Do you want to buy the best fishing kayak for your next adventure but you are running tight on the budget? If yes, then you have landed on the right blog post. Today, the majority of fishing kayak costs anywhere between $1000 to $2000 or even more. For a newbie or an ordinary paddler, this amount is quite a lot. So, if you are looking for fishing kayaks under $500 then I have got you covered. 

In this blog post, you’ll come across not 1 but 18 budget fishing kayaks that are jam-packed with features, come with high performance, are easy to use and offer tremendous comfort for paddlers of all skill levels and sizes. 

These kayaks are being sold by some of the top-rated brands like Lifetime, Perception, Sea Eagle, Intex and a lot more. Therefore, you can surely think of betting your money on them. 

So, make sure that you read this blog post till the end and discover the best budget fishing kayak under $500 for your next adventure. 

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18 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500

1.Sevylor Colorado Fish/Hunt 2-Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 500

If you want to take home the best fishing kayak for 2 people, Sevylor Colorado fishing and hunting kayak is waiting for you and your partners. Made with 18-Gauge Pvc material and tarpaulin bottom, this kayak is strong enough to get you and your partner to the ideal fishing location at a quick speed. Since this is an inflatable kayak, you don’t need to worry much about its maintenance and storage. 

It gets rolled up easily in a single backpack and can be kept either in the garage or cupboard. The inflation time of this kayak is less than 10 minutes and you can easily set it up for a ride in about 15 minutes. 

To allow quick inflation and deflation it features multiple air chambers and Boston valves to keep the water out of the kayak so that you can always stay afloat. 

For superior comfort, it features 2 adjustable seats that will keep you cool and calm throughout your paddling journey. In case, you are obsessed with the speed, then you can also add a trolling motor on this kayak and get to your location in a quick time.

To give you a hands-free fishing experience, this kayak also comes with rod holders that allow you to adjust your pole angle for the ultimate fishing experience. With your hands-free, you can easily take care of other gears and tools.

2.Lifetime Tamarack Angler 10 ft Fishing Kayak Under 500

Lifetime kayaks have crafted their niche as being the most affordable kayak manufacturing company in the world. This Lifetime Tamarack budget fishing kayak will double your fishing experience and offer you a smooth and subtle ride. This kayak is also dog friendly in nature and there’s extra space at the bow so you can carry a small child or your pet along with you. 

Constructed with UV protected material, this kayak is extremely safe and stable. In fact, you can also stand on its deck and move around or try your hands with fly fishing.

The total weight of this kayak is 52 pounds only which makes it lightweight and easy to carry by a single person. To make the transportation process easier, there are 2 carry handles attached to the kayak. One at the back and one at the front.

Some other notable features of the kayak include rod holders, shock cord straps for safety and security, multiple footrest positions for all-day comfort, and two storage hatches and more extras to enhance your paddling and fishing experience.

3.Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10 Ft. 3 In.  Fishing Kayak Under 500

This is yet another stunning fishing kayak by Lifetime that is affordable and loaded with features. The Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10 feet fishing kayak is designed and engineered by and for the fisherman only. So, it includes all the benefits, add-ons and features that ideal fishing kayak must-have.

From wide deck space to fishing rod holders and everything in between, this kayak has got it all. It has a weight carrying capacity of 300 lbs which is more than enough for a single person and comes with a frame seat and multiple footrest positions. 

Another game-changing feature of this kayak is a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty that will give you the confidence to buy this kayak and use it to its full potential.

The construction material used in this kayak is UV protected and high-density polyethylene which makes it rock solid and high durable. Plus, the hull of the kayak is designed in such a way that will give you a stable paddling experience against the wind or even in challenging conditions. 

4.Intex 68309EP Excursion Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 500

It would be unfair if I end this post without mentioning Intext Excursion Pro kayak in this list. This is one of the most selling kayaks in the world made with tough laminate material and polyester core for good strength, durability and making it resistant to any kind of abrasion.

According to me, this is most of the feature-loaded kayak that includes 2 removable skegs for advanced tracing, 2 footrests for better adjustment, 2 integrated fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable seats for all-day comfort. 

It also comes along with 2 paddles and an inflation pump so that you can set it up in quick time and get an amazing paddling experience. Apart from that, it also has a mounting bracket for the GPS system, fish finder, rod holders and a lot more.

Overall, this is a go-to kayak for anyone looking for an awesome day touring, kayaking, fishing, recreational or any other water sports adventure.

5.Lifetime Payette Angler 9 Ft. 8 In. Fishing Kayak under 500

If you personally ask me which is the best fishing kayak under $500, I would say it’s a Lifetime Payette. Here’s why? This kayak has a large size and oval-shaped cockpit where you can comfortably sit or stand without fear of tipping off. The cockpit also features generous storage space and good legroom for a relaxing paddling experience. 

Moreover, the designers and engineers of the kayak have given utmost importance to its stability, safety and durability. That’s the reason why this kayak comes with a stable flat bottom with deep tracking channels and chine rails.

