If you are one of those people who have the hobby of fishing in their leisure, you are lucky. Not everyone can grasp the idea of fishing occasionally. Having a fishing kayak can help you beyond imagination in your adventure of fishing at the lake or the river.
We’ve gathered the best fishing kayak under 500 for you so that you don’t have to go crazy over the thousands of deals you see online. The fishing kayaks found on our list are the best in the game and we’ve done a lot of hard work to find them.
Table of Contents
What is a Fishing Kayak?
If you’re here, you should know the answer to the question. But not everyone is a seasoned fishing genius. A fishing kayak is very similar to a kayak but tweaked for fishing. You can put your things like your gear, food, and bait more conveniently. There are a few things you need to consider before going for a fishing kayak.
- It must have good seats
- The cockpit must be comfortable
- The weight capacity should be adequate
But you don’t have to worry because we have done the hard work for you. All of our listings excel is these criteria. All you have to do is choose and buy.
Best Fishing Kayak Under 500 – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Capacity | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Emotion 90259 Renegade | 325 lbs | 10′ | Check Latest Price |
 | Brooklyn BKC UH-FK184 | 205lbs | 9′ | Check Latest Price |
 | Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 | 275lbs | 120″ | Check Latest Price |
 | Sea Eagle Inflatable – SE370 | 650 lbs | – | Check Latest Price |
 | Sundolphin Journey | 280 lbs | 10′ | Check Latest Price |
 | Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-top | 250 lbs | 8′ | Check Latest Price |
 | Sevylor-Coleman | 470lbs | – | Check Latest Price |
 | Sundolphin SS Bali | 395lbs | 10′ | Check Latest Price |
 | Advanced Elements | 550lbs | 15′ | Check Latest Price |
The Price
When you’re just starting out, it’s not practical to invest in a top-of-the-line fishing kayak. Fishing kayaks can get expensive depending on the features they offer. But we’ve compiled the list with kayaks that cost under 500. It’s a very good price range to start with. So, let’s get on with the review.
Best Fishing Kayak Under 500 Reviews
1. Emotion 90259 Renegade XT Fishing Kayak
Emotion XT kayaks are directly manufactured in the US which makes it one of the best fishing kayaks under 500. The quality is great and the functionality is awesome. The design is done keeping the ease of use in mind. It’s a one-person kayak where you sit on the top.
The weight of the kayak is rated at 49 lbs. which is very lightweight and easy to carry. You can just pick it up when you’re going fishing and be on your way. The length is 10 feet which is plenty to accommodate you and your things like baits, fishing rods, etc.
The construction of the kayak is done using high-density polyethylene. This is the perfect material for this best fishing kayak under 500 that ensures maximum strength and durability. The seats are padded properly to comfort you along the ride. The seat is removable and comes with good quality brackets and footwells.
As for the storage space, there is plenty. It’s very unlikely that you’ll run out of space on your fishing journey. There are two flush mount rod holders, a solace hatch below the deck, and a decent rear tank behind the seat. All of these spaces can be used as a variable storage space.
The kayak is very portable thanks to its lightweight. There are front and rear handles for carrying. The drain holes are perfectly designed to let the water out. You get a three-year limited warranty directly from the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Very stable and sturdy
- Very lightweight and portable
- Adequately spacious
- Enough storage for all your things
- Three years long warranty from the manufacturing
Cons:
- Available in only one color
- Can fit only one person
- Might get heavy for elderly people
2. Brooklyn BKC UH-FK184-GRY
Brooklyn Kayak Company is one of the most renowned names in the fishing kayak industry. The UH-184 is a one-person kayak as well. It’s definitely one of the best fishing kayaks under 500 so you can go for it without any doubt.
This fishing kayak from BKC is even lighter than the Emotion one. It’s only 45lbs. The design is somewhat different than conventional kayaks. It’s just over 9 feet long but the width of 2 feet complements the stability very nicely.
