Walmart is known for its low prices on a wide variety of products. At Walmart, you can purchase car tires and kitchen curtains, make a bank deposit and pick up a prescription without leaving the store. For anglers, Walmart is a special place to visit. While you’re grabbing milk and bread, you can swing through the tackle section and throw a couple of lures, a fresh spool of line and a new fishing kayak into the shopping cart.
Walmart has a little bit of everything, but the discount store doesn’t carry a large selection of any one product. This is also true of fishing kayaks. You can get inflatables, sit-inside kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, tandem and pedal kayaks, but you won’t find a large selection of each type of boat. There is a larger selection of fishing kayaks available on Walmart.com, but it’s a fraction of the fishing kayaks available on the market today.
Walmart carries basic fishing kayaks with a few comfort and fishing accessories. It does stock some reputable kayak fishing brands, including Pelican, Sun Dolphin, Advanced Elements and Sea Eagle. Most of the fishing kayaks sold at Walmart are under 12 feet long and designed for casual anglers. The smaller size and weight of a sub-12-foot kayak make it easier to transport and store, but these recreational-style fishing kayaks aren’t appropriate for paddling in open water and rough conditions.
Since Walmart doesn’t have experienced kayak anglers on staff, it’s up to the buyer to identify the kayak that best matches his needs and choose a life jacket, paddle, safety light and signal whistle. Inexperienced kayakers should seek out training and instruction from qualified instructors.
Education: Get Some!
- Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
- Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons® or your own state’s boating agency.
- Take on-the-water skills training.
Just because the selection is limited doesn’t mean you can’t get a good fishing kayak for sale at Walmart. If you’re just starting out in kayak fishing or adding another compact kayak to the arsenal, Walmart can be a great place to get a fishing kayak at a reasonable price.
Read on to discover the best fishing kayaks at Walmart and how to find the right kayak for the type of fishing you like to do.
Top Picks: Best Walmart Fishing Kayaks for 2024
The following Walmart fishing kayaks have received the highest star ratings from reviewers in our Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide. See and review all Walmart fishing kayaks here.
Best Walmart Fishing Kayaks
Basscreek 100 XP Angler
Catch Mode 110
Inflatable Kayak 14.1'
Catch Classic 100
Excursion Pro K2
Shop for Walmart Fishing Kayaks
Shopping for kayaks at Walmart is easy. For many Walmart customers, price is the most important consideration. Just like the low prices on bedroom sheets and lawn furniture, the superstore offers inexpensive kayaks starting from $200 for a basic sit-inside kayak to just over $1,000 for a pedal kayak.
Let us help you narrow down the selection of kayaks at Walmart. The links in this section will take you to our comprehensive Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide, where you’ll find all the best fishing kayaks on the market, including reviews, ratings and where to buy. You can choose to filter fishing kayaks by type and application, such as river or ocean, or by the number of paddlers (one-person or tandem), and so much more. Then, click on specific models to see specs, prices, reviews and where to buy. You will not find a better kayak fishing buyer’s guide resource online.
Shop By Type
Shop By Waterway
Shop By Brand
Walmart Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
Walmart sells sit-inside kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks and inflatable fishing kayaks. Most of the kayaks available at Walmart are designed for casual users. They’re typically less than 12 feet long and feature a wide beam, which contributes to a kayak that feels stable and easy to handle for beginners. Generally, these kayaks are appropriate only for sheltered waters rather than long tours and open-water fishing.
Walmart kayaks tend to sacrifice some performance and comfort to save you serious money. In terms of fishy features, the kayaks sold at Walmart are typically no-frills designs. Look for a kayak with some space to store tackle and gear, and a few models might offer a rod holder or gear tracks to add more accessories. That’s about all the bells and whistles you can expect from the fishing kayaks at Walmart.
That said, Walmart is a convenient option for purchasing a fishing kayak. Most cities have at least one of the supercenters and, even if your town doesn’t, Walmart will ship kayaks almost anywhere. Best of all, the 90-day return policy allows you to return the boat to the store or via freight. Shipping a hard-shell kayak typically costs between $50 and $100 dollars extra. Inflatable kayaks and inflatable standup paddleboards ship free. If you’re not happy with the boat, you can often return it to the store or ship it back to Walmart within 90 days.
Unlike outfitters and outdoors-specific stores, Walmart doesn’t have experienced kayak anglers to answer questions and offer advice. Similarly, it doesn’t offer the extensive selection of quality kayak fishing accessories that a specialty paddle shop or fishing shop will have. However, the superstore does stock the bare essentials. In addition to a kayak, you’ll need a paddle, life jacket, signal whistle and safety lights to get on the water.
Walmart Fishing Kayak Q&A
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What type of Walmart kayak is best for fishing?
Walmart fishing kayaks for one person include sit-on-top, sit-inside and inflatable designs. To narrow the search on the Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide, filter by fishing kayaks and retailer Walmart. On Walmart’s website, you can search for “fishing kayak” or “fishing inflatable.”
The result is a list of sturdy and simple kayaks and paddleboards with wide hulls, mounting space for accessories and basic fishing features. Walmart even offers simple pedal kayaks. The best kayaks for fishing have space to store tackle and gear. Some models even have a rod holder and gear tracks to add more accessories.