Also, its narrow design and sharper keel lines will guide you through the water at a much faster speed. Within a few strokes of the paddle, you can take this kayak to your spot and enjoy all-day fishing. 

With shock cord and safety straps, multiple footrest positions, an enclosed compartment, and fishing pole holders, this kayak has tons of extra to take your fishing experience to the level of awesomeness. 

6.Lifetime Cruze 10 Foot Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under 500

If you are a small and mid-size paddler looking for a smooth, stable and efficient kayak for your next fishing adventure, the Cruze by Lifetime has got your back. With a narrow bow design, wide cockpit space and drain plugs, this SIS volcanic fusion kayak has won the hearts of many paddlers across the globe.

it comes with dark red colour with eye captivating designs on a kayak that makes it highly visible on and off the water. Once you sit into its cockpit and take it for a ride, all eyes will be on your kayak. 

It is not only good looking but highly stable for entry-level and beginner paddlers as well. Plus, it is fully optimized for a wide variety of waterways like rivers, moving lakes, clam ocean and deep seas.

For improved tracking and better directional flow, this kayak has also got an elongated skeg that allows you to maintain it easily on the course. The skeg also adds enhanced stability to the kayak.

7.Lifetime Kokanee Tandem Fishing Kayak  Under 500

This is a tandem kayak for fishing under $500 with a unique sit on top design. It is a 360-degree kayak that you can use for recreational activities, day touring and other water sport adventures. Although it is a tandem kayak, you can also take it for solo paddling by making a few adjustments at the back seat. 

But I would recommend you to hit the water with this kayak along with your friend as it will double the fun and will take you to the unexplored and tight areas where other kayaks can’t reach. 

The comfortable and high backrests and multiple footrest positions will give you all-day comfort, while the bungee cords will help you to keep gear within reach. 

to put it in a nutshell, this kayak is ideal for 2 people looking for awesome blossom paddling or recreational experience on the water.

8.Lifetime Tide 10 ft 3 in Sit-In Kayak For Fishing Under 500

By balancing the key attributes like stability, high performance, speed and durability, Lifetime Tide is next on my list. This subtle and mid-size kayak will give you much reason to go for it. First, it comes with a large cockpit with a comfortable backrest to give you a king-like feeling. Entering and exiting from the cockpit is easy, thanks to its oval and wide design. 

At the bottom, it has got a flat surface design and deep tracking channels for unmatched & superior stability. Keeping the safety needs of paddlers in mind, this kayak is made with blow-moulded high-density polyethylene material that makes it durable, UV protected and resistant to any kind of impact. 

On top of that, it also features a Skeg Wheel for better tracking and navigation on the water, and rigid carry handles that makes it easy to transport to and from the waterfront.

9.Lifetime Daylite 8 ft Sit-on-top  Fishing Kayak Under 500

With red color and stunning designs on the kayak, the Lifetime Daylite should be your choice if you are looking for long day paddling or a fishing adventure. Comes with a compact and subtle design, the Lifetime Daylite will give you all the features that you are looking for in your dream kayak. 

With additional features like a tankwell storage with secure bungees, a stable hull design, and UV-protected construction, Daylite is a perfect fishing kayak under $500 that is worth every penny you spend. 

10.SEAFLO 8 Ft. 9 In., Sit on Top Adult Kayak

At just $329.00, Seaflo is a pretty good kayak for fishing, hunting, day touring and recreational activities on the water. This kayak is popular for its stability and sturdiness on the water. It also has a good speed and carrying capacity that makes it suitable for racing and river rafting as well. 

Just at the front of its adjustable seat, it has got a sealed hatch storage space where you can keep your digital devices, electronics gadgets and other small fishing gears and accessories. Looking for more storage space? The tankwell at the back with bungee lacing has got you covered. You can use it for keeping large gears, items, kayak coolers, bags and more. 

For additional comfort, it has got moulded in footwells and PE padded seats that will give you a cool and comfy ride. Moreover, this entire kayak is self-bailing in nature and it is got multiple scupper holes all around it that will make sure that water doesn’t enter, so you can stay afloat all the time. 

Specification wise it stands 9.3 inches in height, 38.7 lbs of weight, 27.2 inches in width and has a weight carrying capacity of 275 lbs which is slightly less as compared to other fishing kayaks under $500. 

11.Sevylor QuickPay K5 One-Person Kayak

If you think of going for a fishing adventure quick and fast, look no further than Sevylor QuickPay K5 One-Person inflatable kayak under $500. It also lets you carry your lunch box, fishing gear, gadgets and other necessities while out for a long day touring, thanks to its generous storage space.

Built of any paddler, the Sevylor QuickPay K5 comes with a newly designed hull with a sharper keel link for an easy gliding and straightforward paddling experience. Additionally, it features 2 double lock valves for quick inflation and deflation. Also, its airtight system will ensure that the kayak won’t leak. 

