We love Kayak fishing, it’s awesome. We know many people can’t afford to spend a fortune on the top of the range models out there so we have gone ahead and found the best fishing kayak under 500 dollars for you.
Kayaks can be used in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, gliding, or sailing.
However, they’re also used by a number of anglers due to the fact that they’re often much more convenient than a regular fishing boat and offer several other advantages that can help you towards landing your next big fish.
Kayak fishing is quickly becoming one of the more popular forms of fishing after its rapid rise withing recent years.
Apart from that, they’re also usually a way cheaper option for people looking to get out on the water without splashing out a boatload of cash (pun intended).
You can find kayaks on the market at around the 500 dollar mark, sometimes even less. We’ll be looking at these models and deciding which is the best fishing kayak under 500 dollars.
Before we begin, let’s first have an overview of our top picks!
Our Pick: Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is an inflatable kayak that comes with its own set of accessories. They aim to make your kayak fishing adventure as smooth and convenient as possible. It’s very lightweight, allowing you to transport it from your car to the lake with ease. It also has plenty of other features that make it the very best fishing kayak under 500 dollars.
Best Budget: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Despite being the most affordable pick in this list, the Intex Excursion kayak can hold its own when it comes to durability and performance. It’s also very lightweight and can hold a very large weight capacity.
Upgrade Pick: Lifetime Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak
With a sit-on-top design, the Lifetime Tamarack kayak is meant to provide you with a comfortable fishing experience.
Despite being sold at a slightly higher price than the other products, it makes up for it with its build quality as it’s made of high-quality materials. All in all, it makes for a very worthwhile upgrade.
Would a Fishing Kayak Under 500 Dollars Be Any Good?
The popularity of kayak fishing has been the reason why you’ll find a lot of fishing kayaks sold in the market nowadays.
The fact that anyone can get a kayak for just under $500 has prompted a lot of serious anglers to consider buying a fishing kayak for their fishing needs.
But what exactly makes fishing kayaks good? Here are some reasons why:
Better Portability
The mere fact that fishing kayaks are quite portable and easy to transport to and from the water is a major win for most anglers.
After all, they’re very lightweight, and some are even designed to be inflatable, so transporting them isn’t really a hassle as opposed to the traditional fishing boats.
More Affordable
Even the most expensive kayaks (those that cost around $1,500 to $3,000) are way more affordable than a basic fishing boat – and we’re not just talking about the initial cost.
You also have to spend less on maintenance, fuel costs, insurance, and launch fees. If you’re on a tight budget, you’d do perfectly fine with a fishing kayak that’s priced at $500 and below.
Of course, not all fishing kayaks are created equal. Some have more advanced features than others, but in general, they don’t necessarily cost more than a basic fishing boat.
Still, if you want to make the most out of your kayak fishing experience, a kayak with a number of essential features is an excellent option.
Easier Water Access
Fishing boats will require a launch ramp, but a kayak can do without. This makes it easier for anglers to access waterways that are normally inaccessible for powerboats.
You can dump a fishing kayak into virtually any body of water and you’re good to go. Moreover, you can pass through the skinniest of water without having to worry about your boat’s shiny gel-coat getting scratched.
Versatility
Kayak fishing offers you with various unique angling benefits as opposed to fishing in a powerboat. For example, you can get to enjoy a down tempo pace as you go around fishing. While this might sound derogatory, it’s actually a good option for most folks who just want to enjoy kayak fishing at their own leisurely pace.
The added bonus is that you will also be doing a workout whilst fishing, win-win!
The Best Fishing Kayak Under 500 Dollars
Now that you have an idea of the various benefits you can get from using a fishing kayak, let’s now move on to the top products we can recommend you. They’re as follows:
1. Sun Dolphin Excursion Kayak
Designed for an ideal river fishing activity, the Excursion kayak from Sun Dolphin is an extremely lightweight option that allows you to transport it with ease.
Despite weighing only 41 pounds, the Excursion is capable of carrying considerable weight.
In terms of build quality, the Excursion is made of UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, which speaks volumes of its durability.
Also, the fact that it comes UV-protected means that you can use it during hot weather without worrying.
It comes with a sit-in design that is made to keep you dry most of the time as you go paddling in the waters.
The padded seats allow additional comfort and enough space in its cockpit for adjustable foot braces. There are two-rod holders that make paddling a whole lot easier, freeing up your hands and other storage space on the kayak.
