You get up early, make some coffee, load up your gear and head out. You’ve been planning, waiting, and now it’s time get out there. It’s time to fish. Fishing from a kayak is different than other ways, you’re right on the water, you get a feel for it, and you can get to places bigger boats can’t. That’s why DigandFlow.com has compiled a list of the best fishing kayaks under 500 dollars. They get you where you want to be and keep enough money in your wallet for all the other gear. Let’s take a look at some of the boats that made the cut and why we like them.
Click on any of the kayaks below to jump to it’s review
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Emotion Renegade XT
Emotion Renegade XT
The Renegade from Emotion is the first boat on our list of the best fishing kayaks under 500 dollars. This is a fishing specific kayak that gives you all the things you’re looking for in a kayak. A large tankwell, easy steering, good tracking, and room for gear gives the Renegade a surefire spot on our list.
A great choice for larger paddlers and those who are new to fishing out of kayak the Renegade provides good stability and great comfort for those all day fish-a-thons. The tankwell is really spacious and gives you enough room to accommodate a small kid, dog or extra fishing gear and is why we really like the Renegade. It gives you enough room without being bulky.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Long Lasting Durability
The Emotion Renegade XT is made from high strength, high density polyethylene for superior strength and durability. This translates into your boat lasting a long time even when you’re hard on it and let’s face it fishing kayaks see some abuse that normal kayaks aren’t exposed to. When you’re thinking of a new kayak durability should definitely be in the forefront of your decision making. Getting a strong tough boat means you’ll have fishing transport for years to come.
Stability
One of the accolades that keeps coming up is how the Renegade has superior stability. This is such a nice feature in a fishing kayak and allows you to move about getting gear set or landing fish. People have said that because this one of the widest kayaks on the market that they’re able to stand up on it and that gives you a lot more freedom of movement especially while you’re fishing.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Low backrest provides comfort and can be taken out for when you’re storing it
- Large rear tankwell with cargo netting for storing your gear when you’re on the water
- “Solace Storage Hatch” gives a ton of additional room underneath the deck
- Paddle ledges and carry handles are molded into the boat itself for extra convenience
- Proprietary “Freedom Footwells” provide all-day comfort and secure foot bracing
- Self-bailing scuppers drain water from the cockpit and tankwell keeping you and your gear dry
- The Renegade comes with front and rear handles making transport easy
- Weighing only 49 lbs makes maneuvering and transporting easy
- The Renegade’s hull design gives it great stability and tracking
- UV-Protected high-density polyethylene construction means you’ll have it for years to come
Emotion Renegade XT
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 36 in.
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Max-Capacity: 325 lbs
- Best for: Fishing, calm water, rivers, inlets, and bays
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com
Customer who’ve purchased the Emotion Renegade XT have really like the boat overall. Some of the things that the customers have liked are the total control and stability you have in it, the tracking and the fact that some said they could stand up on it.
One thing that a reviewer said he didn’t like was the fact that the dry storage compartment has no well and that things can get moved out of reach. While this may pose a problem on the water a simple DIY job for some dividers is easy enough and no one else had brought it up as a concern.
With good reviews, a great price tag, and loads of fishing features the Emotion Renegade XT makes the first spot on our Best Fishing Kayaks for Under 500 list.
Sun Dolphin Excursion
Sun Dolphin Excursion
The Sun Dolphin Excursion is next up on our list of the best fishing kayaks under 500 dollars. This fishing specific kayak checks all the boxes for us and was easy to put on the list. 3 rod holders, wide cockpit, good gear storage make one heck of a fishing kayak.
Coming in at $466.66 on Amazon the Excursion is a great boat for the money. Built to last with tough construction and materials means that you can get a fishing kayak for a good price and have it around for years to come.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Built to Fish
The Excursion from Sun Dolphin is a purpose built kayak with one thing in mind, fishing. 2 flush-mount rod holders in the rear and a swivel mounted rod holder in front make bringing all your equipment an easy task. A roomy gear storage compartment means you can throw the rest of your gear inside the boat and have it handy when you need it.
A paddle holding system allows you to set up and get your paddle out of your way when you’re casting or landing fish and the stability is there for extra confidence. With great features like these it’s pretty easy to see why the Excursion made our list.
Comfort Minded
When they designed the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10 they had you in mind too. Comfort for all-day paddling comes standard with features like the extra-wide cockpit for easy access, protective thigh rests, a padded backrest, and adjustable foot braces. When you’re spending all day (or even a few hours) in a kayak you soon realize the need to build a comfortable boat.
