When picking out the best fishing kayak, there is no one-size-fits-all boat. Each product variant has its own specific advantages and disadvantages against product variants from other brands.
That’s why anglers can be a little bit overwhelmed with all the choices found in the market.
What’s more, you need to find one that fits your budget. For that very reason, we decided to create a buying guide with a list of our top product picks. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best fishing kayaks under 600.
This guide will allow you to have a more objective view of the best products to buy. We also included buying criteria that will help you pick the best fishing kayaks under 600 out of the 10 choices we have.
So without further ado, let’s get started with our guide! Let’s begin with the facts before you purchase the best fishing kayak under 600.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Fishing Kayak under 600
After seeing the infographic above regarding the facts that what you should look for before purchasing a fishing kayak, you might have an idea of the facts now, we will jump into its details. We will explore each of these points elaborately. We recommend that you carefully go through this segment so that nothing confuses you when you set up your mind for purchasing the best one. After this, you can make a more informed and intelligent decision that can benefit you in the long run.
Capacity
When we talk about capacity, we’re referring to how many people the kayak can fit. Typically, there are kayaks that can fit up to two people. Now, if you’re planning on going on a fishing trip with a friend, then we’d suggest you get the two capacity type. If you’re more of a lone fisherman type of person, then you can get the one-person type. This is really up to you.
Dimensions
When considering the dimensions of your kayak, there are two things that you need to take note of– speed and stability.
There are kayaks that focus more on the length and there are those that focus more on width. The ones that are lengthier have more emphasis on speed. So if you want to travel fast, then get one that’s long.
If you need stability, then a wide one is a better choice. If you were to ask us though, we’d tell you that as an angler, stability should be more of a priority.
So a kayak that focuses on width is most likely a better choice unless you’re getting a 2-person type boat. A width of higher than 3 inches with a length of 10-12 inches is a good figure to start with.
Storage Space
For people who only ride their kayaks, storage space may not be such an important factor to take into consideration.
However, this is a little bit different for anglers. For fishermen that use kayaks, having enough storage space for live bait, fishing rods, and other equipment is necessary.
You’re also going to need some extra space to keep your fish in (provided that you don’t throw your fish back in the water). What we recommend is that you check the storage capacity of your kayak first before you buy your boat.
Stand and Fish Feature
Some kayaks have a special feature that allows you to stand while you fish. This is very useful if you’re an angler that likes to take on heavyweight fish.
With this kind of stability, you can use the power of your legs to cast your line as far as you’d like to. Standing up also gives you more stability when trying to reel in the fish.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is also very important when you’re buying a fishing kayak. Take note that you must not only consider your own weight.
You must also consider the possible weight of the fish that you catch. If you’re bringing a friend, then you must also consider his or her weight. Most fishing kayaks have a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.
If you and your friend weigh below 150 pounds, the two of you can fit inside plus some fish. If not, then you may want to get a kayak with a higher weight capacity.
Brand
The last thing to consider is the brand. This is important because we always prioritize quality over everything else. After all, your life might be at stake if you buy a cheap kayak that can capsize in the water.
That said, you must always make sure you consider the brand before making your purchase.
Fortunately, all our picks come from reputable brands. But if you’re looking for something outside our choices, do take into consideration brand reputation.
Quality of Seats
The quality of seats is a very crucial factor you must have to consider before buying the best fishing kayak. It is essential because it directly connects with your comfort while you are on the water.
Naturally, everyone wants to be in an excellent physical condition after the weekend. That’s why you have to make sure to buy that kayak, which has a padded seat and good if it is fordable ad well.
Speed
It is another vital factor that you have to look for before picking up your kayak. It depends on you how much speedy kayak you want. As it varies like some fishers love speed whereas others don’t.
Picking kayak under your budget of 600 dollars, it quite tough to find one with excellent speed, yet in case you love speed and slow kayaking windbags, you then go for the speedy one. You can take a look at the best fishing kayak under $1000. You will get a speedy kayak there.
Safety
Safety is vital in every aspect. Whether you are kayaking, hiking, biking, whatever you are in. You must ensure your safety before put your legs on the kayak. Nothing compromises safety. It is a vital factor to consider when picking your kayak. It doesn’t matter you have a budget issue before buying a kayak; you cannot overlook safety. The primary thing you need to ponder thoughts upon is the sturdiness and firmness. Ensure to pick one that makes you stay on the kayak while you indulged in catching fish. Thus confirm that you choose one with the hard body from ethical producers.
Remember, never get your hands off from a kayak that is not at all safe because the accident will not inform you before coming. But slightly wet due to its solid body as well as results to be troublesome to carry anywhere.
