Maybe your favorite fishing locations demand a small water vehicle for access, or maybe you just aren’t up for all the hard work and bustle surrounding a full sized fishing boat. Whatever your reason, a kayak can be a premium fishing tool. It allows you to zone in on all your fishing hot spots while enjoying some rest and relaxation in your personal watercraft. Whether you’re purchasing your first kayak or just looking to upgrade, know that you can find multiple premium kayaks optimized for your fishing trips, with mounted rod holders, cushioned seats, and wet/dry compartments for storing all your essentials, without putting too much stress on your budget. In fact, there are quite a few fishing kayaks that give you access to all of these features and more for less than a grand. If you’ve looked around and you’re feeling a little stumped, check out this list of the best fishing kayaks under $1,000:
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90
Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 is highly regarded as the best compact kayak on the market right now. At about nine feet long and weighing around 46 pounds this single person kayak has great portability and fits in most SUVs. This kayak is equipped with four simple grip carry handles allowing easy transport. The Skipjack has great user functionality and features all you will need for that weekend fishing trip. Four mounted capped flush rod holders allow for use of multiple lines and an additional mounting point for any other accessories you see fit. Storage is not an issue with this kayak as it is equipped with two sealed hatches with bag inserts as well as a large rear tank to keep all your items dry and secure. Two paddle parks on either side of the kayak ensure that your paddles remain securely in place eliminating the worry of the paddle getting lost or going overboard. Although it is compact in its size the Skipjack is very comfortable boasting molded footrests allowing the user a lot of options for positioning. Pair all these great features with a very affordable price and you have an absolute great buy.
Lifetime Sports Fisher Tandem
This durable kayak from Lifetime is a very well rounded and affordable buy that is perfect for those who are new to the kayak scene. This kayak is blow molded from high-density polyethylene making it super strong and able to withstand years of wear and tear and environmental punishment. It is able to hold up to three people with a weight limit of up to 500 pounds. The seats in this kayak are a little higher than standard allow the user to remain dry and comfortable. Due to the great stability, you are actually able to stand and remain balanced in this kayak, a great plus for many anglers. The Sports Fisher comes equipped with three rod holders and a 6-inch storage hatch to keep your items dry and protected. Paddle clips and cradles ensure that your double-sided paddles remain securely in place while not in use. The seats are all equipped with padded backrests making this spacious and comfortable kayak ideal for a family fishing trip.
Perception Kayak Pescador Pro
This midsized kayak from Perception is a superior quality product for its price. At 12 feet long this kayak is still roomy enough to be comfortable and compact enough to be transported. The hull is made of polyethylene making it very durable and resistant again wear and tear damages. A removable stadium style pro seat allows the user the option of two different positions and is adjustable on a recessed track. Adjustable foot braces allow you to get into ideal position while paddling. The back of the kayak has a molded-in storage featuring bungee keepers and a bow tankwell with mesh gear cover offers plenty of storage for your items and fishing gear. Dual molded rod holders on each side of the kayak ensure a secure hands-free option for your lines. The bottom of the hull is equipped with a skid plate adding extra durability to an already sturdy kayak. A 5-inch stern deck hatch allows you access to the hull interior. Comfort carry handles make transporting a breeze. A molded-in cup holder allows you to keep your favorite beverage in arms reach ensuring you stay hydrated. This kayak is perfect for a first time user and even a more experienced user looking for a more compact alternative with great quality and functionality.
Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-TK181
This person kayak from Brooklyn Kayak Company is specifically designed to fish in deep waters. This sit on top kayak is equipped with a staggering seven rod holders, three articulated rod holders, as well as an additional four mounted capped flush rod holders allowing the user to have several lines in the water at once. Waterproof storage hatches allow you to keep all your items dry and secure. Two mounted paddle rests to keep your paddles in place while not in use. An inset rear cargo area with a bungee tie down system allows for storage of your larger items and fishing gear. This kayak has a 34-inch beam for outstanding stability even in rough waters granting interruption free fishing. Two deluxe seats in the kayaks interior as well as the footrests are adjustable and can be positioned for comfort as the user sees fit. This kayak is extremely durable, spacious and very easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for first-time users.
Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130
This kayak from Vibe was designed with comfort and stability in mind. This is a one person sit on top kayak that is about 11 foot long and weighs in at about 62 pounds making it compact enough for transport even with one person moving it. The kayaks extra wide hull provides superior stability that allows anglers to stand while fishing while maintaining uninterrupted balance. Storage is not an issue as the Sea Ghost offers multiple storage options including a large center console for items that will be frequently used, a 20-inch oval hatch, rear hatch, and a large bungee rear tank for storage of large items such as a cooler. A pre-installed toe controlled rudder system allows for optimum control of the kayak enabling you to keep the kayak balanced during windy days or rough waters and saving you plenty of energy. A two position Vibe Hero keeps the user comfortable during those weekend fishing trips. Unlike many other kayaks at this price range, the Sea Ghost is equipped with a fish finder transducer port with multiple mounting points for additional gear. Two mounted flush rod holders are located on either side of the kayak for multiple line use and four inbuilt gear tracks grant the ability to customize.
Old Town Canoes Discovery 119
This efficient kayak is made of three-layer rotomolded polyethylene material making it very sturdy and resistant against extreme use as well as surprisingly lightweight. It weighs in at an astonishingly low 49 pounds making this ideal for single person use and very simple to transport and carry. A unique aspect about this kayak is that it features black gunwales made of vinyl for superior performance and stability on the water. The kayaks interior features hardy and comfortable nylon web seats that will keep you snug on a long fishing trip. The seats are equipped with a foldable backrest so the user is able to customize comfort as they see fit. The kayaks large, open cockpit is simple to enter and exit without worry of clutter. Carry handles paired with its low weight make transport effortless. The Discovery 119 has a shallow arched shaped hull making it very stable and ideal for those who are new to kayaking.
Sun Dolphin Aruba
The Sun Dolphin Aruba is a great quality kayak at a very affordable price for those on a tight budget. This kayak is made of high density fortified polyethylene making it hyper-durable and resistant to wear and tear as UV resistant eliminating the possibility of chips, cracks, or peeling. This is a one person sit on top kayak that features a very large cockpit making entering and exiting simple. A storage hatch with shock cord deck rigging allows for secure storage of all your items. Adjustable foot braces allow the user plenty of options when it comes to position allowing you to personalize your comfort. A water bottle holder comes built in ensuring that you remain hydrated through your day on the water. An adjustable padded deluxe seat with high back support makes sure that you will be as cozy as possible on the water and remove any additional stress on the back. This kayak is very user friendly making it ideal for those new to kayaking. Weighing only 40 pounds it is very easy to maneuver, carry, and transport. Carrying handles assist with transport of this kayak and it should easily fit in most SUVs. If you’re new to kayaking or just looking for a high quality kayak that won’t break the bank, this is a great buy.
Riot Kayaks Escape 12
The Escape 12 is one of the most desirable kayaks on the market right now. It was built with comfort and versatility in mind and is great for leisure recreational use as well as for those serious angling days on the water. This kayak is around 12 foot long, weighs about 72 pounds and is a one person sit on top kayak capable of holding up to 300 pounds. The Escape 12 is made of highly durable polyethylene making it capable of withstanding a lot of punishment and ensuring its longevity. The interior has a lot of features built for a personalized comfortable experience. The seats and foot braces are very adjustable and come with four attachment points mounted on straps that allow the user a variety of positioning. A storage well on a bungee cord system in the stern of the kayak enables safe storage for larger items such as a cooler or tackle box. A small dry hatch in the interior keeps your personal everyday items dry and secure as well as a large 15-inch oval hatch in the bow giving this kayak plenty of storage options. This kayak is equipped with four flush mounted rod holders so you can have multiple lines in the water at once. A molded-in cup holder will hold your beverage of choice. This kayak is very stable and fast due to its pilot rudder system and also allows superior tracking. Given its personalized comfort and great features, it’s easy to see why the Escape 12 is one of the most highly sought after kayaks.