers all the characteristics you would expect in a fishing kayak. An inflatable kayak has a 10-foot span and a 3-foot width when completely inflated. PVC material has the benefit of offering very pleasant seating and deflates effortlessly after use. You may still spend less than $500 by adding a variety of fishing rod holders and other extras.
Pros:
- The inflatable kayak is stable.
- There are two padded chairs included.
- Recommended for a maximum of three people.
- The length of 10 feet improves stability.
- Achieving directional stability is possible.
- Excellent for explorers.
- Compact Storage with Simple Inflation and Deflation
- Affordable price
- Included Carry Bag
Cons:
- Problems might arise from leakage.
- Recommended only for gentle rivers.
- Oars are not resilient.
- Easily torn and punctured
3. Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Series – Best for group use fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Materials: PVC and Vinyl
- Dimensions: 3.5 ounces
- Size: 124″ x 65″
Reviews:
Intex Excursion 4 is not your average kayak, it is a fantastic vessel to use. With a big 1100 lb weight capacity, this inflatable boat can comfortably accommodate 4 persons. The boat features two main hull chambers that are easily inflated thanks to the typical Boston valves. One person can simply inflate the whole boat using the manual air pump or an electric air pump.
Even when there are four people in the boat, it is extremely comfortable thanks to the inflatable seats and backrests. There is less room for additional equipment on the boat as more passengers board it. Each side of the boat only has two mounted rod holders. The boat is, nevertheless, unquestionably designed for an enjoyable fishing excursion.
Pros:
- Generous boat size
- Significant storage space
Cons:
- Insufficient storage
- Prone to punctures inflatable material
4. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series – Best PVC construction fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Weight: 43.64 pounds
- Material: plastic
- Type: two-person
Reviews:
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak comes with everything you need to start enjoying your day on a lake, river, or inshore ocean. The inflatable kayak may be conveniently stored in a vehicle since it is inflatable. As long as you use it in calm rivers and lakes, there are no leaking difficulties. It’s the ideal roller coaster for a small family to enjoy vacations in a serene setting.
Intex Excursion Pro is an inflatable two-person fishing kayak. PVC and polyester core provide extra rigidity and stability, which is uncommon in inflatable kayaks. Each side of the kayak has a storage compartment that may be used to safely store valuables. The bottom has two detachable skegs that aid in improved tracking in deep water.
Intex Excursion Pro is a devoted, reasonably priced, useful fishing kayak. Made of a very durable vinyl PVC material that is unaffected by fuel, oil, or seawater. It has two inflatable seats, two paddles, two sets of floor-mounted footrests, and two recessed fishing rod racks. A flexible mounting bracket for adding sports cameras, fish finders, and GPS is perhaps the best feature.
Pros:
- PVC with a super lamination structure.
- Inflation at high pressure keeps things stable.
- At the bow and stern are storage areas.
- Ideal for a little family.
- A 400-pound weight limit.
- While not in use, small and portable
- Excellent for tandem kayaking
Cons:
- Not suitable for rough water.
- Not the comfiest furniture available.
- None farther.
- PVC is a brittle material.
- Awkwardly placed rod holders
5. Sea Eagle 3-Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak – Best two-person fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Weight: 32 lbs.
- Dimensions: 12’2″ long by 34″ wide.
- 650 lb maximum load.
Reviews:
One of the lightest, toughest, most adaptable, reasonably priced, and portable kayaks for anybody wishing to tackle class III rapids, ocean surf, fish, or explore is the Sea Eagle Sport Kayak SE370. This inflatable kayak works well on lakes, rivers, bays, the ocean, and other bodies of water. It weighs just 32 pounds but can support 650 pounds or three persons. With a lightweight design that can be taken practically anywhere and put up in less than 10 minutes, it’s a lot of fun for both novice and seasoned paddlers.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Easy to lift
- Compact
- Decent tracking
- Simple entrance and exit
Cons:
- No side D-rings for securing gear
- Tracking may be improved.
- No floor with high-pressure drop stitches
6. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak – Best affordable price fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Weight: 56.5 lbs.
- Composition: Hard shell
- Type: Tamarack Angler With Paddle
Reviews:
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak tracks well on the water and is both strong and lightweight. It can withstand lake waves with ease and windy conditions shouldn’t be a problem at all. This fishing kayak is appropriate for everyone and has adjustable footrests.
