Fishing out of a kayak brings in a whole new way to view fishing and fishing from a sit on top kayak is a great way to start out. These kayaks are ready to tackle (…get it) your next fishing adventure and get you there with confidence all while saving you some major coin. Digandflow.com presents our picks for the best sit on top fishing kayaks under 500.
While you’re at it check out our pages for the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 500, Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000, and Best Fishing Kayak for the Money too. You’re sure to get some more information on additional boats and even some more on the ones we featured here.
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When you’re considering a new SOT kayak there are quite a few choices out there. When we looked at which sit on top fishing kayaks to feature there were a few elements that they needed to have.
Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks Considerations
- Comfortable for all day fishing adventures
- Stable for sight casting and landing fish
- Well reviewed
- Good amount of storage for gear
- Durable for long lasting use
There were a lot of nice boats in this category so let’s dive in and take a look at some of our favorites.
Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks Under 500
Lifetime Tamarack
While all this seems nice it’s the price tag that really makes it. Coming in at $429.95 on Amazon means you can get into a great fishing kayak and still have some scratch left to get some more gear.
Find out more and buy now on Amazon.com
Durability
The Tamarack is built tough and will last for years of use chasing fish with it’s included 5-year limited warranty. The UV-treated high density polyethylene hull is impact resistant which is great when you’re launching, fishing the shallows, or running bony sections.
Fishing Features
Lifetime has included a lot of great fishing features in the Tamarack’s design. Behind the seat there are 2 flush mount rod holders and up in front one swivel rod holder takes care of business. Bungee strapped gear wells in the bow and stern let you bring all of your fishing gear and get it secured quick and easy because having the right gear when you need it can make all the difference.
Features and Specifications
Features
- UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene Construction
- Different size riders can be comfortable with multiple footrest positions
- All day comfort with an adjustable seat back and seat pad
- Flat bottom provides awesome stability for casting and landing fish
- 3 rod holders make sure you can bring your whole kit
- Shock cord straps in the front and rear tank wells keep your gear securely tied down
- Rear and center located 6-inch storage compartments
- 2 paddle rests with integrated shock cords keep you paddle out of the way when you don’t need it
- Handles on the front and back make transport super easy
- Tracking channels run the length of the boat and provide efficient paddling
- Sharp chine rails give the Tamarack excellent side-to-side stability
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
Specifications
- Length: 120″
- Width: 31″
- Height: 14″
- Weight: 52 lb.
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Warranty: 5-Year Limited
Customer Thoughts
People are really liking the Tamarack, there’s nothing but great reviews on Amazon. With titles like “Great First Time Fishing Kayak“, “Excellent Value for the Price” and “Awesome for the Angler” it’s easy to see why the Lifetime Tamarack makes our list for the best sit on top fishing kayaks under 500.
Buy the Lifetime Tamarack on Amazon.com here
Sun Dolphin Journey
The Journey from Sun Dolphin is next on the list of our favorite sit on top fishing kayaks under 500. This great boat gets you there and then some with it’s super capable design and fish worthy features. The cockpit is adorned with a swivel rod holder, cup holder, dry storage compartment, and recessed holder for the items you need to keep handy like a multi-tool or tackle.
Hitting the register at $379 the Journey is a heck of a deal that will leave you with enough left in the bank to gather the rest of your new gear too.
Find our more and buy now on Amazon.com
Fishing Comfort
Built to make sure that while you’re on the water you’re comfortable, the Journey is designed with the fishing paddler in mind. Adjustable seat back, foot braces and integrated thigh pads will make sure that you can focus on finding the fish not a more comfortable position.
The lightweight design, at 44 pounds, makes the Journey a breeze to transport from truck to boat launch and the retractable handles make carrying easy and stow easily to get them out of the way.
Convenience
One really great feature is the Portable Accessory Carrier (P.A.C.). This modular component of the Journey fits into the rear tankwell and can be removed when you get to your fishing spot or to the next beach. Use it as a tow behind or a backpack and the PAC becomes your best friend when you’re hauling gear to the next spot.
The PAC can be left out entirely as well making the rear tankwell perfect for hauling extra gear that doesn’t need a more protective case.
Both the front and the back of the Journey are secured with bungees that keep your gear where it needs to be, in the boat.
Get more details and buy now on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
Features
- The Journey is great for getting to those secluded fishing spots
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry
- The Journey tracks great and is ultra-stable
- Made with Fortiflex High Density Polyethylene for years of use
- P.A.C. is an awesome feature and can be used as extra storage
- 3 on board rod holders for bringing extra gear
- Spacious cockpit with protective thigh pads makes entry and exit simple
- Adjustable foot braces allow for a customized fit
- Bungee deck rigging secures gear
- The Journey features retractable carrying handles
- Paddle keeper makes sure your paddle stays securely out of the way when you’re not using it
Specifications
- Length: 120″
- Width: 30″
- Height: 11″
- Weight: 44 lb.
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime Limited
People liked this budget minded boat. Reviews like “Great Budget Kayaks” and “Great on a budget!” kept coming up. There were, like most things, people who didn’t care for it. Some stated that they didn’t like how it tracked and other were disappointed in the lack of scupper plugs in the boat.
All I can say is that for under $500 I think this boats fits the bill just great. When you’re looking for a budget minded boat you’re not going to get bell and whistles of a boat 3X this much money. I’d rather save the coin, grab some more gear and hit the water.
Buy the Sun Dolphin Journey on Amazon.com here
Perception Kayak Pescador
If you want to stick to the under 500 rule then click the image and select the 10 in moss camo and you’ll be there. Now let’s talk about what makes this kayak good enough to get on our list of the best sit on top fishing kayaks under 500.
Find out more and buy on Amazon.com here
Super Comfortable for Fishing and Paddling
The Pescador, while a fishing powerhouse, has comfort dialed in too. The Comfort Seating System (CSS) from Perception is great for finding the sweet spot for paddling out to your secret spot and the molded in foot wells allow for a lot of different heights to get comfy.
Extras!
Perception has upped the game with their Pescador by included extras that you’d normally have to pay extra for. The included anchor and trolley are huge! This one feature easily saves you over $50 and just having the convenience of the anchor system on board can’t be beat when you’re hunting fish.
Get more information and buy on Amazon.com here
Features and Specifications
Features
- Comfort Seating System means you’ll have the perfect position for paddling and casting
- Molded-in foot wells lets any height paddler get their feet in the right position for efficient paddling
- Bow hatch for bringing along your gear and a day hatch for quick access to more frequently needed items
- Tankwell holds your gear while the integrated bungees keep it there
- Paddle park that’s works in tandem with the handles lets you stow your paddle when you’re not using it
- 2 flush mount rod holders in the rear and a swivel Scotty rod holder in the cockpit lets you bring all your kit
- 3.5 pound anchor kit with a an anchor trolley lets you hit the water with everything you need to get on the fish and stay there
Specifications
- Length: 120″
- Width: 29″
- Weight: 57 lb.
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year Limited
Buy the Perception Pescador 10 on Amazon.com here
The Pescador while not usually in this price range makes for a heck of a fishing vessel. Throw it on top of your rig and head for your honey hole, that’s all you need to do!
Boom! Three great kayaks ready to hit the water and slay some fish for under $500. These boats are economically priced and loaded with fishing features that you’re sure to find handy the next time you find the need for any sit on top fishing kayaks under 500.
See you out there!