Although the kayak can fit only one person, there are four carrying handles. So, you can take help from your friend to carry it as well. With the purchase, you also get a very lightweight aluminum paddle.
This best fishing kayak under 500 comes with a comfortable seat with enough padding. The legroom in this kayak is definitely going to surprise you. The perk of having a wide leg space is that you can fish for longer without tiring your legs.
As for space, there is ample. There are two waterproof dedicated storage units to store all your food, bait, etc. There is a cargo area as well where you can fit a cooler easily and have drinks on the go. The kayak comes with 5 fishing rod holders so you have a wide choice of rods you might want to carry with you.
Pros:
- Very light in weight (45lbs.)
- More than enough legroom
- Five-rod holders
- Massive storage space to keep all your things safely
- Available in five different colors
Cons:
- Maximum capacity is lower than usual
- Can carry one person only although comes with numerous features
3. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Tamarack Angler is a great entry-level fishing kayak. It’s a very renowned company that has been making the top of the line fishing kayaks for some time now. The kayak features a super stable flat bottom with deep hull tracking channels.
This particular fishing kayak from Lifetime is constructed from high-quality polyethylene. The material is UV protective as well which means you can store it under the direct sun without any fear of destroying it.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler is the best fishing kayak under 500 with a capacity to hold one person. The capacity goes up to 275lbs. which is moderately enough for people of regular sizes. The kayak is 10 feet long and ergonomically designed.
The comfort level in this fishing kayak is great. There are multiple footrest positions incorporate to house people of different sizes and shapes. The adjustable padded seat is a great addition to the package as well. The seat even has padded back support!
As for features, the kayak comes with one top mounting fishing rod and two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. The two storage compartments are located in the center and the back of the kayak. The front and rear T-handles adds to the portability of the kayak.
Life Tamarack Angler fishing kayak comes with a whopping 5-year warranty from the manufacturer. You can imagine how durable and strong the kayak is just from the warranty itself. You can choose whether to order the paddle or not.
Pros:
- Three fishing rod holders for maximum convenience
- Very durable and sturdy with 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Plenty of storage area
- Very affordable
- Weighs around 50lbs. for maximum portability
- T-handles at the front and rear
Cons:
- Not suitable for very tall people
- Can hold only one person
- Hard to carry by yourself
4. Sea Eagle Inflatable – SE370
Welcome to the big boys’ club. This inflatable kayak from Sea Eagle is madness with a capacity to hold 3 persons. You can take your friends or your family members with you to share the fun. As you can imagine, it’s very stable watercraft is a massive 12 feet length and has 650lbs. weight capacity.
One of the features of this best fishing kayak under 500 is handling water up to Class III whitewater. It effectively means that you can enjoy the piece of art in both fresh and saltwater. The kayak is very easy to set. When deflated, it comes to inches and you can carry it anywhere you want. It takes 10 minutes altogether to set up.
This kayak from Sea Eagle comes with a bunch of important accessories including two paddles, a foot pump, a storage bag, and a repair kit. You would have bought these accessories separately anyway so Sea Eagle is technically saving you money.
This inflatable kayak is a masterpiece from the manufacturer. It comes with dedicated open and close drain valves to keep your kayak dry during the adventure. For inflation and deflation, there are 5 one-way valves. It comes with two skegs as well to give you more control during kayaking.
The portability of this kayak is awesome because it weighs only 26lbs. and you can carry it yourself if you want. There is plenty of storage area inside once inflated. You can use this kayak for fishing, skin diving, white water rafting, paddling, etc.
Pros:
- Can hold three persons at once with 650lbs. capacity
- The hull is saltwater and sun resistant which makes it very durable
- Comes with a complete package of accessories
- Very affordable and smartly priced for beginners
- Enough storage spaces
- Included backpack to carry the kayak
Cons:
- Available in only one color
- Risk of punctures
5. Sundolphin Journey 10—Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
Sundolphin Journey is probably the best fishing kayak under 500 considering all the aspects. It’s a great entry-level kayak with a weight capacity of 250lbs. The cockpit is very comfortable and you can kayak this thing in both freshwater and saltwater.
