Kayak fishing is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way of fishing. In fact, one of the most significant benefits of fishing kayaks is the lower price compared to other boats used for fishing.
If you’re planning to try out and start with kayak fishing, you’ll need a good kayak with all the required special features. If it’s your first time choosing a fishing kayak, you might need a little help to make the right decision.
We’ve gathered the best options on this list for your next fishing trip with the best fishing kayaks under 1000 dollars to keep you on a budget. We’ve concluded that the Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak is our pick for the best fishing kayak under 1000.
If you’re in a hurry, these are the best fishing kayaks under 1000 on the market right now:
- Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak—Best Fishing Kayak Overall
- Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro Inflatable Kayak—Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- Feelfree Moken 10 V2 Fishing Kayak—Best Fishing Kayak for Beginners
- Perception Pescador 10.0 Kayak—Best Budget Fishing Kayak
- Bonafide EX123 Fishing Kayak —Best Sit Inside Fishing Kayak
Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak—Best Fishing Kayak Overall
Specs
The Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 kayak can be used for both anglers and recreational paddlers as well. This fishing kayak is 32 inches wide, making it incredibly stable. It’s also fast and designed to track straight in different water conditions, as it performs well in calm and moderate water currents.
The sit-on-top design allows you to have more storage space, so it’s ideal for bringing all of your fishing gear for a day out on the water. It weighs only 62 pounds, making it extremely easy to carry, but the real surprise lies in its weight capacity, which is 375 pounds.
The keeper’s adjustable foot brace system helps you to maintain the proper posture for paddling, and dual molded-in rod holders will keep your fishing poles at the ready.
This kayak for fishing comes with a comfortable stadium-style mesh seat that can be adjusted into two different sitting positions for your comfort preferences. You can either opt for an upright position or a more relaxed reclined sitting position. The large open cockpit provides all-day comfort and is easy on the legs.
The Verdict
Customers report that the Perception Pescador Pro 12 fishing kayak is ultra-comfortable and convenient for full-day fishing trips. The seat, especially, is very comfortable, and the cockpit is roomy and provides plenty of room for your legs.
Despite being relatively lightweight, the high weight capacity makes it perfect for bringing all the required fishing gear with you for a full day on the water. There’s space for a tackle box in front of the seat, so you have easy access to it when needed.
This fishing kayak tracks exceptionally well and can handle windy weather, too. It’s stable in different water conditions and should stay steady when you enter and exit. In addition to fishing, it can also be used for recreational purposes, making it a genuinely multi-purpose kayak.
One thing to know is that because of the wider design of the kayak, it’s a bit slower compared to other competitors on the market. Another disadvantage that the customers notice is that the center compartment could be a bit closer to the seat position, and the rod holders are of poor quality but can easily be drilled out and changed.
In Summary
The Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 kayak is ideal for those who are looking for a high-quality fishing kayak that can also be used by recreational paddlers. It’s great for tracking and can handle wind and wavy waters pretty well. It’s also stable and offers good comfort for an all-day fishing trip.
This is our top pick among the best fishing kayaks under 1000 because of its great features for a fair and affordable price.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro Inflatable Kayak—Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Specs
The Advanced Elements StraitEdge angler pro inflatable kayak was specially designed with anglers in mind. The drop-stitch construction on the floor and wide beam provide maximum stability, even when you’re fishing while standing, and superior tracking and performance.
It’s 35 inches wide, weighs 41 pounds, but has 300 pounds of carrying capacity, which is quite a lot for an inflatable kayak. The multiple-layered material, patented aluminum rib frame, numerous air chambers, and added abrasion pads make this inflatable fishing kayak extraordinarily durable and suitable for aggressive water and weather conditions.
A secure, high back seat features two rod holders and lumbar support that’s inflatable to bring comfort for long days on the water. The removable mounting rails allow you to attach additional rod holders, fish finders, and other additional fishing equipment you might need on your fishing trip. The stainless steel D-rings and bungee deck lacing also provide you with additional storage space in the kayak.
The Verdict
Customers who’ve bought this fishing inflatable kayak report that it’s straightforward to set up, by simply unfolding the kayak, inflating it, and attaching the seat.
Another thing that customers love about this product is how comfortable and stable it is, so it’s even suitable for beginner kayak fishers. It’s durable and can handle aggressive conditions, so it’s also ideal to take on rivers with a strong water current and will perform well in bad weather conditions with strong wavy water as well.
Note that we would only recommend taking this kayak out on strong current rivers or in bad weather conditions for experienced kayakers, as it does need some practice before you get the hang of it.
Customers mention that the accessory bar is too far forward, making it challenging to stretch out and reach for the needed gear while seated. The straps on the sides of the kayak also get in the way and are bothersome to some customers while paddling.
