Have you ever thought ‘wow that water looks good for fishing, I just wish I could afford or have access to a boat so I could get out there’?
I have thought that many times and by owning a fishing kayak, I can get out fishing whenever I want without having to call my buddy and convince him to take his boat out on the water.
Let’s have a quick look at the top 5 fishing kayaks under 1000 dollars from the lineup…
Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
Best Inflatable Under $1000
Best Under $1000 For Beginners
Fishing kayaks give you the independence to go fishing when you like.
The best fishing kayaks under 1000 are rigged to carry rods and all your fishing gear and are designed to be stable and safe too.
Our Best From The Review
Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
Pelican Basscreek 100xp
A durable hard shell kayak that’s great for fishing. Easy to maneuver, and has awesome stability it also features one of the best storage layouts.
Pelican Basscreek 100xp
The best fishing kayak under 1000 that you sit on top of is the Pelican Basscreek 100xp.
This sit on top kayak is camouflaged to hide from fish, durable, fast, stable on the water, and comes with all the storage space you could need plus 3 holders for your rods.
The kayak is ideal for fishing from and the padded cushion seat is super comfy too.
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Under $1000
Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak
Ideal for kayak fishing when you want the option of either carrying a load of gear or taking your buddy along with you.
Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak
The best fishing kayak under 1000 for tandem use is the Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak.
The tandem kayak is a spacious fishing kayak for two and you can also rig it for solo use.
The holders are set up so everyone has access to a rod, there is enough storage space for a day out, and it’s super stable and durable.
Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak Under $1000
Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak
Designed for carrying a heavy load. Also rugged and durable able to handle scrapes against rocks or being dragged up on a shingly shore.
Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak
The best stand up fishing kayak for under 1000$ is the Perception Outlaw.
These fishing kayaks come with a grippy non-slip floor and are extremely stable so that you can stand up and fish with ease.
The fishing kayak also has a lot of storage space plus the ability to carry 4 rods so you’ll always be prepared for any fishing situation.
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $1000
Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak
Super easy to transport. Features a large carrying capacity and would be ideal if you want to go on long fishing trips.
Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak
The best fishing kayak under 1000 that is inflatable is the Intex Excursion Pro.
It’s a fishing kayak for two people but better-used solo to give you extra storage space and a better fishing layout.
There are two holders for your rods, storage at the front and back, plus a removable mount for accessories like a GPS.
Best Fishing Kayak Under $1000 For Beginners
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
One of the best kayaks for beginners thanks to its stability and simple design plus it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
The best fishing kayak under 1000 for beginners is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100.
This fishing kayak is stable, durable, and easy to maneuver to give a beginner the best chance on the water without crushing any confidence.
The kayak is also rigged for fishing with 3 holders and ample storage space.
Our Best Fishing Kayaks Under 1000
Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak Under $1000
Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak
Designed for carrying a heavy load. Also rugged and durable able to handle scrapes against rocks or being dragged up on a shingly shore.
Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak
The Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak is a hardshell sit on top kayak made from high-density polyethylene.
This high-density polyethylene makes it rugged and durable to handle scrapes against rocks or being dragged up on a shingly shore.
But, it is a little heavy and not that easy to transport.
You will probably need to store it next to your fishing grounds or take it there on a trailer/roof rack.
Weight
This sit on top kayak is designed for carrying a heavy load weight capacity of 425lbs.
It doesn’t have an internal storage but it has gear tracks if you want to mount accessories.
If you’re heavier than average or need to take a lot of gear on a multiple-day fishing trip, this sit on top kayak is ideal.
Storage
The fishing kayak has two storage areas at the front and rear plus trays and cup holders next to the seat for items you might want to access quickly.
However, there is no internal dry storage on this fishing kayak so make sure all your gear is in a dry bag.
It also features multiple gear tracks for mounting accessories like a fish finder or GPS, so you can tailor-make the angling set up you desire.