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
Features
- Great for lakes and rivers because it has great tracking and ability to get into secluded coves and bays
- Lightweight and easy to carry make the Excursion hassle-free when loading and unloading
- Excursion offers maximum stability so you can move about and get things just right before landing the big on
- Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex® high density polyethylene means your boat stay looking like new longer
- Two flush mount rod holders for holding your rods well out of your way when paddling
- One swivel rod holder up front for easy access
- A large open cockpit means getting in and out of the Excursion is super easy
- An adjustable padded seat gives you all day paddling comfort
- A great storage compartment for hauling all of your gear
- Shock cord deck rigging keeps all of your must-haves right at arms reach
- The Excursion provides adjustable foot braces so you can dial in your comfort
- Water bottle holder keeps your drink handy so you can stay hydrated
- Protective thigh pads so your legs don’t get beat up during your paddle
- A paddle holder keeps your paddle out of the way when you’re casting a line.
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 30 inches
- Height: 13 inches
- Weight: 41 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 250 Lbs
Customer Reviews
Customers lauded the stability of the Excursion and said how much they liked the forgiving nature. “You won’t regret buying this kayak”, “It’s super stable and light” and others like that kept popping up, people really like just how nice it is for under $500.
There are quite a few quality boats out there for under $500 and this is one of them. We’re stoked with this boat and think you will be too! Coming in at #2 on the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500 list, the Sun Dolphin Excursion.
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10
Old Town Vapor 10
We really liked the Vapor for a couple reasons, firstly it’s roomy and comfortable. This might not seem like a fishing specification but take a ‘yak out for the day and then tell me comfort isn’t important. Fishing is a stationary sport, you want to get comfortable and stay that way without having to adjust trying to find that sweet spot. Secondly, it put the angler front and center with a bunch of different fishing features. One we love is the anchor trolley. Just tie your anchor up to the trolley then you’ve got the convenience of dropping and stopping wherever the fishing is good.
Want more info on anchor trolleys? Check out our write ups on How to Attach An Anchor to a Kayak and Where To Tie The Anchor On A Kayak Trolley System.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Comfort for Days
The Vapor 10 has big fishing muscles and comfort on its mind. Old Town’s proprietary Comfort Flex seat is adjustable with the pull of a cord located in the cockpit and it’s padded. Couple that with thigh pads and adjustable foot braces and the Vapor 10 has unmatched comfort with excellent boat control.
It’s wide body design means that even a novice paddler can jump in the Vapor and after minimal “getting used to” can be off to find their fishing spot. These features alone tell a long story of paddler comfort being at the forefront of the design process.
Extra Fishy
The Old Town Vapor 10 is a fishing specific beast that boasts big time fishing finding capabilities and features. The anchor trolley we touched on earlier means that once you find the fish you can stay in just the right spot and not have to worry about installing an aftermarket product. Other fishing points of the Vapor 10 are a molded in cockpit tray for pliers, line, leaders, or sunglasses and 2 flush mounted rod holders behind the seat that keep your rods safely out of the way as you paddle out.
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
Features
- Adjustable Comfort Flex seat means you’ll stay comfortable all day long
- Glide Track foot brace system gives you the flexibility to custom fit your boat and make paddling super efficient
- a stern day well provides ample storage for gear needed for you next trip
- Molded-in cockpit tray and cup holder give you convenience right at your fingertips
- A molded-in paddle rest provides the perfect spot to stow your paddle while fishing
- Thigh pads keep your knees from contacting the hard outer body
- Anchor trolley system is the ultimate tool for when you need to stay right on the fish
- Flush mounted rod holders keep you rods tucked nicely out of the way while you’re paddling out
- Built in carry handles make transporting the Vapor and easy task
- A skid plate provide protection when paddling in the shallows or moving your kayak
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Deck Height: 16.75 inches
- Weight: 49 Lbs
- Max Capacity: 275-325 Lbs
Customer Reviews
People who love to fish also loved this boat. Some features that kept coming up in the review where how stable and roomy the kayak was and the amount of storage for gear.
The only thing people found less than ideal was the drain plug. Located underneath the seat it can be cumbersome to reach and so installing a second drain plug might make more sense if you’re getting a lot of water in the boat.
Perception Pescador 10
Perception Pescador 10
The number 4 spot is the Pescador from Perception Kayaks. It seems like all the boats in this category are really nice and the Pescador is no different. Built as a fishing specific kayak this sit-in boat has got loads of features aimed at those who fish. A stabilizing hull add tons of support for those open water paddles out to your favorite spots and a dashboard that’s front and center for holding tackle and gear. The Pescador from Perception is a surefire for our list of Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500 list.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Stability and Handling
The Pescador 10 has several features that are great for any kayak: The ability to track well, good stability, and how well it maneuvers in the water. This kayak is designed for good smoothing tracking and stability, especially when entering and exiting the kayak. A comfort seating system and molded in foot wells provide comfort and ergonomics so you can paddle all day.
