10 Best Fishing Kayak Under $1000

Work in the city can be stressful, and sometimes we all just need a little break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What better way to relieve stress than fishing?

Fishing is a family-friendly pastime with many benefits for your well-being, both physical and mental.

Kayak fishing is a great way to get started on fishing without breaking the bank. Read below to find the best fishing kayaks under $1000.If you are looking for big models – and some more pricey of course- you can refer to our kayak for big guy reviews.

Let’s Dig Into The Best Fishing Kayaks For Money Less Than $1000

1. Jackson Kayak Bite Angler Kayak – 2021: Best Overall

What We Liked

The Jackson Bite is our top fishing kayak pick, especially for anyone who wants to take the hobby seriously. The Jackson Bite has stability covered, and it still stays afloat, even when standing.

The best feature of the Jackson Bite is its trimmable, adjustable seat. The seats in the Jackson Bite are comfortable, even if you spend one whole day in the water. It can adjust to many positions and configurations, which makes it easy for any angler, no matter your height.

The seat makes the Jackson Bite easy to paddle, even when tracking long distances at a time.

The Jackson Bite is made for fishing, and its design and add-ons make it our top pick. The molded rod holders, which sit near the bow, allow you to nest your rods out of the way of your body.

The Jackson Bite doesn’t have an in-hull storage, but it more than makes up for it with its large stern storage. The open deck design can store a lot of fishing gear, and you can easily access your gear when you need it.

What We Didn’t Like

The Jackson Bite has everything you might need for a fishing excursion, but it might not be the most maneuverable option. While it’s not slow, it can get difficult to maneuver in windier conditions.

While the open deck design is great for storage, it might be hard to keep your things safe and dry from the water.

Is The Jackson Bite For You?

The Jackson Bite is a great fishing kayak to use for both beginner and serious anglers. Its design pays attention to an angler’s needs, and it’s very comfortable and stable. There is very little not to like about the Jackson Bite, and it’s definitely our top pick for fishing kayaks below 1000.

2. Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak – 2021: Best Value

What We Liked

The Perception Pescador Pro 12 stands as our best value sit on top kayak under $1000. While it has all the necessities of a fishing kayak, it also has features that make it stand out for long-term use.

The Pescador Pro 12 is stable, reliable, and easy to maneuver. It has storage areas in both the hull and the stern, so you can bring all the fishing gear you’ll need for the day.

The Pescador Pro 12 kayak comes with a removable and adjustable seat made out of breathable mesh, so you wouldn’t have to worry about any discomfort. The height can also be adjusted, so the Pescador Pro 12 would be a good match for anyone of any height.

What We Didn’t Like

The Pescador Pro 12’s rod holders aren’t the most well-designed, in our opinion. You’ll have to be careful not to knock your rods while paddling.

Is The Perception Pescador Pro 12 For You?

The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is a popular option for first-timers, and for good reason. It has comfortable seats, ample storage space, and it’s stable and easy to maneuver, especially in calm water.

While it has some quirks to get used to, like the rod holders, it still is the best value kayak that you can purchase for its price.

If you need a kayak you can use all day without breaking the bank, we highly recommend the Perception Pescador Pro 12.

Pros

• Comfortable, removable seat
• Maneuverable
• Stable
• Sufficient storage areas

Cons

• Rod holders could be better

3. Feelfree Moken 10 Lite Kayak: Best Budget

What We Liked

The Feelfree Moken 10 Lite is a lightweight, sit on top kayak with a lot of extra features for its size. This bang-for-the-buck kayak is portable and easy to transport and has all the features any angler would need.

The Moken 10 is a great kayak for hobbyists. With Wheel in the Keel by Feelfree, it’s easy to move the kayak from land to water. The size is also perfect for stowing in your vehicle.

The Feelfree Moken 10 Lite is stable, even if it’s only 31 inches wide. It’s best used seated, though, as the smaller size might be unstable to use when standing.

The Moken 10 Lite is easy to maneuver, and you can reach difficult areas that larger-sized kayaks wouldn’t.

The Moken 10 Lite is comfortable to use for anglers of average height. It has different leg-positioning options, as well as a comfortable King Fisher Seat, so you can fish all day without straining your legs.

Storage isn’t a problem with the Moken 10 Lite. It has adequate space to fit all your fishing gear, which you can access while seated.