Rod Holders
The perception kayaks also feature four flush mounted rod holders, two on each side by the seats that can hold up to 4 rods. If you plan on trolling you may only want to put two rods in the fishing kayak though, as they are a little close together.
Seat and Stability
The seat is large, comfy, and sits high on the water to give you a good view of the water and to make casting a little easier. It’s a stable kayak and even comes with a grippy floor that acts as a standing platform when you want to stand up and fish.
The kayak comes with a molded-in cup holder and trays to keep important items and drinks within easy reach.
The downsides to this fishing kayak are that it’s quite slow in the water and you may find others out paddling you.
Also, aside from not having internal storage, there are no footrests, just a grippy floor, and the large gear areas are a little tricky to access when you’re sitting down.
Specs
- Type: Hardshell
- Seating: Sit on top
- People: 1
- Length: 11.6 ft
- Storage: Tank wells
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 425 lbs
Pros
- Excellent carrying capacity
- Large seat for larger anglers
- Comfortable high seat for casting from
- Comes with four holders for rod
- Can hold 4 rods
- Gear tracks for adding accessories
- Includes trays and cup holders
- Good storage options
- Stable for standing to fish
Cons
- Quite a slow kayak
- Storage is not that easy to access
- No footrests
Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000 For Beginners
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
One of the best fishing kayaks for beginners thanks to its stability and simple design plus it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is another durable hardshell fishing kayak made from high-density polyethylene.
It’s one of the most stable and fast sit on top kayaks around, so you can get to spots quickly and easily without worrying about capsizing.
Storage
It features multiple storage areas for your gear with open wells at the front and rear plus two internal storage.
The internal lockers are good for keeping valuables in but they are not fully watertight and do leak.
They also run the entire length of the kayak, so something like a water bottle could end up at the bow or stern.
Seat and Rod Holders
This sit on top kayak has 3-rod holders, two for trolling behind the comfortable adjustable seat, and one swivel mount to keep a rod handy for casting or to use when fighting a fish.
The kayak also comes with an adjustable padded seat and adjustable foot braces that allow you to find your ultimate paddling position.
It’s one of the best sit on top fishing kayaks for beginners thanks to its stability and simple design plus it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Specs
- Type: Hardshell
- Seating: Sit on top
- People: 1
- Length: 10 ft
- Storage: Internal and bungee
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lb
Pros
- Multiple footrest positions for comfort
- Comes with shock cord deck rigging
- Comfy adjustable padded seat
- Plenty of Storage
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Durable construction
- Stable and fast
- Hold 3 rods in 3 built-in rod holders
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Internal storage is not a dry storage
- You can lose things in the internal storage
Lifetime Triton Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
A hard shell kayak that’s tough and can handle being knocked around, and it’s super stable to keep you from capsizing.
Lifetime Triton Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Triton Angler 100 Kayak is another top pick for beginners thanks to its stability, simplicity, and durability.
It’s a hard shell kayak that’s tough and can handle being knocked around, and it’s super stable to keep you from capsizing.
Storage and Rod Holders
It features just one storage area, an open well at the back with bungee cords. This is enough space for a short day trip but it would be better with more – There is also no internal storage to speak of either.
The kayak also features two flush mounted rod holders and one swivel holder to make carrying three rods easy. You can troll using the two flush mount rod holders by the chair and use the swivel for casting.
Foot Braces
The kayak has adjustable foot braces and the seat is also adjustable so you can find a comfy position to paddle from with ease.
The hull design makes the kayak easy to maneuver, tracks well, and great for stability when you’re fishing.
The only downsides are the lack of storage and that the wind does blow this kayak around a bit.
Specs
- Type: Hardshell
- Seating: Sit on Top
- People: 1
- Length: 10 ft
- Storage: Tank wells
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
Pros
- Comes with 3 holders for the rod
- Adjustable foot braces and seat positions for comfort
- Durable and lasts a long time
- Stable for casting from
- Tracks well and easy to move around
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Minimal storage options
- No internal storage
- Gets blown around on windy days
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 1000
Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak
Super easy to transport. Features a large carrying capacity and would be ideal if you want to go on long fishing trips.
