Best Fishing Kayak Under $1000 [12 Top Rated Gear]

Are you looking for the best fishing kayak under $1000? Here are 12 wide-angle models that will be sure to please. These kayaks are designed to be stable and easy to use, which makes them perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Whether you’re looking for something that will work on lakes or rivers, these models have all the features you need at this price point. Read on to learn which is perfect for you.

Top 3 Picks: Best Fishing Kayak Under $1000

Preview
Best Overall
Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak (Ember Camo)
Best Value
Perception Kayaks Outlaw 11.5 | Sit on Top Fishing Kayak | Fold Away Lawn Chair Seat | 4 Rod Holders | Integrated Tackle Trays | 11' 6"" | Dapper"
Editor Pick
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak, Lightning Fusion, 10 ft. 3 in.
Title
Old Town Sportsman 106
Perception Outlaw
Lifetime Tamarack Pro
Price
Price not available
$929.00
$639.99
Best Overall
Preview
Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak (Ember Camo)
Title
Old Town Sportsman 106
Price
Price not available
Where to get
Best Value
Preview
Perception Kayaks Outlaw 11.5 | Sit on Top Fishing Kayak | Fold Away Lawn Chair Seat | 4 Rod Holders | Integrated Tackle Trays | 11' 6"" | Dapper"
Title
Perception Outlaw
Price
$929.00
Where to get
Editor Pick
Preview
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak, Lightning Fusion, 10 ft. 3 in.
Title
Lifetime Tamarack Pro
Price
$639.99
Where to get

A Quick Comparison of Best Fishing Kayaks

4.7 out of 5
Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak
Old Town Sportsman
4.1 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
Perception Outlaw Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak
Perception Outlaw
4.4 out of 5
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak
Lifetime Tamarack Pro
4.5 out of 5
Perception Sound Sit Inside Fishing Kayak
Perception Sound
4.6 out of 5
Perception Pescador Pro Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Perception Pescador Pro
4.4 out of 5
Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
Pelican Sit-on-top
4.3 out of 5
Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Elkton Outdoors Steelhead
4.7 out of 5
Lifetime Yukon Angler 116 Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Yukon Angler
4.6 out of 5
ADVANCED ELEMENTS StraitEdge Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayak
ADVANCED ELEMENTS StraitEdge
4.4 out of 5
Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Hydros Angler
4.3 out of 5
Emotion Stealth Angler Fishing Kayak
Emotion Stealth Angler

The 12 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $1000

1. Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak

The Old Town Sportsman 106 is a great kayak for fishing that you can get for less than $1000. It’s built with a durable polyethylene hull and features a large bow hatch that provides easy access to your gear. The length 10 feet 6 inches, width 34.5 inches, weight only 65 lbs and weight capacity of 400 lbs. This kayak is ideal for casual anglers, tournament fishing pros, and hunters who need extra space on their trips.

The premium dual-layer Textilene mesh seat is comfortable while providing support in all positions. It has adjustable foot braces that provide additional comfort along with an included padded backpack strap. That holds your gear securely during transport. The traditional paddle kayak design keeps things simple without sacrificing durability or performance when cast into rough seas. Want to know more? Check below key features:

  • Kayak length: 10 feet 6 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 440 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 73 pounds
  • Type: Paddle kayak

Learn more from the video below:-

YouTube video

See also: 11 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500.

2. BKC FK184 Single Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

The BKC FK184 is a solo sit-on-top kayak that features an aluminum frame, premium memory foam seat, and five rod holders. The weight capacity for this model is 330 lbs. The included pump will help you drain your boat if necessary. And it comes with an adjustable paddle park that allows you to adjust the height of your paddles. This model also includes two bungee cargo tie down points on either side of the boat. You’ll also find two paddle parks that can hold up to three paddles each. Whether it’s deep-sea surf casting or shallow flats trolling for bass, you’ll always have all the necessary equipment right at hand! More key features of these kayak:

  • Kayak length: 9 feet
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 330 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 44 pounds
  • Type: Paddle kayak

Read more: 15 Lightweight Kayaks for Seniors

3. Perception Outlaw Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak

The Outlaw is a great kayak that offers you the convenience of being able to mount accessories and add mounts. The side handles double as gear tracks, which makes it easy to pull yourself up onto your fishing platform. The molded-in trays and cup holders are also great for storing all those necessary snacks. Even keeping them handy if you want something cold from your cooler!