You might not want to put the most important things in the rear cargo deck, though. The rear storage deck is harder to access from a seated position.

What We Didn’t Like

There are a few trade-offs that the Moken 10 Lite had for its size, though. It’s not the best fishing kayak to use for taller anglers since it doesn’t have a ton of legroom. It also wouldn’t be as stable as a larger-sized option. But the portability and ease-of-use of the Moken 10 Lite more than make up for its flaws.

Pros

• Portable and easy to transport
• Stable for the size
• Sufficient storage areas

Cons

• Not the best kayak for standing
• Limited space for taller anglers

Is The Feelfree Moken 10 Lite For You?

The Feelfree Moken 10 Lite is a good entry-level option for budget-conscious anglers. It doesn’t skimp on quality for the price, and it has all the features you’ll need to get started on kayak fishing.

The Moken 10 Lite is specially built for hobbyists as it’s lightweight and extremely portable. If you’re thinking about dipping your feet into the hobby, then the Moken 10 Lite might just be the kayak for you.

4. Old Town Topwater 120 Kayak

What We Liked

The Old Town Topwater 120 Kayak is a well-loved fishing kayak under $1000 by beginners and advanced anglers alike. Its ease of use makes this a great pick for beginners, while its features are well-designed for any advanced angler to appreciate.

The Topwater 120 kayak has the largest capacity out of all the kayaks we’ve reviewed, at 500 lbs. This gives you enough storage space for your fishing gear, with a lot of space to spare for a good catch!

Stability is a priority for the Topwater 120. The Topwater 120 has a unique “double u” hull design that helps increase stability and reduce wind drafts.

The hull design makes the Topwater 120 a joy to use. It isn’t the fastest kayak, but it tracks well and is easy to paddle. And unlike most kayaks below 1000, the Topwater 120 is stable enough to be used standing up.

But as a sit on top fishing kayak, the Topwater 12 is best used when seated. It has a lot of legroom with a lot of configurations for your legs to fit, and the door braces can be adjusted to your height. The seat is comfortable and can be adjusted to a high and low seat position.

What We Didn’t Like

It’s hard to find things not to like about the Topwater 120. This is a great kayak to fish with because its features are geared towards serious anglers. It even lasts a lifetime and has a lifetime guarantee from Old Town.

However, it’s also our most expensive option on this list. At MSRP $999, it pushes the sub-1000 category.

Pros

• Stable, even while standing
• Easy to maneuver
• Large weight capacity
• Good legroom for any height

Cons

• Expensive

Is The Old Town Topwater 120 For You?

The Old Town Topwater 120 has just about everything you need to get started as an angler. Even intermediate and advanced anglers really like the design and features of the Old Town Topwater. Water is not an enemy for a kayak like the Topwater 120.

If you think that you’ll get into the fishing hobby, then the Old Town Topwater 120 is a no-brainer.

5. Jonny Boats Bass 100 Angler Kayak

What We Liked

The Jonny Boats Bass 100 is a hybrid kayak designed to be customized. It combines the features of a usual Jon boat with a kayak. While you can paddle the Bass 100 like a kayak, you have the freedom to outfit the Bass 100 with a motor.

Unlike most fishing kayaks, the Bass 100 has a boat hull design. This allows the kayak to be stable even when you install a propulsion motor inside.

We like the Bass 100’s foot control for steering. The foot control makes it really easy to maneuver, especially if it’s outfitted with a motor.

The Bass 100 kayak comes with a uni-track accessory plate to add your accessories too, so you don’t need to drill any holes into your kayak.

What We Didn’t Like

Because the Jonny Boats is made for customization, it’s not the best one for simple paddling. If you plan to fish pretty far out of the water and would need to paddle through long distances, we don’t recommend the Bass 100. Because of the boat design, it isn’t the most maneuverable option on the list.

Pros

• Easy customization
• Can be outfitted with a motor
• Stable and reliable

Cons

• Moves slow for paddlers
• Not for long-distance paddling

Is The Jonny Boats Bass 100 Angler Kayak For You?

The Jonny Boats Bas 100 Kayak is the best kayak to get if you want a more affordable option to a regular fishing boat. It’s also great if you’re a DIY enthusiast and loves the idea of customizing the kayak to your preferences.

