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Best Overall
Pelican Catch Classic 100
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Summary
The Catch Classic kayak is a true fishing machine specifically designed for anglers with an impressive set of features at an affordable price.
Best Sit-In
Perception Sound 10.5
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Summary
The Perception Sound 10.5 offers lots of performance and angling-specific features in a light, fast hull.
Best Adventure
Wilderness Systems Tarpon
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Summary
The Perception Outlaw 11.5 has incredible stability, high seat position, room for accessories in front and behind the seat.
There are plenty of cheap fishing kayaks under $1000 that have everything you need and more to have successful days on the water. A number of anglers are now pursuing just about every species that swims out of their kayaks. From sunfish to sailfish, fishermen are taking kayaks to places they’ve never been before; it’s truly incredible. However, a lot of purpose-made fishing kayaks
, with cutting edge technology, cost in excess of $3000—and that’s without associated essential gear. For many anglers just starting out, this isn’t a feasible budget. The good news is there are some incredible yet more affordable yaks that cover just about every type of fishing. Here are our top picks for the best fishing kayaks under $1000.
Best Overall: Pelican Catch Classic 100
Best Ultra-Budget: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Best Sit-In: Perception Sound 10.5
Best for Next Level Fishing: Perception Outlaw 11.5
Best for Fishing and Adventure: Wilderness Systems Tarpon
Best Hybrid: Ascend Ascend H10 Sit-In Hybrid Kayak
and Ascend H12
Best for Two Anglers: Native Ultimate FX 15
How We Picked The Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000
My choice in the best fishing kayaks for under $1000 is based on nearly 30-years of angling experience, including 20-years of kayak angling in both fresh and saltwater. I have owned a bunch of kayaks
over the years—from models costing $200 to upwards of $3000—and started fishing out of a kayak before specialty angling kayaks were available for purchase. As a professional fishing writer and photographer, I talk with anglers frequently about their fishing experiences, preferences, and top-picks. When evaluating budget fishing kayaks, I based my choices on:
Hull design: How stable and efficient (speed and tracking) is the kayak when paddling and fishing?
Seat design and comfort: Can you fish all day sitting on the factory seat?
Accessories and angling-specific features: Is the kayak specifically designed with the angler in mind? How many features and extra accessories does it include? Is it ready to fish, or will it need some modification?
Weight and durability: How heavy is the kayak for transporting and storage? Is the hull going to stand up to bumps, drops, launches, and landings?
Price: Does the kayak represent the best value given its features and performance?
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Pelican Catch Classic 100
Best Overall
Specs
Length: 10 feet
Width: 34 inches
Weight: 58-pounds fully rigged
Price: $549
Pros
Specifically built for anglers
A super wide 34-inch hull offers excellent stability
High-sitting, removable and adjustable dual-position seat
Two-rod holders, accessory rails, and adjustable foot pegs
Cons
Slow and not particularly efficient or agile
There are more rugged hull materials available
The Catch Classic 100 is a new model from Pelican, which is known for making some really great kayaks at lower price points. The hull is based on The Catch 100, a popular model that, in its own right, is an excellent value and highly regarded. The Catch Classic is a purpose-built fishing machine with a nice wide hull that some anglers can even stand up in, though I wouldn’t plan on it. It boasts more than just the basics in terms of accessories, like dual rod holders—perfect for one of the best fishing rods of 2023
—paddle tie downs, an excellent multi-position seat that is nice and high, two four-inch rigging tracks, a spacious rear gear well with strapping, and a lockable front dry hatch. Frankly, it has as many quality features as some kayaks costing three-times as much. Despite Pelican marketing this for “smaller anglers”, it is rated at 350 pounds which should be plenty for most anglers even with their gear.
The major downside of this kayak is pretty clear: It’s built on the same hull as The Catch, which is really slow and not suited for paddling far distances or trolling. It’s built for stability, not speed, and I wouldn’t take this kayak out into big water. One alternative to the Catch Classic is the Catch
, which is a more rigged-out version of the same hull, with extra features like four-rod holders, a nicer seat, a standing strap, and anti-slip decking. However, that kayak is $170 more, and I think most anglers in this segment would be just as happy with the Catch Classic.