Note! If you have your children’s with you, then don’t ever think of purchasing the one that creates doubt in your mind about its durability. It is a well-known fact that kids get over-excited when they see water, so buy with maximum safety features. We also suggest you wear PFD before kayaking. We have buyers guide on the best PFD for kayaking; you can check and pick one before kayaking.
Portability
One of the most common disadvantages in every kayak is its portability, as most of them are thick and full enough not to be called portable. Before purchasing the kayak, make sure to look into this portability feature carefully. In case you are a frequent user of the kayak, then ensure to with the one that has a round-ended shape, wheel, skeg, and light in weight. It will help you to pull toss very quickly in and out of your vehicle and pull on dirt and mud present in front of lacks and rivers.
Nonetheless, if you are a new user still you must make efforts to but a one that is portable and simple to drag to water.
Now lets drive into the comparison of each product before going to the features and details of kayaks.
Comparison Table: Top Rated Best Fishing Kayaks under 600
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Top 10 Best Fishing Kayaks under 600 Product Review
01- Intex Excursion Inflatable Fishing Kayak
If you’re looking for something that’s durable and lightweight at the same time, then Intex Excursion Inflatable Fishing Kayak is the way to go. It is made out of extremely tough laminate PVC making it very durable and long-lasting. It’s also scratch-proof and impact-proof. You’ll also discover that it’s resistant to UV rays. At the same time, it’s lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around.
Best Features
- Laminate PVC material with a polyester core
- Lightweight and resistant to impact
- Has a total weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Includes 2-rod holders
- Includes 2 adjustable seats
02- Sevylor Coleman Colorado
The great thing about the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is that it’s leak-proof and puncture-proof. It’s ideal for rough usage if you plan to ride in rapids or in rivers with the rough currents. It can also be used for lakes. That’s because it is made out of 18 gauge PVC material and is extremely rugged. Aside from that, it’s also covered by 1000D tarpaulin and 840D nylon which is the covering that can prevent punctures. The Airtight system also prevents it from leaking.
Best Features
- 18 gauge PVC material
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon cover
- Airtight system
- Rod holders included
03- Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Fishing Kayak
This one concentrates on stability which is totally great for fishing. First of all, it isn’t that long and at the same time has the right width. That gives it enough sturdiness to stay put while you fish. At the same time, it has a stand-up feature that allows you to stand up and throw your line as far as you can. It also comes with some attachments and adequate storage space for your fishing equipment.
Best Features
- Stand up-casting feature
- Attachments for paddles and rods
- Big storage space for fishing equipment
- Reinforced layered PVC
04- Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak
Inflation and deflation are made easy with this kayak. That’s because it comes with double lock valves. The two locking points make it extremely easy for inflation and deflation. Also, it comes with multiple air chambers so that it can stay inflated just in case of a puncture.
Best Features
- PVC material construction
- Has more than one air chamber
- Airtight system to prevent leakage
- Double lock valves
05- Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak
This is another kayak that’s used for rugged purposes. It’s great for both fishing and for recreational kayak riding. Aside from a stand-up feature, you can also sit on it with your feet out. It’s great for those who want to chill while fishing.
Best Features
- UV protected polyethylene material
- Adjustable padded seats
- Has one fishing rod holder
- T handles that can be used for boat maneuvering
06- Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 9 Foot Angler
This happens to be one of the most comfortable angler kayaks on the market for 1 person. It’s a sit on top 1 person fishing kayak that comes with a really comfy backrest and cushion. While waiting for your fish to come, you can just rest and relax. At the same time, it has 4 flush mount rod holders where you can leave your rods while you wait.
Best Features
- Comfortable sit on top fishing kayak
- Lightweight 42 pounds built
- 9-foot-long built for stability
- 4 flush mount rod holders
- V wave center storage
07- Sea Eagle Inflatable Sport Kayak
The cool thing about this kayak is that it has a really fast inflating time as compared to other kayaks. To be a little more specific, this one can be inflated in just 8 minutes. Another cool thing about this kayak is that it can fit a total of 3 people and has a capacity of 650 pounds. So if you have two friends who’d like to go with you on your fishing trip, then you can use this kayak to do that. Other than just a fishing kayak, it’s also a sport kayak so it can be used for recreational riding.
Best Features
- 3-person capacity
- 650-pound weight capacity
- Three chambers
- 5 deluxe one-way air valves
08- Driftsun Sculpin Rotomolded Sit-in Kayak
The unique thing about this rotomolded sit-in kayak is that it has a foot-operated rudder. The foot-operated rudder allows you to steer the boat quickly and more easily. Another great thing about the foot-operated rudder is that it gives you the chance to free your hands so that you can concentrate on fishing. While your feet will steer the boat, your hands can cast the line or paddle.
