If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best fishing kayak under 600$ is, then we recommend the The Ocean Kayak 12 Malibu as the best one.
There are quite a good many choices out there for fishing kayaks. So it can be useful to filter down based on your needs when selecting one.
- Ocean Kayak 12 Malibu (sit-on-top)
- Sun Dolphin Aruba (sit-in)
- Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport
- Litetime Lotus (Sit-On-Top)
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
- Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak
- 13’ Pro-Angler Fishing Inflatable Kayak
- Airhead Montana Kayak
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
- Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot
- Emotion Stealth Angler Fishing Kayak
- Sevylor Colorado 2-Person Kayak Combo
- Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak
Why Fish in A Kayak?
Fishing can be relaxing or sportive but oftentimes involves dealing with boredom. As a result Kayak fishing has become a hot trend, adding novelty and adventure. You’ll require some time to adjust to this approach but after a couple of hours you should be in your rhythm…
What To Look Out For?
- Shape & weight:
Shorter kayaks tend to be more manoeuvrable. Longer, skinnier and lighter feature kayaks tend to be faster. Somewhere in the middle can give a blend of manoeuvrability and speed.
- Speed & manoeuvrability:
A speed advantage helps to seize opportunities as they are presented. Imagine seeing a flock of birds on a section of water and having moments to get to the school of fish underneath, before they swim out of reach.
- Sit-in, sit-on-top or inflatable feature:
A wider kayak is more optimal for standing. Standing can increase the area of water you’re able to fish by sight. Sight-fishing (being able to see fish before casting) can aid baiting strategy. But if you plan not to fish in shallow waters then it can become less of a factor.
Kayaks with a sit-on-top feature make for swifter exits and entry. They are also constructed with a double-hull that contains trapped air inside. With drain holes that also feed collected water out of the cockpit, this makes them practically unsinkable.
What Features Are Important?
- Self-bailing or bucket feature:
Self-bailing kayaks contain several holes in the floor. Water drains from the kayak on its own, while “bucket kayaks” require you to remove the water manually if it collects in the vessel. Note: as the drainage requires speed to happen, you’re probably best off sealing the holes on a still body of water like a lake.
Sit-on-top kayaks have a self-draining feature, and this can help to keep you dry. And with less added water weight, handling is often better in a fast-moving body of water. All of the above generally place self-draining kayaks at a higher premium.
- Materials:
If you’re looking for a durable kayak, it’s quite important to ensure that it’s polyethylene rotomolded. If you buy a thermoform seamed kayak, these tend to only become durable (and very high quality) at the upper price tiers beyond this article’s scope. Before this point, they lean towards disposability.
How Can You Choose The Right One?
- Length of use:
Do you plan on using your fishing kayak for years to come? General wisdom is that kayaks priced under $350 are not durable, and should more-so be considered disposable. Higher quality kayaks tend to hold their value better long-term.
- Entry versus intermediate features :
As you will have a difficult time finding advanced model kayaks for under $600, the main question is whether you want to go entry or intermediate level. Entry-level kayaks have enough features to get you out there, while intermediate models differ most in that more careful consideration is put into the design.
Best Fishing Kayak Under $600 Reviews.
There are lots of fishing kayaks under 600$ could possibly choose from but we have done an expansive research to reduce the stress of choosing the best one available. We will be mentioning some of them in subsequent paragraphs.
Ocean Kayak 12 Malibu (Sit-On-Top)
A good entry level fishing kayak with a simple design. With it you can jump into things on a budget. The Sun Dolphin may hold good value especially if resold during the summer period.
Pros:
- Adjustable foot pegs for comfortable leg positioning.
- Lots of storage space.
- Useful comfort features like padding on sides for knees and strap with clip to hold a water bottle.
- Weights just 50 lb, which makes it quite easy to manoeuvre (in good conditions) and very speedy.
Cons:
- Not very stable and moves in the wind.
- If the kayak fills you sink.
- The rear storage seal is not super tight.
Sun Dolphin Aruba (sit-in)
The most sophisticated kayak on this list and could be classified intermediate level. Suitable for a single person.
