Kayak angling is a super fun way to spend your off days on your closest body of water. Unfortunately, many of the best fishing kayaks can take a significant chunk out of your wallet if you are new to this sport.
So how do you figure out if you actually like kayak fishing without investing too much just to get started? Well, you dig deeper to find one of the best cheap kayaks for fishing of course!
Fortunately, we have compiled an extensive list of kayaks for this exact purpose for you. Because fishing kayaks can be quite expensive, we have used a metric of selecting only fishing kayaks with triple-digit price tags for this guide.
Hopefully, this will help you keep some of your hard-earned cash in your pocket (or to spend on bait, tackle, and other kayak fishing accessories!). Let’s check these fishing kayaks out!
Photo by Kuznetcov_Konstantin via Shutterstock
Best Cheap Kayaks For Fishing
- Brooklyn Kayak Company FK285
- Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184
- Pelican Sport Basscreek 100XP Angler
- Pelican Sport Maxim 100X
- Sea Eagle 370 Pro
- Sevylor Quikpak K1
- TERRAVENT Folding Kayak
- Intex Excursion Pro
- Intex Challenger K2
- Intex Explorer K2
- Intex Dakota K2
- Bestway Hydro Force Koracle
- SOARRUCY Hydro Force Lite Rapid X2
- Goplus Youth Kayak
- Lifetime Tioga
Fishing Kayak Reviews
1. Brooklyn Kayak Company FK285
- Length: 9’2”
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
The Brooklyn Kayak Company FK285 kayak is capable of handling casual afternoon fishing trips or multi-day angling adventures. That is mostly because it boasts two waterproof storage hatches that you can use to keep camping and cooking gear dry (with a dry bag of course!).
It comes with two fishing rod holders built into the deck of the kayak. These rod holders are located just behind the seat so that you can easily reach your rods or deploy a trolling line.
The third articulating fishing rod holder is mounted at the front of the center console in the cockpit. Also on that center console, you will find a beverage holder to keep your water bottle or can of Le Croix secure.
This kayak is crafted for stability and has a flat enough cockpit to support stand-up fishing. It also features a stern cargo area that is covered with bungee rigging for securing a fishing tackle crate or other kayaking supplies.
One thing we love about this kayak is that it also comes with its own kayak paddle. That adjustable aluminum paddle is perfect for navigating between your favorite fishing holes.
2. Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
The FK184 kayak model from Brooklyn Kayak Company is only two inches shorter than the FK285, but it is also six pounds lighter. You will notice the 20-pound difference in maximum weight capacity as well.
Unlike the FK285, this model doesn’t include an aluminum-framed seat and, instead, features a padded EVA foam seat that clips into D-rings and then adjusts for comfort. This seat provides plenty of padding, but you won’t get the elevated vantage point like you would with the FK285.
It does, however, include two additional fishing rod holders, which brings its total count up to five. There are four flush-mounted rod holders located on the deck (two behind the seat and two towards the front of the cockpit).
Then, there is also the same center-mounted articulating rod holder that makes it easier to fight larger fish for longer periods. This kayak also boasts the same two watertight storage hatches at the FK285 and has paddle keepers on both gunwales for more convenient hands-free fishing.
The FK184 also includes multiple molded-in footrest positions to accommodate paddlers of many different heights, but I wouldn’t suggest this model for stand-up fishing if you are interested in giving that a try.
3. Pelican Sport Basscreek 100XP Angler
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 30.5 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
The Pelican Sport Basscreek 100XP Angler is great for paddlers of all skill levels and is a compact option that makes it easy to transport when it is out of the water and maneuver when it is in narrower waterways.
You will be able to take advantage of three fishing rod holders on this kayak. Two of them are flush-mounted behind the kayak seat and the third is an articulating rod holder that is mounted in the center of the cockpit.
Speaking of the cockpit, it features Pelican’s ERGOFIT G2 seating system with a padded foam seat cushion and an adjustable backrest for better lumbar support. The cockpit also features adjustable foot pedals to help you dial in your comfort and maintain a solid paddling posture.
At the bow of the kayak, there is a large, round storage compartment with a sealed hatch cover for storing dry gear. There is an additional stern tankwell with bungee rigging for securing a kayak cooler bag or other accessories.
The Basscreek 100XP Angler also includes a paddle keeper on the gunwale to facilitate easier hands-free fishing. Additionally, there are a total of six accessory eyelets for attaching your fishing gear and customizing your setup.
Also Read: Pelican Kayaks Review
4. Pelican Sport Maxim 100X
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
The Maxim 100X model from Pelican Sport boasts fewer fishing-specific features than the Basscreek model, but it is 14 pounds lighter. That makes it a more popular option for smaller anglers or folks who want a rigid kayak that is easy to transport.