Best Ultra-Budget: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Best Ultra-Budget
Specs
Length: 10 feet
Width: 36 inches
Weight: 37 pounds
Price: $225
Pros
Very lightweight and easy to transport
Cons
Not as durable as a standard kayak because it’s inflatable
You can spend under $250 and still get a decent vessel with this best inflatable fishing kayak. The Intex Excursion Pro kayak is made with a lightweight yet heavy duty abrasion-resistant PVC plastic that holds up well in the water. It’s easy to inflate and deflate and packs into a compact size, making it very convenient to tote around—you don’t need a truck or a roof rack to take it from place to place—and store when not in use. Onboard, you’ll find two detachable rod holders, an adjustable and moveable seat, and removable skegs that allow you to better maneuver through both shallow and deep water. The bow and stern both have plenty of storage space for all your gear, including stainless steel D-rings to clip dry bags or tackle bags to. Thousands of people recommend this inflatable fishing kayak, with many anglers praising its durability and ease of setup, and how effortless it is to paddle thanks to its light weight.
Best Sit-In: Perception Sound 10.5
Best Sit-In
Specs
Length: 10.5 feet
Width: 29.5 inches
Weight: 46 pounds fully rigged
Price: $569
Pros
Much faster and more efficient than sit-on-top kayaks in this price range
Flush mounted rod holders behind the angler and accessory rails in front
Despite low boat weight, still retains excellent load rating of 335 pounds
Compatible with spray-skirts to keep you totally dry
Cons
Not self-bailing
Closed cock-pit leaves less space for mounting accessories
The Sound offers three major advantages over the other sit-on-top or hybrid offerings in this article: it’s lighter, it’s faster, and it’s much drier. At only 46 pounds, it’s very easy to move around and load onto the top of a vehicle. The narrow hull design is more efficient to paddle longer distances, and the closed design will cut through chop and waves easily. Being a sit-in kayak, it’s also much drier when you’re out on the water. Further, it’s compatible with spray skirts, which can keep you completely dry from the waist down when out in the rain or cutting through waves and choppy conditions. However, this is true of many sit-in kayaks when compared to specifically designed open-cockpit angling kayaks. The reasons I choose the Perception Sound 10.5 specifically is because it already has rod holders built-in, an open rear deck for a crate, or other tackle-management systems. If you’re looking for a traditional sit-in kayak that’s ready to go fishing, there isn’t a better choice for less than $600.
Best For Next Level Fishing: Perception Outlaw 11.5
Best for Next level fishing
Specs
Length: 11.5 feet
Width: 35 inches
Weight: 77 pounds fully rigged
Price: $829
Pros
Incredible stability—you really can stand and fish in the Outlaw
One of the highest seating positions of any kayak, under or over $1000
Simplicity and flexibility for accessories in front and behind the seat
High load-rating of 425 pounds
Cons
Not the fastest or the lightest kayak
No dry storage or adjustable foot pegs
If you are looking for a serious, angler-oriented design but also still want to stick to a $1000 limit, the Perception Outlaw has no real rivals. This boat is designed to be a dedicated, hardcore fishing machine. The Outlaw hull is specifically constructed with the angler in mind. You can really stand up in this thing and fish. While other kayaks claim you can stand in them, I often find it pretty tricky, especially while fighting fish. The seating position in the Outlaw is very high, giving great visibility of the water. It also is designed for a pass-through transducer for fish finders, and the hull is self-bailing. It also has four built-in rod holders—the only kayak on this list with that feature. The seat is comfortable and the craft has non-slip decking and accessory rails built right in. Overall, it’s a clean and simple deck that welcomes modification and personalization. Finally, the construction of this kayak is super tough, and it will stand up to abuse better than some other budget-minded kayaks.
The downside to the Outlaw is speed and efficiency—it’s not designed to go fast, or far. Instead, it is made for the calm water angler looking to move along the shore and work slowly over structure. You don’t want to be fighting strong wind, waves, or current in this kayak. The Outlaw is also heavier than most of the boats on this list, but lighter than many pedal kayaks. There is no dry storage in this boat, so best to purchase a dry bag or two. While it has no foot pegs, the high seat and very stable design make that less important.