However, if you don’t like the noise of a motor or don’t have plans to install a motor, it might not be the best fishing kayak for you.

6. Feelfree Moken 14 Angler Kayak

What We Liked

Fish fast with the Feelfree Moken 14. The Moken 14 is a long and narrow kayak made for anglers who like to quickly get from one place to another.

The ultra-padded King Fisher seat is comfortable to use, even for hours of fishing. It’s adjustable to high and low positions. We found that adjusting your seat high will make this kayak comfortable to paddle.

Standing is also no problem because the padded standing platform is unobstructed, and you won’t have to worry about tripping and falling over into the water.

It also includes one central console where you can store your valuables. Above the compartment, you can attach your fish finder and other tools within reach.

The flush mount rod holders are also conveniently located behind the seat. This makes your fishing rods easier to access without worrying that you might hit your fishing rods with your paddle.

What We Didn’t Like

Because the Moken 14 is pretty long, we found that it’s not the most maneuverable kayak option below 1000 dollars. The proportions of its length to its width also affects its stability. But these are the trade-offs of the Moken 14 for speed.

Pros

• Good for long distances
• Fast and easy to paddle
• Comfortable seats

Cons

• Not the most stable and maneuverable option

Is The Feelfree Moken 14 For You?

The Moken 14 is a good option if you have a need for speed. If your goal is to cover larger areas of water in one day, the Moken 14 might be for you.

7. Old Town Topwater 106 Kayak

What We Liked

The Old Town Topwater 106 Kayak is the smaller cousin of the Topwater 120 Kayak that we reviewed. Old Town designed the Topwater 106 with similar qualities in mind.

Like the Topwater 120, the Topwater 106 comes with a “double u” hull design that makes this tiny kayak stable even with some wind and waves. It is stable and tracks well, especially across calmer water.

The Topwater 106 seat, made of breathable ElementAir™ material, is comfortable to use for hours.

Because of the hull stability design, you can also use the Topwater 106 for stand-up fishing. This one is stable enough to support your weight while standing up, and the deck pads are lined with EVA foam, so you don’t have to worry about slipping. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about your kayak being water-logged.

It also has plenty of storage for the size, so you have enough room for your fishing gear and tools, as well as your fish catch!

What We Didn’t Like

Although we found the Topwater 106 seats comfortable, we found it difficult to adjust. The seat’s high setting is uncomfortable to paddle from and feels unstable, even if the kayak itself is stable.

The universal transducer mount is difficult to use for some fish finder transducers.

Pros

• Stable, even while standing
• Easy to maneuver
• Good legroom

Cons

• Difficult to adjust seats
• Can be slow

Is The Old Town Topwater 106 For You?

The Old Town Topwater 106 is a great option for a shorter boat, especially if you’re worried about storage space. It has all the features and tools you might need for fishing, though there are some quirks you’ll need to get used to, such as the seat adjustment.

8. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Kayak

What We Liked

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is a good beginner fishing kayak to use in inland lakes, streams, and water bodies. The Prowler 13 is a good choice for fishing on shallower water, and it can glide around weeds and rocks.

The Prowler 13 is one of the narrower kayaks that we have reviewed, and the narrower hull makes the kayak track faster. This is a good choice for paddling over longer distances since you don’t get easily tired while paddling.

We love the storage hatch that they designed with a click seal lock. This helps keep your valuables dry and safe from the water. Of course, we still recommend that you keep your items in a dry bag for better protection.

The best part about the Prowler 13 is its four-way adjustable seats. Most kayak seats only adjust to a high and low position, but the addition of front/back adjustment can make it easier to find the perfect sitting position for a balanced kayak.

What We Didn’t Like

It doesn’t have a lot of legroom, so using the Prowler 13 might be uncomfortable for taller anglers.

Stability may also be a problem because of the narrower hull. But this isn’t a big issue if you’ll only use the Prowler 13 in shallow waters.

Pros

• Easy to maneuver
• Tracks fast
• Comfortable adjustable seats

Cons

• Not enough legroom for taller anglers

Is The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 For You?

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is a good fit for anglers who like fishing in shallow or weedy waters. It’s also one of the better tracking kayaks that we’ve reviewed. If you are just starting out, this might be a good option for you.