This kayak is also considerably narrower than many of the other models on our list. That makes it ideally suited to be more efficient when paddling longer distances and easier to maneuver on narrow creeks and streams.
That being said, that narrower design makes it slightly less stable, which means this kayak is better suited to intermediate-level paddlers. It does boast the same shallow V-chine hull you will find on the Basscreek kayak, but that reduced width is responsible for the change in stability.
The Maxim kayak doesn’t include any built-in fishing rod holders, so it is better suited to anglers with a single rod. It is even great for folks with collapsible casting rods or fly fishing setups.
The major advantages of this kayak include a sit-inside design that provides a drier paddling experience and ample storage space via the enclosed bow compartment and the open rear tankwell with mesh bungee netting stretched across the top.
5. Sea Eagle 370 Pro
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is the first inflatable kayak for fishing on our list and it ushers in a run of more compact kayaks that are much easier to store and transport. When deflated, it packs down to just 31 inches by 19 inches by 8 inches to easily fit in the back of a sedan or your apartment closet.
It does come with its own high-output foot pump, but we would strongly recommend looking into an electric pump for all of the inflatable kayaks we will include on this list.
Getting back to this kayak model, it comes with two padded foam seats that attach to the cockpit once the kayak’s three air chambers (floor, port, and starboard) are fully inflated. That allows you to remove one of the seats if you want to use it as a single paddler.
This kayak boasts a really high weight capacity, which easily allows it to hold two anglers and all of your fishing equipment. It can even handle a third small human rider or furry paddle companion and it will give you loads of storage space if you set it up for a solo paddle.
The 370 Pro takes about eight minutes to inflate (using the foot pump) and can even handle rugged, whitewater conditions. It is rated to handle up to Class III whitewater if you ever plan on taking a fishing trip on a more serious river.
6. Sevylor Quikpak K1
- Length: 8’7”
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is the lightest kayak on our list and it is well-suited to fishing in calm lakes or slow-moving rivers. It honestly is not the most efficient kayak we have included, so it is best for anglers that don’t exactly plan on covering a lot of ground.
That being said, it will help you make the transition from shoreline fishing to accessing areas you can’t always get to on land. It also features an open cockpit that is easier to get back into if you capsize (which is not always the case with other inflatable kayaks).
Another advantage of this model is that it packs up into a backpack-style carry bag. So you can sling it over your shoulders and hike into alpine lakes that other kayak anglers would never dream of accessing.
Inside the carry bag, you will easily be able to store the kayak, pump, and collapsible paddle that it comes with. Once you get to your destination, it takes about five minutes to inflate using that high-pressure pump and then you will be on your way.
7. TERRAVENT Folding Kayak
- Length: 12’10”
- Width: 25.6 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
This is the one and only folding kayak we have included on our list and it is a great option if travel a lot and want to ditch the hand or foot pump that is required of an inflatable kayak.
The TERRAVENT design takes around eight to 10 minutes to assemble and just three to four minutes to pack up. When it packs up, it measures just 33.8 inches by 28 inches by 11.8 inches for more convenient transportation and storage.
On the water, you will be able to use the deck straps in front of the bow to attach a deck bag or keep your fishing rod secure. This folding kayak is also abrasion and puncture resistant and is designed to be folded up to 2,000 times without splitting or cracking.
8. Intex Excursion Pro
- Length: 12’7”
- Width: 37”
- Weight: 39.01 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
The Intex Excursion Pro is the ultimate inflatable kayak for kayak fishing. It blows the competition out of the water by including many of the same features you would find on a rigid fishing kayak.
For starters, you will find floor-mounted footrests in front of both the removable and adjustable kayak seats that secure in the cockpit of this kayak. It is also one of the few inflatable kayaks on which you will find integrated fishing rod holders.
It also comes with two removable skegs that easily attach to the hull of the kayak to aid in its tracking ability. One skeg is longer and better suited to deep water and the other is shorter for paddling in shallower streams, creeks, and rivers.
The design of the Excursion Pro also allows it to hold higher air pressures than most inflatable kayaks. It is built with a super durable laminate PVC with a polyester core that is highly resistant to abrasions, punctures, and UV damage.
Coupled with high-pressure, spring-loaded air valves, this material provides a more rigid and stable inflatable kayak. Plus, the durable PVC material on the exterior is resistant to oils, gasoline, and the degrading impacts of saltwater.
The Pro even comes with a removable and adjustable mounting bracket that provides additional ability to customize your fishing setup. That bracket makes it easy to attach a fishfinder, kayak GPS, and smaller fishing items such as line snips and a measuring tape that allows you to prove the length of your record-breaking catch.
