Fishing Kayaks Under $700 Compared

Choosing A Quality Fishing Kayak Under $700 

Before we dive into the top kayaks, you need to have a basic understanding of the important features. Instead of breaking down the individual elements, we have isolated a few logical things that people will look at.

Fishing Location

With most kayaks, the location is important and should make up the majority of your thinking process. However, fishing kayaks are a sub-category of the kayaks niche, and most of them have the same shape. You will rarely find a fishing kayak with a deep hull, as the angler needs to have stability when moving around on the kayak. 

The biggest worry you have that pertains to the location is whether you would like to have an outboard on the kayak. Should you hit rough waters, the addition of an outboard can give you speed and power to get out of a stream. Fishing kayaks are never recommended for whitewater, and one should be wary when on the ocean. 

Kayak Type

Speaking of the kayak type, it is a vital feature when it comes to your kayak. As we have mentioned, the fishing kayak might be a sub-category, but there are various types of fishing kayaks that one can choose. Aside from the quality and the use you have for it, your budget will be the main determining factor to which one you choose:

They sit on top kayak is by far the most effective for fishing. Since most of them are rotomolded polyethylene, you have durability. However, the inflatable kayaks should not be looked over, as they are perfect for the weekend angler. Sitting inside a kayak can be hard if you want to move around, but works for catch and release.

Kayak Size Vs. User Weight

You can use almost any kayak size for fishing, but you will notice that the 12 and 14-foot kayaks are most popular among anglers. They have the perfect length that will help any user maneuver the unit around in the water. Additionally, the length gives you more features like storage space, and it will allow you to add more accessories.

One needs to always keep the weight limit in mind. There is no perfect weight limit, but as a rule of thumb, you need to consider 250-pounds for a single-person kayak. If you start looking in the direction of the best tandem kayaks, you might find that 500-pounds is more of the norm. It will also depend on the equipment you need to add to the kayak.

Mobility

Mobility can refer to two different aspects of the kayak. While you will undoubtedly need to look at how it controls, you also need to keep the transportation process in mind. An inflatable kayak will be easier to transport, but you need to have some form of inflating mechanism that can be activated portability or connects to a car battery.

The standard polyethylene kayaks are harder to transport, but you don’t run the risk of punctures. Before you buy one of them, you need to consider which method of transport you will use. Strapping them to a vehicle can be dangerous, but under controlled circumstances, it will work just fine. A pickup truck is the best method of transport.

Storage Features & Extras

A fishing kayak is marketed on the fact that you can store some of your fishing gear on it. However, there are a couple more important storage-related features that you also need to consider. Keep in mind that many features the kayak world considers “extras” are mandatory for a fishing kayak if you want the best value:

Storage features also refer to how you keep the kayak stored when not in use. It is best recommended that you hang it on the side of your wall, but not on the flimsy part of the material. Solid bars are the best option. It can be tricky to place them upright if not done correctly, and the kayak should never be left on the floor or near water buildup spots.

Warranty

The final vital feature is the warranty. You need to have some form of warranty if you want peace of mind. Inflatable kayaks might not have the best or the most extended warranties. However, some of the high-end brands will give you limited lifetime warranties. We recommend that you stay in the guidelines of your warranty, as these kayaks can be very expensive to replace.

1. Perception Pescador 12

2. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two

3. SUN DOLPHIN Bali SS

4. Driftsun Teton 120

5. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame

6. Lifetime 90806 Tamarack

Fishing Kayak Pricing Guide

It is hard to accurately look at which features are included at a specific threshold. Many brands will give you a few accessories, but the kayak might not be durable.

You might want to refer to all the important features before considering the price as a method of selecting the best kayak. There is more to kayaks than the price.

Fishing Kayak Accessories

As mentioned, there are a couple of great features that you need to look at when buying a kayak. However, fishing kayaks need a lot more than standard recreational accessories.

If you are a serious angler, you might want to take a few moments and look at the following accessories. They will take your kayak to the next level:

Transporting Kayaks

Transporting your kayaks can be daunting, especially those that are heavy and very long. Fortunately, many experts have figured out how to transport kayaks without damaging them.

How you transport your kayak will come down to what you have to transport it with. Here is an interesting video on transporting kayaks:

Safety Issues When Kayak Fishing

You will often see an emphasis on the safety features of a kayak. Unfortunately, the kayak might be safe, but once it tips over, you might be subject to drowning and possible injury.

Another essential aspect to consider is the conditions around. Constant sun exposure could lead to sunburn and heatstroke. It is best to research the weather conditions, and potentially avoid adverse conditions if possible. Check this video for more details.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are fishing kayaks prone to tipping over?

Fishing kayaks tend to be more stable than racing counterparts are. Due to the extra width, you can float much better. However, paddlers that put too much weight on either side might find that the kayak can tip over.

How much weight can a fishing kayak hold?

A fishing kayak can hold a lot of weight. However, the exact number will vary from kayak to kayak. As a norm, we have found that a single-person kayak should hold up to 250-pounds. The tandem kayaks can hold up to 500-pounds.

What are fishing kayaks made of?

Do these kayaks come with warranties?

Every kayak brand will give you some sort of warranty to add to the peace of mind. However, the length of these warranties will vary depending on the brand.

Can I return my fishing kayak?

This relates to the brand, with the return times fluctuating from each brand to the other.

What are there limitations for returns?

The limitations of return are indicated in the warranty. Generally, you will need to have the original packaging, and the kayak should not be damaged.

What is some advice for first time kayakers?

As a beginner, you need to do some research on all the safety measures and the conditions. A sit-on-top kayak is easier to control, but you need to make sure that the paddles are the correct size. Start by paddling around the lake until you are comfortable before you dig into the fishing part.

What kind of maintenance is needed with yaks?

Kayaks need to be maintained, and you need to make sure they are in peak condition before you head out onto the water. The maintenance will vary from kayak to kayak, with the information available in the instructions. However, the following video will give you a basic understanding of kayak maintenance.

Conclusion