The Outlaw comes equipped with 3 solo mount recesses for multiple rod holders, 2 double-barrel rod holders, 4 fishing rods. Seating capacity is 1 person, but it can be expanded into 2 seats by removing some padding. The kayak’s maximum carrying capacity is 425 lbs. And the boat length is 11 feet 6 inches.

  • Kayak length: 11 feet 6 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 425 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 77 pounds
  • Type: Paddle kayak

Learn more from the video:-

YouTube video

4. Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak

The Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 is built to handle all your fishing needs. It’s stable, comfortable and easy to use in the water. The seat features an adjustable backrest and footrest, so you can get just the right fit for your body type. Plus, this kayak has plenty of storage space inside with a large center storage hatch. That you can put all those extra items like tackle boxes or bait in.

This kayak also comes with two flush-mount rod holders. So you can keep your favorite fishing rods close by while out on the water! You’ll love how this sit-on-top fishing kayak handles on even choppy waters. The deep hull channels, which allow better tracking performance from end to end.

  • Kayak length: 10 feet 3 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 300 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 57.5 pounds
  • Type: Paddle kayak

Review it completely from the below video:-

YouTube video

5. Perception Sound Sit Inside Fishing Kayak

The Perception Sound Sit Inside Fishing Kayak is a great choice for beginners and experienced anglers. It’s suitable for lakes, rivers, and oceans and has a comfortable seat and footrests. This kayak is designed with an adjustable skeg which helps the boat track straight when you’re fishing in deep water. It also features two rod holders on each side of the boat. So you can carry enough gear to get through your day of fishing without having to haul it all over from one place to another.

The Perception Sound fishing kayak comes with an included paddle. So there’s no need for an extra purchase when putting this model together. Just attach your favorite paddle into place via its mounting bracket underneath the seat! The stability offered by its tri-keel hull creates ultimate stability and smooth steering. Even when carrying heavier loads across rough terrain such as rapids or rough beaches.

  • Kayak length: 10 feet 6 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 335 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 46 pounds
  • Type: Paddle kayak

6. Perception Pescador Pro Sit on Top Fishing Kayak

The Pescador Pro is a great choice for fishing. It’s easy to transport and store, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy on the water. The Pescador Pro comes with an adjustable lawn chair seat that provides comfort while you’re out paddling.

The large front and rear storage compartments will hold all of your gear, so you can take off from shore. This kayak also has built-in buoyancy, making it ideal for lakes and ponds and slow-moving rivers too! If you want an easy way into fishing, then this one might be just what we’ve been looking for! More key features are:

  • Kayak length: 10 feet 6 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 325 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 57 pounds

7. Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

The Pelican is one of the best fishing kayaks, and it is only $629.99 on the market today. It has a multi-chine flat bottom hull, which means that it is very stable when you are in the water. The sit-on-top fishing kayak can carry up to 325 lbs. and has an excellent stability rating as well. This kayak is made from high molecular-density polyethylene material. So it has a good durability level and can withstand even strong waves or winds without any problems at all.

It also comes with an adjustable ERGOFIT G2 seating system that offers comfort while sitting on top of your boat. It also has thicker ergonomic padding that provides better air flow underneath your body than other models do. That makes paddling much easier, especially if you’re wearing thick clothing like jackets, etcetera. The main key features are:

  • Kayak length: 10 feet
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 325 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 50 pounds

8. Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak is a great value for the money. It’s one of the best choices for beginners and experienced fishermen alike. And the load capacity of 600 pounds and seating capacity of 2 persons. The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead features a rigid dropstitch floor. That makes it easy to clean and maintain your gear as well as stand up casting.

