Warm weather and fishing season are just about here and with them so is the need for a new fishing ‘yak. They give the freedom to move around, are easy to get in and out of, and are super stable for casting and landing fish. In this article we’ll be looking at our list of the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000, what’s makes them good and why you should consider them.
If you’re considering a new boat it might be time to upgrade some other parts of your kit too. Check out our list of the Best Fishing Kayak for the Money and our Best Inflatable PFD for Fishing posts too for more information.
Click on any of the kayaks below to jump to their review
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FeelFree Lure 10
Ready for a heck of a boat? Take a look at the FeelFree Lure 10. This thing has bells and whistles on it normally reserved for kayaks double the money. The pinnacle of fishing kayaks in this price range the Lure 10 is capable of going anywhere and catching anything you throw your line at.
The super wide hull (36 inches) and standing platform are just the beginner of the awesome features. This smaller brother to the 11.5 Lure gives you the perfect option for all types of water without sacrificing any of the things you want in a fishing kayak.
Boutique Components
The Lure comes equipped for any day on the water and the challenges that come with. Features include FeelFree’s removable multi-level Gravity Seat, a patented wheel in the keel transport aid and Uni-Track system.
The Gravity Seat is a feature that truly sets this boat apart from others. Multiple height settings let you set the seat to the perfect height whether you’re paddling out or want a higher vantage to fish from. Simply stand and lift the seat to desired height and pull the draw cord under the seat to return to a lower position. This one feature alone is a game changer for us.
“Probably the best kayak in its price range.”
The Uni-Track system from Feelfree is an awesome components system that allows you to add your favorite accessories without needing to drill holes in your boat. Adjustable to wherever you need them and really easy to customize this simple feature makes a heck of a lot of difference.
Wheel in the keel transport system dramatically enhances how you move your boat to and from vehicle to launch. The wheel sits low on the rear of the keel and allows you to pick up the front of your boat and simply pull it to where you need it to be. Moving a fishing kayak has never been so easy.
Stability Where it Counts
The Lure 10 is truly a fishing kayak. It’s super wide hull at 36 inches allows you to stand and fish with ease and the standing platform is perfect for getting higher up to sight cast and is covered with a foam pad to ensure you have casting confidence.
Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com
With more features that can be listed in a single highlight article we’ll let the people at FeelFree fill you in on a little more.
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For more details and to buy now visit Amazon.com
This is one of the best fishing kayaks we’ve come across at this price and we’re still drooling over it. The FeelFree Lure 10 is our favorite on the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000 list.
FeelFree Moken 12.5
Another stellar product from FeelFree is the Moken 12.5. This ultimate fishing kayak is going to be your best friend when you’re headed out looking for your next lunker. With many of the same features as the Lure the Moken is set for your next bigger water adventure and some of the differnces include the King fisher seat and the option to mount a rudder for windier or rougher conditions.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Comfort For Paddling
The King fisher seat is probably the biggest change from the FeelFree Lure. While it doesn’t ratchet up and down like the Gravity seat it does provide unparalleled comfort for longer travel. The seat itself is shaped in a wedge, wider at the front and narrow toward the rear, and is stuffed with comfort giving foam.
A standing platform allows the paddler to either sight cast or paddle while standing up. The platform is covered with a foam layer that provides the confidence you need if you’re going to be standing up. The Moken is 32 inches wide which is plenty wide enough to provide superior stability while still maintaining quickness through the water.
Rudder Capable
The Moken 12.5 comes ready to accept a rudder system should you decide to install one. The ability to attach a rudder gives you the freedom to explore further out or in more inclement conditions where you need the added tracking.
Get more details on Amazon.com
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Customer Reviews
Reviewers really like the Moken as an all-in-one fishing vessel. Those who reviewed mentioned that they liked the layout in the cockpit and that provided ample storage for essential items. People also mentioned that the Moken surpassed other fishing kayaks in speed, stability and quality.
With people raving about it, FeelFree attention to details and it being an outright cool boat we’re proud to include the Moken on our Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000 list.
