Ready to buy yourself a new fishing kayak to hit the water out there and catch some big ones? Well, if you have not started your shopping yet, you are in the right place!
When you actually start your comparison shopping, you will notice that there are a lot of different kayaks to choose from.
Some are inflatable and others are the rigid hard-shell kayaks (this is the traditional type). Some are sit-in while others are sit-on-top.
Some are already rigged for fishing and others are not (which means you’d have to spend more to outfit it yourself). As you can see, the shopping process can get overwhelming. That’s why I want to help you out with this sometimes confusing process.
SKIP AHEAD
Our Picks: Top Rated Fishing Kayaks in 2019 – 2020
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I live for going out on my kayak and I am always testing out new watercraft to make sure that I have the very best fishing kayak for the money. If you have already taken a look around this site, then you know that I share my reviews as I find new gear to try out. So, take it from me – any kayaks you find me raving about here will not disappoint you out there on the lakes, rivers and bays.
The ‘yaks that I have singled out and listed for you below are good for both beginners and experienced kayak users. Don’t worry if you’ve never before used a kayak or taken one out for fishing. With just one outing, you’ll be convinced that they are better than boats for fishing. You’ll find that these are all very high quality kayaks that will last you for several years from now. So, expect to get a lot of use out of whichever one of these you buy. And if you end up having any questions about any of the kayaks I’ve listed below, feel free to contact me or leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.
1. Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
This is probably my top inflatable fishing kayak choice this year. It is one of the cheapest kayaks on the market right now, which makes is an affordable choice for most budgets.
I have previously reviewed the Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak here. This is a really popular choice among anglers, so you probably won’t be the only fisherman out there in one like this. But don’t let that stop you cause this is an awesome fishing kayak. Plus, it is already rigged for fishing!
Ready to buy or see more reviews on this inflatable kayak?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
2. Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests
This is another great fishing kayak that is already rigged, which means that all you need to do it grab your poles and tackle box and you’re ready to fish! It is a hard-shell kayak, which means that it will weigh a bit more and have a slightly higher price tag.
Don’t let the higher cost turn you away from this one though, cause it is truly a high quality kayak. I have previously reviewed the Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak here. You’ll notice that you get a lot of storage and can fit up to 3 people on here. So, if you’ve been searching for the best sit on top fishing kayak, consider this one cause you can even stand up on it.
Though I prefer the Coleman model above, if you have the budget and you want a hard-shell instead of an inflatable, then this is the best bet for your money this year.
Want to read some more reviews on it or buy it online?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
3. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump
If you are on a tight budget and need the cheapest inflatable fishing kayak that you can find, then this one right here is what you’ve been looking for. It is high quality, tracks well, come with a pump and paddles and can be purchased online for an affordable price!
Of course, this isn’t a good choice for everyone since it does not come rigged. That means that you’ll need to outfit it rod holder and other gear all on your own – and at an extra cost. But, it gives you the chance to do it exactly like you want. I’ve already reviewed the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak here.
Want to see what this kayak is priced at when you buy online?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
4. Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
Sea Eagle is known for making some great kayaks, and this one is my favorite of theirs right now. It is a really awesome kayak that tracks well and has lots of space. But, it does not come rigged, which can be a deal breaker for some people.
The price on this kayak is very affordable, so if you want a cheap inflatable fishing kayak that has a bit more going for it than the Intex model above, consider this Sea Eagle model. I have already reviewed the Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package here.
Want some more reviews or check on the price?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
5. Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler Kayak
This right here is one of the best fishing kayaks that money can buy. But, it does come at a much higher price. What you get for the money is an amazing rigged hard-shell kayak that is a dream to take out fishing.
A buddy of mine has one of these and it is truly one of the best rigged fishing kayaks that I’ve seen. You can see my review of the Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler Kayak here. I’m telling you – this is one seriously awesome kayak.
But hey, you don’t have to take my word for it, right? There are other reviews online that give it just as much praise.
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
6. Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrests
Another great hard-shell choice, this tandem kayak from Lifetime tracks well through the water and has plenty of space for all your gear. However, it does not come rigged, so you’ll have to factor in that extra cost.
All things considered, you still get a high quality kayak that has great stability and tracks well. I already gave the Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrests a review here.
Ready to see the current price or get more reviews?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
7. Coleman Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
Now, I know that this kayak isn’t ideal for fishing, but it is a good, cheap single person kayak that can easily be outfitted with your fishing gear. Sure, since it doesn’t come rigged, you’ll have to buy your own rod holders and such, but it’s still a good value.
I tend to prefer larger kayaks as I like to take my dog out, but for the minimalist angler this is a good choice. You can read my Coleman Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak review here and see if this one will work for you since it is so affordable.
Want to see what the price on this one is?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
8. KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS Kayak
This is another one of the best rigged fishing kayaks for the money right here. This hard-shell kayak comes in three different colors and has plenty of space for all your fishing gear.
I really like how this rigged fishing kayak has adjustable foot braces, which makes it a good fishing kayak for tall people. You can read my review of the KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS Kayak here if you want more of my opinions on it.
Need more reviews or a check on the price?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
9. Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
This hard-shell kayak can be used for fishing but does not come rigged. However, kayak has a lot of space for all your gear, which makes rigging it on your own very easy.
At such a low price, you can probably outfit this kayak with all your gear and end up cheaper than some of the already rigged options listed above. Plus, you can choose one of three colors for your watercraft. You can get more of my thoughts on my Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak review here.
Ready to see the current price?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
10. Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak
Though this is an inflatable fishing kayak, it does not come rigged. However, the design and color makes this a kayak that you can use for fishing and duck hunting!
The price on this kayak is very low, which means spending extra to outfit it with all your fishing gear won’t set you back too much. I have previously reviewed the Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak here.
Want to see what the price on this kayak is?
>>Click here to view on Amazon<<
These are my top picks when it comes to best hard-shell and inflatable fishing kayaks for the money. If you have a kayak that’s not on this list but should be included, then feel free to let me know so that I can check it out! Who knows, I just might add it to the list.
As you shop, remember that not all kayaks come with paddles. And, not all of the inflatable ones come with a pump. So, check what is included to ensure that you have everything that you need once that kayak arrives at your house. Then, you’ll be ready to unpack it and hit the lake (or preferred water source) immediately.
Happy fishing out there!