This kayak comes with 7x hard mounting points so you can install accessories such as fishing rods, trolling motor, etc. You’ll also find a front bow spray shield, which will give you extra protection when paddling through rough waters.

The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead includes a removable skeg, travel backpack straps. And an included fish finder antennae mount base plate accessory kit. That allows users who don’t want one mounted permanently inside their boat. Key features are:

  • Kayak length: 12 feet 6 inches
  • Seat capacity: 2 person
  • Load capacity: 600 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 44 pounds

9. Lifetime Yukon Angler 116 Fishing Kayak

The Lifetime Yukon Angler 116 is a great choice for anglers who have budgets less than $1000. This kayak will fit up to three people and has plenty of storage space so that you can bring all the equipment. There are also a lot of features, including adjustable foot braces and an adjustable frame seating system.

The adjustable frame seating system makes sure that both solo paddlers or those with friends are able to sit comfortably. This feature also comes standard on all other models within this range. So there shouldn’t be any problems finding something suitable for whatever type of person might need it.

With all these features available at such low prices, it becomes even more important than ever before. Because we’ve seen how expensive things tend to get over time. Especially if you’re constantly adding more and more stuff to your kayak. The Lifetime Yukon Angler 116 comes with a molded-in 28-inch ruler, which is great for those who might need one.

  • Kayak length: 11 feet 6 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 350 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 78 pounds

10. ADVANCED ELEMENTS StraitEdge Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayak

The ADVANCED ELEMENTS StraitEdge is a durable, stable, and easy to inflate/deflate fishing kayak, that can be used by both beginners and experienced anglers. It has a large cargo area with an abrasion pad attached to the bottom of the boat. That makes it ideal for transporting heavy equipment.

It also comes with a multi-layer material that provides maximum durability in harsh weather conditions. This model offers high-back seats with two rod holders. And has removable mounting rails for attaching additional equipment like fishing rods or tackle boxes and more!

It measures 9 feet 8 inches by 35 inches; weighs 41 pounds, and has 300 pounds weight capacity. Also, it’s covered by a one-year manufacturer warranty. More key points are:

  • Kayak length: 9 feet 8 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 300 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 41 pounds

11. Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak

The Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 is a great choice for people who want to stand up kayak less than $1000. This kayak has a combination tunnel hull design that provides great stability and tracking.

The front T-handle makes it easy to lift the kayak off the water. The molded-in swim-up deck with bungee lacing provides an adjustable seat back. That allows you freedom of movement both forward and backward (towards your rear).

The adjustable quick-release seat back allows for multiple footrest positions. So everyone can find their favorite position on this boat! More key points are:

  • Kayak length: 8 feet 5 inches
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 225 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 38 pounds

12. Emotion Stealth Angler Fishing Kayak

The Emotion Stealth Angler is a versatile and durable fishing kayak that you can have for less than 1,000 bucks. This kayak features a triple threat configuration, which includes flush-mount rod holders on both sides of the cockpit. The seat back is adjustable with an adjustable padded seat pad. That makes it easy to remove your gear from the storage compartments below your seating area.

The hull design provides ultra stability and a great tracking system. The hull shape is being designed specifically for this purpose at an affordable price point! This model comes with a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, so it will hold up well.

In addition to having multiple carry handles that allow you to carry it easily out of the water and onto land. There’s also an enclosed hatch beneath the deck where you can store things like extra rods.

  • Kayak length: 11 feet
  • Seat capacity: 1 person
  • Load capacity: 300 pounds
  • Kayak weight: 58 pounds

Learn how to choose a fishing kayak

Final words

A wonderful way to enjoy the sea and the outdoors is to go kayak fishing. It is also a well-liked activity for those who want to take their families boating without spending a fortune.

I hope this list has given you a good idea of what to look for in your next kayak. There are many different solutions available that would meet any needs, so don’t worry if you’re still unsure which is best for you.

Matthew Koch

Hi, I'm Matthew, a passionate blogger and traveler. I'm also a hard-core hiker. Hiking with friends and visiting new places is what I live for. Currently, I'm working at Gear Odds as CEO & Columnist. I would like to provide my best outdoor experience possible.