Best Fishing and Adventure Kayak: Wilderness Systems Tarpon
Best for Fishing and Adventure
Specs
Length: 10.5 or 12 feet
Width: 31 to 32 inches
Weight: 55 to 63 pounds
Price: Starting at $999
Pros
Very stable and efficient
Low comfortable seating increases efficiency and speed
Both models are relatively lightweight and easy to handle
Great features like locking hatches, accessory rails, and a built in dry-box
Cons
No rod holders
The Tarpon 120 is slightly over-budget
The Tarpon is one of the most well-known and respected sit-on-top kayaks
in the industry. The hull is half-way between a super speedy (and tippy) touring kayak and those ultra-wide (and slow) fishing hulls. It also has a low seating position, lacking the folding chair or stadium style seat. This means, as a fishing kayak, it is very efficient and capable of covering a lot of water in a single day. Despite the narrower hull, the low seat position gets you closer to the water, and as a result, the kayak is very stable.
I own both the Tarpon 105 and 120 and found that the 105 was easier to paddle. I could cover ground quickly with the shorter kayak and it is much more nimble. However, the 120 tracks better, has more deck space, and the waterproof hatch is much larger. The 120 also handles bigger waves, like ocean swell, and chop better than the 105. If you’re going to use the Tarpon for day trips on lakes, ponds, and rivers, the 105 is more than enough boat for most users. However, if you’re looking to add some touring and camping to your fishing trips, or going to be fishing big water, the 120 is the better option.
The Tarpon has one substantial downside: no flush-mounted rod holders. This is a serious deterrent for a lot of anglers. It’s not a deal-breaker, as there are many different rack-mounted rod holders that can be placed behind your seat, and the Tarpon has forward mounted rails for additional rod holders. However, these accessories are going to cost you, and at $999 for the 105 and $1099 for the 120, these kayaks are at or over the budget limit. While I find the Tarpon to be relatively dry, there’s no denying it’s a bit wetter than other angling kayaks, too.
Best Hybrid: Ascend H10
and H12
Best Hybrid
Specs
Length: 10 to 12 feet
Width: 31 to 32 inches
Weight: 55 to 76 pounds
Price: Starting at $779
Pros
A cross between a canoe and a kayak, with advantages of both
Extremely stable fishing machines with high weight-ratings
Great value, super tough hulls
Cons
Not very efficient compared to other kayaks
Not self-bailing and no dry storage
If you want both a fishing canoe
and a kayak, but want to stay under $1000 total, the Ascend H10 or H12 might be the boat you’ve been looking for. They have a hull design that is somewhere between a traditional solo kayak and an aluminum or fiberglass canoe. While this is technically not a sit-on-top kayak, the cockpit is large and open and functions very similarly on the water. There are gear rails on the left, right, and front of the cockpit, rear flush-mounted rod holders, and both boats include removable gear pouches that clip inside the boat in front of the angler. I can stand in the H10 to look around, though trying to fish standing up was a bit of a challenge. Both models are also lightweight for their very impressive load ratings, but the H10 in particular—at only 55-pounds fully rigged and a 400-pound load rating—is in a class of it’s own.
The biggest downside is their efficiency and rough-water performance. They are not fast boats, though faster than some ultra-wide kayaks, and they won’t handle big waves well at all. I would not recommend them for big bodies of water. I was also surprised to find the H10 is a wet boat in chop because waves slap the high-hull and spray the angler. There is also no dry storage. Anything lying on the deck is going to get wet, so a dry bag becomes essential.
Best for Two Anglers: Native Ultimate FX 15
Best for Two Anglers
Specs
Length: 15 feet
Width: 31 inches
Weight: 90 pounds fully rigged
Price: $1699
Pros
Accommodates one or two anglers easily
Updated seats and accessories are perfectly suited to the typical angler
Extremely stable
Cons
Not self-bailing and no dry storage makes it not well suited for rough water
It’s over the $1000 budget
The Native Ultimate has been around for many years, and it’s one of the most interesting and fun 2-person fishing kayaks I’ve ever used. It’s another hybrid option and looks and functions somewhere between a kayak and a canoe. The reason I’m adding it to this list is that the Ultimate FX 15, though $700 over the $1000 limit, is designed to accommodate one or two anglers. So if you were considering getting a couple of $1000 kayaks, this could save you money.
