Fishing Kayaks Under $400 Compared

7 Questions Before Buying A Low-Range Fishing Kayak

What’s the main purpose of your yak?

Kayaks come in all shapes, sizes, prices, and for different uses, too. Knowing what your primary purpose will be will help you narrow down your choice. Serious anglers may be looking for a kayak that will allow them to cover more ground, so a longer slimmer fishing kayak will be needed. Whereas, an angler whose purpose is to get a loved one out on the water for an evening of fishing will require a tandem model. 

Which water system will you be fishing in?

Which type of kayak do you want?

Sit-in or sit-on-top? Hard-shell or inflatable? Is portability necessary for you, or do you have a truck to transport a hard shell kayak?

These are all great questions to ask before focusing on brands or warranties. Sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks have many pros and cons, and will mainly be based on personal preference. If you’re entirely new to angling, then consider a sit-on-top model over a sit-in kayak. You’ll get a better view of the water, and they are generally safer, especially in case of flipping.

What size kayak & weight capacity will you need?

A kayak’s length and width can hugely impact its ability to move well when on the water. If you get a shorter kayak, you’ll find it will move easier on the water, generally getting good tracking. Kayaks over 10 feet are faster and can cut through the water easily, but may not suit tall or heavier anglers as the max weight capacity is lower. If you need a fishing kayak with a higher capacity than 250 lbs, for example, then don’t worry. There are plenty of fishing kayaks under $400 that go as high as 650 lbs, but they tend to be tandem or 3-seater models.

Do you need stability & mobility or propulsion speed?

How are the comfort & safety features of the yak?

If you get a good quality fishing kayak, they often have built-in back support and footrests accompanying your yak. Having enough space for your legs to move around nicely is essential, so getting an adjustable seat is a great bonus. Inflatable kayaks tend to be easier to use and pack if you're new to the scene. There are fewer pieces to play around with, and they’re easier to transport, too.

What fishing storage & extra features does it come with?

When you’re not using your kayak, you'll need to store it properly to avoid damaging the exterior. If you buy a beautiful hard shell yak and you leave it in the sun for months on end, you risk warping the overall shape and damaging the color.

Many kayaks on the market will come and will have a cover included. Some other things you could expect along with your kayak are:

Not all models will have these added extras, but many of our reviewed kayaks below have a number of these perks and more. Continue reading to find out our top picks for the best fishing kayaks below $400.

1. Intex Excursion Pro

The first kayak on our list is the Excursion Pro within the Professional series range. It’s a lightweight, travel-friendly sit-in kayak that can fit two riders easily. It has a great max load capacity for an inflatable model, coming in at a total weight capacity of 400 pounds. And there’s plenty of room for your fishing tackle either upfront or at the rear of the kayak.

The seating options for the Excursion Pro are adjustable so that you can use it as a single rider or as a tandem kayak. Depending on your height and size, you can easily adjust or remove the seats by its strong velcro and position them further forward or backward.

Another thing we loved about the Excursion Pro was its tough exterior with a polyester core. It allows you to not worry about damage from abrasion, impact, or sunlight. Intex designed this kayak to have high-pressure inflation as well, so it helps to provide additional rigidity and stability in numerous waterways.

The Excursion Pro kayak is surprisingly priced as many single-person kayaks, but with the option of making it into a tandem model. As it’s inflatable, it’s perfect for its usability for touring, watersports, and of course, as a fishing kayak, making it our top pick for the best fishing kayak under $400.

2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado

3. Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe

4. Solstice Swimline Durango

As a beginner fishing kayaker, it’s crucial to think about every new aspect before taking your floatation device to the shore. From the ease of transportation, carrying, and overall use, the Solstice by Swimline Durango Kayak will be your new best friend.

