Kayaking is an exciting outdoor activity that can be made even better with the best fishing kayaks under 500. These kayaks for fishing work great yet are fairly priced. That being said, they make a stunning purchase for anyone on a budget yet want to enjoy kayaking. Ideally, fishing kayaks are not strictly for fishing. This means you can use them for recreation and other water adventures.
They come in lengths and types. So, before buying one, it is important that you know exactly what you want. Well, that’s where this article comes in handy. Here, we have reviewed various brands of fishing kayaks and talked of factors to consider before spending money on a particular fishing kayak.
List of The Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500
#1. SUNDOLPHIN Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
SUNDOLPHIN Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak at a Glance:
- Weighs 40 pounds
- Measures 120 by 30 by 13 inches
- Has shock cord deck rigging
- Comes with a rod holder
- Comes with a paddle holder
The SUNDOLPHIN Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak is one of the most comfortable kayaks in the market. Well, its comfort is as a result of well-thought-out features such as a large open cockpit that offers a spacious place to sit. Another feature that promotes comfort is the adjustable padded seat that appears to fit kayakers of different sizes. Plus the padded seat has high back support to make sure you are well supported and in an ergonomic position when using the kayak.
Another important feature of this 10-foot kayak is the rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex polyethylene. What’s more, the kayak has a spray deflector collar and adjustable foot braces. It is a high-performance kayak as seen in the several customer reviews and the high ratings. It comes in a plethora of colors so you can easily settle for what matches your other kayaking gear and personal style.
Best For: This kayak is great for enjoying water adventures.
#2. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak at a Glance:
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
- Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Has a weight capacity of 275 pounds
- Measures 120 by 31 by 14 inches
- Weighs 52 pounds
Lifetime is dedicated to making adventures more memorable by providing you with top quality products. For instance, this affordable fishing kayak is made of the strongest material ever so you can focus more on kayaking and less on durability. It also has other extra features such as front and rear shock cord straps, front and rear T-handles to help improve portability, and two 6-inch storage compartments.
In addition, the kayak has several footrest positions so it can accommodate riders of different sizes. Plus it boasts an adjustable and padded seat back to help provide you with unrivaled comfort while you are kayaking. Other features of this kayak are two flush-mounted fishing rod holders, stable flat bottom, stability chine rails, and deep hull tracking channels.
Best For: The fact that this kayak comes equipped with 3 fishing pole holders means it is one of the best for fishing.
#3. SUNDOLPHIN Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
SUNDOLPHIN Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak at a Glance:
- Available in two colors; sand and olive
- Weighs 44 pounds
- Has a weight capacity of 200 pounds
- Dimensions are 120 by 30 by 11 inches
What kayakers like about this cheap fishing kayak is that it is built with convenience in mind. It has a lightweight construction that makes it easy to carry and use wherever you want to use it. Moreover, its carrying handles retract to further make it easy to manage.
Another feature, which shows that you will enjoy unmatched convenience when you have this fishing kayak, is the open cockpit, which allows you to get it with ease. What’s more, the kayak has a large and comfortable seating area equipped with an adjustable padded seat. There are also self-bailing and large compartments, one swivel rod holder, and two flush mount rod holders.
Best For: If you are looking for a kayak to help you access those excluded fishing spots in the lakes or rivers, this model is the best.
#4. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 9 Foot Sit On Fishing Kayak
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 9 Foot Sit On Fishing Kayak at a Glance:
- Weight capacity is 300 pounds
- Number of paddlers is 1
- Length is up to 9 feet
- Width is 32”
- Weighs 46 pounds
You cannot talk about comfortable fishing kayaks without mentioning this model by Vibe Kayaks. A good number of its features are built to enhance comfort. They include a built-in cup holder that provides a convenient place to keep your drink and take your kayaking to a whole new level; foot braces that are molded in comfort; built-in backrest with ergonomic cushion seats, and 4 grip carrying handles that are molded in comfort as well.
Furthermore, this fishing kayak has a sleek hull design that ensures fast and nimble tracking to help you get where you want to be fast and easily. The construction used to make this kayak has built-in buoyancy that adds safety and will give you peace of mind. It is also durable and leak-proof for long-lasting performance.