Fishing Stamp of Approval
The Pescador comes draped in fishing specifics right out of the box. With the Angler Package this kayak is ready to take on any fishing challenge. 2 Flush mount rod holders and a swivel rod holder up front make carrying your fishing poles really east, an anchor kit is even included, and a tankwell. Bow and stern hatches provide storage so you can bring along all the gear you need for you day on the water.
A paddle park keeps your paddle out of the way while launching, casting, or landing fish and the comfort carry handles make transporting the Pescador super easy. The tankwell is a great size and could easy accommodate your pooch so they can come fishing too.
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
Features
- The Comfort Seating System from Perception is awesome! It keeps you comfort and let’s you dial in the perfect paddling and fishing position.
- Molded-in foot wells let you set your feet wherever you need them and keeps your paddling efficient
- A bow hatch and stern day hatch safely store your gear while you’re on the water and let’s you bring the essentials you need
- The Pescador has a tankwell with bungee strap system so you can keep your tackle box on deck without worrying, or remove the bungees and load up your furry companion
- Comfort Carry Handles mean that transporting the Pescador from your rig to the loading dock is an easy task
- A paddle park keeps your stick at bay while you’re landing fish or taking pictures
- 2 flush mount rod holders carry your poles well out of the way while you’re paddling out or moving the boat
- A great feature of the boat is the 3.5 lb. anchor kit. Find the fish? Stay there.
- An anchor trolley makes letting out and bringing in the anchor really easy.
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 29 inches
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Max Capacity: 325 lbs
The Pescador is fishing fiend and ready to take on any day on the water. It’s narrower design will get you there quick and with all of the storage features you’ll be able to plan for anything. This Perception kayak is for those looking for a one-boat quiver and that guaranteed it a spot on our list of the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500.
Lifetime Tamarack
Lifetime Tamarack
Next on our list is the Lifetime Tamarack. This is an awesome sit-on-top fishing kayak designed to get you where you need to be and save you a ton of money.
The Tamarack comes standard with a ton of fishing features. 2 rear flush mounted rod holders and one top mounted rod holder in the front, 2 paddle rests, and 2 dry storage compartments mean that the Tamarack is ready to take on your next fishing adventure. Coming in at only $349 the Tamarack is one of least expensive boats on our list so you can save on your boat and spend it on more gear!
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Tracking Beast
The Tamarack’s flat bottom and deep channeling hull make it a stable and efficient paddler. The outer chine rails give a tremendous amount of stability which is crucial for a fishing kayak. So much so that you can stand up on it without too much worry of flipping it.
Built to Last
The Tamarack is built out of durable high-density polyethylene and comes with a 5 year limited warranty so you can rest assured that you not only got a great deal but your boat will last. The hull materials are UV protected to help prevent sun damage which can decrease the life of your boat. With simple care and maintenance the Tamarack will last a good long time.
Features and Specifications
Features
- Constructed of UV-protected high-density polyethylene means your boat can handle mother nature
- A stable flat bottom, tracking hull design, and chine rails means the Tamarack will go where you need it too safely and efficiently
- Multiple footrest positions for different size paddlers, adjustable and padded seat back and seat pad mean no matter how long you’re paddling you’re going to be comfortable
- Three rod holders on board, 2 rear flush mounts and a forward mounted holder give you tons of storage and keep you rods safely out of the way while you’re navigating
- The Tamarack has two storage areas that you can use to store all the equipment you need for your day on the water
- Two paddle cradles secured with shock cord and with handles in front and back mean the Tamarack is built for convenience as much as fishing
Specifications
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 31 inches
- Deck Height: 14 inches
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Max Capacity: 275 lbs
Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com
People really like the Lifetime Tamarack as a great, inexpensive fishing kayak. The stability and the roominess of the boat had people excited about it’s use as a fishing boat because, let’s face it, you need both of those components if you’re serious about a ‘yak you can fish out of. Reviews also raved about the overall value of the kayak. Reviews titled “Incredible Value”, “Excellent Value for the Price”, and “Great first time fishing Kayak” were all in there as well as others who had great things to say about the Tamarack.
With a kayak this approachable it was a must on out list of the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500 list.
Well there you go! 5 great fishing kayaks that will get you out on the water and fishing in style. These budget boats are designed with fishing at the forefront and make an awesome investment whether you’re just getting started or are a salty paddlesmith with thumbs rougher than sandpaper.
We hope you enjoyed out list of the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500 and use it to get some more information on fishing kayaks and maybe find the perfect one for your next adventure!
See you out there!