This convertible, 2, or 1 user inflatable kayak has a thinner diameter than some of its competitors, but it still has plenty of room for long-legged users. The smaller diameter is also great for reaching higher speeds to get to your fishing destination faster. It has a tough 600 denier nylon cover with triple layer bottom, and a sturdy PU coated 840 Denier nylon oxford fabric top cover. It’s great for choppy waterways and for hard to reach areas.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any paddles that accompany this model, but you will receive two sturdy nylon-covered bucket seats that are fully adjustable, and sit perfectly within the kayak. Some other features include Heavy-duty D-rings for securing your fishing gear and a detachable skeg for better performance and tracking. It truly is an excellent kayak for beginners, and you can bring a friend or loved one with you to make the whole day more enjoyable.

5. Sevylor Quikpak K5

6. Perception Zip 9.5

7. Sun Dolphin Journey

Anglers seeking a sturdy and reliable fishing kayak usually expect the price to go up a couple of hundred dollars. But, the Sun Dolphin Journey 10-foot Fishing kayak proves that stability doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. This sit-on-top, hard shell is incredibly sturdy, reliable as it’s made of  UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene, so sharp rocks or debris will be no match against the Journey 10 ss.

This kayak was designed with fishing in mind. It has two flush mount rod holders and one swivel holder on board with you. The large, comfortable seating area with an adjustable padded seat will be comfortable to sit in for hours of intensive fishing. You’ll have plenty of space for a cooler or tackle box, too, as it comes with self-bailing and storage compartments, along with Sun Dolphin's P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier). This can give you extra storage if needs be.

With shock cord deck rigging and protective thigh pads for ultimate comfort, it’s hard to think of anything Sun Dolphin missed when designing this kayak for anglers. There is one thing to note, the max weight limit on this fishing kayak is 250 lbs, including gear. Some anglers will find this easy to stay under, whereas others may find it difficult. Once you stay under 250 lbs, you’ll feel comfortable, and most importantly stable, on all of your fishing excursions.

Fishing Kayak Pricing Guides Explained

Kayak Fishing Basics & Safety Tips

Once you start fishing from a kayak, your opportunities become endless. Not only will you cover more ground, but you’ll have the opportunity to find new schools of fish.

Owning your fishing kayak will take out a lot of the hassle of renting one, so you can get to the water faster, and whenever you want. Before you do, be aware of some of the following safety tips. They could help you in the long run.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do I keep my fishing kayak in good condition?

Maintaining your new fishing kayak will differ from inflatable to hard shell. For most inflatable kayaks, it’s recommended to put it in a bucket of mildly soapy water. Rinse it off, making sure there aren’t any grit, sand, or leaves left behind. Once it’s dry, you can store it in your kayaking bag.

A simple inspection for damages and a wet cloth to the exterior will do the trick for hard-shell kayaks. Be sure to drain any water from the inside and rinse it thoroughly after every use. 

Is a sit on top kayak better for fishing than a sit-inside kayak?

Do fishing kayaks come with warranties?

Absolutely! Like buying a fishing boat or yacht, most manufacturers will offer a warranty of some sort when you buy your new fishing kayak. Some warranties last 30 days, other brands offer lifetime warranties, so it’s worth checking what you’re covered for, and for how long, before you buy.

Can I use my fishing kayak on both freshwater and saltwater?

Do kayaks tip easily? What happens if you tip over in a kayak?

Kayaks aren’t designed with flipping in mind, so it shouldn't happen too regularly. If you do end up flipping your kayak, then try to stay calm. You should be wearing your PFD, so your only focus is to get out of the yak as safely and calmly as possible. If you're flipping your yak a lot, check if your fishing environment is suitable for your kayak. 

Where is the best place to find good fishing kayaks under 400 dollars?

If you’d like to see your potential new fishing kayak up, close and personal, check out your local fish tackle store or outdoor adventure store. If there's none of interest to you, then there’s always Amazon. The customer reviews are honest and to the point and could help you finalize your decision once you read opinions from like-minded anglers.

Conclusion