The construction is done using Fortiflex high-density UV-stabilized Polyethylene. This material is very strong and durable. You can store and use this kayak under any circumstances. The storage space is enough to house your fishing rods and other gears. There are one swivel rod holder and two flush-mount rod holders.
One of the storage compartments comes with shock cord deck rigging that can also be used as a storage. The kayak is very lightweight and easy to carry. There are two T-handles at each end of the kayak. The padded seat is very comfortable and adjustable. The foot braces are also adjustable and come with protective thigh pads.
The design is streamlined to give you more maneuver capability. It means you can go to places you didn’t dare before due to tight corners. It’s one of the best fishing kayaks under 500 to start your fishing adventures now.
Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to carry
- Durable and strong build quality
- UV resistant polyethylene to make it stronger
- Ample storage area to house all your belongings
- Two colors to choose from
- Better maneuver in tight corners
Cons:
- Hard to store
- Not suitable for people over 250lbs.
6. Lifetime Lotus Sit-on-top Kayak With Paddle
If you’re searching for a complete kayaking experience, the Lifetime Lotus can be a perfect choice for you. The kayak is designed while keeping your needs in mind. It comes with paddles as well. The kayak is very carefully designed to make it stable.
There are scupper holes to keep the kayak dry around the cockpit area. There are two models available. One of them is for two persons while the other one is suitable for only one. The features are very similar with a little difference.
One of the major differences between the two is the price. The two-person kayak is more expensive the single-seat one. The two-person kayak comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The construction of the kayak is just like any best fishing kayak under 500. It’s made of high-density polyethylene with UV protection. It means the hull won’t’ fade, crack or face any kind of damage from the sun.
The one-person kayak is much cheaper and a better option for beginners. It’s also a polyethylene construction. The seats are padded and very comfortable. There are multiple footrest positions. The storage area is plenty inside the kayak. You also get a bungee cord in one of the compartments to secure your loose items.
Pros:
- Package includes a paddle
- It’s very stable and easy to track
- Comes in both one-person and two-person model
- Very lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Very affordable price
Cons:
- Comes only in one color
- The two-person model is significantly expensive than the other one
7. Sevylor-Coleman Colorado
If you want to explore the unexplored areas on the open lake, there are very choices for you other than the Sevylor-Coleman Colorado. It’s the best fishing kayak under 500 with a rugged PVC build. The kayak can hold two people at once so you can take a partner with you to the adventure.
The bottom of the kayak is made of 1000D tarpaulin and covered with 840D nylon to keep the punctures at bay. The length of the kayak is 10 feet once inflated. Did we mention that it’s an inflatable fishing kayak?
While the weight of the kayak is only around 41lbs., the weight capacity of this magnificent creation is at 470 pounds. The kayak has a threaded Boston valve for quick inflation and deflation. The storage pockets are made of mesh components. The pockets are very useful is storing your gears or snacks. There is a D-ring as well to attach additional equipment if you see fit.
Moreover, the kayak has rod holders included to hold your fishing rods. The rod holders ensure a hands-free kayaking experience. The additional air chambers are very useful in case you face any punctures.
The structure of this best fishing kayak under 500 is very similar to other inflatable fishing kayaks available in the market. Sevylor-Coleman Colorado features an airtight system to ensure that your kayak remains inflated at all times. The package includes a carrying bag as well so you don’t face any difficulty taking it from one place to another.
Pros:
- Very lightweight yet very strong and durable
- Multiple rod holders
- Very durable tarpaulin and nylon bottom
- Mesh pockets to house your equipment or snacks
- Threaded Boston valve for easier and faster inflation and deflation
Cons:
- Has the risk of punctures
8. Sundolphin SS Bali 10 foot Kayak
Yet another best fishing kayak under 500 from Sundolphin. You should already know how good Sundolphin is in making kayaks. This kayak gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy nature while kayaking in your favorite lake.