Best For: This kayak is stable and, therefore, perfect for kayakers who normally traverse different waters and conditions.
#5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak at a Glance:
- Measures 30.1 by 11.6 by 19.2 pounds
- Constructed with 18 gauge PVC
- Has mesh storage pockets
- Seats are adjustable
- Carries up to two people
Very few fishing kayaks match the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Kayak in durability. Made of 1000-denier tarpaulin bottom and featuring 840-denier nylon cover, this kayak is durable and will not be affected by punctures. Furthermore, it has an airtight system that will not leak. This means if you want to have peace of mind while traversing the waters, this fishing kayak is the best bet.
It has paddle holders that will secure paddles and keep them out of the way. It also has mesh storage pockets that keep gear and snacks within easy reach. In addition, this fishing kayak is equipped with several air chambers that allow another chamber to stay inflated when one is punctured. Other features include Sevylor trolling motor fittings that will expand your fishing capabilities and Boston Valve, which is double threaded for effortless inflation and deflation.
Best For: If you love fishing with your partner, then this 2-person fishing kayak is the best bet.
#6. Airhead Montana Two Person Inflatable Kayak
Airhead Montana Two Person Inflatable Kayak at a Glance:
- Has an incredible weight capacity up to 500 pounds
- Weighs just 36.3 pounds
- Capacity is two
- Its length is 12 feet
- Designed for lakes and moderate white water
This inflatable kayak has a spacious capacity that can accommodate up to two people. As such, it is a wonderful purchase if you want to share great kayaking moments with your partner. Despite its large capacity, the kayak is lightweight and compact, meaning you can easily carry it from place to place. Remember it is inflatable, and this eliminates the need to carry it on the rooftop of your car every time you are going to kayak.
Besides, this fishing kayak has an orange color that makes it very visible in the water, thereby, improving safety. It also has 6 D-rings at stern and bow to secure gear. Plus it is made of neoprene elbow guards that make it very comfortable. Additionally, the kayak features 3 air chambers, which are fully enclosed using rugged 840D nylon with water and UV resistant coatings.
Best For: The Airhead Montana Two Person Inflatable Kayak is a versatile fishing kayak that’s great for vacationing, camping, and exploring remote areas.
#7. Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak at a Glance:
- Comes with a travel carry bag
- Weighs 27 pounds
- Paddles are adjustable between 0 and 60 degrees
- The recommended weight limit is 450 pounds
- Inflated dimensions are 10ft. by 35” by 16”
- Deflated dimensions are 26” by 16” by 8”
You get everything when you buy this fishing kayak. It comes with innumerable accessories, which include adjustable padded seats, travel bag, rear tracking fin, deluxe double action hand pump, and aluminum paddles featuring ergonomic grip handles. Furthermore, it has a durable bottom that is made of heavy-duty tarpaulin to provide protection against punctures.
This inflatable fishing kayak also has double-threaded Boston valves, which will not leak. And its top cover is made of tough 840-denier coated nylon fabric to further improve its durability. The pointed nose entry (bow) and rocker profile deliver an amazing performance in both choppy and calm glasses of water. Also, there are EVA padded seats, which are high quality and offer-high back support to allow you to sit comfortably for hours.
Best For: If you are looking for a portable kayak that does not sacrifice space for portability, this should be a frontier for you.
#8. Intex Excursion Inflatable Pro Fishing Kayak
Intex Excursion Inflatable Pro Fishing Kayak at a Glance:
- Total weight capacity is 400 pounds
- Person capacity is 2
- Comes with a pump
- I-beam floor for unrivaled rigidity
- Seats have a backrest and are removable as well as adjustable
Although this inflatable fishing kayak is very affordable and highly portable, it is not flimsy. If anything, it is made by one of the world’s best manufacturers in Intex. Well, Intex has made it with quality features only. For instance, it is constructed with incredibly tough laminated PVC that has a polyester core. The laminate PVC is resistant to damage from sunlight, impact, and abrasion. This fishing kayak is also designed in such a way that it achieves high-pressure inflation, and this is what enables it to be amazingly rigid and stable.
