If you are looking for a fishing kayak under $1000 then your least expensive option is plastic while the most expensive option is Kevlar. Now if you kayak occasionally then you can opt for a plastic kayak. However, if you kayak more frequently then you should buy a kayak that is built from high quality materials.
- Best Buy (Overall): Perception R15 Pescadors 120
- Best for Open Ocean: Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
- Best for Storage: Brooklyn Kayak Sit-on-Top
- Best for 3 Persons: Lifetime Sports Fisher
- Best Affordable: Sevylor Coleman Colorado
- Best for Stability: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100
- Best for Rivers: Sun Dolphin Excursion
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top fishing kayaks under $1,000 from Amazon.
No products found.

Top 7 Fishing Kayaks Under 1000
- Brooklyn Kayak Sit-on-Top
- Perception R15 Pescadors 120
- Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
- Lifetime Sports Fisher
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado
- Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100
- Sun Dolphin Excursion
Jump To The Right Kayak
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top fishing kayaks under $1,000 from Amazon.
Top 7 Fishing Kayaks Under 1000
My Top Picks of the Best Budget-Friendly Kayaks Designed for Fishing
1. Brooklyn Kayak Sit-on-Top
2. Perception R15 Pescadors 120
3. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
4. Lifetime Sports Fisher
5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado
6. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100
7. Sun Dolphin Excursion
How to Buy a Kayak for Fishing While on a Budget
What to Consider Before You Get a Kayak for Fishing
Different Types of Kayak for Fishing
My Top Picks of the Best Budget-Friendly Kayaks Designed for Fishing
1. Brooklyn Kayak Sit-on-Top
No products found.
Brand | BKC |
Material | Polyethylene |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | 1-person |
If you just want to have a relaxing fishing trip, the Brooklyn sit-on-top is your choice. With its seven rod holders, you can be sure to get a catch even when you’re just laying back and enjoying the breeze around you. It’s also easy to carry on land with its four carrying handles.
The waterproof storage hatches also make sure that you can have a relaxing adventure as this is where you can store your valuables while you’re fishing on the water. They’re conveniently located in between where your legs.
The Brooklyn kayak makes sure that everything you have onboard is safe and secure with its paddle holders and the bungee tie-down system.
Pros
- Comes with seven rod holders for a sure catch
- Features storage hatches for item safekeeping
Cons
- Can only be used on calm waters
2. Perception R15 Pescadors 120
Brand | Perception Kayak |
Material | Polyethylene |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | 1-person |
The Pescadors 120 is great for tall paddlers who also like to fish. It offers many adjustments to meet your needs when it comes to utility and comfort while fishing. The comfortable seating plus the spacious leg room is perfect for sitting in the waters while waiting for a fish to catch.
When all you want to do is focus on getting a bite at the end of the line, this would be a great kayak as it doesn’t have that many rod holders. As a result, you really have to get into the fishing spirit and watch the line. This is ideal if you know that there would be a lot of fish in your target fishing area.
If you’re looking for a nice balance of tracking, stability, and maneuverability, then the Pescadors won’t disappoint you.
Pros
- Comes with a lot of leg room
- Not too heavy
- Features a comfortable seating
Cons
- Great for a solo fishing trip only
- Accessories need to be purchased separately
3. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13

Brand | Scubapro |
Weight Capacity | 25-pound |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | 1-person |
As the name entails, this kayak works very well on the open ocean. The design of the kayak itself is made to tread the unpredictable winds of the ocean. Rest assured, this kayak will keep you afloat no matter how much the waves rock your boat.
It is well equipped with a large tank, so you can be sure that you can take a few beers with you on the trip and relax. It also comes with a huge storage space for securing your stuff and extra gears.
If you have enough experience with kayaking and want a more appropriate option for an advanced paddler, the Prowler 13 is the ideal choice.
Pros
- Great for different kinds of water
- Big compartment for storing fishing tools and gears
- Comes with exceptional stability and tracking
Cons
- Uncomfortable seating due to its small size
4. Lifetime Sports Fisher