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9. Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 Kayak

What We Liked

The Perception Pescador Pro 10 is the smaller sibling of the Pescador 12 kayak, but its smaller size doesn’t make it any less of a fishing kayak. The Pescador Pro 10 is one of the most stable sub-1000 dollar kayaks we’ve come across. It can handle tough water without tipping over. Not bad for a small kayak!

The Pescador Pro 10 is also easy to maneuver and tracks pretty fast for a smaller-sized kayak. In fact, its size is so convenient that you can even use the Pescador Pro 10 for recreational kayaking.

But the Pescador Pro 10 is definitely made for anglers. It has ample storage space, with a stern tank as well as a bow tank. The storage fits gear and other items perfectly. The Pescador Pro 10 also provides a center console for your fish finder, a tackle box, and also has a mold-in cup holder: perfect for warm coffee in the middle of the lake.

What we love about the Pescador Pro 10 is that it comes with height-adjustable seats. The seats can also be reclined, which isn’t a feature we saw with many other fishing kayaks.

What We Didn’t Like

We wished that the Pescador Pro 10 came with more built-in rod holders, but you can always purchase more rod holders if you need them.

Pros

• Light enough for recreational kayaking
• Comfortable adjustable seats

Cons

• Only two built-in rod holders

Is The Perception Pescador Pro 10.0 For You?

The Perception Pescador Pro 10 is good for a beginner angler who’s just getting started with fishing. If you want an affordable but reliable kayak, the Pescador Pro 10 might just be for you.

10. Feelfree Lure 10 Version 2 (V2) Kayak

What We Liked

The Feelfree Lure 10 V2 is another small, 10-inch kayak that packs a punch for the size.

While the hull is smaller than other options, it has ample legroom, even for taller people. We love the adjustable foot pegs of this canoe, allowing taller anglers to sit comfortably without cramping their legs.

The Lure 10 V2 was also very maneuverable when we used it and is very stable for its small size. It had no problems when we casted while standing up, especially in calm waters.

The molded-in handles also make it easier to lift the kayak out of the water. When coupled with the Wheel in the Keel feature by Feelfree, bringing the Lure 10 V2 around is a breeze.

However, our favorite part is the multi-height adjustable Gravity Seat, which is comfortable even for long fishing sessions. While most adjustable-height seats for fishing kayaks only have two height adjustment options, the Lure 10 V2 Gravity Seat has four-stop adjustments.

The Lure 10 V2 seats are great for anglers of any height to find legroom and paddle comfortably while maintaining a balanced center of gravity.

What We Didn’t Like

The Lure 10 V2 is, unfortunately, one of the slower kayaks below 1,000 dollars since it’s wider and shorter than other fishing kayaks.

Pros

• Comfortable adjustable seats
• Ample storage space

Cons

• Not the best tracking kayak

Is The Feelfree Lure 10 V2 For You?

The Feelfree Lure 10 V2 is a great kayak for anglers who need a smaller-sized vessel with all the features of a longer kayak. If you’re the kind of person to fish at a slow, relaxed pace, then the Feelfree Lure 10 V2 might be your pick.

Why Get A Fishing Kayak?

More and more people are getting into kayak fishing because of its lower initial investment and lower costs of maintaining the hobby.

Fishing kayaks are great for beginners to go fishing without added expenses. It becomes expensive to have to pay for a boat rental every single time you take a fishing trip.

It’s also hard to buy a fishing board with a motor since it’s expensive, requires storage space in your home, and has to be maintained regularly.

Besides the costs, there are plenty of reasons to get into kayak fishing. It’s a good exercise for people of all ages and, because it’s usually non-motorized, kayaks are much more relaxing to use, especially in calm water .

You can even fish on motor-restricted waterbodies , offering you more options for your fishing trips.

A fishing kayak is a good way to explore the hobby and figure out if fishing is for you without breaking the bank.

What To Look For In A Fishing Kayak

A decent kayak must be [R] stable, maneuverable, comfortable, and have enough storage for anglers. Read below for the features you need to watch out for when buying your fishing kayak.

Stability

A stable kayak will let you fish without your kayak tipping over [R]. The last thing you want when you go fishing is to have water creep into your vessel.

As a rule of thumb, wider kayaks are recommended for stability. But the trade-off with wider kayaks is speed [R] because you lose hydrodynamics.

