Today, in 2022, buying a good, durable, high-performance, and speedy fishing kayak would surely cost you anywhere between $1000 to $2000.  In fact, if you are keen on buying a brandable kayak, then it would cost you more than $2000. 

But what if you are struggling with budget and still hunting for good, durable and kayaks that are jam-packed with features? If that’s you, then worry no more. 

In this blog post, I have curated the list of best fishing kayaks under 1000 dollars that are backed by stunning features, good speed, stability, performance and durability. 

This blog post is going to be a long and detailed one so take a cup of hot tea or cold coffee, sit back, relax and enjoy the blog post. 

What is a fishing kayak?

As you could judge by its name, a fishing kayak is a type of specialed kayak or boat that is solely designed, constructed and made for the purpose of fishing or hunting activities on water. These kayaks come well equipped with a plethora of fishing features that set them apart from ordinary or recreational kayaks. 

Many fishing kayaks for example includes: rod holders, extra-large storage space, fish ruler to measure the size of your catch, paddle keepers, pedal drive system and a lot more. They are also large in size and come with a stable hull design to give the paddler a smooth and effortless gliding experience. 

How many types of fishing kayaks are there?

Although there are many types of fishing kayaks, but 3 of them are the most popular among the fisherman community and high in demand as well. 

1. Pedal fishing kayaks

Pedal fishing kayaks are advanced kayaks that come with a pedal drive system. This system works like a cycle pedal which you need to move around along with your foot in order to take the kayak forward or backwards to cut through the water. These kayaks are bit premium, so they cost anywhere between $1000 to $10,000 or more depending on the brand, features and size of the kayak. 

Such kayaks are easy to ride, handle and backed by features that will take your fishing skills to a whole new level. As they are loaded with features, pedal kayaks are slightly heavy to carry.

However, with the help of a kayak trailer, you can easily carry and transport them near the shoreline. 

2. Paddle fishing kayaks

These are compact, subtle, and small size kayaks that come with paddle or fishing ors. In order to move these kayaks straight forward in the water, you need to swing oar with your hands and take the kayak to your ideal fishing destination. 

As compared to pedal fishing kayaks, paddle kayaks are a bit tedious to ride and requires a bit of effort for effortless gliding on water. However, some paddle kayaks are compatible with motor drive systems that will assist you with good speed and seamless paddling on any type of water. 

Some of the top-rated paddle fishing kayak brands are, Sea Eagle, Lifetime, Pelican, Ocean Kayaks and Oru. 

3. Inflatable fishing kayaks

These are one of my personal favourite type of fishing kayaks which I mostly recommend to people with a knack of fishing. One of the biggest advantages of an inflatable fishing kayaks is that they are very lightweight and easy to carry. Even kids, teens, and youths can simply carry and transport them from one destination to other in a small and compact size carry bag. 

An inflatable kayak requires an inflation pump to fill the air through value and set the kayak for the ride. Most of the kayaks have an average inflation time between 5-10 minutes and a deflation time of 7-12 minutes. 

Some of the top brands that manufacturer inflatable kayaks are Sea Eagle, Aquaglide and Intex. 

4. Tandem fishing kayak

If you are looking forward to going on a fishing adventure with your partner, friend or any family member, a tandem fishing kayak is best suited for you. This type of kayak is ideal for 2-3 people and comes with ample storage space.  Tandem fishing kayaks can be further classified into the pedal, paddle and inflate tandem fishing kayaks. 

The best part about such kayaks is their humongous carrying capacity and stable hull design. Of course, they are also backed with some stunning speed and agility. 

Should you buy fishing kayaks for under $1000?

Without a doubt, you can surely think of buying a fishing kayak for under $1000. I already mention these kayaks comes with several added benefits and features that make it stand out from others in the market. Moreover, fishing kayaks can also be taken out for normal day touring, recreational activities. 