Buy Now On Amazon.com
Ocean Kayaks Prowler 13
The Prowler from Ocean Kayak is a fishing machine. This is one of the original kayaks designed specifically for fishing and it’s built to handle any water conditions you can find. The hull is designed to be quiet, efficient and very stable which are the foundations of any great fishing kayak. The Prowler will have no trouble storing your bigger items like coolers and tackle boxes with it’s large tankwell and cam locked hatches.
Paddler comfort also plays a big role with boat as well. A Comfort Plus seat provides all day comfort and is 4-way adjustable so you can dial in your comfort level. The seat also has reflective logos that show up well after dark and with exposure to sunlight will glow to give added visibility.
Fishing Capabilities
The Ocean Kayak Prowler is ready for your next fishing adventure and it’s list of fishing-ready features is pretty great. 2 rod holders, 2 cup holders, huge storage in the bow and stern, transducer compatible scupper, 2 paddle keepers and optional rudder system means the Prowler is ready to tackle anything so you can think about landing the next fish.
All-Day Storage (and then some)
The Prowler is ready to be loaded up and pointed at some fish. There is TONS of storage on this thing and finding a place for all of your gear will be no problem. The large tankwell is designed to take anything from your cooler to scuba tanks and everything in between.
The click seal bow hatch is watertight and features locking device that easily closes it up securely with one turn and allows you to store the stuff you need dry up front for when you break for lunch.
The 6 inch cam lock hatch located right in front of the seat makes getting to your essentials super easy and it’s toggle opening makes getting in and out hassle free.
Grab More Details and Buy Now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
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Get More Specs and Features on Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
People are really liking the Prowler and with it’s history it’s no surprise. Something that makes the Prowler stand out is it’s ability to handle all sorts of water types. A customer reviewed the boat and mentioned that he had out on choppy water in 25-30 mph wind and it handled great, those are pretty gnarly conditions for a kayak.
“Love this kayak”
Another feature that people were enjoy was the sleek design. The Prowler is designed to get you there fast and quietly. “Hull slap” is common on wider boats and one reviewer mentioned that he didn’t have any when paddling, list can be a game changer if you’re trying to sneak up on fish.
One reviewed said he wished the rod holders where moved up a bit more as turning to put rods or nets away got a little awkward. But even he said that this was a pretty minor thing and that overall he was happy with the boat.
For a fishing kayak it’s hard to beat the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 and we’re stoked to feature it as one of our top picks for the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000.
Future Beach Angler 160
Future Beach Angler 160
The Angler 160 from Future Beach comes in next on the list for Best Fishing Kayak Under $1000. This awesome fishing kayak is a lot of boat for the money at only $849. Measuring in at 13′ 4″ this is a pretty long boat and it comes with a lot of fishing specific features.
A dihedral hull makes for the ultimate in stability and tracking and makes sure you get to your spot fast and dry. 3 storage compartments make bringing everything along super easy and the rear tankwell has an indentation that fits a five-gallon bucket (something we really like). Paddle keepers, cup holders, and adjustable seat back means the the Angler 160 is ready to take it on!
Dihedral Hull
This specific hull design is perfect for those looking for even more stability and tracking out of their fishing kayaks. The sharp chine adds to the stability but maintains the boat’s maneuverability so you can switch tactics on the fly. As one reviewer put it the Angler’s hull isn’t designed with speed in mind but when you’re fishing rarely are you in a hurry.
“I LOVE my 160!”
Storage Is King
The Angler doesn’t skimp on storage. Much like the Prowler above the Angler has loads of storage for all of your gear and is perfectly suited to be loaded down with it’s 420 pound capacity.
One thing that stands out with this kayak is the 5-gallon bucket reservoir in the rear tankwell. This one simple feature adds tons of versatility to the boat. Bait bucket, live well, pony keg (okay, maybe not) all sit in perfectly and with the integrated bungee system what’s there will stay there.
Get More Details and Buy Now on Amazon.com
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Customer Reviews
People really like the ruggedness of the Angler. Being confident that your boat can handle what Mother Nature throws at it is a really great feeling. The thought of being stranded or worse watching you boat fill up with water is a scenario that we all want to avoid.
