Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000

For those who love fishing with a vessel on the water, fishing kayaks are a great option to stay on the water all day. We will take a look at these kayaks that come with an affordable price tag attached to them and can be used by anyone.

With the lower price tag, most people out there can afford these kayaks and enjoy the fun as well as easy movement on the water. Read on if you are looking to buy one of the best fishing kayaks under $1000.

Related: Kayak Fishing Tips

Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000 Reviews

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak

Starting off, we have the bright and colorful Tarpon 120 from Wilderness Systems, a brand that is quite well-known for its outdoor equipment. This kayak is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to have some room to store their equipment, beverages, and other necessities.

Review

The Tarpon 120 is a drastic improvement from previous models that Wilderness Systems has released, especially when it comes to comfort. The sit-on-top seat is generously padded to increase your comfort and will prevent your body from becoming sore after sitting for just a few hours. The kayak itself is efficient, fast, and straight tracking, which is a great bonus.

The highly comfortable and adjustable Phase 2 Air Pro seating system comes with Cool Touch technology, which is designed to keep your seat cool on those days where the sun is beaming down and even the water feels warm. At the back of the kayak, you will find a large rear storage compartment in which you can store crates, fishing equipment, coolers, SCUBA tanks, and even camping gear.

The Dry Tec removable dry box is perfect for storing your personal effects, like your phone, wallets, keys, and other valuables. You’ll even find a sectioned storage tray that helps you organize smaller items like fishing lures and sunscreen.

The only real problem we have with the Tarpon 120 is that it only comes in one color — bright orange and yellow. This isn’t much of an issue, but it is worth mentioning nonetheless.

Vibe Outdoors Sea Ghost 110 Kayak

Lightweight, durable, and packed with storage space, the Sea Ghost 110 from Vibe Outdoors is an impressive option that deserves some serious consideration from anglers who want to maximize their budget and get the most for their money.

Review

Like the majority of kayaks Vibe Outdoors produces, the Sea Ghost 110 is a durable, rigid, and sturdy vessel that is made from one piece of rotomolded polyethylene. The kayak comes with a plethora of integrated extras, like the included transducer port, which makes mounting your fish finder a piece of cake, as well as the set of scupper holes that drain any water that might find its way into the kayak.

You will find a removable skid plate that helps protect the bottom of the hull, ensuring that this affordable vessel lasts for years to come. The Sea Ghost 110 offers a lot of storage space so that you can bring along all of the gear you could ever want and need. There are two large storage hatches that come with bag inserts. One is found behind the seat and the other can be found at the bow.

While the Sea Ghost 110 offers plenty of storage space, we feel that the locations of the various storage compartments could have been more conveniently located. You’ll have to do some stretching and reaching to be able to access them, which can get a little frustrating.

Aquaglide Navarro 110 Convertible Inflatable Kayak

The Aquaglide Navarro 110 is a great all-around boat that is easy to use and a pleasure to paddle. It is wider than the average fishing kayak, which helps with stability, but it is not so wide that it makes paddling a challenge.

Review

When riding on top of the water, the Navarro does not have much of its body in the water which allows it to head straight on. A singular fin at the bottom of the hull provides a little bit of assistance in this regard, but the majority of the work when paddling in a straight line will be done by you, the paddler. This can be a bit of a challenge thanks to how wide the boat is.

However, this extra width translates into additional stability, which makes the Navarro a great choice for beginner anglers who are looking for something sturdy that will be able to last when the lake gets choppy. Because the kayak rides on top of the water, it might not be the best option for those who are looking to kayak in windy areas, since it is easily caught up in a stiff breeze.

Turning on a dime is a piece of cake, and the covered top does a great job of keeping water out of the cockpit. Even though this is an entirely inflatable craft, the Navarro does have a real cushion seat, which we appreciate.

The only problem we have with the Navarro is how fragile it is, due to it being an inflatable vessel. You will want to avoid dragging it over rocks or any rough surfaces, as you risk puncturing the frame.

Related: Best Inflatable Kayaks for Fishing

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak

The AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements is a versatile and high-performing vessel. It stands out from the crowd thanks to its ability to be paddled by either one or two people, and it is surprisingly comfortable for an inflatable vessel.

Review

The AdvancedFrame boasts some exceptional handling for a craft that is made from fabric and filled with air. It features several tracking fins and a small skeg that help it stay on course without much effort on your part, and its width gives it some nice stability over turbulent waters without making it difficult for you to paddle.

The great thing about this angling kayak is how comfortable it is. It has some high seat backs that are great for reclining and enjoying your time on the lake as you cast out and wait for a bite. The ride is lower compared to many other inflatable crafts, which keeps your center of gravity closer to the water and makes it easier to paddle.

The bottom of the AdvancedFrame’s hull is made from PVC tarpaulin, which is slick, resistant to punctures, and can charge over hidden rocks and submerged branches. This is definitely one of the most durable inflatable kayaks on the market right now.

The one major drawback that the AdvancedFrame suffers from is just how heavy it is. You would think that an inflatable vessel would be much lighter, but this one weighs in at 52 pounds, making it one of the heaviest tandem kayaks out there.

Aquaglide McKenzie 105 Inflatable Kayak

Last but certainly not least, we have the McKenzie 105 Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide, which is a rugged and unforgiving kayak that is named after the well-known and challenging river. The kayak is wonderfully versatile and has some amazing features that anglers of all skill levels will appreciate.

Review

The McKenzie is a whitewater recreational hybrid kayak that is packed with technical, innovative features, and it is designed for finding the perfect swell and running rapids. It features Duratex construction to make it as durable and hardy as possible, and it comes with four mesh drains that rapidly drain any water that makes its way into the kayak.

The kayak comes with a back strap, a post-track wing, and seats that are fixed with a hook and loop closure to keep you as stable as possible, even when you’re rocking over tricky waters. What’s more, inflation and deflation are made easier with the Halkey-Roberts valves, adding an extra layer of convenience.

The McKenzie comes with three tubes that are there to improve the vessel’s overall safety. What’s more, the vessel is available with either one or two seats, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Unfortunately, the Aquaglide McKenzie does not come with a pump, so you’re going to have to purchase your own or put your lungs to good use. We would have preferred if it came with its own pump.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks — some of the best fishing kayaks on the market that are available for under $1,000. If you are looking to get into kayak fishing but don’t want to spend a small fortune on a vessel, we highly recommend one of the products listed above.