Some of the top brands that make fishing kayak $1000 are Sea Eagle, Lifetime, Pelican, Intex and Aqualgilide. Keep on reading this blog till the end and discover a few more brands. 

What are the features and benefits of fishing kayaks under $1000?

From stable hull design to narrow bow, fishing kayaks under 1000 come with several features, benefits and add-ons. They are fully accessorized for the purpose of fishing and hunting activities on the water. Many of them include rod holders, paddle holders, bungee lacing, bow and stern hatches, large size cockpit and a lot more.

Sea Eagle Fishing kayaks also include a fishing ruler to measure the size of your catch. 

Related Readings: 

• 21 Best Kayaks For Lakes To Buy In 2022 [#1 Is Award Winning]
• 18 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500 To Buy In 2022 [Top-Rated]
• 16 Cheap Pedal Kayaks To Buy In 2022 [Affordable]
• 21 Best Kayaks For camping [Best Of 2022]
• 19 Best 12 Foot Fishing Kayaks That Will Blow Your Mind In 2022
• 19 Best Paddle Fishing Kayaks For 2022 [Updated List]
• 17 Best Fishing Kayaks For Big Guys To Buy In 2022
• 18 Best 10 Feet Kayaks [Sit On Top & SIt In Design]

Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000 

1.Old TownTopwater 106 Fishing Kayak Under 1000

The Old Town 106 Fishing Kayak is a combination of stability, speed, high performance and agility. To simply put, this is a 360-degree kayak that will take your fishing to the next level. 

All Old Town kayaks including this are packed with stunning features like cushioned floor pads for an easy fly fishing experience, rod holders, deck space, accessory tracks and a lot more.

I personally loved the premium dual-layer Textilene mesh seat of this kayak to keep you cool and comfortable all day long. 

Storage-wise, this kayak has got ample storage space to keep you focused on fishing and not looking for your gears. There are 3 build rod holders and enough space below the seat for a tackle box and other essential tools. 

It also features a storage hatch or tank well to keep the crate or cooler. 

2.Star Challenger Inflatable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak Under 1000

If you are hunting for the best inflatable fishing kayaks under 1000, then Start Challenger has got you covered. 

This 10 feet long kayak is made with drop stitch technology that gives it high pressure and speedy inflation as compared to kayaks made with PVC. Apart from that, it has got side tubes for outstanding stability and good floor construction allowing you to move and stand with confidence.

To give you superior comfort, the seat of this kayak is made with aluminium-framed suspended mesh. The deck is also self-bailing which means you don’t need to worry about the water getting into the kayak. 

The sit on the top design of the kayak is wider and gives you enough deck space to stand freely and try your hands on fly fishing. To create more space on the deck, you can remove the seat, fold it and keep it aside for minutes until you are fishing.

3.Ocean KayakVenus 10 Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak Under 1000

Our next fishing kayak under 1000 is specially designed for women and small size paddlers. The Venus 10 by Ocean Kayak is ultra-lightweight, easy to carry and transport, and a free-spirited kayak for women. It comes with a low deck profile and seats are specially designed by keeping the comfort and stability level of women in mind.

It has an open hull design and tons of footwell option that creates custom fit along with adjustable and breathable seats for all-day comfort. 

The total weight of the kayak is nearly 37 pounds which makes it extremely lightweight and easy for the women paddlers to carry and transport it. There is also a car topping handle by which you can place this kayak on top of your car and transport it to the desired destination.

It is also backed by on-deck storage and bungees by which you can attach your gears and secure them from tipping off in the water. Yes, it also includes a paddle holder on the right side with a pull tab.

4.Wilderness Systems Pungo 105 Fishing Kayak Under 1000 

Now here comes the big daddy of all the fishing kayaks under 1000. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 105 is built to last with upgraded features and added benefits. 

It has got superior stability, speed, comfort and amazing outfitting to give you the best ever paddling and fishing experience. The AirPro seats are extremely comfortable and adjustable as per your needs and wants. 

