Best Budget Fishing Kayak in 2023 (Cheap But Good in Quality)

There are various types of fishing kayaks available but sit-on-top fishing kayaks are the most prefarable choice amoung the profesional anglers because this type of kayaks offer the best stability. Stability is a very important factor for your smooth kayak fishing experience. Moreover, you have to consider the storage space because you have to carry various kayak fishing accesories with you.   

Have you tried fishing in a kayak before? If not, then you can check these fishing kayaks:

• Best Buy (Overall): Pelican Sentinel 100X Kayak
• Best Budget Friendly Kayak: Lifetime Triton Angler 100 Kayak
• Best Technology: Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Kayak
• Best For Beginners: Perception Outlaw 11.5
• Best 2-Seat Fishing Kayak: Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package

Top 5 Budget Fishing Kayak in 2023

The table below is a comparison chart of the best budget fishing kayaks. This table contains the reason for pick, highlighted features, weight capacity, and item weight of these kayaks. 

Top 5 Budget Kayaks of 2023

List of Kayaks At Affordable Price

01. Best Buy (Overall): Pelican Sentinel 100X Kayak 

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The next on our list is the Sentinel 100X from the Pelican. If you’re looking for the best budget fishing kayak, the Pelican Sentinel 100X is the ideal choice for you. We loved that the kayak was equipped with a multi-chine bottom to deliver additional stability. In terms of its body design, Sentinel 100X comes in a nice compact and lightweight design at just over nine feet in length. Measuring just 44 pounds in weight, one can say that the Pelican Sentinel 100X is one of the lightest fishing kayaks out there on the market. For extra gear and tackle, this unit comes with the ExoPack removable storage solution. That’s not all! There’s a convenient center console and rod holders for a calm and organized tide. 

Highlighted Features 

• Weighing 44 pounds 
• Convenient center console
• ExoPack removable storage solution
• A multi-chine bottom
• Nice compact and lightweight design
• Just over nine feet in length

Pros

• Drain plug 
• Adjustable foot braces
• Well-constructed 
• Rod tie-downs 
• Front storage section 
• Offers storage for extra gear and tackle
• Deliver additional stability

Cons

• Some complained that it’s a little short for them 
• Low weight capacity 

02. Best Budget: Lifetime Triton Angler 100 Kayak 

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Lifetime company has been a leader in the industry of fishing kayak for a while now, and they’ve thrived in producing some enormously popular and attainable fishing kayaks that deliver incredible fishing sporting experience. If you’re an angler on a tight budget looking for a budget-friendly option, you won’t find any better option put there except the Triton Angler 100 kayak. It was made with a durable and solid single-piece molded polyethylene. For an improved performance, this unit comes with an integrated skeg. Also, to satisfy different sized paddlers, it was equipped with multiple molded footrest positions. That’s not all! There are self draining skipper holes designed for keeping the decks clear when on water. Also, you’ll find the tank well storage at the rear of the kayaks. 

Key Features 

• Self draining skipper holes
• Multiple molded footrest positions
• Integrated skeg
• Solid single-piece molded polyethylene

Pros

• A budget-friendly option 
• Comes with drink holder 
• Equipped with T-handles for easy transport 
• Comes with adjustable quick-release seat 
• Durable body construction 

Cons

• Limited storage

03. Best Technology: Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Kayak

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For a while now, the Intex has been known for delivering premium-quality inflatable kayaks and the Excursion Pro model is well-designed and built for fishing sport. We loved that the model was made from a super-tough laminated PVC with polyester core that is responsible for keeping the kayak lightweight and of course, durable with a UV protective coating. Don’t be surprised to find out that most of the features of this kayak are doubled up! Firstly, there are two adjustable bucket seats, two adjustable foot braces, two removable tracking skegs, and two integrated recessed fishing rod holders. What we find really interesting about this unit is the two removable mounting brackets for adding accessories. 

Key Features 

• Two adjustable bucket seats
• Super-tough laminated PVC with polyester core
• Two removable tracking skegs
• UV protective coating
• Two removable mounting brackets
• Two adjustable foot braces

Pros

• Sturdy and durable 
• Comes with a carry bag 
• A true value for money 
• Comes with bow and stem storage 
• Paddles and pump included 

Cons

• Paddles quality can be improved 

04. Best For Beginners: Perception Outlaw 11.5

The Perception Outlaw 11.5 kayak is a good one I came across few weeks ago. The Perception Outlaw 11.5 features a one (1) person sit on top kayak that is especially perfect for beginner kayaks or fishers. If I’m asked, this kayak is specially designed for beginner paddlers for easy kayaking, stable experience and maneuverability.