The Ultimate tracks really well—whether solo or with a partner—and is easy to paddle with a kayak paddle
since it’s only 31-inches wide. Despite this meager width, it is very stable. Both the primary and secondary stability are very reliable, and I wouldn’t be worried about tackling white caps or boat wakes. I was able to stand in it and look around, while my wife sat in the front, but it was tough to cast and fight fish. I’m not sure most anglers will be able to stand at all. Despite the Ultimate FX 15 being 90-pounds fully rigged, it feels and performs on the water like a lighter kayak—agile and responsive. The Ultimate is also a dry kayak and open enough that air circulation is good. I really loved this boat, and have since convinced other anglers and couples to purchase it; not one has been disappointed.
The downsides of the Ultimate are the same as with other hybrids. It is not self-bailing, and if you flip, it’s going to fill with water. There’s also no dry storage, and while the Ultimate will hold a ton of gear, if it’s in the boat it’s almost certainly going to get wet from paddle spray or the elements. As a fishing kayak, it also doesn’t have dedicated rod holders built-in, so trolling requires holding the rod or buying an after-market clip-on rod holder.
What to Consider When Choosing A Budget Fishing Kayak
Chances are, if you’re looking for the best fishing kayak under $1000, you are probably just starting out in the kayak angling world. The good thing is you don’t need anything fancy to get out and fish. As long as you’re not looking to cover long distances or fish in any kind of rough water, then just about any kayak will do. Here are some important considerations before buying a fishing kayak.
Sit-in vs. Sit-on-top
The first question that will arise when considering a fishing kayak is whether you want a sit-on or sit-in kayak. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage of a sit-in kayak is it’s a much drier experience. Those who use sit-on-top kayaks typically accept they’re going to get a little (or a lot) wet. Also, with a few exceptions, sit-in kayaks tend to be more efficient when paddling than sit-on kayaks.
Sit-on-top kayaks are the primary choice for most anglers. The ability to store and easily access gear, plus the customizability cannot be matched by sit-in kayaks. Sit-on-tops are much more flexible with where you can mount rod holders and rails, electronics, and other accessories. The low side decks of sit-on-top kayaks make it easy to haul fish up into your lap, and because of their design, they’re almost always more stable overall which makes reaching for fish safer. Sit-on-top kayaks are also easier to get in and out of at the dock or launch, and I find them more comfortable overall. Whichever style you prefer, they make both sit-in and sit-on-top fishing kayaks for under $1000.
Hull Design
The hull design is a critical consideration when it comes to selecting a kayak. The hull is what determines speed, stability, tracking, and ease of paddling. There are trade-offs to all designs, and thinking about what you want your kayak to do will ultimately determine what hull you should be looking for. If you want a ’yak that is going to be fast, you’re likely going to have to trade some stability. If you want a kayak that is so stable you can stand in it, you’re going to compromise for this by having a much slower, harder to paddle kayak.
—how tippy a kayak is—is often of highest concern to new anglers. Stability in kayaks comes down to two stages. First, primary stability is the hull’s stability when it’s just resting flat on the water. Hulls that are very flat or have a pontoon-like structure will have lots of primary stability and ride on top of the water. However, they often have very poor secondary stability—the stability when the kayak is leaned on its edge. Put another way, while it’s difficult to push them over, once these hulls reach a tipping point, it’s hard to stop them. Boats with rounder hulls tend to feel a bit more tippy at first but actually may have more stability overall because they have lots of secondary stability. Rounder or V-shaped hulls tend to have a lot more secondary stability, while also being faster and more agile, making them great for cutting through rougher water.
Length and Weight
The major advantages of longer kayaks are three-fold. First, they are typically faster; if the hull design is the same, a longer kayak will be more efficient. Second, everything else being equal, a longer kayak will be able to carry more weight. Third, longer kayaks have more deck space for accessories and storage.
