8 Best Cheap Fishing Kayaks — Budget Options Under USD$500 (AUD$700)

Kayak fishing has exploded in popularity over the last decade — and the good news is you don’t need to spend thousands to get on the water. There are genuinely capable fishing kayaks available for under $500 that offer solid stability, useful storage, and dedicated rod holders.

The tradeoff at this price point is usually weight, seat comfort, and tracking performance compared to premium models. But for recreational anglers and beginners, a budget fishing kayak is a perfectly sensible starting point.

We’ve reviewed 8 of the best cheap fishing kayaks across a range of styles and price points — from entry-level inflatables to solid hardshell sit-on-tops — so you can find the right one for your budget and fishing style.

Note: prices listed are in USD. Australian pricing may vary.

Our Top Picks

Top 15 Best Cheap & Affordable Fishing Kayaks Reviewed

Let’s look at a model-by-model analysis of the best budget fishing kayaks in 2022.

1. Perception Pescador 10.0

“Best Cheap Fishing Kayak”

Perception’s Pescador 10 is categorized as a fishing kayak, but it performs well all around. You can take it out for touring and recreational paddling – with and without the fishing rods. It won’t disappoint you.

So, when taking versatility into the consideration, this 10.5-foot kayak is a safe investment.

It’s not much heavier than our other picks, weighing 57 pounds. It covers a higher load capacity – 325 pounds, to be exact – and a wide deck with reasonable storage options.

I really liked the storage this vessel offers. You will see a good capacity rear tank as well, a large dry storage hatch in the front, gear tracks for fishing accessories, and two molded-in rod holders.

Another plus is Perception’s Comfort Seating System. The adjustable backrest has heavy-yet-breathable padding, coupled with the adjustable foot braces. So finding your perfect seating position is an easy task.

No matter how limited your budget is, Perception’s Pescador 10 will remain my personal favorite . It’s the best cheap fishing kayak on the market as it offers, ample storage, comfort – and is an all-rounder.

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3. Intex Excursion Pro – Best Fishing Kayak Under $500

If you’re on a budget and looking for the best economy fishing kayaks, you might want to take a look at an inflatable kayak. The Intex excursion fishing kayak is fabricated with sturdy laminate material (3-ply super-tough construction consisting of high molecular PVC) with a polyester core that provides durability and hence gives great resistance against high impact, scratching against rocks, or even severe sunlight. It is lightweight and portable, so it can be transported easily to wherever you intend to go fishing.

Three air chamber design supports the weight of the passengers. If there is a puncture in one chamber, there are still two air chambers that will safely bring you to the shore.

High-pressure spring-loaded valves allow for quick and easy inflation and deflation while the integrated drain Plug helps in draining the water out of the kayak easily.

The Intex Excursion inflatable kayak provides incredible comfort. It will support your body without making you experience any stiffness. As it is an inflatable kayak, you won’t feel any hard surface.

Secondly, it comes with two adjustable seats that have an ergonomic design. The seats are also inflatable so that you can imagine the cushioning provided to your back by them. The seats are fitted with buckles to lock them in a place. Moreover, the footrests will add to your comfort level by adjusting them according to your legs’ size.

The vessel offers more than enough storage on the stern and bow sides. Besides, these areas come with stainless steel D-rings for tying down bags and gear. The kayak also comes with two integrated fishing rod holders.

The performance of the Intex Excursion Pro kayak is phenomenal because it has been built to provide a high level of stability. The kayak comes with 2 skegs that enhance its maneuverability and tracking. The shorter skeg makes it ideal for shallow waters.

The package includes:

• 2 oars -Repairing kit
• Carry bag -mounting bracket
• Pump
• Owners manual

Also Check: Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

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5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2 Person Fishing Kayak

Go home with your bites after an adventurous day of fishing in the Sevylor Coleman Colorado. The kayak is durable enough to make it to the out-of-the-way fishing spot by dint of its 18 gauge PVC structure, which has a thick tarpaulin bottom and a tough nylon cover. The kayak can be handled if one chamber gets punctured accidentally and floats back to the shore as it consists of several inflatable chambers.

One of the finest things you will notice about it is its adjustable ergonomically designed two softback seats. The seats are arranged in such a manner that each person has enough room for legs and easy access to anything they need. It has rod and paddle holders that make it an adequate fishing kayak.

The Coleman Colorado has some mesh storage pockets that can be used for keeping important gear nearby. Moreover, if you are bringing some extra items, you can attach the equipment to the kayak by taking advantage of D rings.

Fittings are there in the design if you want to add a trolling motor for a better fishing experience.

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6. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100

❝ Best Budget Fishing Kayak ❞

Not every person can spend thousands of dollars on a new kayak. But within our budget, we all want to have all the latest features. 

The lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is the best option for anglers as it offers a variety of features at an affordable price. It is one of the top sellers and the most famous kayaks in the market.

The build quality and design are quite impressive. The kayak has a UV-protected polyethylene build which makes it light, yet sturdy and durable. 

At the front of the seat and stern are two round compartments for storage, each to store small tools and tackle. Three-rod holders including two flush mount holders at the back of the seat and a single articulating holder on the right side are present. A seat with an adjustable back can be folded in some positions over the support strap.

Moving towards the stability debate, the kayak is much more stable than expectations owing to chine rails. Anglers have even found themselves standing comfortably while fishing.

With a length of 10 feet, Tamarack Angler 100 is quite maneuverable and easy to control for such a lightweight kayak.

The purpose of most of the anglers hitting on the best budget kayaks for fishing could be well served by this kayak and they should seriously check out this impressive vessel.

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10. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 – Best Value Fishing Kayak

The Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 is widely considered as one of the best cheap fishing kayaks in this price range when compared to others in the market. Being firm, compact, and only 9 feet long, the kayak can be easily fitted into the back of most SUVs.

Skipjack 90 comes equipped with all necessary user functionality to make a great catch during your fishing trip.

To make sure that your paddles never make you feel uneasy during fishing, there are paddle parks on either side of the boat to stop them from falling into the water.

We can see two sealed hatches at the front of the seat for storage of gear and other useful accessories. In addition to that, there is a large tank at the rear side for dry storage. 6 scupper holes with plugs come in handy to drain the water off the deck and not let it pool underneath the paddler.

You can find four flush-mounted rod holders with capes and an extra mounting point for accessories. To move the kayak easily with hands, four handles with grips are present at the bow and stern sides.

Its value for money, portability and outstanding performance makes it an ideal vessel to make it your best companion on your fishing trip.

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11. Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS Fishing Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Boss SS is a sit-on-top kayak that is specifically aimed at anglers.  As for the kayak, it has been designed to provide great tracking and maneuverability on the water.

Of course, as it falls in the category of best cheap fishing kayaks, it also has a lot of features geared towards angling in comfort.

The Boss 12 SS is about 12.3 feet long and has a width of 33″. It weighs 78 lbs, which in turn supports about 500 lbs of load. The selling point of Boss 12 ss is that it is not just feature-rich, but also affordable, which is something we all find desirable.

Sun Dolphin has managed to keep this kayak reasonably priced while still including extras that are more commonly found on kayaks that may prove to be a big load on your pocket.

One of the main features of the Boss 12 SS is its stable ride. It has a hull designed to offer maximum stability in a range of conditions. This type of tri-hull design could also be more efficient when paddling in a straight line and also assist you to stand and fish.

The 33 inches width helps to maximize stability, whether you’re sitting or standing. For standing, there is a non-slip platform in front of the seat right on deck to give you a better grip underfoot

The elevated seat can be positioned either high or low, depending on your personal preference. The higher seat position could give you a wider angle and aids lumbar support, which makes it more comfortable for longer periods on the water. The mesh fabric seat drains and dries quickly.

There are two storage wells, one at the bow and one at the stern with bungee cords. Both storage areas are large enough for a crate or cooler.

Into the bargain, there are two hatches that allow access to the hull for extra storage below the deck. These also have bag inserts for holding smaller valuables like keys and cell phones.

There are four flush-mounted rod holders plus a swivel rod holder for handling fishing poles. The built-in gear tracks on either side make it suitable for attaching your accessories, such as a fish finder, camera, or cup holder.

The paddle holders are placed on both sides which gives you more freedom when it comes to keeping your paddle out of the way while you’re fishing.

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Anglers looking for pedal kayaks can read: Best Pedal Fishing Kayaks

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 12. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak – Best Fishing Kayak Under $300

The Intex Explorer K2 is quite durable considering its price and has a 30 gauge vinyl construction to ensure maximum durability.

The directional stability is improved by a removable skeg while the inflatable I-beam adds to the rigidity of the kayak. Additionally, both ends of the kayak are fitted with grab handles to easily lift around.

The kayak has high visibility in water due to its bright yellow color and cool graphics.
There are two adjustable seats secured to the kayak with the help of Velcro strips. The cushioned backrests ensure that paddling is convenient and the kayakers are comfortable throughout the journey.

The Intex Explorer K2 is a highly rated low priced kayak for a reason. Its price, combined with the included accessories, makes it a good find.

The experts recommend that you should not sail from land too far unless you are a competent swimmer. The kayak has two inflatable air chambers. So, if you get a puncture while out paddling, a half floating kayak can cause problems.