Best Features
- Comes with a SmartTrack foot-operated rudder
- Front and back has a dry storage capacity
- Comes with a rod holder
- Solid and sturdy built
09- Perception Rambler Sit on Top Kayak
While it only has a 1-person capacity, it’s a kayak that can be used for chilling. It has a bunch of features that are targeted to relaxation. It comes with molded footrests allowing you to stretch your legs. Aside from that, it also provides a lot of legroom so you can move your body. Lastly, it has a drink holder so that you can drink while you fish.
Best Features
- Comes with drink holders
- Molded footrests to cater to different leg lengths
- Has adjustable seats
- A lot of space to move your body
10- Lifetime Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak
Last on the list is the Lifetime Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak. This is a specially created blow-molded kayak that is made out of polyethylene material. That makes this kayak extremely strong and rugged. Aside from that, it’s UV protected allowing it to last long even though it’s under the sun for a long time. Finally, it’s so sturdy that it can take 500 pounds of weight and can seat 3 people.
Best Features
- Made out of HDPE polyethylene material
- 500-pound weight capacity
- 3-person capacity
- Stand up feature
Differences Between a Fishing Kayak and a Recreational Kayak
Most people may not realize that a fishing kayak is different from the regular kayak that most people use for recreational purposes. With that in mind, can you actually use a recreational kayak for fishing? Yes, you can, but we won’t recommend it. Why? Because even though they’re rather similar inbuilt, fishing kayaks come with some extra features that cater to anglers. These are features that recreational kayaks don’t have.
What exactly are these features? Take a look at them below:
- Wider dimensions to give more stability
- Stand and fish feature that allows you to stay still even though you’re standing up
- Rod holders that allow you to leave your rod in place
- Special mounts for electronic fish finding devices
- Bigger storage space for keeping your fishing equipment and fish
As you can see, these extra features are really catered to anglers. While some of them are installed just for the convenience of the angler (such as the rod holder or fishfinder mount), the others are necessary for anglers. That’s why we recommend that you buy a fishing kayak instead of a recreational kayak if you’re planning to go on a fishing trip.
Frequently Asked Question
Is there a way to prevent my kayak from capsizing while I fish?
A: In general, this will really depend on your kayaking skills. However, there are a few features that can help you with that. For beginners, we recommend that you get a kayak with a flared bow feature so that you can stay stable even during high waves. We also recommend you get a wide kayak as wider kayaks give more stability.
Is there a kayak that doesn’t require paddles for maneuvering?
A: While most kayaks out there require you to have paddles, there are some that have foot pedals like the ones you see on bikes. So if you’re the type of person with arms that easily get tired, then the kayaks with foot pedals may be a better choice for you.
At least you have the option to choose which type is more comfortable for you. It may also be the better choice for anglers so that your hands will be free to fish. However, do take note that kayaks with foot pedals are rather expensive.
It’s rare to find a kayak with foot pedals under $600. However, there are fishing kayaks with foot controlled rudders that allow you to control the maneuvering so you don’t need to use your paddle too much.
How do I clean my fishing kayak?
A: Cleaning your kayak requires you to clean both the interior and exterior. Start with the exterior by turning over the boat and slathering it with soap. From there, you can spray it with water and make sure that all the dirt is wiped off with a cloth.
When you’re done with the exterior, you can move on to the inside of the kayak. You can apply some mild soap in the inner areas of the kayak cockpit and spray it with your house.
Make sure that you spray away all dirt and grime from the kayak’s cockpit.
Is it recommended that I get a sit-in kayak or just stick to sit-on-top types?
A: If you check out the top kayaks that are specifically made for fishing, you’ll notice that all of them are sit-on-top types.
That’s because sit-on-top types allow you to have more room to move around that you’ll need in order to maneuver your fishing rod. Sit-in types don’t give this kind of space since your lower body will be contained inside the kayak.
Bottom Line
If you’re both an angler and a sucker for excitement, then a good fishing kayak is important to have.
With a good fishing kayak, you not only have the chance to have a boat where you can find your catch of the day, but you also have a boat that allows you to get some hardcore exercise right after your fishing session. A fishing kayak serves two purposes in one.
The cool thing about fishing kayaks is that there are those that cost less than even $600– as the ones that we’ve shown you above.
All you have to do is choose the best fishing kayaks under 600 that you can find. Take into consideration the buying guide that we’ve provided and use it on the list of top fishing kayaks that we collected.
Other than that, take time to learn some extra stuff about fishing kayaks. After all, we included some interesting FAQs about fishing kayaks and a comparison of fishing kayaks to regular ones.
That way, you’ll have full knowledge of this product before you buy your own. Let us know what you think about our review by leaving a comment below.