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak can readily survive scratches from pebbles and rocks since it is made of UV-protected high-density polyethylene. Its weight capacity of 275 pounds is impressive for a fishing boat. The seat is really cozy and provides good back support. Since there is plenty of deck space, you may utilize shock cord restraints to keep your fishing equipment secure.
Pros:
- The majority of paddlers find its various rod holders to be useful.
- Numerous foot braces help to solve the issue of lanky persons.
- It offers a dry storage area where you can safely store all of your equipment.
Cons:
- Certainly, a worry with this fishing boat is speed.
- The seat is not very cozy.
- You may need to buy more cushioning.
7. Pelican Maxim 100X Recreational Kayak – Best for beginners fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Size: 10 feet
- 28 inches wide
- Weight: 36 lbs.
- Capacity for 275 pounds
Reviews:
The Maxim 100x weighs just 39 lbs, making it a lightweight device. It has a cushioned seat cushion, an adjustable padded backrest cushion, a cockpit table with a cup holder, and is comfy. With a Shallow V Chine hull shape that enables you to cut through the water with stability, this kayak is also excellent for maneuverability.
The 10-foot recreational kayak Pelican Maxim 100X is designed more for experienced paddlers than for novices. It is a cheap kayak with few amenities and is ideal for calm lakes and rivers with little current. It can even manage some minor waves and flowing water because of the shallow V-chine hull’s greater secondary stability.
For paddlers on a tight budget, this kayak is a good option. If you’re looking for a lightweight, maneuverable kayak for recreational purposes, this could be the boat for you. A kayak with built-in rod holders is also available for anglers. This kayak has plenty of room for an extended journey, but not if you want a high-performance kayak.
The Shallow V Chine Hull on the flat bottom of the Pelican Maxim 100X Kayak offers excellent stability as well as excellent maneuverability. The Ram X, a multi-layered material created exclusively for Pelican, is renowned for its great impact resistance, capacity to restore its form after significant impacts, and UV protection. The Kayaks Pelican designs cannot be used as fishing kayaks since they lack rod holders.
The Pelican Prime Kayak has an adjustable cushioned backrest and an Ergofoam seat. It also has carry handles and a bottle holder, but only one person may sit in it. Some users thought it was a little bothersome, particularly if you’re with pals.
Pros:
- An inviting seat cushion
- Superior stability
- Enormous cockpit
Cons:
- No rod holders for fishing
- The hatch for storage is not watertight.
- Excludes the use of accessories
8. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak – Best inflatable tandem fishing kayak under $500
Specifications:
- Weight: 40.3 pounds
- Material is Polyvinyl chloride
- Seating Ability: 2
Reviews:
Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a inflatable two-person fishing kayak with a width of 39 inches. One of the lightest tandem fishing kayaks on the market, it weighs just over 40 pounds. The bottom is made of 1000-denier tarpaulin that is reinforced with 840-Denier nylon. Mesh pockets in front of each seat for storing small accessories or snacks.
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a highly steady kayak on the water and is made of extremely durable materials. The kayak is equipped with D rings that are spaced thoughtfully around the sides, making it simple to connect any bags or other equipment. This inflatable two-person fishing kayak has an 840D nylon deck cover and a 1000D tarpaulin coating on the hull.
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak has a number of separate air chambers that reduce the possibility of sinking. It has a sturdy nylon cover that provides it the necessary strength, and its thick tarpaulin bottom protects its sharp underwater item edges. You won’t need to be concerned if the kayak develops a puncture since it will only damage one chamber.
With the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak, paddle holders are included, so you can enjoy fishing without having to bother with paddles. This top kayak can hold a maximum of 470 pounds, which is more than plenty for two paddlers. For this top kayak, speed is undoubtedly a big consideration, but a trolling motor may be quickly attached to make up for this.
Pros:
- Enables paddle-free operation.
- Can withstand wave conditions and maintain stability in a moderate environment.
- There are enough storage spaces for all of your things.
- There are several air chambers accessible.
- Enduring components and design
- Portable Kayak that is inflatable
- Numerous Storage Areas
Cons:
- It moves quite slowly.