The hull of this kayak is designed by regular testing and engineering. It gives assured stability without compromising the performance and security. 

This kayak has a narrow bow design which enhances its speed and makes it easy for you to change the direction. 

5.Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Fishing Kayak Under 1000

Your search for the best 2 people fishing kayak under 1000 ends with Malibu Two XL. 

It’s a fun kayak and perfect for paddlers of all sizes and shapes. Comes with two comfortable and adjustable seats and moulded footwells for extreme stability.  You can even think of paddling all day in this kayak. Along with 2 adults,1 child or a dog can also easily fit in this kayak.

At 13 feet long, this kayak has an impressive design and shape to catch the attention of nearby paddlers. It has an overall weight carrying capacity of 500 pounds which makes it the best fit for 3 people. 

Some of the top-rated features of this kayak includes: paddle holders, side handles for easy carry and transportation and bow and stern toggle handles, deck bungee for carrying large items and  a screw-in drain plate

6.Old Town Dirigo 120  Fishing Kayak Under 1000

Dirigo is one of the most premium and award-winning fishing kayaks under 1000. It has got a roomy cockpit which makes the kayak suitable for bass as well as fly fishing. 

For easy control and manoeuvre, Dirigo 120 has got a strong grip, thigh pads, comfortable seats and a hatch with a bulkhead. To put it in a nutshell, this kayak has got all you need to get started with the bass, sea, or fly fishing. 

The footrest inside the kayak is completely adjustable and gives a good balance. Worried about carrying your cell phones? There’s an airtight air compartment that works well for phones and other electronic devices. 

For large accessories, you can use the storage compartment on the back. Although it has fewer features for fishing but enough to give you a successful catch.

7.Jackson Bite Angler Kayak

I know, it’s hard to find fishing kayaks under 1000. However, this kayak by Jackson is a combination of quality as well as affordability in a whole new way. Although this kayak looks huge in size, it is light in weight. Even if you are someone with 5 feet and 160 pounds, you can easily lift this kayak and move around with it. 

It is 35 inches wide and has enough deck space on which you can stand without any trouble or fear of tipping off. Even after paddling on the water for all-day, the kayak won’t compromise its stability. The maximum speed of this kayak is 15-20 mph which is way more as compared to other kayaks on the list.

Whether you want to get into honey holes to try hands-on fly fishing, Bite Angler kayak is always ready for any kind of adventure. This open deck kayak also comes with packed storage spaces and an ergo seat to ensure that you stay on the water all day long.

8.385fta By Sea Eagle

Here’s introducing one of my personal favourite kayaks under 1000 that you can take anywhere for the best fishing experience. 

Made with state of art technology, Sea Eagle 385 is all set to give you a smoother, faster and stable paddling experience. Combined with a sharper and tapered bow, this kayak is fast enough to go cut through strong waves, windy atmosphere and a roaring river. 

With this kayak, you can enjoy all the exciting features like front & rear spray skirts with built-in rods, tools, hooks and lure holders, storage space below and bungee rope lacing for additional support and safety.

9.350fx Fishing Explorer By Sea Eagle

This is yet another fishing kayak under 1000 by Sea Eagle brand. However, this kayak is only suitable for 1 person and the above-mentioned Sea Eagle kayak has a carrying capacity of 3 people. 

350 FX kayak is jam-packed with features like the above-mentioned one. However, it has additional and more advanced features like D rings that are useful for creating attachment points. Plus, it has got 16 self-bailing drain valves that will ensure that water keeps moving out of the kayak easily.

Moreover, this entire kayak is made with the drop stitch technology that makes the kayak more rigid and super responsive for paddling. 

10.Pelican Premium Getaway Pedal Fishing Kayak Under 1000

The next top-rated fishing kayak under 1000 is Pelican Premium Getaway 110 HDII Pedal Kayak. This kayak is being loved by paddlers all across the globe. Whether you are looking for a relaxing experience on the shoreline or looking for big catches on slow-moving rivers and other calm waters, Pelican Premium Getaway Pedal kayak is here to help you out. 