Brand | Lifetime |
Material | Hard Shell |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | Up to 2-person |
The Lifetime Sports Fisher is a great kayak if you like to go fishing with your companions. Its design can accommodate up to 3 persons and can hold up to 500 pounds, making it the ideal choice if you want to fish in a group.
It is made of durable UV-protected polyethylene HDPE (high-density polyethylene) which makes it resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling.
It comes with a comfortable standing area to make your fishing activity a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. It also has bungee straps to help secure your items and gears without having to worry about them falling into the water while fishing.
Pros
- Made of a durable material
- Ideal for fishing in a group
- Comes with rod holders for holding your fishing poles
Cons
- Ideal only for use in lakes
- Seating might be a bit uncomfortable
5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado

Brand | Sevylor |
Material | Polyvinyl Chloride |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | 2-person |
If you plan to go on a fishing trip without bringing a lot of gears, the Coleman Colorado could be a perfect choice. It’s lightweight and very easy to carry weighing at only 41 pounds. However, it lacks the right amount of stability, thus making it ideal for use only on calm waters.
As it’s inflatable, it’s more comfortable than other kayaks. The body is made of PVC and has a 1000D tarpaulin bottom with an 840D nylon cover. The Coleman Colorado is an affordable fishing kayak option, so if you only fish in a lake, this would be a great choice.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with enough space for carrying two adults
- Allows you to attach a trolling motor
Cons
- No pump or paddle included
- Not an ideal choice if speed is a major concern
6. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100