Intex Excursion Pro Fishing Kayak
The Intex Excursion Pro is one of the only inflatable kayaks for fishing in the review.
Being inflatable it’s super easy to transport to your spots – all you have to do is pump it before you go fishing.
This is a fishing kayak for 2 people but it can also be used by one person.
This kayak features a large weight capacity and would be ideal if you want to go on a long fishing trip where you’ll need to carry a lot of fishing gear.
Build
You may think that being inflatable would make it less durable, and you’d be right, but it’s still pretty tough as kayaks go.
The material is thick, puncture-resistant, abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, and sunlight-resistant. I don’t think it could be any more resonant and is guaranteed to last you a while.
Storage and Rod Holders
It features minimal storage space with two small nooks at the bow and stern with d rings to securing your gear.
It also features two-rod holders, but they point inwards rendering them useless if you want to troll, but they are fine for transporting your fishing rod.
The kayak also features a removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories like a Garmin Striker 4 fishfinder – review here.
On the water, this kayak tracks well and is quite fast but it also has a wind issue.
If the breeze is high, you’ll drift quickly across the water and you may want to invest in an anchor which could be something to consider before buying.
Specs
- Type: Inflatable
- Seating: Inside
- People: 2
- Length: 12 ft 7 inches
- Storage: Bow and stern with stainless steel d rings for tying down
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Pros
- 2 fishing rod holders
- 2 adjustable bucket seats with footrests for comfort
- Removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable, abrasion, impact, and sunlight resistant
- Large carrying capacity
- Easy to inflate
Cons
- Requires inflating and deflating
- Rod holders point inwards and rods cross over
- Gets blown around, you might want an anchor
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is another tandem kayak that’s inflatable and easy to transport. It’s not really the best for fishing but it’s one of the most affordable around and will do for anyone who wants to try it out before spending a bit more.
Seats
It features two inflatable seats with a backrest that is adjustable for comfort and the kayak comes with a removable skeg to give you better tracking. It’s quite fast in the water but it does get blown around a bit.
Storage
The storage is minimal on this kayak with a little bit of space at the bow and the stern. There are no rod holders for fishing, so you’ll have to lie them down with your fishing gear or tie them on somewhere.
Build
The kayak is quite durable overall and is quick to inflate and deflate.
It has been designed for small bodies of water like small lakes and tame rivers, so make sure you don’t take it to any big water like rapids as it could easily fill with water or capsize.
Specs
- Type: Inflatable
- Seating: Inside
- People: 2
- Length: 10 ft 3 inches
- Storage: Bow and stern
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Pros
- Adjustable inflatable seat with backrest for comfort
- Removable Skeg for directional stability
- Very affordable
- Durable and well made
- Light and portable
Cons
- Not much room for two people
- No rod holders included
- Limited gear space
Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
Pelican Basscreek 100xp
A Durable hard shell kayak that’s great for fishing. Easy to maneuver, and has awesome stability it also features one of the best storage layouts.
Pelican Basscreek 100xp
The Pelican Basscreek 100xp is a durable hard shell that’s great for fishing fishing.
It features one of the best fishing kayak storage layouts around with one large open gear area at the back with a small internal locker, paddle parks, plus a large internal locker at the front.
Rod Holders
This kayak has plenty of storage.
The kayak comes with 3 holders for your rods, two for trolling, and one swivel mount so you can have a rod handy for casting.
It also features 6 accessory eyelets for adding extra fishing accessories like a GPS or kayak fish bag.
Seat
The seat is comfy thanks to its padded base and adjustable backrest and you can paddle with ease because of the multiple footrest positions.
There is also a water bottle holder by the seat and paddle parks so you can stow your paddle while you’re fishing.