It comes with two removable skews for shallow and deep water, two integrated recessed fishing rod holders, two floor-mounted footrests, and two adjustable bucket seats. The fishing kayak also comes equipped with a mounting bracket that is adjustable and removable. The mounting bracket is perfect for keeping extra accessories such as fish finders, GPS systems, and swivel fishing rod holders, among others.
Best For: This cheap kayak for fishing is perfect for saltwater.
#9. Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Fishing Kayak at a Glance:
- Weight of the kayak is 27 pounds
- The recommended weight limit is 450 pounds
- Inflated dimensions are 10ft. by 35” by 16”
- Deflated dimensions are 26” by 16” by 8”
- Tough PVC tarpaulin bottom
This fishing kayak is built with you in mind. It is made of high quality and durable components such as 18-gauge PVC. These sturdy components improve the durability of this kayak as well as enabling it to withstand many different harsh conditions.
Besides, this fishing kayak comes with several accessories, including two adjustable seats, double-sided oars, carry bag, rod holders (four trolling and two vertical), and double action pump. The kayak inflates in just minutes, meaning in no time you will be in the waters. And when it is deflated, it folds compactly for easy storage. It is the kind of kayak that you will not have to carry on the rooftop of your car.
Best For: If you want to take your angling experience to another level, this inflatable fishing kayak is for you.
#10. Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Kayak (One-Person)
Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Kayak at a Glance:
- Available in two colors, which are Envy and Sunrise
- Measures 9 feet long
- Weighs 43 pounds
- Weight capacity ranges from 275 to 325 pounds
- The hull is backed by a lifetime warranty
A lightweight yet sturdy kayak is an excellent purchase that every serious kayaker should consider spending money on. The Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Kayak for recreation meets these demands. It weighs just 43 pounds, meaning transporting it to the river for a memorable adventure will not be an arduous task. The kayak has its renowned Tri-Form hull that combines secondary and primary stability to deliver peerless performance.
It also has a long center keel to keep you going. Another incredible feature is the long-lasting and 4-way adjustable Comfort Plus seat that supports all-day padding. Moreover, the kayak comes equipped with a tank well, which, in turn, features removable bungees and a bow deck bungee. The tank well is great for storing food and gear so you are never inconvenienced during a kayaking adventure.
Best For: This kayak is great for recreation. It has a place for storing food and gear, making it a handy investment if you are looking for a kayak to spend your weekend in.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Fishing Kayaks under 500
The following factors will further improve your knowledge about fishing kayaks.
Capacity
We bet you have noted from the above reviews that different kayaks have different capacities. There are those that are meant to carry just one person and others that are large enough to carry up to two people. Therefore, before buying a kayak, you must be aware of the people who will use it. This means if you plan to enjoy kayaking with your partner or friends, you should consider a 2-person fishing kayak.
Comfort
Most people forget to buy a fishing kayak that is built with comfort in mind. And this is unacceptable because an uncomfortable kayak is as good as useless. You will not be able to sit there for long hours, meaning you will not enjoy kayaking adventures the way it should be enjoyed. With this in mind, ensure that your kayak is ergonomically designed and has a padded seat (s) with backrest.
Material
Whether your fishing kayak is inflatable or ordinary, it is recommended that it be as durable as possible. A durable kayak will improve your safety while you are in the water. And by improving your safety, it will give you peace of mind. And when you are at ease, you will focus more on the kayaking adventure and less on your safety. With all that said, make sure your kayak is constructed with sturdy materials such as nylon, polyester, PVC, and more.
Portability and Weight Capacity
Kayaks come in different sizes. But for the sake of portability, you must consider those that are compactly sized. This is because such kayaks do not take up much space, and, therefore, are very easy to transport. You should also choose a kayak that is lightweight for easy handling. Ideally, the portability of your kayak should not sacrifice the weight capacity of that same kayak. In other words, you should not settle for a kayak with a low weight capacity just because you want something super portable.
Conclusion
Fishing kayaks under 500 are a worthy investment if you are economic-minded or on a budget. They are affordable yet packed with features, which enable them to work as expected. These kayaks are also versatile; hence, perfect for both recreation and kayaking. Considering how in-depth we have talked about them, we are certain that you will find what meets your needs.