Whether you want a stand-up, a tandem, or the best fishing kayak overall, you\u2019ll find what you\u2019re looking for below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBest Stand-Up Fishing Kayak: Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Bali](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/bali-10-ss-kayak-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWith a comfy seat, thigh braces, and adjustable foot pedals<\/strong>, the Bali SS from Sun Dolphin is a comfortable kayak to paddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll have no trouble standing up<\/strong> in this kayak and that stability is noticeable whether you\u2019re paddling to your fishing hole or casting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA large watertight stern hatch<\/strong> is complimented by an open tank well in the bow where you can store gear and secure it with bungee cords.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a paddle holder<\/strong> incorporated which is a nice feature to have when you need your hands free to cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe overall load capacity is a little lower<\/strong> than I\u2019d like at 250-pounds, but it\u2019s a sacrifice I\u2019m willing to make for a boat this stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Large seating area and open cockpit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Good tracking and maneuverability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Subpar top speed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak: Sevylor Tahiti Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sevylor](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sevylor-705x297.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNot the most traditional of sit-in kayaks, this inflatable design<\/strong> from Sevylor is still worth mentioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe sit-in design comes into play thanks to the included spray covers <\/strong>which protects your legs and lower torso the way a more typical sit-in kayak would with a spray skirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInflating and deflating is quick and easy<\/strong> thanks to the double lock valves and the multiple air chambers add redundancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou won\u2019t find a ton of extra features<\/strong>, but the seats are adjustable and comfortable making for an enjoyable and cozy paddling experience regardless of the weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Lacks some of the customization options of more expensive boats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- 360 pound load capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No paddle or pump included from most retailers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak: BKC UH0-TK181<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"BKC](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BKC-TK181-705x445.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPerfect if both paddlers are passionate anglers<\/strong> that want to get in on the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith seven(!) rod holders and two paddle holders, there\u2019s plenty of room for both people to fish at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll find plenty of storage space<\/strong> for longer trips while the 34-inch beam gives you plenty of stability without sacrificing the boat\u2019s tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPerformance-wise it can handle open water if conditions are good and the forecast is reliable, some may be comfortable standing and casting in calmer conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not unmanageable at 68 pounds<\/strong>, but it can be a bit of a challenge for some people to move. But thanks to the boat\u2019s 450-pound load capacity<\/strong> this seems like a decent trade-off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Can stand and cast in calm water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Two paddles included<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some complaints about the fragility of the seatbacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great if both paddlers want to fish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak: Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Intex](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Intex-Pro-Excursion-705x423.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIt can be hard to pack features and accessories into an inflatable kayak, but Intex has managed to do it with their Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You get the typical features like foot rests and adjustable seats<\/strong>. But what catches the eye are the two fishing rod holders and mounting bracket<\/strong>. From here you can install any number of products<\/strong> including a GPS, fish finder, or swivel rod holder so you can paddle and fish at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt can be hard to find storage space in an inflatable, but the covered bow gives you some room to store gear when you\u2019re out for the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Limited to more protected water like lakes and mellow rivers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some of the best customization options in the price range<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Decent storage for an inflatable <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Lifetime](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Tamarack-100.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSporting a flat bottom and chine rails for impressive stability<\/strong>, the Tamarack Angler 100 feels plenty secure on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe deep tracking hull keeps this wide beamed boat from being knocked off course in the wind and waves, though the combination of stability and tracking means it\u2019s not very fast.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTwo big open-air storage spaces<\/strong> give you plenty of room for tackle boxes, coolers, and dry bags while smaller 6\u201d watertight compartments are accessible from the cockpit. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTwo flush-mounted rod holders and another top mount holder<\/strong> compliment a paddle holder while the comfortable seat makes it a well-rounded budget option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Plenty of storage space<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Multiple rod holders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 52 pounds with a 275-pound weight capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Ocean Fishing Kayak: Old Town Vapor 10<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWith a comfy seat, thigh braces, and adjustable foot pedals<\/strong>, the Bali SS from Sun Dolphin is a comfortable kayak to paddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll have no trouble standing up<\/strong> in this kayak and that stability is noticeable whether you\u2019re paddling to your fishing hole or casting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A large watertight stern hatch<\/strong> is complimented by an open tank well in the bow where you can store gear and secure it with bungee cords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s also a paddle holder<\/strong> incorporated which is a nice feature to have when you need your hands free to cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The overall load capacity is a little lower<\/strong> than I\u2019d like at 250-pounds, but it\u2019s a sacrifice I\u2019m willing to make for a boat this stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not the most traditional of sit-in kayaks, this inflatable design<\/strong> from Sevylor is still worth mentioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The sit-in design comes into play thanks to the included spray covers <\/strong>which protects your legs and lower torso the way a more typical sit-in kayak would with a spray skirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflating and deflating is quick and easy<\/strong> thanks to the double lock valves and the multiple air chambers add redundancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You won\u2019t find a ton of extra features<\/strong>, but the seats are adjustable and comfortable making for an enjoyable and cozy paddling experience regardless of the weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perfect if both paddlers are passionate anglers<\/strong> that want to get in on the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With seven(!) rod holders and two paddle holders, there\u2019s plenty of room for both people to fish at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find plenty of storage space<\/strong> for longer trips while the 34-inch beam gives you plenty of stability without sacrificing the boat\u2019s tracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Performance-wise it can handle open water if conditions are good and the forecast is reliable, some may be comfortable standing and casting in calmer conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not unmanageable at 68 pounds<\/strong>, but it can be a bit of a challenge for some people to move. But thanks to the boat\u2019s 450-pound load capacity<\/strong> this seems like a decent trade-off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be hard to pack features and accessories into an inflatable kayak, but Intex has managed to do it with their Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak. You get the typical features like foot rests and adjustable seats<\/strong>. But what catches the eye are the two fishing rod holders and mounting bracket<\/strong>. From here you can install any number of products<\/strong> including a GPS, fish finder, or swivel rod holder so you can paddle and fish at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be hard to find storage space in an inflatable, but the covered bow gives you some room to store gear when you\u2019re out for the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sporting a flat bottom and chine rails for impressive stability<\/strong>, the Tamarack Angler 100 feels plenty secure on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The deep tracking hull keeps this wide beamed boat from being knocked off course in the wind and waves, though the combination of stability and tracking means it\u2019s not very fast.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Two big open-air storage spaces<\/strong> give you plenty of room for tackle boxes, coolers, and dry bags while smaller 6\u201d watertight compartments are accessible from the cockpit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Two flush-mounted rod holders and another top mount holder<\/strong> compliment a paddle holder while the comfortable seat makes it a well-rounded budget option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak: Sevylor Tahiti Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak: BKC UH0-TK181<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak: Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Ocean Fishing Kayak: Old Town Vapor 10<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/old-town-vapor-10.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Features\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Features-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Sun-Dolphin-Journey-10-at-sunset.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n