In Summary
Overall this inflatable kayak is well built, stable, and can handle aggressive water and weather conditions well. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers and is easy to set up as well.
This is our top pick for the best inflatable sit-on-top fishing kayak because of the ease of handling, durability, stability, and large storage compartment.
Feelfree Moken 10 V2 Fishing Kayak—Best Fishing Kayak for Beginners
Specs
The Feelfree Moken 10 V2 sit-on-top fishing kayak is designed for those who seek comfort and stability along with all the other special features required for a quality fishing kayak under 1000 dollars.
Thanks to the new EZ Rider multi-position adjustable seat, this kayak for fishing is even more comfortable than previous models for long days on the water. Like most Feelfree kayaks, the Moken 10 also comes with all the features you need for fishing, including flush-mounted rod holders, Uni-Track rails, and a large tank well to store all of your fishing gear and a cooler.
This fishing kayak weighs 68 pounds and has a carrying capacity of 440 pounds, which is more than enough to bring all of your fishing gear along as well as snacks and drinks for the day. It also features the patented Wheel in the Keel, making it easy to transport to and from your vehicle.
The Verdict
Customers love that the Feelfree Moken 10 V2 is well-equipped, extremely comfortable, and stable—making it ideal for beginners and those who are less confident in the water. Weighing only 68 pounds, it’s effortless to handle on land as well, making it easy to lift it on the trailer of your car or back into storage.
Another thing customers report is that it maneuvers excellent in tight spaces, handles skinny water well, and tracks great in different conditions.
It’s important to know since it’s wide, it’s a little slower compared to other fishing kayaks. Another disadvantage is having to buy rail adapters if you want to fit any accessories to the rails.
In Summary
Overall, this is an excellent fishing kayak for either recreational paddling or fishing. It’s a great all-around fishing kayak that can handle almost any waterway.
This is our top pick for the best fishing kayak under 1000 for beginners since it’s easy to maneuver, even through tight spaces, and is highly stable and comfortable.
Perception Pescador 10.0 Kayak—Best Budget Fishing Kayak
Specs
The Perception Pescador 10.0 sit-on-top kayak is designed to be the best all-around kayak at an affordable low price. It can be used for fishing and recreation as well. The good stability, speed, and straight tracking performance make it fun and easy to use even for beginner paddlers who want to enjoy lakes, ponds, and flatwater rivers.
Featuring spacious open storage, covered dry storage, and two rod holders, this kayak is suitable for all-day trips if you need to bring a lot of fishing gear along. The Solo Mount recess and multiple gear tracks make it easy to add different accessories you might need.
It also comes with a comfortable seat with ergonomic padding that’s adjustable for personalized fit and comfort. It’s 32 inches wide, and weighs 57 pounds with a weight capacity of 325 pounds, making it strong enough to handle all your necessary fishing gear and a cooler.
The Verdict
Customers who’ve used this model love that this sit-on-top kayak is great for all skill levels. There are more benefits to this kayak, including that it is very stable, easy to maneuver, and tracks well.
It’s got a durable construction and is of good quality for the price, which is very affordable compared to other fishing kayaks on the market.
Customers report that they miss having a dry storage area in the center of the boat, as this would be more convenient to put in your keys and phone to a safe, dry spot close to the seat. Others said that the rear storage bungee is too short, especially when compared to other fishing kayaks.
Another thing to mention is that this kayak isn’t suitable to be used on more wavy waters and aggressive conditions, as it’s built to be used in lakes, ponds, and flatwater rivers.
In Summary
Overall, this sit-on-top kayak is of great value for the price point, as it’s still high-quality even if it’s cheaper than most of the competitors on the market. It’s great for all skill levels and can be used as both a fishing or recreational kayak.
This is our best fishing kayak on a budget since it has a low price point compared to others, but it is still a good quality fishing kayak that’ll get the job done just as well as any other, more expensive kayak would.
Bonafide EX123 Fishing Kayak—Best Sit Inside Fishing Kayak
Specs
The Bonafide EX123 is a sit-inside fishing kayak that’s designed with stability, versatility, and utility in mind, making it fantastic for recreation and fishing use.
It incorporates a slim, 29.5-inch wide HyCat hull, which offers exceptional stability while still maintaining above-average tracking and speed. The cockpit area is designed for standing as well.
It offers a great cargo space with multiple storage options, a storage deck dashboard with MiniTub dry hatch, stern HatchWell with bungee, hatch access for gear storage, and two flush mount rod holders so you don’t need to worry about where you’ll put all of your fishing equipment.
The lightweight Stadium Seat and the fat grip handles on the bow and stern make this sit-in fishing kayak very comfortable and easy to maneuver. It’s 29.5 inches wide, weighs 52 pounds, and has 325 pounds of carrying capacity. At just 52 pounds, it’s easy to carry on land, and you can easily lift it up into storage or onto the roof rack of your vehicle.