As a new kayaker, you wouldn’t want to go for complex kayaks that are difficult to paddle, move or maneuver; simply put, these issues comes into play while buying a kayak. 

This is to say, the Perception Outlaw 11.5 is an excellent fit for newbie kayakers because of its ease of movement and paddling. The 10ft, 57lbs features a mount for accessories and tools, 4 Flush mount fishing rod holders, and also Includes the comfortable Vibe, Framed Seat & a paddle.

It provides sufficient stability for the best fishing experience even as a new kayak fisherman.

05. Best Budget Fishing Kayak: Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package

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The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package is one of my favorite fishing kayaks. Why’s that? Primarily because it is a two (2) seat kayak and is also inflatable. Interested?

The two (2) person capacity kayak weighs 26-lbs and also provides utmost comfort and stability. This particular kayak is designed in such a way that it easily resists crazy waters and windy areas. Unlike most reviews, this Inflatable sea eagle kayak is efficiently stable on water which makes it one of the best fishing kayaks to go for.

Like I’ve mentioned earlier, inflatable kayaks are the best when it comes to transportation and comfortability. To remind us, the kayak is blown to shape when it’s ready for use and deflated when you are done with kayaking. This makes the workload a lot lesser and also makes things easier to carry around by yourself or in your car.

Just like I said before, the Pro Kayak Package features two (2) movable, comfortable deluxe kayak seats which gives great comfort to your back and bum. This improved seat features a 5" high seats, two (2) paddles (most yaks provide just 1), a foot pump (for easier navigation) and also a carry bag.

This Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package is personally one of my go to’s and is absolutely recommended for beginner and pro level kayak fishing experience.

What To Consider Before Choosing A Budget Kayak?

Fishing kayaks are needed for versatile fishing on different water bodies to catch fishes. Also, the space provided inside the hull of the kayak allows the angler to keep rods, extra paddles, fishing gear, anchors, batteries for fish finders, and wheels to move the kayak from your car to the water. Undoubtedly, buying a fishing kayak is worth your effort, time, and money. With all these benefits, you might want to ask yourself on how to get the best fishing kayak within budget. Well, that’s where our guide comes in! Our buyer's guide contains the features and factors to consider before buying your fishing kayak. Let’s check it out! 

Fishing Features 

Any fishing kayak that doesn’t have fishing features isn’t a good fishing kayak. We recommend that you have a a good basis to start from even if almost every kayak is customizable for fishing. Considering the fact that you want a budget-friendly option, you shouldn’t be surprised that the kayak isn’t well-equipped with fishing-friendly features. However, we recommend that you go for paddle parks and rod holders at the very least another great addition is accessory mounting rails. We can say that you’ve gotten a real value for money if you were lucky enough to buy a kayak that’s stable enough for retrieval and standing casts with a non-slip deck. Fortunately, you don’t really have to do all these diggings anymore since most of the kayaks on our list are packed with exclusive fishing features. 

Durability 

You should take durability seriously when shopping for a budget-friendly kayak for fishing sport. The body construction of the kayak plays a huge role in its durability. Go for kayaks made with high-quality and durable materials to ensure it lasts long without breaking down after one or two use. No kayaker would prefer a counterfeit option that won’t last long. It is quite advisable to go for a fishing kayak that is sturdy and durable enough to withstand harsh elements from the water or storage place. 

Price 

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a fishing kayak is the price. The price of your preferred kayak depends in your budget. You can decide to stay in your financial lane by avoiding more expensive kayaks that exceed your budget. Truly, there are expensive options out there with high performing features and latest technology. But that’s not to say that you won’t find affordable ones with high-end features too. In fact, most of the kayaks on our list come with top class features and latest technology.

Now here’s some other things to consider as well as you need to buy a quality kayak and that has to be on kind of cheap or lesser prices;

To get the best fishing kayak that suits your need(s), you need to look into or evaluate your wants before considering which kayak to go for. For example, earlier, I wanted to get a kayak that was designed suitably to overcome little lake waves and would not have to worry about getting extra accessories or equipment like the ‘Complete Folding Anchor System.’

What is the Complete Folding Anchor System?

Basically, it is a kayaking equipment that is used to aid fishing. For those who have tried fishing on a kayak, you know how annoying it can be to fish when your kayak is unstable. That’s where the Folding Anchor system works; it primarily keeps your kayak stable.

What this equipment does is keeps you steady in the water, mud, or even rough surfaces holding you still to be able to fish effectively.

Now, with the proper kayak, I (or you) would never have to worry about spending any extra bucks to get this Anchor System.