The key USP of this kaya is quick inflation time. Whether you are a newbie or expert paddler, anyone can set this kayak up in less than 5 minutes. 

12.Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe 3 Person Inflatable Kayak

For more than 2 decades, Sea Eagle has been making some of the best inflatable kayaks for fishing, recreational and day touring. Also, Sea Eagle was the first kayak manufacturing company to use drop stitch technology in kayaks. That’s the reason why I am including 370 Deluxe by Sea Eagle on my list. 

370 Deluxe is an amazingly designed small, stable and durable kayak. It just weighs 15 kgs and has a carrying capacity of 2975 kgs which is more than enough for 3 fully grown adults.

The floor of this kayak is constructed with 5 I beam tubes which makes it more rigid and enhances the paddling experience greatly. For better and improved tracking, you can use the 2 removable Skeg.

At the back and front, it features several air compartments and values which allows rapid inflation and deflation.

13.Pelican Liberty 9ft 6in Premium Sit Inside Kayak

If your comfort and stability is your top priority, the Liberty by Pelican kayak should be your go-to option. A huge and mesmerizing cockpit space with padded and adjustable seats will give you the joy to ride this kayak. Take it either on a fast-moving river or a slow and calm sea, this kayak won’t compromise the performance at all. 

On the side, it has got additional floating blocks that will give you more safety and complete peace of mind while paddling. Since it comes with unmatched stability, newbies and beginners can also think of taking it for a spin. 

At 9 feet and 6 inches in length and weighing only 44 lb, this kayak is easy to carry and transport from one place to another.

So, take advantage of this recreational kayak to create great memories on the water with your loved ones. On lakes, slow-moving rivers, seas, ponds and calm waters. 

14.Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak

If you have a knack for water sport adventures like river rafting and racing, this is the best suitable kayak for you. Sun Dolphin Aruba is a blazing speed kayak suitable for river and lake trips. It has got great recreational and fishing features like an adjustable foot brace system, paddle holder, adjustable padded seat, thigh pads and a lot more.

The cockpit is very spacious and will give you ample to space to stand, move your legs around and try your hands on fly fishing as well. The circular shape cockpit design also makes it easy to enter and exit from the kayak. 

Talking about its construction material, this kayak is made with Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex which makes it tough and rock-solid even in challenging conditions. No matter what, this kayak won’t break down or tear apart. 

15.Lifetime Kuna 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak

With impeccable design and studded with features, Lifetime Kuna is one of the best kayaks under 500 for beginners. It is a performance-driven kayak that you can consider taking on the sea, water, choppy lakes, whitewater and ocean for fishing or recreation.

It performances exceptionally well on all kinds of water except black and slat water. Speed is great and stability is top-notch that’s why beginners can move around in it with confidence. 

From top to bottom, this kayak is built for stability that’s why it features adjustable seats for backrest support and foot braces. 

Some of the notable features of this kayak are: Storage hatch with a seal, bungee acing for additional safety of gears and tools, narrow design at now, flat and stable hull design and paddle included. 

16.Old TownHeron Jr Kayak – 2022

This lightweight kayak by Heron is perfect for small size paddlers and kids with a knack for kayaking or fishing. It tracks well on all kinds of water surfaces and manoeuvres quickly as a friendly rabbit to cut down the time and take you to your spot quickly. 

The kayak has a lifted and adjustable seat inside the cockpit that gives you good legroom and wide space to bend your knees or spread your legs out and sit back on a cool and comfy seat. 

Its padded and adjustable seat will keep your back and hip happy even in challenging water conditions. To make transportation easy, this kayak features 2 carry handles, one at the back and one in the front. 

However, with tons of benefits, this kayak also has certain drawbacks like: It does not include a skeg for tracking, no rod holders, no storage space, no bungee lancing. 

To simply put, this is a recreational kayak for beginners. 

17.Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Fishing Kayak Under 500

Good tracking, amazing stability and lightweight design are the key attributes of the Pelican Blitz kayak which is 24*7 ready for any adventure of yours on the water. Made for recreational and fishing, this kayak offers ample features to give you a comfortable ride for a long day long and fishing experience worth remembering.

The kayak is also good looking and comes with a lovely design that makes it a traffic stopper on the water. Plus, the extra storage compartments for storing your gears and tools makes it apart from the others in this list.

The kayak is made with RAM-X construction which makes it tough like superman and built to last. It is self-bailing in nature and will ensure that water doesn’t enter the cockpit so can stay on top of the water all day long. 

18.Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak

The last on this list of 18 best fishing kayaks under $500 is Pelican Bandit which is a small yet powerful kayak ready for your next fishing adventure. You might find this kayak small in size, but big things always come with small packages and so do this kayak. 

The seat of this kayak is easy to adjust and you can set it as per your needs and wants. At the front of the, there’s enough space to spread your legs out or keep your dog or small child along. Coming to back, it has got bungee lancing and a tankwell for storage.

Of course, it also has 2 carry handles for easy transportation.

FAQs About Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500