Pros:
- Constructed with highly durable polyethylene rotomolding, with a wide design that grants it good stability.
- Lots of storage space and room for two people, with additional space for a pet or child (350 Ib capacity and ability to remove a seat for solo expeditions.
Cons:
- At 12 feet and 65 pounds, this is a heavy carry. Transport may be difficult for a single person.
Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport
A super convenient, fun and storable kayak that can be used for fishing.Enter your text here…
Pros:
- Holds up to three people and a weight of 650 lb.
- Saltwater and sun resistant material.
- Inflates in 8 minutes to over 12 feet, for convenient storage.
Cons:
- No paddle or fishing pole holders.
- Wider and so not as fast as hard-shell kayaks.
- Could feasibly pop, although all boats come with a repair kit.
Litetime Lotus (Sit-On-Top)
A particularly lightweight kayak.
Pros:
- Super light at 38 lb and wide for quick access in and out and high stability.
- High quality polyethylene material for durability.
- Great for still waters.
Cons:
- Slow for a hard-shell kayak.
- Not for a weight over 250 lbs.
- Tracking is not heavy.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak is a two person kayak made from 18-guage PVC and is NMMA certified. To protect from various punctures the kayak features a 1000D tarpaulin bottom and an 840D nylon cover.
If for some reason the kayak is punctured it will stay afloat thanks to the multiple air chambers. With an Airtight System that is guaranteed not to leak, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado allows for hands-free fishing with Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders. Paddle holders also allow you to safely and securely store your paddles out of the way when not in use.
Pros:
- Multiple storage options
- Adjustable seats.
- 470 pound weight capacity.
- Can add trolling motor.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with paddles or pump.
- Paddles hit rod holders while paddling.
Sevylor Tahiti Hunt And Fish Kayak
If you are looking for a kayak that is rugged enough for lake use, look no further than the Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak. The two person kayak is made from a 21 gauge PVC and offers multiple air chambers, so the kayak will stay afloat in the event an air chamber is punctured.
Kayakers will find the Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak is easy to inflate and deflate as it features double lock vales with two locking points. The olive green color allows the kayak to blend in with the shoreline and the included spray covers aid in keeping you and your belongings dry.
Pros:
- Adjustable seats.
- Seats can be removed.
- 360 pound weight capacity.
- Carry bag included.
Cons:
- No pump.
- Hard to maneuver with two adults.
13’ Pro-Angler Fishing Inflatable Kayak
The Saturn 13’ Pro-Angler Fishing Inflatable Kayak is an ideal choice for when portability is needed. The kayak is not only easy to carry around, it is also easy to store and can be inflated and ready to go in a few minutes.
The Saturn 13’ Pro-Angler is made from 1100 Dtex PVC with a high-pressure air deck floor that becomes rigid once inflated. Fishing hooks can wreak all kinds of havoc, so the Saturn 13’ Pro-Angler uses a double layer of PVC fabric on the floor, between the benches, and on the tubes. High buoyancy tubes allow standing while fishing.
Pros:
- Removable aluminum benches.
- Compatible with kayak.
- Many configurations for seating.
- Stable and durable.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- A bit on the smaller side.
- Included pieces sometimes missing.
Airhead Montana Kayak
The Airhead Montana Kayak is an inflatable two person kayak that comes in at 12 feet long. The longer kayak is ideal for lakes, but is also designed for moderate white water kayaking.
The lightweight, portable, and compact Airhead Montana is constructed from a heavy gauge PVC and features tubular I-beam floor supports. Quick inflating and deflating is possible with the highly visible orange kayak due to the two Boston Valves. All three air chambers are enclosed with 840-denier nylon that offers UV and water resistant coatings.
Pros:
- Fore and aft spray covers.
- Compact and spacious.
- 4 bottom fins.
- Seats can be moved or removed.
Cons:
- No paddles.
- No storage bag.
- No self bailing.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is made from a high-density polyethylene that is UV-protected. The kayak features a stable and flat bottom with multiple footrest positions to accommodate a variety of riders.