The construction of the kayak is made of rugged and Fortiflex UV stabilized polyethylene. The compound is very high-density so you can rest assured that the structure is solid and sturdy. The kayak is a one-person kayak with a 10-foot length. The length gives you more space to store your things while giving you more leg space. The kayak is 30 inches wide as well so you won’t have problems fitting inside the kayak.
Sundolphin SS Bali features an open cockpit so the boarding process is a walk in the park. The deck features a spacious seating area with padded seats and protective thigh pads. There are footwells as well to ensure your comfort to the max.
The kayak weighs less than 50lbs. so it’s no problem to carry it around. There are two standard T-handles to make it easier. It can take up to 250lbs. which is enough for people. The storage compartment is also a great addition besides the PAC (Portable Accessory Carrier).
You can choose from six different colors. But the colors will vary depending on the price. It’s a weird policy by the manufacturer. Except for this, the Sundolphin SS Bali is a solid choice for season fishing enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Very stable thanks to the wide width
- The durable construction with high-density polyethylene
- Very affordable for the beginners
- Feature-rich design
- Six colors to choose from
Cons:
- Color affects the price
- Can hold just one person
- Not inflatable
9. Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Kayak
This fishing kayak is one of the best fishing kayaks under 500 available on the market. It’s really hard to find such a feature-rich design in this budget. It has two seats so you can have a fishing partner with you. You can even take your kid with you in the front.
The seats featured in this kayak are very comfortable and padded. There are footwells to let yourself brace tightly while paddling. The maximum capacity of the kayak is rated at 425lbs. which is convenient to includes 2 persons.
The kayak is quite long at 12 feet. The width is 34 inches as well so you can rest assured about the stability of the kayak. The manufacturer even provides a lifetime warranty on the hull of the kayak. It weighs around 57lbs. which is light enough to be carried easily.
The long and streamlined shape allows you to kayak through rough tide despite having two people on board. It’s one of the best fishing kayaks under 500 at this moment.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Easily controllable
- Very comfortable seats with footwells
- Very stable and sturdy design
- Decent storage
Cons:
- No dry storage
- Material quality not the best in class
10. Advanced Elements Convertible Inflatable Kayak
Another two-person kayak on our list. It’s a very good product at the price. It’s one of the best fishing kayaks under 500 in our opinion. It comes with standard double-seated formation. The best part is you can convert it to a double seat, double deck or single deck configuration.
It’s made with very good quality material like aluminum ribs on each end to make tracking easier than ever. Also, the bottom of the kayak comes with three layers of puncture resistance. It comes with adjustable padded seats. All you have to do is unfold, inflate and add the seats. The seats have back support as well to ensure that you get proper leverage while paddling.
The pressure relief valve is located on the floor to make draining and inflating easier. It features Advanced Elements Spring Valve as well. Durable double-coated fabric makes it one of the best fishing kayaks under 500.
If you’re looking forward to buying your first two-person fishing kayak and you’re low on budget, get the Advanced Elements Convertible with your eyes closed. The build quality is tremendous considering the price. It’s really hard to find such a great purchase in this era.
Pros:
- Very good padding on the seats
- Very affordable price
- Perfect for taking a friend to fish
- Inflatable design
- Easy to set up
- Three layers of coating at the bottom to prevent punctures
Cons:
- The 15 feet length might cause problems in maneuvering
- Heavier than most of the kayaks
Takeaway
The best fishing kayaks under 500 can be a lifesaver if you are looking for a budget option to go fishing. The kayaks in our list are the best choice you’ll get while getting your fishing kayak. All of the above are great. In our opinion, Sundolphin and Lifetime make the best fishing kayaks under 500. However, you can go to any of them.