9. Intex Challenger K2
- Length: 11’6”
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 33.53 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
The Intex Challenger K2 is a great cheap tandem kayak for two anglers or an angler and a trusted sidekick. The seats in this kayak are inflatable and removable, so you will have the freedom to set it up for one or two paddlers.
It comes with a large removable skeg that inserts into the hull to help improve its tracking ability on calm, flat waters. Don’t be surprised, however, if it doesn’t stay quite as straight as a comparable rigid kayak.
That being said, it provides a comfortable method to get out on the water and fish less accessible stretches or your nearby lake, pond, or river. It also comes with two four-piece collapsible kayak paddles, a high-output pump, and a convenient carry bag.
10. Intex Explorer K2
- Length: 10’3”
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 30.6 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
The Intex Explorer K2 is another inflatable kayak that is designed for two paddlers but can easily be set up for one. One benefit of this kayak is that it features a bright yellow finish that will dramatically increase your visibility on the water.
That makes it a great choice for harbor fishing or other areas that experience a lot of motorized boat traffic. It also features a removable skeg that slides into place on the hull and improves tracking ability and ease of handling less stable waters.
This kayak is really made for smaller bodies of water and it features two small covered storage areas at the bow and stern. These areas are great for keeping fishing gear and personal items dry if you get hit with an unexpected rainstorm.
11. Intex Dakota K2
- Length: 10’3”
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 30.6 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
If you liked all the features of the Explorer K2 but you want something that is a little more inconspicuous from a visual standpoint, the Dakota K2 is essentially the same kayak with a different color scheme.
Just like the Explorer, it comes with two inflatable seats, two collapsible kayak paddles, a high-pressure pump, and a carry bag. This model, however, also comes with two small dry bags for storing personal gear or kayak emergency equipment.
12. Hydro Force Koracle
- Length: ~10 feet
- Width: 39.37 inches
- Weight: 19.9 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
The closest comparison on our list to the Hydro Force Koracle is the Sevylor Quikpak K1. This kayak, however, includes a few more fishing-specific features like built-in fishing rod holders and paddle holders to help you keep your hands free.
This inflatable kayak also includes four different footrests to help accommodate paddlers of different heights. Plus, it has bungee rigging in the bow and stern for storage and it comes with a collapsible paddle, removable skeg, hand pump, and a wraparound rope for securing an anchor trolley or tying up to a dock.
13. Hydro Force Lite Rapid X2
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 30.4 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Stepping up in size and weight capacity, we have Hydro Force’s Lite Rapid X2 tandem inflatable kayak. This design includes large covered storage areas in the bow and stern for storing all of your gear in more weather-protected spaces.
The X2 features a bright orange design for high visibility and comes with a removable skeg for better tracking and control. It also comes with two inflatable and removable kayak seats that allow you to set it up for one or two paddlers.
This kayak is also made with durable, puncture-resistant vinyl and it is built with three air chambers to provide more rigidity. It even comes with two collapsible paddles and a hand pump to get you started.
14. Goplus Youth Kayak
- Length: 6’1”
- Width: 24 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 121 pounds
If your kids are just about ready to try fishing from their own kayak, check out the Goplus Youth kayak. It has a large mesh netted storage area in the stern and additional bungee rigging at the bow.
This kayak can accommodate youths from about five to 12 years old because it has multiple molded-in footrests. Plus, it has a beverage holder in the center console and it boasts an ultra-stable design that will keep your kids safe as they learn the nuances of kayak angling.
15. Lifetime Tioga
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
The Lifetime Tioga kayak is another simple design that is great for beginners and folks that don’t necessarily need to bring multiple saltwater rod and reel combinations on their early fishing adventures.
It boasts multiple footrest positions and a round, central storage hatch for securing personal items, snacks, or other small fishing gear. The rear tankwell provides plenty of space for a kayak fishing cooler and there is additional bungee rigging for bow storage.
The design of the Tioga kayak includes a relatively flat bottom with deep hull tracking channels and stability chine rails. These features combine to make it a very stable vessel for folks just experimenting with kayak fishing.
Our Pick – Brooklyn Kayak Company FK285
One thing that really sets it apart from our other inclusions is the aluminum-framed mesh kayak seat that allows you to enjoy an elevated vantage point on the water. That also provides a more comfortable seating position for taller paddlers.
The raised position of the seat also serves to add extra storage space to this kayak. You will be able to slide a small tackle box or waterproof phone case under the seat to keep it readily accessible while you are fishing.
Plus, this model boasts more truly watertight storage space than most of the others we have included and it is the only one with a flat, open cockpit that will be stable enough for well-balanced anglers to fish from a standing position.