Most of the kayaks at Walmart are under 12 feet long. These short and comparatively light boats are easier to transport and store, but the short waterline doesn’t perform as well when traveling in open water or in rough conditions. The best Walmart fishing kayaks will have a broad, flat or channeled hull for improved stability. Of course, a wider beam makes for slower paddling, but the tradeoff is increased stability and storage space for fishing.
Dress For Immersion, Not Air Temperature
- Your body loses heat much faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry.
- Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. If the water is very cold (60° fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit.
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Are Walmart fishing kayaks any good?
People pooh-pooh Walmart for its cheaply made products, but many fishing kayaks sold at Walmart are manufactured by reputable paddlesports brands offering high-quality products. I’ve tested and reviewed many of the kayaks sold at Walmart and some offer great quality and performance for the money.
Hard-shell fishing kayaks sold at Walmart are made by reputable brands like Pelican, Sun Dolphin and Lifetime Products. Pelican makes affordable, quality thermoformed kayaks—even their less expensive models use high-quality plastic, cool colors and smart design. Sun Dolphin and Lifetime fishing kayaks at Walmart are basic, inexpensive and will last for years of use. All three of these brands have introduced many anglers to kayak fishing.
On the inflatable side, Walmart stocks boats by Advanced Elements, Sea Eagle and other highly regarded brands. These kayaks use some of the best materials and feature excellent engineering designed for years of abuse. Unlike cheap pool toys, the best inflatable kayaks are made of heavy-duty material and feature multiple air chambers and drop-stitch construction to improve durability and performance.
While Walmart fishing kayaks may not be fancy, they can be well-built boats for basic fishing.
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What is the price range for fishing kayaks at Walmart?
The price is the best thing about the fishing kayaks stocked by Walmart. Sit-on-top fishing kayaks range from less than $400 to almost $800. Sit-inside kayaks are even less expensive, usually between $300 to $500. Walmart’s pedal kayaks cost a little more than $1,000. Quality inflatable kayaks require advanced materials and construction, so Walmart’s inflatable fishing kayaks run from $500 to over $1,500. Compared to top-of-the-line kayaks costing twice the price, Walmart fishing kayaks are a great deal. Just don’t forget that the trade-off for the great price tends to be in performance, comfort and features.
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What are the warranties or return policies for fishing kayaks at Walmart?
Unlike outfitters and specialty shops, Walmart doesn’t allow prospective buyers to test paddle their kayaks. But Walmart’s return policy lets you return a kayak within 90 days. Whether you purchase the kayak from a local superstore or order over the Internet, you can usually return the boat to the nearest Walmart for a complete refund of the purchase price. Be sure to confirm the return policy before purchase.
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Should I buy a fishing kayak from Walmart?
If you’re looking for a basic kayak with simple fishing functions, Walmart carries great boats at a great price. Although the boats aren’t fancy, many Walmart fishing kayaks are from reputable kayak manufacturers. Best of all, if you don’t like your Walmart fishing kayak, you can return it for a refund. However, there are some drawbacks to buying a fishing kayak from Walmart…
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Why not to buy a Walmart fishing kayak
I know many people who purchased a Walmart fishing kayak to test out the waters. When they inevitably discovered that kayak fishing is awesome, they soon wanted a better kayak to go farther and fish harder. Before they bought a new kayak, they had to unload the old Walmart kayak. The problem is that Walmart kayaks are so inexpensive they can be difficult to resell. So, if you are sure kayak fishing will only be a minor hobby, then a Walmart fishing kayak might be fine. However, if you’re looking to take kayak fishing seriously, invest a little extra money in a kayak that lets you explore your limits.
An alternative to purchasing your fishing kayak and fishing equipment from Walmart is to purchase through a local kayak retailer or fishing shop. This helps support small businesses and gives you access to paddling and fishing experts who can help you find the perfect fishing kayak, the best accessories, and share tips on the hottest honey holes in the area.
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When do Walmart fishing kayaks go on sale?
Walmart’s regular prices are low and their sale prices are a great bargain. When new kayak models arrive, expect a Walmart fishing kayak clearance on older models. Sale kayaks can be as much as half off the regular price. Waiting for a Walmart fishing kayak clearance allows you to get a better boat and stay within your budget.
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How to transport a fishing kayak home from Walmart
The biggest challenge to buying a fishing kayak is getting it home. Don’t expect Walmart to have roof racks to transport the kayak. If you order the kayak online, you can have it shipped to your house. Walmart fishing kayaks are not eligible for home delivery for in-store purchases.
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Does Walmart have fishing kayaks in store?
Walmart keeps a selection of a few of the most popular kayaks in store. If you don’t see what you like, check the Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide for a more comprehensive list of the boats Walmart carries.
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Does Walmart sell fishing licenses?
While you’re buying a Walmart fishing kayak, stop by the sporting goods desk and pick up a fishing license. You can also find a life jacket, paddle, whistle and navigation lights to make your new fishing kayak ready (and legal) for fishing.
Carry A Whistle (And A Light For Night Use)
- Every paddler should have a whistle attached to his/her life jacket.
- Carry a light at night. Consider carrying a distress signal device.
Walmart Fishing Kayak Reviews
To prove that fishing kayaks sold by Walmart offer good features for the money, we’ve tested the most popular models. We rigged the boats for fishing, took them on a test drive, explored the accessories and imagined who the perfect angler would be for a Walmart fishing kayak. Take a virtual tour of the most popular Walmart fishing kayak reviews below, and let our experts show you the water.
Feature photo: Jimaro Morales/Pixabay