The Verdict
Users report that they love the easy entry, stability, and storage space, which allows you to put in all of your fishing gear and more.
Another great thing about this fishing kayak is the QuickClick Stadium Seat that sits higher than most, allowing you to sit in a more ergonomically correct position. The seat offers plenty of lower back support and adjustable support straps that enable you to change the tension based on your needs.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t track very well in windy weather or water with strong currents. It’s best to use on ponds, lakes, and flatwater rivers.
In Summary
This is our top pick for the best sit-inside fishing kayak under 1000 that has plenty of storage room and a cockpit area that’s designed for standing. The comfortable stadium seat sits higher than most and allows a more ergonomically seated position, making it ideal for staying on the water for many hours at a time without feeling any back pain.
What Are the Advantages of Kayak Fishing?
- Price: Although the prices of kayaks can vary depending on the quality, they’re still generally much cheaper than traditional boats or motor boats used for fishing.
- Better accessibility: Since they’re much smaller in size than large fishing boats, you can access any remote fishing spots that you otherwise couldn’t with a normal boat.
- Environmentally friendly: Kayaks don’t use any gasoline or motors and are completely hand-powered, which means you’ll be keeping the water clean and the fish healthy and thriving when using a kayak instead of a motorboat.
- Health benefits: You’ll take care of your body and health as well by getting plenty of upper-body exercise while paddling.
- Quiet: Since kayaks don’t have a motor, they’re super quiet and let you sneak up on fish easily.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Kayak Under 1000
Stability
Since you’re going to be twisting and turning a lot, in order to cast and land fish, you need a stable kayak that can handle all of that movement without you falling into the water.
If you intend to stand while fishing, don’t opt for a V-shaped hull, as they tend to topple over easily; instead, opt for a flat bottom or tunnel hull. The minimum width for a fishing kayak should be at least 30 inches to be stable enough for fishing.
Kayak Type
There are two basic types of fishing kayaks: sit on top or sit inside kayaks. We wouldn’t recommend a sit-inside kayak for fishing to beginners since they’re difficult to recover when flipped, and the cargo space is more limited.
A sit-on-top kayak is usually a better option since it’s more open and allows you easy access to your cargo. It also has room to mount accessories such as fish finders, rod holders, and other additional equipment you might need while fishing.
Storage
You need plenty of storage space as you’ll probably have a lot of fishing gear with you. Some models have integrated storage, and others have areas molded for external storage like coolers.
Make sure you pick a fishing kayak that’ll have enough storage room for all your fishing equipment and anything else you want to take along for the trip.
Portability
Since fishing kayaks have specialized features, they can be quite heavy. Be sure you’ll be able to carry it on your shoulder to the water, and put it back on the roof of the car once you’re finished. If you decide on a heavier one, it’s best to transport it on a trailer instead to avoid any damage to your vehicle.
Weight Capacity
Always check the weight capacity before buying a fishing kayak, as all of the additional accessories for fishing and all the gear you’ll bring with you will add to the weight on the kayak.
Remember that weight limits mentioned in the specification sheets are usually meant for calm conditions. If you’re going to be fishing on a river or ocean, you shouldn’t reach the maximum recommended weight capacity but instead, have a few pounds less.
Accessories
Make sure that the fishing kayak is accessory friendly and either includes or has adequate space to attach rod holders, cupholders, fish finders, and many other accessories you might need while on a fishing trip.
Is a Longer Fishing Kayak Better?
Yes, the length of a fishing kayak has an impact on how it will perform on the water. Although shorter kayaks are more maneuverable, longer kayaks are much faster. So this decision depends on where you’re mostly planning to fish.
If you’re fishing on ponds, lakes, and still waters, it’s better to opt for a shorter fishing kayak for maneuverability, and if you’re planning on fishing in rivers, bigger lakes, or the ocean, then opt for a longer one for speed.
Are Fishing Kayaks Worth It?
Yes, we think that fishing kayaks are definitely worth your investment, especially if you love fishing but want to care for the environment and get some exercise along with it.
Since fishing kayaks are wider than regular kayaks, they’re much more stable and less likely to tip over. Even if you’re a beginner in kayaking, you’ll get the hang of it pretty fast. Plus, you’ll reach all of these narrow, secret fishing spots that normal fishing boats can’t.
The Winner
After carefully revising our options, we’ve concluded that the Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Kayak is the best fishing kayak under 1000 on the market right now.
This fishing kayak comes at a reasonable price and is excellent value for the money, as it can be used for both anglers and recreational paddlers as well. It’s 32 inches wide, which makes it incredibly stable but also fast and it’s designed to track straight in different water conditions.
We picked the Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 fishing kayak as the best one because of its great value and quality. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the other fishing kayaks on our list!