Certainly, it doesn’t track as well as more expensive kayaks on the market. Nor will it surprise you with its speed. But if you want a basic kayak for a little bit of family fun, and you have a low budget, the K2 Explorer is worth a look.

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14. Perception Pescador Pro 12.0

Perception Pescador Pro 12 is a real fishing kayak for fishing enthusiasts. Chock full of fishy features with the tracking and stability discerning anglers has come to expect from today’s fishing kayaks. Featuring a new removable stadium-style seat with two seating positions upright and recline that can move on the fly with a molded in-accessories track recess.

Storage and rigging opportunities are abundant with a stylish mesh cover bow and stern tank. Designed with a center console for your fishfinder electronics, the fishing kayak offers a 1 piece hull that is abrasion, UV, and impact resistant for durability. The kayak comes equipped with molded-in rod holders, a paddle park, a keepers foot brace system, and a molded-in cup holder.

With a stable drive, enough storage options, and room for attaching extra accessories, the Perception Pescador Pro 12 can be a really good option for people looking for their first fishing kayak.

Although it is more expensive than all the kayaks discussed above, it is easily available for under 1000$ which is a quite reasonable amount for a kayak of this performance.

Considering the overall features it could easily be announced as one of the best cheap fishing kayaks.

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Advantages Of Best Cheap Fishing Kayaks

Let’s go over some of the most prominent reasons why anyone might want to take the economic route when it comes to picking a fishing kayak.

• Versatility
  
  Fishing is all about pliancy. When it comes to getting afloat on a fishing kayak, there is an increased likelihood of finding the best spots by exploring far off shores and coves of lakes.

• Affordability
  
  When it comes to a fishing boat, you have to consider many expenditures which include fuel for the engine, marine storage, varnishes, and covers.
  Once you’ve made your purchase of a fishing kayak, there are no major costs to think about. Budget fishing kayaks are robust, so need very little attention when they’re not in use.

• Portability
  
  Cheap fishing kayaks are usually lightweight, therefore easy to transport. Simply strap it to the roof of your car and away you go. No need to invest in different transportation methods. A kayak is a child’s play to launch when you arrive at your chosen spot.

Useful Features of Best Cheap Fishing Kayaks

• Comfortable Seating — Fishing is not an easy adventure. It requires a lot of patience and time. For a day out on the water, you need a comfortable ride. Look for a seat with back supports and foam padding. Some seats are adjustable too.

Check: Best Kayaks Seats

• Adjustable Footrests — Footrests allow a comfortable place to put your feet and give you a firm posture inside the kayak. More importantly, when it comes to the size of anglers, footrests are ideal to keep them from sliding inside the kayak.
• Rod Holders —A kayak isn’t really a fishing kayak without rod holders; it’s just a standard kayak. Most of the models offer two, three, or even four holders while some even have swivel holders that help in tracking the direction of your catch.
• Storage — One Should never settle for little storage as storage is crucial for fishing. The buyer must look for storage compartments under seats, at the bow and stern sides, or even elastic cords specifically for storing larger items. If you can find a fishing kayak equipped with watertight hatches in this budget, it would be even better. 

Summing Up – Best Cheap Fishing Kayaks

Any of the eight kayaks reviewed above will serve you well as an entry-level fishing kayak. Our top three picks are:

• Perception Pescador 10 — best overall, with the most versatile performance and best storage at this price point
• Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 — best budget option, reliable and well reviewed by entry-level anglers
• Intex Excursion Pro — best inflatable, ideal if portability and storage are priorities

If you’re buying your first fishing kayak, don’t overthink it. A stable 10-foot sit-on-top with rod holders and decent storage will cover 90% of fishing scenarios. Get on the water, build experience, and upgrade when you outgrow it.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Are cheap kayaks worth it?

Cheap kayaks are a still a good investment as long as they have everything you’re looking for in a kayak/essential features. As a beginner, you could start with a cheap kayak and move to a more expensive one as you gain more experience.

How much does a decent kayak cost?

This depends on the type of kayak. Inflatable kayaks are cheaper than hard kayaks. A decent kayak will cost you between $US500 and $US2000.

Is a 10ft kayak big enough? Is a 10ft or 12ft kayak better? What size do I need?

If you’re a beginner, a 10ft kayak is big enough. Make sure you start on calm waters and slow moving rivers. A bigger, 12ft kayak can achieve higher speeds than a 10ft kayak. However, a 10ft kayak will be more stable and manouverable.

What is the best fishing kayak under $500?

Our top pick for the best fishing kayak under $500 is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 — it offers excellent value with solid stability, three rod holders, and UV-protected polyethylene construction at one of the lowest price points on this list.