This kayak comes along with a rudder system so that you can have good control while pedalling in fast-moving water and against the wind. The tunnel hull design offers maximum stability, while the top quality EROCAST XP seating arrangement will take care of your comfort and back.

Talking about its durability, this kayak is made with RAM-X polyethylene which makes it durable, tough and long-lasting. Take it for a spin after 10 years and it will still perform the best in varied water conditions.

Last but not the least, this kayak has got enough storage space to ensure that you can bring in all your gears and accessories with you. It also includes stern storage space, bungee cord, cup holders and accessories mount.

11.Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 Sit-On-Top  Fishing Kayak Under 1000

Backed with full of fishability features, a good tracking system, stability and comfort, the Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 Sit-On-Top Kayak is an ideal kayak for paddlers looking to take their fishing experience new level.

This kayak has a removable stadium-style seat that can be moved forward and backwards as per the paddlers need. When paddling all day long, you surely need some break and a relaxing experience to your foot and hands. With an adjustable foot brace system, you  can keep your feet cool, comfy and relaxed 24*7.

Made in the USA with Polyethylene plastic, this kayak also features a stern tankwell with a bungee lacing system, so that you can stuff in your large accessories, gears and equipment. Yes, there are ample storage options for your fishing rods, tackle, gear and other tools. 

The best part about this kayak is its YatAttack gear system that allows you to attach a variety of fishing tools and gears. So, if you are looking for the ultimate fishing experience, this kayak should be on your list.

12.Wilderness Systems Tarpon Fishing Kayak Under 1000

If you personally ask me which is the best fishing kayak under 1000? I would say its Tarpon 120 by Wilderness system. I consider this to be the king of all the fishing kayaks in 2022 and I’ll tell you why? First of all, this is the updated kayak for 2022 that comes with more stability, speed, flexibility and agility. 

It has got a stunning design and good color combination to make anyone fall in love with it. 

Sitting in this kayak would give you a king like feeling because it has got Phase 3 AirPro seating system with 3 points of adjustability. The seats are made with vented fabric and 3D foam to offer maximum airflow, comfort and a relaxing experience.

From top to bottom, each and every part of this kayak is carefully designed, so that you can enjoy paddling with perfection. To keep your gears, tools and accessories safe and sound, this kayak has a dry box, cup or bottle holder, mounting options for fishing and accessories integration.

To put it in a nutshell, this is a great kayak that comes with added comfort, stability, paddler dashboard and speed.

13.Aquaglide Chelan 120 Inflatable  Fishing Kayak Under 1000

If you are obsessed with the inflatable fishing kayaks, the Chelan 120 bt Aquaglide is worth a try. Made for all types of paddlers, this kaya is constructed with drop-stitch technology, features a hard-bottom floor and has a huge cockpit space that makes it one of a kind. 

Specification wise, this kayak is 12 feet long, weighs 28 lbs and has a carrying capacity of 300 lbs. This means, it is suitable for a single person and 1 small child or a dog.

It also features a bow rocker profile that will help you to cut through waves and rough water easily and will also keep you high and dry. Its sharp keel line will also help you in turning this boat easily by maintaining tracking and good speed.

Worried about sinking? Its 4 scupper drains for self-bailing has got you covered. They’ll ensure that water remains out of the kayak so that you can stay afloat all the time.

For storage, this kayak has got 16 webbing loops and bungee straps on the stern deck that provide storage and safe space for your accessories, gears and bags. 

14.Star Challenger Fish Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 1000

The next on this list is Star Challenger. By looking at the kayak you can easily conclude that it has a good height, deck platform and width as well. 

With a stable platform, good inflation time and extremely rigid, this kayak will surely take your fishing to the next level. It is made with dop stitch technology and has side tubes to offer you good stability.

