I know a lot of people who would love to own fishing kayaks of their own but often think it’s going to cost them a bomb. While there are angler yaks that cost more than $2000, there are some pretty good yaks in the price range of under 600 dollars (In fact, you can even find some great boats at less than 500 dollars).
To help out more budget conscious people, I’ve come out with this detailed review guide of the best fishing kayak under 600 dollars. Each of these yaks has been tested out by me and despite the low price point, does not compromise one bit on the quality factor – rest assured on that.
So, if you are looking for a great angler kayak but have only 600 dollars to spend, have a look at the following top 3 $600 kayaks that work wonders for fishing:
Best 6 Fishing Kayaks under $600
1. Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak
You are most certainly going to love and appreciate this Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak. Quick to inflate and deflate, Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak will supersede all your expectations. It comes standard with an adjustable seat that makes kayaking a pleasurable activity once again. It comes fitted with a mesh storage compartment that allows you to store all your wet cloths. Made from 18-gauge PVC, Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak is in the league of its own. It is highly resistant to wear and tear. Even the hook of your fishing line will not be able to inflict much damage to it. It is extremely lightweight and it offers superior performance against all odds.
2. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Contrary to general consensus, Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is a top of the line fishing kayak that you can get your hands on without spending an obscene amount on it. It comes fitted with an adjustable footrest that makes kayaking fun again. It offers a decent performance which is unlikely to be found in any other fishing kayak under this price tag. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is an extremely kayak and it is lightweight too. It tracks straight on the water and it remains largely stable on both river and lakes. It is basically a no-nonsense kayak designed for those who are looking for basic features. Rest assured, you will not get any fancy features in it. To make it more comfortable, you can add extra cushion on the seat.
This Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is made from High-Density Polyethylene that keeps it protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun. You will also get a 5-Year Limited Warranty on this under $600 fishing kayak. What’s more you can expect from it.
3. Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
Designed and developed for kayaks of all shapes and sizes, Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak is available under $600 on most ecommerce websites. A perfect kayak for all those happy-go-lucky fishermen who just want to go out and have some serious fun on the water. Providing stability to the boat is its multi chine flat bottom hull and thus making it an ideal for all those passionate anglers out there. To increase its floatability, the company has included additional flotation inside the hull. The best thing about this Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak is that it meets all the ABYC Standards. It comes standard with two carrying handles that are retractable by nature. It allows
The maximum weight capacity of this Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak is somewhere around 325 lb which is impressive to be honest with you all and this kayak allows easy entry thanks to its open cockpit design.
4. Pelican Sentinel 100X Sit-on-Top Kayak
Pelican Sentinel 100X Sit-on-Top Kayak is designed for those kayak who want to cover long distances without getting themselves tired in the process. It is extremely nimble on the water but that does not mean, it is unstable. Rather this fishing kayak has managed to hit the sweet spot in between by making a perfect fusion of stability and agility. Pelican Sentinel 100X Sit-on-Top Kayak is extremely lightweight. It weighs just around 44 lbs and that means, it can be carried around easily and effortlessly.
Made from premium Ram-X materials, Pelican Sentinel 100X Sit-on-Top Kayak is easy to clean. Just use an ordinary mix of warm water and soap and apply it on the kayak and all the dirt will come off easily and effortlessly. This fishing kayak comes fitted with ExoPak which that can be attached and detached in a matter of few seconds. It also meets all the standards set by the ABYC and it has got an impressive maximum weight capacity around 275 lbs which is quite impressive given its cheap price tag.
5. Perception Crank 10 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Perception Crank 10 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak was the first kayak I ever bought, so as a novice, I needed something that had stability. This kayak worked great in terms of that. Not once did I feel like tipping over without doing anything crazy. In fact, I could sit sideways having my legs immersed in water, and I could easily access my crate by putting legs in water. Eating lunch or fishing with legs in water is no problem either.
Since I also wanted a dry kayak, this Perception Crank 10 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak was able to satisfy me well. Its seat remains dry, and using scupper plugs with the 6 different scuppers allows the boat to remain totally dry. However, with no plugs, nearly half inch water stays though.
It features a flush mount type rod holder, which I use to keep my anchor. I keep rods using PVC tubes associated with the crate. In addition, I also attached one anchor trolley, which was convenient to do because of the attach points given in the boat. Fitting standard crate is easy on the rear roomy trunk too.
The hull interior is associated with 3 different access points, and the huge bow hatch allows me to keep my PVC cart as well as large dry bag easily. There is another hatch that is a bit smaller on floor between the knees. The third hatch is situated between crate and seat. All year round, the interior remains totally dry.