Brand | Wilderness Systems |
Boat length | 10′ |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | 1-person |
The Tarpon 100 offers great stability and is ideal for those who are new to kayaking. It has a wide surface area unlike other kayaks, thus making it pretty easy to maneuver on the water. This is also great if you like standing on your kayak for a better grip on your line.
It also comes with a large tank well where you can store your catch. Its wide surface area allows you to bring some other things such as a lunch bag or a small bag with your personal belongings in it. However, you have to make sure that they are waterproof.
It also offers a Phase 3 Air Pro seating system to ensure a comfortable seating while catching some fish. Lastly, it comes in four different colors to choose from.
Pros
- Offers great stability and a comfortable seating
- Durable and lightweight design
- Features an adjustable foot brace system
Cons
- Not ideal for long kayaking trips
7. Sun Dolphin Excursion
Brand | SUN DOLPHIN |
Material | Hard Shell |
Style | Classic |
Seating Capacity | 1-person |
The Excursion by Sun Dolphin is a sit-in kayak which means that your safety while fishing is definitely ensured. It is rugged with a UV-stabilized fortiflex HDPE which is great when you’re out on a sunny day. It’s also designed to offer great stability while on the water.
This is a single-person kayak which is great for lake and river fishing trips in some secluded spots. It comes with three rod holders: two flush mounted holders and one swivel rod holder. One of the best features of the Excursion kayak is its raised seat, adjustable foot pedals, and padded through braces.
These features alone make it one of the most popular options for paddlers, particularly taller people as they can have enough leg room to remain comfortable while fishing.
Pros
- Comes with adequate space for storing gears and stuff
- Ideal for taller people
- Excellent tracking in calm waters
Cons
- Paddle is not included in the package
- Not as durable as the other kayaks in this list
How to Buy a Kayak for Fishing While on a Budget
A new kayak for fishing will definitely cost you. However, there are a few factors you can consider if you want to strike a sweet kayak deal which will only cost you a thousand bucks or even less. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy fishing on a kayak, these factors are what you should take into account:
- Type
The type of kayak you want to buy will have a direct impact on your budget. Your preferred type of kayak should be related to where you’re going to fish and your experience on kayaking and fishing.
Generally, kayaks are categorized into sit-in and sit-on-top. We’ll talk more about them below.
- Accessories
To be absolutely prepared for your fishing trip, your kayak needs to have all the essential accessories for fishing. Most will have their own accessories included in the package. However, some of the best fishing kayaks under 1000 might require you to buy accessories separately.
While this might be counterproductive, it can actually mean that the manufacturer has focused only on the production and build quality of their product.
- Maintenance
Fishing is a nice hobby, but it can also take a toll on your kayak. Therefore, it is ideal to go for a kayak that’s made of a quality and durable material to keep maintenance to a minimum. Most kayaks are made from plastic reinforced by some other materials. While to gives you a lightweight option, plastic kayaks are more prone to damage and wear and tear.
- Frequency
You also need to consider how often you are going to use your kayak. Is it just for a few trips a month? Or are you going to use it for some serious fishing activity? While some kayaks can last for a long period of time, frequent use can quickly deteriorate their quality.
What to Consider Before You Get a Kayak for Fishing
Fishing is not a fun activity, yet it doesn’t come easy. It becomes even harder if you fish on a kayak. As such, you need to consider the following first:
- Transport
When looking to buy a kayak for fishing, you’re going to need a means to transport it to where you’re going to fish (unless you live by a lake or a river). Fortunately, some kayaks are lightweight and easier to carry. However, some are pretty bulky and more difficult to bring to the water. It becomes harder if your fishing spot is a few miles away. As such, you need to make sure you have a mode of transportation to allow easy transport of your stuff.
- Experience
Experience is yet another important factor to consider before you purchase your first kayak for fishing. If you’re a beginner, then you need to choose a kayak that’s beginner-friendly since balancing one isn’t all that easy.
Fishing could have already been a hobby of yours; however, fishing on a boat is way different than fishing on a kayak. If you don’t have enough experience, you might want to ask for help from someone who knows how to do it right. Or, you might want to start fishing in calmer and smaller bodies of water first.
- Fishing Location
Where you will go fishing is also an important aspect before you choose your kayak for fishing purposes. Some kayaks are only ideal for use on calm waters, while some have the shape and build to take on more challenging waters.
- Company
Do you like going fishing alone? Or do you plan to do it with a friend or family? Whether you choose solo fishing or with someone else is also another important factor to make sure that there’s enough space while on the kayak.
- Extra Gears and Stuff
Any extra gears and stuff you bring on a fishing trip also matters since some kayaks only have little storage space. Kayaks that are intended for fishing purposes always have space for your bounty and fishing equipment, but some people also like bringing other personal belongings. For example, if you want to bring a gadget or extra food while fishing, you may want to invest in a kayak with a larger storage area.
Different Types of Kayak for Fishing
Kayaks are basically categorized into two according to type. They are as follows:
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
- SOT kayaks are open, spacious, and don’t offer much security. They are best used on calm waters which doesn’t require much effort to keep your balance. If you are not a seasoned kayaker, you may need to welcome a little bit of water in the kayak since the top is very open.
- A sit-on-top kayak also gives you more leg room, so if you want to stretch or bend your knees, this would be a great kayak to use. They also have very spacious compartments for your equipment.
Transporting these kayaks may be somewhat of a problem though since they tend to be bulky and heavy. They are best used when you go fishing on a lake on a nice day when the waters are calm.
Sit-Inside Kayaks
- These kayaks are more secure and enclose your legs. There is a little compartment where your legs should go to make sure that the kayak is attached to you at all times. Sit-in kayaks are best used on waters that give you quite a challenge when it comes to the water condition, thus making them best for use on a river or the ocean. Additionally, they have specific compartments where you can put your fishing gear and also some personal belongings.
- Sit-in kayaks have a lot of similar features to a sit-on-top with the exception of an enclosed place to sit known as the cockpit. While it does give you a warmer ride, it will be a lot harder to drain the water in the event your kayak flips.
Final Notes
Fishing while on a kayak is a fun and rewarding experience. The best part is, you can get to enjoy the activity without having to spend thousands of cash just to do so.
With this list of the best fishing kayaks under $1,000, you can surely find the product you’re looking for.
Do you also have experience fishing in a kayak? Let us hear your thoughts below. Also, don’t forget to share this with your friends. Thanks for reading!