In a nutshell, getting the perfect kayak for your fishing experience strongly depends on your personal needs and evaluation. 

Talking about your evaluation, let’s first discuss the necessary things to consider when deciding which kayak to go for;

Storage Needs:

Storage needs are always key when it comes to kayaking (or fishing). Most kayakers tend to look out for kayaks with storage capacity that is sufficient for their respective purposes; that is absolutely vital. By the way, what’s a fishing kayak without ample storage capacity?

Different kayaks have different storage space and capacities to serve different purposes.

For example, the Sit-in kayaks usually have extra storage capacity than most sit-on-top kayaks. This is simply due to the enclosed spacing designed for kayakers to sit in and paddle. 

It has been always in your mind that storage capacity is vital and a kayak that has more storage capacity is always advised. This way, kayakers will not have to get extra storage capacity or accessories to enjoy a good fishing experience.

A good example of these extra (or external) storage devices is the ‘Floating Insulated Cooler’ which has a 30 qt Capacity container and holds 30 12 oz cans, 20lbs of Ice and has four (4) drink holders on deck.

Stability: 

Like I said earlier on, this was the major thing I considered when I was selecting the perfect kayak for my personal fishing experience. Now if you are like me, then stability is a key feature a kayak must have before I consider getting it.

To enjoy a stable fishing experience, the best stable kayaks are advised. For example, kayaks that are a little heavier or more dense have more stability than lighter ones. 

Another feature of stable fishing kayaks is the wideness. Wider fishing kayaks tend to provide a stable fishing experience for kayakers.

On that note, kayakers should note that these features (wider and heavier yaks) tend to capitulate to a slower kayaking experience but for me, speed is not a priority when fishing thus I would go for more stable kayaks that are wider and heavier.

Comfortability:

Comfort is also very important for kayakers. To have a great fishing experience, you must be comfortable all the times. On a personal note, I prefer sit-in kayaks for more comfortability because of the extra enclosed space provided for your legs.

To make this article even clearer for you, let’s look at the different types of kayaks and canoes for fishing but for this article, we’ll cover the basic types of kayaks that are easily available.

Sit In Kayaks:

 Sit in kayaks are pretty much the most popular types of kayaks people use today. The sit in kayaks have an enclosed space provided in the kayak where kayakers sit in. Unlike the regular canoes, sit in kayaks allow paddlers to stretch inwards while the upper body is outside.

Personally, I prefer the sit in kayaks because they provide a little more space and comfort while paddling.

When fishing, this is something you would want to have at your disposal.

Sit On Top kayaks: 

Sit on top kayaks are just the opposite of sit in kayaks. Basically, the sit on top kayaks allow paddlers to sit on top of the kayak (just as the name implies) while paddling. What makes the difference?

In the sit on top kayaks, the whole body of the kayaker is outside the kayak (or on the kayak) while in the sit in kayaks, the lower part of the body (legs) is in an enclosed space below the kayak.

Also, sit on top kayaks are usually pretty wide thus allow more stability when fishing.

Inflatable Kayaks: 

Just as the name implies, inflatable kayaks are ones that are blown (or pumped) to shape. When talking about ease of transportation amongst kayaks, the inflatable kayaks are the best. Why is that so?

With the inflate and deflate ability, you can easily pump in air when you want to use and deflate when you are done kayaking.

Now there may be one thing you might be thinking of;

“How stable can an inflatable balloon be on water, and how can I enjoy fishing with this balloon”?

Well, I also thought about how an inflated balloon could float on water and be stable for fishing. If you’ve thrown a balloon on water before, you would know it is easily displaced by wind or water waves.

Funny enough, these inflatable kayaks are pretty much more stable than I myself thought. In regards to that, you may see some articles, reviews or even videos of people saying these are not stable thus they are not advised.

Here’s the thing;

This could be true and not true also. This is why I advise you to avoid the less expensive inflatable fishing kayaks and go for the more expensive inflatable kayaks. This way, you would be sure you are not getting what you thought was just a blown-up balloon that would easily be displaced by water waves or wind.

Now that we've talked about the different types of kayaks suitable for fishing and also discussed the various things you must consider when purchasing a kayak for fishing, it's up to you to select the kayak according to your necessity.

Final Words – rounding it up! 

Just as you want fishing sport be, it can be quite expensive or relatively cheap. Like every other sport, you’ll need to buy some basic equipment that we get you started. And the most expensive aspect of fishing sport happens to be kayak fishing. Without a fishing kayak, you can’t go kayak fishing. 

We’ve reached the final session of this review. We hope that our article and buyer's guide helped you choose the best budget fishing kayaks in 2023. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments. Thanks!