Speaking of storage, you’ll find spacious storage at the rear end of the kayak, perfect for keeping some of your essentials. As a kayak that’s designed specifically for fishing, the Excursion works best in calm waters and lakes.
Unfortunately, the Excursion kayak can be a bit underwhelming if you’re an expert kayaker. It doesn’t come with the usual compartments that you can find in advanced kayaks.
Moreover, it doesn’t have any built-in floatation, making it unsuitable for kayaking on bodies of water with a rocky surface.
Nonetheless, it’s an excellent option for a fishing kayak that’s priced under $500, making it ideal for beginners considering the amazing value it offers.
What We Like:
- Capable of tracking really well on calm waters
- Provides an excellent level of stability
- Quite durable for a kayak of its price range
2. Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak
The Tamarack from Lifetime is considered one of the most comfortable fishing kayaks you can find in the market. It comes with a molded padded seat which is designed to provide superior comfort even if you spend the entire day kayaking.
You can even adjust the seat to find your perfect fit. This allows you to fish from sunrise to sunset without having to complain about any discomfort.
In terms of performance, the Tamarack features a flat bottom which is responsible for its impressive stability. Regardless if you’re an average or a big guy, you surely won’t have a hard time fitting inside it.
You can even stand on top of it without losing stability, unless you want to move around too much of course. Apart from that, it comes with multiple footrest positions that add to its overall comfort level.
When it comes to durability, the Tamarack kayak is made of high-density, high-quality polyethylene. Due to that, you can expect it to withstand scratches from rocky surfaces and even handle a bit of damage without any problem.
Despite weighing only 52 pounds, the kayak can hold up to 275 pounds. This is decent for a single-person fishing kayak, though not really as impressive as the other products on this list.
What We Like:
- Adjustable padded seats
- Fitted with a storage hatch for storing your gears
- Offers multiple footrest positions for passengers of all sizes
- Decent tracking even in choppy waters
3. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
One of the most lightweight products on our list, the Intex Excursion pro weighs only 39.01 pounds. But don’t get fooled by its weight though. Despite being extremely lightweight, it’s capable of holding a large weight, with a total weight capacity of 400 pounds. Apart from that, it’s also fully capable of carrying two persons at once.
While it might be the most lightweight fishing kayak on this list, it doesn’t mean that it can’t hold its own when it comes to durability. In fact, it’s made of a super tough laminate PVC which is resistant to impact, abrasion, and even sunlight.
Also, the fact that it’s inflatable makes it a solid choice for anglers who want to transport their kayak without having to worry about portability.
It uses a high-pressure inflation system that allows it to remain its solid and stable state once inflated. However, if you want to deflate it, you can quickly do so in just a matter of minutes, thanks to its high-pressure spring-loaded valves.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with closed-off storage compartments, but it does make up for it by offering enough storage space in the bow and stern.
If you have drybags and other gear you want to carry, you can simply tie them down using its stainless steel D-rings.
There are two paddles, floor-mounted footrests, adjustable bucket seats, and fishing rod holders designed for two-person sitting. However, if you plan to go fishing solo, you can use the extra seat for storing your gears instead.
What We Like:
- Can quickly inflate and deflate thanks to its high-pressure valves
- Designed for carrying two persons onboard
- Capable of carrying significant weight despite being quite lightweight
4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Kayak
Another excellent fishing kayak designed for two-person sitting. The Coleman Colorado makes the perfect choice if you’re planning to bring along someone else with you during your fishing adventures.
It’s also inflatable, but it doesn’t mean that it’s fragile. It’s made of heavy-duty PCV which is designed to take on heavy-duty use.
It has a 1000D tarpaulin bottom that provides the kayak with an extra layer of protection from punctures and scratches that can occur when passing through rocky surfaces.
Even if the bottom gets punctured, you will still be able to avoid sinking due to the multiple air chambers.
The Coleman Colorado offers a decent amount of comfort with its adjustable padded seats, which you can remove if you want to go fishing alone. You can also use that extra space for storing your essentials, though it does come with ample storage for that.
Weighing only 40 pounds, the Coleman Colorado kayak can surprisingly hold up to 470 pounds. Way more than what the previous product, Intex Excursion, is capable of.
However, with such a huge weight capacity, it struggles when it comes to speed. Don’t worry, this can easily be resolved by attaching a trolling motor.
What We Like:
- Prevents sinking due to multiple air chambers
- Can be fitted with a trolling motor for enhanced speed
- Huge weight capacity at 470 pounds
- Comes with ample storage space for your fishing gear.