- You wouldn’t go very far paddling.
- The center rod holder does restrict the boat’s ability to move.
- Limited Legroom
How To Choose The Best Fishing Kayak Under $500?
Each year, several manufacturers provide a wide range of fishing kayak models that entice you to spend a lot of money. Spending your money carelessly on fishing kayaks that could not even be useful to you might not be the best choice. We will discuss a few elements in this area that will help you choose the top kayak that will serve you best.
Sit-on-top fishing kayaks are essential if you don’t like spending the whole day sitting down to cast. The stability, comfort, and platform for standing and casting are all improved by putting the seat on top of the kayak. It’s crucial to know what qualities to seek in a new fishing kayak before diving into the list.
If you’re looking for a fishing kayak, the first thing you need to know is that it should weigh between 50 and 85 pounds. Fishing kayaks that are heavier need more effort to move around while fishing requires less. You may discover that certain kayaks become much more stable as they gain weight.
However, you won’t have a wide selection of weight selections at the price point. Fishing kayaks with additional storage space for coolers, attachment points for additional equipment like fish finders, or poor weather gear will probably be more practical for you.
For fishing enthusiasts, the presence of a loyal canine friend can transform a day on the water into an extraordinary adventure. Selecting the ideal fishing kayak for under $500 requires a thoughtful balance of affordability and features, especially if you plan to share the journey with your beloved pet. Consider options that provide generous room and robust stability, as these will create a secure and relaxing environment for you and your dog.
Some models may even offer unique enhancements specifically designed for pets. Imagine the tranquil moments on a calm lake or the thrill of navigating a rushing river, all the more special with the wag of a tail and the contented panting of your four-legged companion. Whether it’s solitude or excitement you seek, the best kayak for dogs can make those shared experiences with your dog truly unforgettable.
Budget
It is not always wise to get the most costly model. A typical fishing kayak might cost up to $1,000, but they are designed for competitive water activities. Spending a lot of money on a beginner’s $1000–$2000 kayak is not a good idea. To go on the water and understand your angles, you must first get a cheap kayak for around $500.
Cost and Quality
What do you expect from a fishing kayak that costs less than $500? At this price point, you will only get the most straightforward, unadorned workmanship available. With a few notable exceptions, they won’t be nearly as comfortable, especially when compared to fishing kayaks with fully adjustable, lawn-style seats. In one of these leisure boats, anybody with even a modicum of fishing expertise may catch the same monster as you would in a top-of-the-line pedal-power kayak.
Level Of Comfort
Check at the footrests if you’re a large person and want to fish with your feet in the same place as the seat, otherwise, it will be difficult to fish alone. Adjustment spaces must be included; providing padding on its own is insufficient. Do you really want to spend all day on a fishing kayak seat that hurts your back?
Type of kayak
There are many different types of fishing kayaks available now for a variety of activities. Hard kayaks and inflatable kayaks are two popular kinds of fishing kayaks. A kayak that is inflatable is best for calm or sluggish water. The hard fishing kayak, on the other hand, is for rivers and moving water.
Sit-on-top fishing kayaks are by far the most popular fishing craft. Sit-inside fishing kayaks, however, seem to be more popular for inexpensive vessels. They are adaptable leisure craft that can manage some whitewater. Due to their excellent primary stability and suitability for fishing in calmer seas, they are popular with anglers on a budget.
Whether you choose a solo fishing kayak or a tandem kayak, you need to consider how portable you want the boat to be and how much storage space you have available. You also need to choose between an inflatable and a hard shell kayak depending on how inflatable you want it to be. The benefits and drawbacks of each are covered in further depth in our article on the best inflatable kayaks for fishing.
Kayak Size and Weight
It is preferable to take a seat in your fishing kayak and assess your fit before making a purchase. A tiny, light kayak works better for speed if you want it to go quickly. The size of kayaks under $500 tends to be on the smaller side; most of the time, you’re looking at vessels that aren’t much longer than 10 feet. Pay attention to the kayak’s maximum weight capacity to determine how much weight you can add without risking trouble.
Weight Capacity
People often overlook the reality that the typical healthy guy or female is gaining weight consistently. As we age, we have a tendency to put on more weight, so you should be very cautious while choosing a fishing kayak. Look closely at the maximum weight it can support. Make your choice after weighing the total weight of any additional equipment and fishing gear.