Another feature that reviewers like is the overall good design of the Angler. Being someone who wants to fish from their kayak you need the right appointments if you’re going head out on the water. This oat has all the right accessories in all the right places
Check out all the customer reviews on Amazon.com
Great reviews, good prices, fishing specifics and others make us stoked to have the Future Beach Angler 160 on our list of the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000 and recommend it to anyone who’s looking at getting a reasonably priced fishing specific kayak.
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Wilderness Systems Ride 115
Yet another great boat on our list of the best fishing kayaks under $1000 is the Ride 115 from Wilderness Systems. This boat comes standard with tons of fishing ready features that you’re going dig when you’re out on your next fishing expedition.
Built around the other Ride kayaks, the 115 is purpose built to be super nimble and stable for fishing in tight spaces. The introduction of the sharp chines really boosts the Ride’s stability when you’re stand up fishing and with the seat being able to adjust fore and aft you’re all set for a fun day on the water.
AirPro Freedom Elite Seating System
The Ride 115 features WS’s proprietary AirPro Freedom Elite seat. This seat is revolutionary in the kayak fishing world and sets the bar pretty high when it comes to seating comfort and fish-ability. One feature that makes the AirPro seat really stand out is it’s ability to adjust fore and aft which gives you the option to center out your load and stabilize your kayak even further.
Another feature that makes the AirPro even better is that it’s form can customized with integrated leg lifters, adjustable backrest and it’s ability to breath and vent warm air.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
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Get more details and buy now on Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
People who bought the Ride 115 really liked what it can do. One reviewer said it was well made and comfortable, that it tracks well, is very stable and has plenty of storage. As a fishing kayak there’s not a lot more you could ask for in a boat.
“I have this kayak and my dad has a Coosa I prefer the [R]ide just because of its it stability and the fact everything is vented to there is never any standing water”
Solid fishing capabilities, superior stability and ready to take on any aquatic challenge the Ride 115 from Wilderness Systems is just another example of the great boats on our list of the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000.
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Eddy Gear Stingray XL
The Stingray from Eddy Gear is a fishing powerhouse. This ultra-stable fishing kayak comes with a metal rudder, paddle, gear leash, rod holders, storage for days and is able to carry 670 pounds. It has super fishy features that allow the more avid anglers to bring all their gear and then some making this an ideal kayak for our list of the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000.
“One awesome kayak at a great price!”
At 13 feet 4 inches the Stingray is well equipped to take on longer tours and larger bodies of water. It’s integrated, foot operated rudder system allows for easy and worry free control while you’re out paddling. The hull shape is designed for a multitude of different water but paddlers really saw the Stingray excel when breaking through ocean surf and rough water.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Fishing Kayak All The Way
The Stingray comes ready to fish. From the bow to the stern this kayak is decked in fish-ready features like 3 rod holders, storage inside the seat, paddle keepers, tons of storage and rudder. This is a purpose built boat with one thing on it’s mind, fishing.
It’s 32 inch deck is really stable and standing up for sight casting is no problem. This is something that we found really beneficial as the stability matters no just for sight casting but for landing fish, paddling and breaking rough water.
Storage For All Your Gear
The Stingray comes ready to haul all of your gear out on your next fishing adventure. 2 cam locked storage areas are the perfect size for hauling tackle and other items that you won’t need immediate access to. These dry storage areas are perfect for larger gear that you want to keep protected from the elements as you’re paddling.
Twin paddle keepers allow you to stow your paddle and keep it there with incorporated bungees. This is a really nice feature when you decide to start fishing. Keeping your gear where it needs to be, especially when you’re on the water, can mean the difference between losing your stuff or worse, going for a swim.
Get More Information and Buy Now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
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Get More Details and Buy Now on Amazon.com
Built to fish and coming in at $798 make this kayak pretty hard to beat. The Stingray is the least expensive boat on the list and coupled with all of it’s great features means we’re stoked to highlight this on our list for the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000.
Well there you have it, 6 of the best fishing kayaks under $1000. Hopefully you learned something and this helped you figure out which fishing kayak is right for you. Although, it would be tough to find a kayak on this list that you wouldn’t be happy with. We were impressed with the quality of boat out there in this price range. Happy fishing and we’ll see you out there!