Picking a kayak with the proper proportions can offset the decrease in speed for wider hulls, so we recommend that you also go longer as you go wider.

Maneuverability

Make sure the kayak you choose provides easy maneuverability. More people choose kayaks over canoes because they’re easy to move around [R] and can navigate to tighter fishing spots [R].

As a general rule, any fishing kayak will be more maneuverable than a typical fishing canoe or boat [R], so you’re covered with any of the options that we’ve reviewed.

But a good tip for choosing a fishing kayak is to make sure that the curve of the hull from the center to the ends (called the “rocker”) has a higher degree [R].

Tracking and Speed

Strictly speaking, tracking refers to the boat’s ability to move in a straight line across the water [R]. The better a kayak tracks, the less you’ll have to paddle. This means that you’re less likely to get fatigued from paddling, so you can enjoy a relaxing fishing session in the middle of a lake.

Tracking is related to speed because kayaks that track better glide faster through the water. Simply put, kayaks with good tracking are more hydrodynamic.

If tracking and speed are your priorities, you should choose kayaks with a lower degree rocker. You might trade off maneuverability and stability, though.

Storage and Weight Capacity

Whichever kayak you choose, make sure that it has enough storage space for your fishing gear. Ideally, kayaks should have a built-in rigging and tackle storage [R] with waterproof hatches and bungee cords to keep your gear in place and safe from the water.

If your kayak of choice has an open-deck design, make sure that you keep a dry bag to keep your clothes and other valuables safe and dry.

But storage space is no use if your kayak doesn’t have enough weight capacity. Make sure that your kayak can accommodate your body weight and the weight of your gear—both of those factors into the weight capacity of a fishing kayak.

Comfort

Comfort is another important thing to consider when getting a fishing kayak. Anglers spend many hours waiting in the water for the perfect catch. Besides the waiting, kayak fishing requires a lot of strenuous paddling, which can be uncomfortable if the seat is not adjusted correctly.

When buying a fishing kayak, make sure that you choose seats that adjust to a high and low position. A high position is recommended for easier paddling. However, just be extra careful of adjusting your seat higher, as raising the sitting height can affect your center of gravity.[R]

It would be even better if the seats adjust backward and forward as well. This can help with the legroom in your kayak, as well as the weight distribution in your kayak.

Price

Price is definitely an important consideration for beginner anglers. Though kayak is generally a more affordable way to get into fishing, the price points for a lot of models are really inaccessible for the average hobbyist. But with the rise of the sub-1000 dollar market, it won’t be hard to find the best fishing kayak for you.

The Verdict For The Best fishing Kayak Under 1000

Best Overall: Jackson Kayak Bite Angler Kayak – 2021

We think that the Jackson Bite Angler Kayak is the best fishing kayak under $1000. The Bite is a great fishing kayak to use for both beginner and serious anglers. Beginners will find that the Bite will last them for a really long time, even when they start to become serious about the hobby.

The Jackson Bite has features of kayaks more than its price suggests. If you think fishing might be a hobby to last you for a long time, then the Jackson Bite might be for you.

Best Value: Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak – 2021

The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is one of the best fishing kayaks for beginners out there because it offers many features for the price. This sit on top kayak has comfortable seats, ample storage space, and it’s stable and easy to maneuver.

If you need a kayak you can use all day without breaking the bank, we highly recommend the Perception Pescador Pro 12.

Best Kayak Budget: Feelfree Moken 10 Lite Kayak

The Feelfree Moken 10 Lite is a good entry-level option for budget-conscious anglers. Feelfree makes some of the best fishing kayaks in the market, and the Moken 10 Lite is no exception. You’re in good hands with the quality, durability, and ease of use of the Moken 10 Lite.

The Moken 10 Lite is especially built for hobbyists as it’s lightweight and extremely portable.

Conclusion

With all the advantages of kayak fishing, it’s no surprise that it’s become a hit. Even kayak manufacturers are starting to notice that they need to make kayaks for beginner anglers.

With our list of sit on top fishing kayaks under $1000, we’re sure that you can find the right one for you.

We didn’t included inflatables on purpose but for beginners or occasional fishing kayak you can check our article on inflatable fishing kayaks.

See Also Kayak accessories articles on : kayak gloves, shoes for kayaking.