Water for Fishing
Before purchasing a fishing kayak, you must have a few general places in mind. A hard kayak would be ineffective if you knew you were going to kayak in calm water. Similar to how an inflatable kayak won’t work in moving water. Prior to purchasing, make up your mind.
The Seat and Foot Braces
Most kayak anglers spend more time on the water than most recreational kayakers, so a comfortable seat is even more crucial. If your knees are slightly bent and your feet supported for comfort and stability, you will have the option to sit up straighter or recline deeper in a kayak. Making little tweaks to your position will make a significant impact on your level of sustained comfort.
Cockpit
Fishing kayaks in this price bracket often feature the most basic seats, with little to no cushioning, if any. To make the experience more pleasant, you may always update your seats or add waterproof cushions and padding. If you don’t have much room on board, employing one of these telescoping fishing rods might be ideal.
Stability and Performance
Budget fishing kayaks provide the minimal essentials for a functional, secure, and useful boat. You won’t experience the best tracking (how straight a kayak moves in the water) or maneuverability, or speed records. To give things a little more oomph, you may want to add one of these kayak trolling motors. With tracking grooves, noticeable keels, and firm chines, inexpensive kayaks typically provide a happy balance of stability and performance.
Storage Options and Accessibility
Any excellent kayak should have enough storage on board, especially if you want to use it for fishing. Sit-on-top fishing kayaks are favored for fishing since sit-inside versions may be restricted in this area. Look for fishing kayaks with waterproof storage hatches and tank wells with bungee tie-downs in the bow and stern. Extra storage space is useless if you can’t quickly reach the gear when kayak fishing.
Deck Space
Finding a fishing kayak with ample deck space is important since anglers have a propensity of bringing too much gear with them, which makes it difficult to keep everything organized. You could find it challenging to move about without a sizable deck area if the kayak you are using doesn’t have adequate storage space.
Where are you kayak fishing?
You can be looking at the best fishing kayak that is more appropriate for the sea or a lake even if you want to fish in a river. An inflatable fishing kayak can be the best choice if you’re seeking one that is more portable. These, however, are not appropriate for shallow waters since while you are floating, pebbles or gravel might puncture and inflate your kayak.
Some boats, often the thinner kayaks, are simpler to maneuver. A broader construction offers additional stability, even if a narrower kayak may be simpler to manage. Particularly when you are fishing on a windy day, a heavier kayak tends to be more stable. Since both are enhanced with a thinner design, greater tracking often goes hand in hand with better mobility.
Who is an angler fishing kayak?
The act of fishing alone is popular. Others, though, like to go fishing with a buddy or a large group. Depending on your regular method of fishing, you may choose a tandem or a one-person kayak. Just in case, we have added a group option to our list.
What is your kayak fishing skill level?
The majority of the less expensive kayaks are often more appropriate for novices. Anglers with experience may still benefit from these affordable alternatives. If you’re looking for something with more sophisticated equipment, there are many more professional options available at a higher price point. We did discover several fishing kayak sets that were quite affordable and came with a ton of extras.
Inflatable Fishing Kayak Or Hard Fishing Kayaks?
Many individuals enquire as to the safety of inflatable kayaks. Advances in inflated materials and seam welding have improved the performance of inflatables and made them safer.
Pros and Cons of Hard Kayaks
In general, hard kayaks are substantially more resilient than inflatable kayaks. High-density polyethylene provides increased resilience against scratches, punctures, and UV damage. The biggest drawback of a hard kayak is the additional storage space you’ll need at home. They’re often heavier as well, so transporting them properly takes a bit more work and thought.
Pros and Cons of Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks have bigger cockpits than their hard-shelled counterparts due to their design. When you’re done fishing, inflatable kayaks conveniently stow in a little area in your car, truck, van, or recreational vehicle since they collapse rapidly. Almost everyone who travels often or doesn’t have the requisite amount of storage room for a rigid kayak prefers inflatable kayaks.
As long as you have a few sturdy dry bags to avoid items from getting wet, this means you may pack more goods for your vacation. However, some people stay clear of inflatable kayaks since they don’t track or steer as effectively as a rigid kayak. The many hooks and other pointed fishing equipment have caused many fishermen issues with inflatable kayaks as well.