Kayakers will enjoy the numerous storage options on the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak, as it offers two 6” compartments in the rear and center along with shock cord straps on the front and rear. The Lifetime Tamarack features two flush mounted fishing rod holders, in addition to a top mount rod holder.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat.
- Comes with 1 adult paddle.
- T-handles for easy transport.
- Stability chine rails.
Cons:
- Unsteady to stand in.
- Hard to get items out of storage.
Sun Dolphin Journey
The Sun Dolphin Journey is a one person kayak coming it at 10 feet long made from UV-stabilized Fortiflex High Density Polyethylene. The kayak is a sit-on-top fishing kayak rather than a sit-in and is great for rivers and lakes that have hard to reach fishing spots.
The Sun Dolphin Journey is lightweight and easy to carry thanks to the T-handles on both ends. The kayak offers maximum stability for fisherman and tracks and paddles with ease. The Sun Dolphin Journey features two flush mount rod holders and one swivel rod holder.
Pros:
- Open cockpit.
- Storage compartment.
- Shock cord deck rigging.
- Adjustable foot braces.
Cons:
- Turns while casting.
- Center rod holder can fall out.
Sevylor Colorado 2-Person Kayak Combo.
Designed for lake use the Sevylor Colorado 2-Person Kayak is constructed from 18-guage PVC with a tarpaulin bottom to further protect the kayak from punctures. The Colorado 2-Person Kayak features multiple air chambers, which allows the kayak to stay afloat in the vent one of the chambers becomes punctured.
A double-threaded Boston Valve is used for easy inflation and deflation. The seats can be adjusted or elevated to provide a comfortable ride and for easier paddling. D-rings throughout the kayak can be used to secure extra gear.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat.
- Durable.
- Airtight System.
- Carry bag and pressure gauge.
Cons:
- Doesn’t track the straightest.
- No motor mount.
Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak
Coming with paddles the Lifetime 10-foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak is blow molded from high density so it offers superior durability and strength. Although advertised as a two person kayak, the Lifetime 10 foot kayak can safely fit up to 3 people and has a 500 pound weight capacity.
The hull was designed to offer excellent tracking and the best stability. Footrests are located along the side of the kayak and offer multiple choices for different sized riders. Rear hatch storage and 3 fishing pole holders make this an excellent choice for a range of fishermen.
Pros:
- Fishing pole holders.
- Rear storage.
- 2 paddles included.
Cons:
- Backrests not seats.
- Paddling difficult with 2 people.
Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot
The olive green Sun Dolphin Journey 10-foot Fishing Kayak offers a sit-on-top design. The lightweight kayak offers retractable carrying handles and is easy enough for a single person to carry.
The 10-foot kayak offers maximum stability for kayakers with an open cockpit for easy entry. With a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds the Sun Dolphin Journey features a portable accessory carrier and is designed for just one person. Fishermen will be happy to note the kayak comes with two flush mount and one swivel rod holder.
Pros:
- Rod holders.
- Lightweight.
- Adjustable padded seat.
- Self-bailing.
- Durable.
Cons:
- Center rod holder issues.
- On smaller side.
Emotion Stealth Angler Fishing Kayak
The Sandstone Emotion Stealth Angler Fishing Kayak offers a “triple threat” fishing configuration, which is 2 flush mount rod holders and a single deck mount rod holder. The Emotion Stealth has a hull design complete with a skeg wheel that is perfect for tracking and allows for maximum stability.
The fishing kayak offers a solace hatch which allows for storage under the deck of the kayak. The contoured tankwell with a cargo lacing system allows fishermen to bring along a tackle box or bait bucket.
Pros:
- Self-bailing.
- Four carrying handles.
- Padded seatback and seat with quick release.
- Multiple footrest positions.
Cons:
- Storage not 100% waterproof.
Conclusion.
Choosing a fishing kayak is a matter of factoring in your needs and perhaps personality. The Ocean Kayak 12 Malibu is a long, sociable kayak. If you’re a team of two, or a couple with a child, the Malibu may be perfect for you.
1 thought on “[TOP 10] Best Fishing Kayak Under 600$ – (2024 Reviews & Guide)”
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