Best Cheap Fishing Kayak for Those on a Budget in 2022
Isn't fishing a great way to kick back and relax?
Just imagine yourself at the water's edge casting your fishing rod and hearing the hook plop into the distant sun-soaked glassy blissful water. Surrounded by serenity.
However, if you are hedging your bets to land a big old whopper, you can increase your chances significantly by investing in a fishing kayak.
Kayak fishing boats have improved incredibly over the years, gaining fishing-specific features like rod holders, adjustable foot braces, extra storage space, or an adjustable seat. Unfortunately, the best fishing kayaks come with a price, and it is usually pretty expensive!
However, not to worry, there are plenty of budget fishing kayaks on the market that will be perfectly adequate if you're looking for a new kayak at a lower price point.
That is why we've put together a list of the best fishing kayaks on a budget to help you search for the best cheap fishing kayak!
Different Types of Kayak
There are many different types of kayaks to fish, but anglers tend to be attracted to the recreational fish kayak. They tend to be 10-12 feet in length and are popular with photographers, anglers, and novice paddlers as they are usually easy to handle.
Here is a list of some of the types of recreational fishing kayaks so you can figure out which is the best fishing kayak for you!
Sit-on-Top
Sit-on-top kayaks are usually easy to paddle, stable, and a standard option for those wishing to go kayak fishing.
Using a sit-on-top means you are sat in an elevated position on top of the kayak while not enclosed within the kayak. It is a popular choice for anglers, because of the space the high position allows you to cast a line.
They are typically wider in width, which creates more surface area on the water and therefore, more stable. Some have enough space to let you stand up while fishing. The downside to the wide kayak is the mobility. It's often more challenging to maneuver and as such is slower on the water.
Another thing to consider is these kayaks have more potential for you to get wet from accidental splashing or choppy waters. There is no spray skirt to protect you.
Sit-In
The sit-in kayak does offer protection from the wind, rain, and water should you use a spray skirt, so if you plan on fishing in the cold, this can be a great insulator.
Unlike the sit-on-top kayak, you are sat inside a cockpit lower to the water and can often be thinner and faster in speed on the water.
The downside of the sit-in fishing kayaks is if you were to have an accidental capsize, you would have to take the boat to shore in order to empty the water and then reset everything to go back out.
Inflatable Kayaks
One of the best things about inflatable kayaks is the transportability! These kayaks are durable, convenient, and easy to pack down into a bag and throw into the trunk of your car. If you are a city dweller or don't have anywhere protected to store a full-on hard shell kayak, this is the perfect option.
While these kayaks are inexpensive and, for the most part, durable, we wouldn't recommend purchasing the cheapest one you can find.
Tandem
Want to go fishing with a friend or loved one? Do you like being social on the water? Well, maybe a tandem kayak for fishing is for you. These kayaks come a bit longer to accommodate an extra passenger, but you can get them in a sit-in, sit on top and inflatable model.
Solo
If fishing with friends is your worst nightmare or if you just like the independence or serenity of being alone, a solo boat is probably the best option for you. You can also chose the colors of your kayak to attract more fish!
Cheaper vs Expensive: What To Expect?
Without stating the obvious, if you were to shell out for the most expensive all-singing, all-dancing, best fishing kayak, you will find it will have top of the range materials and features! The kayak you're looking for should depend on your needs, and if one of your needs is to buy fishing kayaks for cheap, then you might need to be a little open-minded when it comes to additional fishing features & accessories.
But, What Really Matters?
When purchasing a kayak on a budget, it is essential to consider the safety of the boat. We don't recommend buying a second-hand boat online without seeing it first to check it out.
You also have to consider the weight and weight capacity. The capacity of the boat is essential to think about so that you don't sink! If an average male adult weighs 200 lbs and you have a boat with a weight capacity of 250 lbs, then you can only bring on 50 lbs of kit, that's if you're an average male adult.
Budget kayaks should have a seat, some type of storage (also consider dry storage), and be made with sufficiently durable materials.
Storage
Many kayaks provide storage, whether it be bungee storage or an enclosed storage hatch. Expensive fishing kayaks will tend to have more storage or specifically designed storage to suit an angler's needs.
If you need storage on a budget kayak, you may have to sacrifice luxury designed storage and choose a more generic storage option instead.
If you do have to sacrifice storage for budget, there are external storage options that float behind the kayak like floating coolers.
Comfort
Many cheap fishing kayaks have molded seats that are substantial for short term use. However, for long excursions, they can become uncomfortable, which is why a lot of developed models have seats with adjustable back support and padded seating to help you stay comfortable.