Terms
Skeg
A skeg is an add-on that juts out into the water underneath your kayak like a fin. Similar to the fins of a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard, a kayak’s skeg improves steering performance.
Articulating Fishing Rod Holder
The gunwales (sides) on the kayaks are the usual mounting point for articulating fishing rod holders, which hold your fishing rod. They let you troll a line behind or to the side of your kayak while still having your hands free.
Molded-In Footwells
In the cockpit of many kayaks, footwells are built so that paddlers of all various heights may secure their feet and adopt an ergonomic, comfortable paddling stance.
Gunwales
The sides of a kayak are called gunwales, which are the places where the water comes in and out of the kayak, and where the handles and paddles are attached.
FAQs about Fishing Kayaks Under $500
What To Look For In A Fishing Kayak?
There are many various types of kayaks available, and each one is made with a particular use in mind. If a person plans to use their kayak for whitewater rather than for fishing, maneuverability and speed may be more important.
Stability is the most crucial quality a fishing kayak can possess. Casting should not rock or roll you, and a large bass or trout should not drag you in an unnatural direction. In addition to stability, kayak buyers who are interested in fishing should consider comfort and storage capacity (fishing wouldn’t be fishing if you weren’t carrying lots of gear along for the voyage).
Tips On How To Fish From A Kayak?
You must be able to throw from a seated posture in order to fully enjoy kayak fishing. When casting a fly rod when sitting vs standing, the timing is a bit different. Going outside, sitting down, and practicing casting from there is one of the best things you can do to gain a feel for this.
You must learn how to land fish on your own while sitting, which requires mastering the art of fish fighting. You may more effectively direct your fish to the net-side of your kayak by using side pressure rather than excessive pressure. Once you get the hang of this, you’ll quickly improve as a fly caster all around.
What type of kayak is best for a fisherman?
If you work as a fisherman and are a proficient kayaker, we advise choosing a hard fishing kayak. The best fishing kayak under 500 depends on the kind of water, but hard kayaks are active and best ideal for fishing. Since they are all of the highest quality, choose the best fishing kayak that suits your daily requirements. We have included a handful of the top brands we think you should consider.
Pros And Cons Of Fishing Kayaks?
The great benefits of kayak fishing are really pleasurable. As you can fish in lakes, ponds, and even the ocean, it’s a terrific method to improve your all-around fishing skills. Paddling allows you to take in the peacefulness of secluded waterways. It provides a welcome change of pace and is suitable for solo expeditions in situations where drift boats and canoes are ineffective.
The drawbacks of fishing kayaks are rather clear. A hard kayak with a length of around 10′ will need some garage space or other storage space. Examining alternatives for inflatable fishing kayaks, which can be compressed down into considerably less storage space, may help solve this problem. One further drawback to kayak fishing is that it might be exhausting. The paddling you’ll have to do will put some pressure on your arms, shoulders, back, and core muscles.
Is it worth buying the best fishing kayak under 500?
The best fishing kayak under 500 is an adaptable, affordable, and robust kayak if you aren’t ready to make a significant investment. You may use it to practice and determine if you need it. If a person sometimes goes fishing, we believe they should get a kayak. Because you can partially see fish clusters when you are close to the water’s surface, you can capture more fish there.
How dangerous is kayak fishing?
Kayak fishing is a great way to catch fish, but it can be risky if you choose the wrong waters or if there are hazardous species around. To prevent fish attacks, stay away from fishing in salty waters. If you’re new to kayaking, or unsure how to launch a kayak, check out this instruction.
How Many Rod Holders Is Enough?
There is no ideal quantity of fishing rod holders for a fishing kayak, but having at least two has a big advantage. With practice, you’ll probably discover that the fish you’re after often eat different foods at various times throughout the day, as well as from season to season. The answer to this question depends entirely on who is asking it, and each fisherman will have a preference.
Conclusion
It’s simpler than it may appear to choose the best fishing kayaks under $500. It essentially comes down to wanting a lot of storage space or being prepared to give some of it up in order to save money. Fly fishing from a kayak is a ton of fun and offers all the benefits of a float tube without requiring constant pumping. You’ll gain skills that will let you cast further and catch fish more successfully.