The deck floor of the kayak has got stunning stiffness and good hold so that you can move around it with confidence. You can also try your hands on fly fishing right from the deck.

If you opt for this kayak, you’ll surely be able to get the big catches of your life. 

15.Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10 Ft. 3 In.  Fishing Kayak Under

Your search for cheap and affordable fishing will end with Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10 Ft kayak for fishing. This 10 feet kayak has a carrying capacity of 300 lbs and comes with a framed seat, adjustable foot braces, shock cords, 2 holders, paddle keepers and many more features that make it worth buying in 2022.

Lifetime kayaks are best known for their stability and deep hull design which will give good tracing performance even in tough conditions. 

There are also scupper holes on the kayak for draining water.  You can use front and rear bungee lacing to keep items, gears and accessories safe and secure. You can use the centre hatch for the storage of electronic items, while the tankwell at the back can be used for large accessories.

That’s not all. The game-changing feature of this kayak is the 5-year limited warranty that sets it apart from others. 

16.Lifetime Tamarack Angler 10 ft Fishing Kayak Under 1000

Another top-rated fishing kayak under $1000 from Lifetime brand. This kayak is designed to meet the comfort needs of all paddlers. To justify this, an adjustable seat and footrest are always there along with the kayak. Take it either for fishing activities on fast-moving rapids or just for relaxation sessions on the lakeside, this kayak will surely make you its fan. 

The cockpit area is wide and spacious enough so that you can easily get in and out of it. Yes, there is always an extra room beneath the seat to store your necessities. 

For more storage space, you can use the front and back hatch or tankwell at the back of the seat. If you buy this kayak right now from Walmart, you’ll also be getting a paddle for free. 

Some of the other top-rated features of this kayak include a stable flat hull, adjustable padded seat and back, rod holders, shock cords, seat pad for more comfort and high-density polyethylene material used for construction.

17.Lifetime Yukon Angler 11ft 6in Fishing Kayak

If you search for a more advanced kayak for fishing under 1000$ is still on, the Lifetime Yukon Fishing Kayak will take you on the best fishing journey ever. It will make sure that you get the big catches of your life. With several gear mounts, storage area, rod holders, paddle keepers, flat surface, stable hull, this kayak still has ample room for all the fishing essentials.

Plus, the stable hull design will also allow you to cast while standing on the deck or try your hands on fly fishing. You can also carry this kayak comfortably as it features two stylish carry handles.

So, if you love your life on the river while catching the best fish, look no further than Lifetime Yukon Angler kayak. 

18.Lifetime Payette Angler 9 Ft. 8 In. Fishing Kayak

End this blog post with another Lifetime kayak which is Payette Angler 9 Ft.  fishing kayak for beginners. Since this kayak is small in size, it is best suitable for mid-size paddlers. 

The cockpit area is in oval shape and can easily fit one person. Just in case, you love your dog or a child, you can think of carrying them with you. The flat bottom and deep tracking channels will make sure that you get the best performance even in challenging areas.

The small design also gives this kayak an advantage of good speed, directional flow and it can reach to the thigh areas as well. 

19.Old Town Loon 106 Fishing Kayak Under 1000

When it comes to best fishing kayaks under 1000, Loon by Old Town has to be on my list. At the price of $999, this stunning kayak has got all the features and comfort to take your fishing next level. Although it is a compact kayak, it has an incredible amount of storage back and front. 

The cockpit is very spacious and has enough space and gives amazing legroom. You can even stand in the cockpit and try your hands with fly fishing at ease. 

It also features an ACS2 seat that will give you all the comfort that you deserve. It includes a removable work deck where you can store your supplies and tools. At the back of the seat, there is dry compartment storage to keep your camera, gears, electronic devices and other gadgets safe from water. 

The keel line of the kayak is very sharp, enhancing its performance in the water. For easy carrying and transportation, it has got carry handles on front and back.

FAQs About Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000