Best budget kayaks for fishing.
Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to spend your leisure time. With a kayak, you get to go to places where bigger boats can’t as you enjoy the up-close view of the surrounding aquatic habitat. Not all kayaks can be used in fishing. You’ll therefore need one that’s specifically made for that activity.
Fishing kayaks are available in different shapes and with different features, you’ll get multiple models to choose from. With the multiple models available in the market, you’ll need to choose a kayak that suits your needs best. With these kayaks offering great versatility, you don’t have to spend a fortune. We have a detailed review on the best budget kayaks for fishing plus a buying guide, so let’s take a look.
1) Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak
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As one of the best budget kayaks for fishing, this Intex Excursion Pro is made of a super-tough laminate PVC with a polyester core which makes it both lightweight and resistant to abrasion, impact, and sunlight. Stability and rigidity are enhanced by high pressure. The kayak features 2 removable skews for deep and shallow water, 2 floor-mounted footrests, 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable bucket seats. Features
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2) Bestway Hydro-Force Koracle Inflatable Kayak
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Whether you are an expert kayak fisherman or you are just a beginner, Bestway Hydro-Force Koracle comes with everything you need for the next fishing adventure. This kayak is lightweight, portable, and a relatively affordable option to the traditional fishing boat. With built-in fishing rod holders, you get to keep the line in the water and relax. The spacious cockpit features an adjustable seat with a backseat for additional back support. Furthermore, the kayak has 4 footrests to accommodate riders with different heights. For easy transportation, the kayak comes with a wraparound grab rope that surrounds its exterior fully. Features
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3) Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
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Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak is your best choice if you are going fishing with a buddy. The kayak features an 18-gauge PVC, thick tarpaulin bottom, and a tough nylon cover for durability and long life. The adjustable seats enhance comfortability throughout your fishing trip, you can also add the Sevylor trolling motor and store your paddles in the convenient holders for easy and fast movement. Features
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4) Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
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Nothing beats a day on the water using a Challenger K1 kayak. This vessel is versatile and comes with multiple features that make your fishing experience worth it. Not only is the kayak affordable, but also lightweight. This lightweight design makes it easy to transport and it is also capable of supporting a decent load. The padded backrest and knee pads provide a comfortable fishing experience while the dedicated holders onboard provide convenient access to your phone and water bottle. The eye-catching graphics provide additional safety on the lake or slow-moving river. It weighs just 27.2 pounds and has a maximum capacity of 220 pounds. Features
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5) Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak
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This is one of the best budget kayaks for fishing for kids. Get your kid the Lifetime youth kayaks if they love to accompany you while fishing. Specifically made for kids above 5 years, this kayak has a weight capacity of 130lbs. Its ergonomic cockpit design enhances balance and great motor skills and with a twin fin design, this kayak is ideal for tracking and surf riding as well. It is crafted from high-density polyethylene that ensures superior strength and durability. It also features heavy-duty HDPE construction which is UV resistant and doesn’t fade or crack. For easy transport, this kayak is lightweight and also features molded finger handles on both sides. Furthermore, it is sloped at the end with a swim-up step which allows the rider to conveniently re-enter the kayak while still inside the water. It also features several footrest positions to accommodate different rider sizes. It also accommodates your growing kid. Features
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Budget Kayaks for Fishing
If you are new to the kayaking world, it becomes quite challenging to make a decision on which kayak you are supposed to buy. As a newbie, odds are that you are looking for a budget-friendly fishing kayak. While price point shouldn’t be your only criteria, here are some of the other important features to look out for
- Stability
When it comes to fishing kayaks, stability is one of the important aspects one needs to pay keen attention to. Any fisherman faces a lot of challenges that range from the landing of fish to the splashes caused by water waves. Although you are in need of a relatively cheap kayak, you shouldn’t compromise on the stability. Go for a kayak with a flat bottom hull if you prefer fishing while standing. You also need to ensure that the minimum length of the kayak is at least 30 inches for you to have a pleasant fishing time. Shorter kayaks tend to be tossed by strong water waves. In addition, picking the right width ensures that you get to enjoy stable rides on any water masses.
- Weight and portability.
Weight can vary significantly between kayaks. A lightweight kayak is easier to carry, easy to load inside a car, and also easy to get up to speed. Furthermore, a lightweight kayak allows you to carry more gear because less of the weight capacity is taken up by the kayak. However, it is important to note that kayaks become heavier with the addition of more features that are useful after succeeding in moving them to the water. Therefore, no matter how heavy the kayak weighs, always ensure that it is safe. Look for a kayak with carrying handles that allow easy transportation.
- Storage space.
Fishermen tend to carry lots of gear when they go out to fish. For that reason, it is important to find a kayak with enough room for all your fishing gear. Some models have integrated storage or live wells. Others have areas molded for external storage like milk crates and coolers. Sit-on-top kayaks often feature molded internal hatches, while sit-in models feature more open space in the hull for storing gear.
- Durability
For any fishing kayak to last long, it should be made from durable and wear-resistant materials. Fishing kayaks crafted from durable and impact-resistant material ensure great value for every purchase made. Polyethylene plastic is less expensive and abrasion-resistant, but it is quite heavy and degrades with time after exposure to sun rays. Lightweight fiberglass and ultra carbon fiber kayak provide you with great performance. UV rays aren’t a big concern to such kayaks, but a major concern would be rocks.
- Comfort
Comfort is another important factor to look out for when choosing a fishing kayak. The cockpit area should be spacious enough to give you room to stretch your legs. The seats should be soft and breathable to allow comfortable paddling sessions. On top of this, look for a kayak that has adjustable seats, adjustable footrests, and leg braces for optimal foot position.
Best Budget Kayaks for Fishing FAQs
- How long are fishing kayaks?
Fishing kayaks are typically longer than recreational kayaks. Some fishing kayaks are as short as 10 feet and some long as 16feet. However, a majority of them fall into the 13 feet range.
- Which is the ideal kayak for fishing beginners?
If you are looking for a beginner kayak, you may want to start with a polythene option. Such a kayak won’t set you back financially and it will also allow you to see if you enjoy the activity.
- How should I choose a fishing kayak?
Before you settle on a specific model, you should carefully consider your needs on the water. If you are fishing on your own, a solo kayak is the best choice. If you are taking your friend with you, make sure you get a spacious tandem. Lastly, if you are planning multi-day fishing trips, look for a kayak with a large storage space.
Advantages
- Your only expense is only when you purchase the kayak. There is no fuel charge, no big repairs, no storage fee, no insurance, no oil, etc.
- Fishing kayaks cover larger distances compared with traditional boats.
- It is much easier to transport and store a kayak away than a larger boat.
- Kayaks offer a peaceful and quiet fishing experience. The peacefulness of a kayak allows for a very calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Conclusion
The market is flooded with many fishing kayaks suitable for fishing. Some have top-notch features that make them quite expensive, but there are cheaper models with quality features as well. If you are tight on budget, we have reviewed the best kayak models available at a very economical price.