Materials
There is a range of materials that kayak manufacturers use to make kayaks, and the most important thing to consider is durability. Low-end kayaks might be made from plastics that can be affected by UV rays and discolor, while expensive ones remain the color you bought them.
Reviews Of Our Top Picks
So, we know that we're looking for a cheap kayak for fishing but which are the best? Here is a list of our best fishing kayaks on a budget!
1. Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak
Looking for a budget inflatable fishing kayak made with a durable laminate material and polyester center, making it lightweight and portable and also abrasion and UV resistant? The Intex pro fishing kayak could be the one for you!
This fishing kayak can take a max weight of 400 pounds, and the high-pressure spring-loaded valves make for quick inflation and deflation.
Although this kayak is in the budget list, it actually packs a bunch of features! The pros include two flush-mounted rod holders, floor-mounted footrests, and two adjustable seats perfect for kayaking with a friend. It also has a mounting bracket ready for any fish finders, GPS systems, or swivel fishing rod holders making this a great angler kayak.
On top of all of that, it has excellent storage in the bow and stern and is equipped with D-rings to connect any bags or gear you might want to strap in. to hold your items securely whilst out on the water.
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler is just pushing above $500, which is an excellent price if you're looking for fishing features coming from a company that claims to make the most stable fishing kayak on the market; it could be the kayak for you.
This model is a sit-on-top kayak with an adjustable, comfortable padded seat aiding any anglers back pain for a long fishing trip. And on that long fishing trip, you can bring plenty of gear using its storage space coming in the form of waterproof hatches and bungee storage.
If you're looking for the hands-free fishing experience, there are two flush-mounted rod holders and one adjustable rod holder so you can personalize your fishing position and also paddle holders, so you have somewhere to keep your paddle while you cast a line.
An excellent price for what you're paying for.
This inflatable tandem kayak is ready and waiting to be taken fishing. It is made with a durable PVC construction, which is puncture and tear-resistant. Using a 10,000D tarpaulin reinforced bottom and 840D nylon cover to make sure it lasts a long time. And, in the unlikely event that it punctures or tears, it has back up multiple air chambers, which will keep the boat afloat until you can get it out the water to repair it.
This kayak is built to accommodate any paddler with its adjustable padded seating and convenient rod holders.
It inflates and deflates quickly, and it even has the capacity for you to add a trolling motor should that be something that interests you.
This is one of the best inflatable cheap kayaks for fishing under $1,000.
The Sun Dolphin might be the cheapest kayak for fishing on the list, but don't let that dim your view; it's complete with two flush mount rod holders.
It's lightweight to transport and easy to carry using its retractable carry handles. It offers excellent stability and tracks and paddles with ease.
It's made from a durable UV-stabilized high-density fortiflex polyethylene and has deck bungee rigging for extra storage as well as a removable storage hatch.
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is a perfect kayak to get if you want transportability as it folds up into an integrated backpack, so it's super convenient.
These kayaks will inflate in minutes and are easy to get in and out of the water using the carry handles. There is a lot of space for the paddler to be comfortable and stretch their legs as well as extra space for cargo storage under a net on the deck.
Despite being an inflatable kayak, this kayak has a sturdy rigid floor and is complete with a multiple air chamber design should you be unlucky and snag a sharp rock and endure a puncture. However, a puncture is unlikely as it's made from a thick, durable PVC airtight system with a reinforced bottom that should keep any tears or holes at bay.
All of this and it only weighs 18 lbs making it really effortless to get where you're going and allowing you to up and go if you want to embark on a multi-terrain excursion. This is an excellent solo kayak at a low price!
Our Best Budget Fishing Kayak!
Of all the kayaks on the market, how do you choose which one to get? Well, you read one of Kayakbuds handy buying guides, of course! We've investigated the best budget kayaks, we've run the numbers, and our decision is...
The Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak! These kayaks are convenient, durable, fishing-friendly, and, most of all, inexpensive.
If you want a kayak to see you through your first couple of fishing trips with the ability to add more features at a later date and one that's ready for you to throw it in the trunk of your car, then get this kayak on your wishlist!
It already comes with excellent features like rod holders (for hands-free fishing), removable skegs (for seamless tracking in deep or shallow water), and a removable mounting bracket (for all those extra features you can add on as you collect fun angling gadgets!)
On top of that, you can say goodbye to sore legs with the comfortable adjustable footrest, which is able to customize for all sizes of angler. Not to mention the adjustable seat to keep you comfortable during those long trips on the water. Also, if you can't contain your excitement, you can share it with a friend and take them out on the water to show them your brand new inflatable kayak.
This is an excellent kayak for the angler on a budget. What are you waiting for?