Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500 For 2023

The popularity of kayak fishing is on the rise and with new fishing kayaks coming out each year, there are a lot of options spanning a wide price range. While there are many premium kayaks available, the price points are often too high for someone looking to get into the sport. To respond to this growing need for affordable, entry-level boats, we’ve put together this list of the best fishing kayaks under $500.

Cheap kayaks offer a more simplistic experience, but allow beginner kayak anglers to get out on the water without a large financial commitment. It is important to remember these cheaper kayaks are not meant to provide the same performance as higher-end kayaks. The key is to stick close to shore, stay on flatwater, only go paddling in fair weather, and always wear a PFD.

These fishing kayaks offer basic features for a price point that can’t be beat, so you can get out on the water with your rod and work on your skills.

Best Fishing Kayaks For 2023

Top picks: Best fishing kayaks under $500 for 2023

The following fishing kayaks under $500 have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide. See and review all fishing kayaks under $500 here.

Shop for fishing kayaks under $500

Follow the links below into the Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide where you’ll find every fishing kayak under $500 available along with specs, prices, reviews and places to buy.

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Budget fishing kayak reviews

There’s no better way to choose a cheap fishing kayak than by kicking the tires and taking a test drive. The staff at Kayak Angler have run the best budget fishing kayaks through the gauntlet. We’ve rigged the boats for fishing, loaded them with gear and hit the water, allowing us to evaluate how the boat handles and how it performs for the intended angler and conditions.

If you can’t get to the paddle shop or a demo day, take a test drive with our reviews of the best budget fishing kayaks.

• Tandem Fishing Kayak Review: Brooklyn Kayak Company TK122
• Fishing Kayak Review: Ascend 133X
• Fishing Kayak Review: SeaStream Angler 120 PD
• Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Journey 10
• Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS
• Fishing Kayak Review: Pelican Mustang 100x
• Fishing Kayak Review: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
• Fishing Kayak Review: Perception Pescador 12
• Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS
• Fishing Kayak Review: Bonafide RS117

Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1,000 For 2023