Shorter kayaks have advantages, too. First and foremost, they’re lighter. This means easier transportation, especially when you’re putting it on an SUV or crossover vehicle. They are also easier to store. Back in college, I kept my 8-footer in my dorm room; no way could I have done that with a 12-foot kayak. Shorter kayaks are also less expensive than longer kayaks, which can mean owning a nicer boat or more accessories for less money.
Given these factors, for most calm-water anglers who are paddling typical distances of less than 3-miles, a 10-foot kayak is going to be an excellent choice. It strikes a balance between shorter, recreational oriented kayaks, and longer, touring oriented models. However, many anglers like the added speed and load rating of a longer kayak, which is typically around 12 feet. There are many length options for fishing kayaks under $1000, you just need to do your homework.
Seat and Accessories
Kayak seat technology has come a long way since I started kayak fishing, especially for budget yaks like I’m discussing here. Your kayak seat is the biggest determinant of comfort in the boat. I suggest testing as many seats as you can. For fishermen, having a high seat that keeps you dry and gives you visibility of the water, and makes casting and retrieving more comfortable can be worth forgoing other accessories and luxuries. I like having a higher seat position as it gives me a better view of the water. However, this also decreases stability and makes it harder to paddle, which will decrease your speed.
Some fishing kayaks come with different accessories and add-ons. Often, these make things more convenient but aren’t always essential. I would urge you to choose a kayak based on the quality of craftsmanship, hull design, and seating position (which includes comfort) before you consider all the extra add-ons. For most anglers starting out or for those fishing calm waters, there are just two things I consider must-haves: some kind of rod holder and space behind the seat for gear storage. Both will make kayak fishing much more convenient.
FAQs
Q: Can you stand up in a kayak and fish?
I hate to use the dreaded phrase, but it depends. Most kayaks you cannot stand and fish in, plain and simple. Even those that say you can, you often cannot do more than stand up and look around. I am an athletic guy with great balance, and I have found that standing in kayaks and actually fishing is tough. Therefore, if you really want to stand up and fish—especially if you’re a big guy, an older angler, or someone with poor balance—you should buy an ultra-wide, exceptionally stable kayak.
Q: What length of kayak is best for me?
The length and width of a kayak are important, but I hope that I’ve made clear that hull design, load rating, and seat height matter, too. Larger anglers who need to carry a lot of gear are going to need a longer kayak to handle the weight. Those who are looking for a faster, more efficient and better tracking kayak are often looking for a longer kayak, too. But this is not always true, and hull design often matters more than length or even width.
Q: How much are fishing kayaks?
If you just want to try out kayak fishing, you can basically fish out of anything. You don’t need a special fishing kayak. However, angling kayaks offer so many great features now—at really low prices—that they make fishing more enjoyable and productive. However, if you’re just starting out, there is absolutely no need to spend more than $1000—especially if you’re fishing small or calm water. In fact, there are some really great options out there for less than $700, including the Pelican Catch, Perception Sound, and Perception Pescador kayaks that will last you many years of angling enjoyment.
Q: What color is best for a fishing kayak?
Fun fact: Fish don’t notice or care about the color of your fishing kayak. So choosing a color that “matches” the water you’re fishing doesn’t really matter at all. Instead, many experts recommend choosing a bright-colored kayak—like neon orange or bright red—to make you more visible to other boaters. It’s an easy way to stay safe when you’re out on the water.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000
Best Overall: Pelican Catch Classic 100
Best Ultra-Budget: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Best Sit-In: Perception Sound 10.5
Best for Next Level Fishing: Perception Outlaw 11.5
Best for Fishing and Adventure: Wilderness Systems Tarpon
Best Hybrid: Ascend Ascend H10 Sit-In Hybrid Kayak
and Ascend H12
Best for Two Anglers: Native Ultimate FX 15
There are many options for fishing kayaks under $1000 these days that it can get overwhelming. My advice remains to simply focus on what is most important to you, and don’t feel you need to spend tons of money to get started. Match the features of the kayak to your angling and paddling demands, and have fun on the water this season. This list of the best fishing kayaks under $1000 is a great place to start.
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