My boat does not have a rod holder, but newer versions may contain. However, molded points located near center console can be used for depth finder or rod holder, also shallow variety cup holder. Foot rests which are adjustable can be found mounted to the plastic rails.
Using straps, you can adjust seat back angle. Even for long hours, fishing and padding is comfortable. However, I have added additional seat foam to enhance comfort.
As per my experience, the kayak maneuvers expertly on lakes as well as rivers. It glides a bit when paddling is stopped.
There is no doubt that Perception Crank 10 Sit on Top Fishing Kayak has great abilities enhanced by its superior features. However, there are a few disadvantages associated with it you need to be aware of. Firstly, the stability is not as high as to allow one to stand. Secondly, even though the seats have good padding, backrest seems much more comfortable compared to seat bottom. So you may experience pain or discomfort in tail bone after 6 or 7 hours of consistent seating.
All things considered, I would say that I love my Pescador 12, and if I have to spend 600 dollars again for it, I will spend gladly.
6. Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak is an extremely convenient fishing kayak which is not only affordable but also very versatile. Allowing one person to sit, the kayak is available in 12-feet variety too, with sufficient entry level features.
With a 10-feet body and 30-inch beam, the kayak can be easily transported via truck, SUV or car. This Sun Dolphin is quite sleek as well as elegant by its looks, and the olive green appearance only makes it more attractive.
With its weight nearing 40 pounds, a large percentage of anglers will easily be able to carry it to or from the car. The aft as well as fore end have carrying handles. Made of high-quality Fortiflex polyethylene, the hull makes sure that you get a slick able surface having the ability to break through water well, along with repelling waves conveniently.
The addition of padding in the Excursion seats makes it a comfortable boat and one of the best ocean fishing kayaks under $600, and the seats are highly adjustable to suit short and long leg requirements. Along its spray deflector collar, you will find pads that protect the thighs and knees from having to rub against boat surface.
Right behind the boat cockpit you will find 2 lush mounted rod holders, which enable users to troll more than one line when paddling into upstream or narrow inlets. In front of the cockpit, a swivel holder for rod exists, which basically works as third hand to keep the primary rod during line changes and paddling sessions.
While the rear part of this Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak has a storage compartment having shock cord type rigging with enough space, there is small notch that has been covered using shock near the swivel holder. The notch helps in keeping accessories or water bottles. The storage compartment allows users to keep fishing license, camera, tackle and such other things.
Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak is one of the finest fishing boats available for beginners. However, its versatility, quality of construction and wide range of features make it great for advanced kayakers too. Its low price, along with its high efficiently, makes it a great choice overall.
7. Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Fishing Kayak
Pelican thinks that its premium line kayaks have the ability to keep up with a learners pace, even when a beginner becomes professional. The Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Fishing Kayak, coming from the same premium line, features great things.
Even though the Maxim is not very heavy, its hull has been constructed well in order to make it survive rocks and knocks in a superior way. The hull does not get dented when it strikes with underwater obstacles either. This glossy-looking kayak is made from RAM-X polyethylene, and has nice aesthetics.
The performance quality is very good on all kinds of water. The twin-arched style gives it greater stability. Its lateral stability can be truly considered as superior because a kayaker can easily cast, lean over as well as reel with this kayak. The problem is, its high stability makes it not-so-great when it comes to its tracking performance.
The cockpit table and compartment are good additions. The table has a dry hatch or bag which allows you to keep lunch or gears. There is also one bottle holder to prevent your body from dehydration while fishing. Since the seat is equipped with adjustable type back rest, paddlers with varying heights can use this kayak in their own comfortable ways. The back support is quite nice overall.
Despite its modest size, there is provision for bow hatch, bungee storage and stern hatch. Secured with quick lock type hatch, the stern and bow storage compartment ensures peace of mind. In the hatch, one can keep clothes, food, bedding or anything else that may help along the journey. Nothing is going to get wet. With the help of bungee cords, you can secure any excess gear that may be available.
Primarily, the Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Fishing Kayak has been designed to satisfy those angels who want a fishing kayak that does not cost a lot. Right behind the cockpit seat, two rod holders have been provided, which ensure easy access when you are seating. The paddle holder allows you to have free hands during casting times or reeling times. The holder helps when you are reading your sonar finder or GPS too.
All said and done, it’s definitely a great kayak for angler and truly a candidate for the best fishing kayak under 600 dollars.