5. Emotion 90259 Renegade XT Kayak
A sit-on-top variant, the Renegade kayak is big enough to carry a large person without compromising its stability.
It also works great for those who want to carry their dog along with them as it has a large tank well at the back. Alternatively, you can also use that same space for storing all of your fishing gear.
The Renegade comes with a comfortable seat that provides you with excellent comfort even when fishing all day long. This is removable.
The Renegade is not an inflatable, though it comes with scupper holes to help drain water out with ease.
Quality-wise, the Renegade kayak is made of high-density polyethylene for superior durability and longevity. It can withstand scratches from sharp rocks without any problem, and you can even stand on top of it without losing stability.
Since it’s a single-person kayak, it’s lightweight (weighing only 49 pounds). You can transport this kayak alone without any issues.
The Renegade fishing kayak has its shortcomings though, and there are certain features that you might find lacking. For example, it doesn’t come with a skeg which is helpful in keeping your kayak running straight during stormy conditions.
However, as a fishing kayak that’s priced under 500 dollars, it definitely offers an excellent combination of budget and mid-range features.
What We Like:
- Comes with plenty of storage space for all your fishing gear.
- Stable and won’t topple over easily, making it perfect for beginners
- Very comfortable, even for very large kayakers
- Includes several essential features despite its low price
6. Sea Eagle 370 Pro Kayak
With a whole host of excellent features, it’s easy to see why we chose the Sea Eagle 370 Pro as the very best fishing kayak under 500.
It’s made of a thick polykrylar material that makes it durable and capable of handling various water conditions. It also has a better tracking ability thanks to its skeg and hull shape.
Second, it’s a 3-person kayak and can hold up to a maximum of 650 pounds. This is by far the highest weight capacity we have on this list. And to think it only weighs 32 pounds!
This allows you to bring along two other persons with you during your fishing adventures. On top of that, it doesn’t really compromise comfort, so all three of you can enjoy kayak fishing comfortably.
It even includes a spray skirt and five one-way drain valves to keep you and your buddies dry.
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro comes with a set of accessories that you can’t normally find in a typical kayak.
For example, you can get a carry bag, a repair kit, and a foot pump all included in the package.
There’s also plenty of storage space available, so you can bring your stuff with you with no problem.
Lastly, it’s pretty easy to set up. You just have to inflate it for a few minutes, then you’re good to go. Deflating the kayak is pretty quick and easy as well.
What We Like:
- Long-lasting, thanks to its sun and saltwater resistant construction
- Can keep you and your buddies dry with the presence of several drain holes.
- Can carry up to three persons without any issues
- Includes several accessories
7. Sun Dolphin Bali SS Kayak
The Bali SS kayak from Sun Dolphin is different as it’s priced higher than $500. Typically, it’s an ideal choice for anglers who are looking for a quality product that comes with several advanced features.
As a sit-on-top variant, the Bali SS is a good choice for beginners and even advanced kayakers.
As a kayak that’s priced above $500, the Bali SS makes the difference by offering extreme stability in the water.
This makes it a solid choice for beginners, as it provides extra security when kayaking despite rough water conditions. It’s also capable of tracking without any issues.
The Bali SS comes with plenty of space to prevent you from being cramped, especially when you bring tons of fishing gear with you.
Such extra space helps keep your stuff protected from getting wet. It even includes a portable accessory carrier that you can use as a backpack.
With its higher price range, the Bali SS certainly doesn’t compromise on comfort. Its high quality seat is designed to keep you comfortable even when kayaking all day long. Moreover, it comes with thigh pads for that extra level of comfort.
What We Like:
- Very stable and has excellent tracking ability
- Includes plenty of storage space
- Comes with a portable accessory carrier for extra storage
- Comes in a variety of colors and designs
Wrap Up
Budget fishing kayaks priced under $500 are an excellent means for beginners to get started with kayak fishing.
However, they also work well for advanced anglers who want to enjoy their fishing activity without having to settle with a fairly expensive model.
Our best pick for the best fishing kayak under 500 dollars is without a doubt the Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Kayak, you can check the latest price out on Amazon with the link.
The kayaks presented in this list are all great options and will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Most are very modestly priced and come with features that you would expect to find on models valued at a few hundred dollars higher.
Hopefully, with our guide, you will find the very best fishing kayak for under 500 dollars to suit your fishing needs.
If you go for one of the options that have limited storage capacity then be sure to pick up a fishing backpack that is waterproof.
Thanks for reading and happy fishing!