The Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000

Instant calm and peace in a busy world can be hard to find. But for outdoor enthusiasts, kayak fishing is one of the most relaxing and rewarding activities.

However, finding the best fishing kayaks under 1000 can have you scratching your head in confusion. The options can be diverse and complicated and that’s precisely why we’re here to help.

READ NEXT: THE BEST FISHING KAYAKS UNDER $500

Fishing Kayaks Under $1,000 – Our Favorite Choices

Having researched and looked extensively through different kayaks, we’re going to help you escape the city.

Here are our top picks.

SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Boss SS Sit-On/Stand On Top Angler Kayak

Produced by SUNDOLPHIN, this slip-resistant sit/stand on top kayak is suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

It boasts rock-solid stability that makes it less prone to tipping over. Standing on top, you’ll enjoy security and balance due to a stand assist strap.

With this kayak, storage is a big asset. The hatch doors allow storage of sizable items like containers or rod holders. Bear in mind that if you aren’t using waterproof containers, your storage space has a big chance of getting wet.

The padded seat is ideal when it comes to comfort. Moreover, it’s extremely adjustable as it can be held down and laid completely flat during transport, ensuring maximum space efficiency.

Pros

• Has generous below deck storage
• Slip-resistant
• Customizable foot straps
• Flat solid platform
• Rod storage

Cons

• Small ¼” scupper holes in the middle
• The chair isn’t durable; be careful when handling it

Vibe Outdoors Sea Ghost 110 Kayak

With its smooth, sleek hull, the Sea Ghost 110 provides ultimate speed and functionality.

Balancing can be a trick for the less graceful, but the Sea Ghost 110 is beginner-friendly. Angling while standing up is easy with its concrete stability and durability.

For some, kayaking could be a physically demanding activity, which is why many may opt for a boat instead. However, the toe-controlled rudder system available in the Sea Ghost 110 will reserve your physical effort for angling and fishing.

On top of that, the 425 lbs weight capacity is supported by a 20-inch storage hatch, a center sealed console, and another 6 inch rear hatch with a bag insert. You’ll never run out of space.

One thing to bear in mind, however, would be weight distribution. To ensure maximum maneuverability when kayaking, make sure your gear is equally distributed according to its weight.

Pros

• Extremely customizable
• 10 scupper holes
• Great weight capacity
• Has two fishing rod holders
• Replaceable skid plate

Cons

• Wobbly for less graceful paddlers
• Center console can come undone easily

Kayak Fishing vs. Boat Fishing

In 2016, sales of recreational kayaks went up by 21 percent and 18 percent in unit sales. Examining this increase, it was observed that the majority of items that encouraged it was fishing kayaks.

Matt Powell, a sports industry analyst, credited this increase to the unexplored kayak market. “There’s still uncharted territory within the kayak market, and many manufacturers found an opportunity in fishing kayaks,” he confirmed in 2016.

Kayaks proudly boast a couple of other advantages over boats that automatically make them more attractive to anglers.

Accessibility

Kayaks offer you mobility and access to areas and fishing spots where boats wouldn’t take you.

Boats require a boat ramp, a trailer, and an extra person to be launched. With a kayak, you can launch it almost anywhere and anytime.

A kayak can be strapped to your vehicle easily. You can even wheel it to your desired spot if it’s within close reach.

Budget-friendly

A boat itself is quite costly. Add to it the price of fuel, frequent maintenance fees, and additional accessories, and you’ll find that fishing is weighing on your wallet.

Buying a boat will force you to invest in other items to be able to properly use it. For example, you’ll need a trailer to be able to launch the boat.

In Minnesota, kayak registration isn’t required. Owning a kayak doesn’t require the owner to register in most states in the US, thereby saving extra fees.

Stealth

Besides the peacefulness kayaks offer you, the grace and stealth will make you less noticeable around fish.

Most kayaks don’t support a trolling motor, forgoing noise and gas money. With light proper paddle equipment, you’ll sneak your way around fish successfully.

What Should I Look for In a Kayak?

In 2017, statistics calculated the number of those participating in kayaking to be approximately 15.99 million. But how do all of these people choose a kayak?

Paddle vs. Pedal

Most companies offer paddle kayaks which require more physical effort. However, the kayak market isn’t suffering a shortage from pedal kayaks, as they have their own appeal.

Pedal kayaks leave your hands unoccupied, which means they’re going to be mostly concerned with fishing. However, they’re heavier and harder to maneuver around than paddle kayaks, which are lighter and easier to turn.

Length

Length is one of the most important aspects of kayaks. Simply put, shorter and wider kayaks are more stable and slower, offering security when standing on top for anglers.

Narrow and long kayaks are faster and more efficient when it comes to paddling through sizeable distances.

These long kayaks are ideal when paddling in a straight line. Their sleek shape helps maintain course and speed.

However, turning and maneuvering could prove a little harder than when using shorter and wider kayaks.

Types of Fishing Kayaks

There are a few types of fishing kayaks available. Let’s check them out.

Sit-on-Top

These are the most comfortable for casual paddlers. Sit-on-top kayaks sport superior stability that prevents them from rolling.

Sit-on-top kayaks feature a seat on top of the hull rather than inside it, which facilitates getting in and out of the kayak for inexperienced paddlers.

It also saves space for additional compartments and fishing gear. These holes prevent the kayak from swamping when flipping over.

Aside from being free of confinement, sit-on-top kayaks have scupper holes: small holes through which water drains.

Sit-Inside

The opposite of sit-on-top kayaks, these kayaks feature a seat inside the hull rather than on top. It’s ideal if you want to stay dry and paddle quickly as they’re faster than sit-on-top kayaks.

However, sit-inside kayaks are harder to use for beginners, as they take a bit more experience to use. For example, when tipping over, getting around the kayak and swimming safely to shore can be tricky and sometimes even risky.

Most beginners start with sit-on-top kayaks than as they familiarize themselves with the equipment then graduate to sit-in kayaks.

Tandem

Built to accommodate two people, tandem kayaks are made for sociable outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy the sunlight and peace with a special companion.

Prioritizing teamwork, these kayaks are dependant on the cooperation of the two paddlers.

Tandem kayaks aren’t a common choice for beginners due to inaccessibility when it comes to usage. Besides the need for harmonic teamwork, these kayaks are longer than average and harder to maneuver.

Conclusion

Kayaks come in a variety of types and prices. The trick is to examine yourself as a paddler and find the best fishing kayak under 1000 that’s within range of your needs and skill set.

Whether it’s pedal or paddle; sit-on-top or sit-inside; expensive or cheap, you can easily find a perfect fit.