It’s quite a fast kayak on the water, easy to maneuver, and has awesome stability to keep you on top of the water instead of in it while you’re casting and fighting fish.
It also features a camouflage design to blend in with the environment to help your success and not scare fish.
Specs
- Type: Hardshell
- Seating: Sit on top
- People: 1
- Length: 10 ft
- Storage: Internal and tank wells
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
Pros
- Swivel rod holder and two flush mounted rod holders included
- Has a bottle holder and paddle parks to store the paddles
- Multiple footrest positions and secure foot bracing
- Six accessory eyelets to add things like a GPS
- Plenty of storage
- Comfortable and supportive seat and backrest
- Lightweight but durable
- Easy to maneuver around
Cons
- A little expensive
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Under 1000
Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak
Ideal for kayak fishing when you want the option of either carrying a load of gear or taking your buddy along with you.
Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak is ideal for kayak fishing when you want the option of either enough weight capacity for carrying a load of gear or taking your buddy along with you.
You can set up the seats on this tandem fishing kayak to fit two people comfortably, or put a single seat in the middle to give you the ultimate in space and stability.
The kayak has paddle keepers to secure your paddle to the kayak when you suddenly spot a big fish and want to cast your line on the water.
Rod Holders
The kayak has 3 holders for your rods that are all accessible no matter what configuration you choose.
There are two at the back and one at the middle, so with two anglers everyone has a rod, and with one angler, you can easily reach all three.
Build
It’s a hard shell kayak that is made from polyethylene and is incredibly durable, so much so that it has a 5-year warranty. You can beat this kayak around on rocks and the shore and it’ll be fine.
Storage
The kayak has two storage space areas, one internal locker right at the back and one open bungee rigging area at the front. When used with two anglers, the storage space is minimal, but with one fisherman, you have a lot of space and weight capacity for a lot of equipment.
Seats
This kayak also features two comfortable adjustable seats with adjustable footrests so you can find the best paddling position to suit you.
On the water, this kayak does an excellent job. It’s a fast but stable kayak that will get you around the water quickly without capsizing. While it doesn’t have a padded standing platform, it certainly is stable enough for you to stand up and fish from.
Specs
- Type: Hardshell
- Seating: Sit on top
- People: 1 or 2
- Length: 10 ft
- Storage: 1 storage hatch
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- Great for one or two fishermen
- Durable and long-lasting
- Stable with great tracking
- Comfortable padded adjustable seats with backrests
- 3 holders for your fishing rods
- Great gear space with 1 fisherman
- Storage hatch for added storage beneath the deck
- Paddle keepers to secure your paddle to the kayak
Cons
- Not much gear space with 2 fishermen
SUN DOLPHIN Boss
An awesome kayak for fishing, it’s so well laid out it’s akin to a sport fisher, and includes everything you need to be comfortable and safe on the water while fishing.
SUN DOLPHIN Boss
The Sun Dolphin Boss is an awesome kayak for fishing, it’s so well laid out it’s akin to a sport fisher, and includes everything you need to be comfortable and safe on the water while fishing.
The best thing about the Sun Dolphin kayak is the hull design.
The Sun Dolphin Kayak features a catamaran hull for extra stability and its extra length makes it track well and gives you plenty of storage space.
Build
The kayak has two large, deep bungee wells at the front back with bungee cords, plus two internal lockers in the front and behind the seat that are easy to access.
It’s a one man kayak with a huge weight capacity of 500 lbs, so you can load a lot of fish or take all the equipment you might need for a week long trip.
Stability and Rod Holders
The kayak is so stable that it includes a standing platform with non-slip pads so you can happily fish standing up.
The kayak also features 5 fishing rod holders, two at the front, two at the back, and one swivel mount by the chair, similar to a sport fisher.
This allows you to have two rods at the front for standing fishing, two at the back for trolling fishing, and one ready by your side.
Complete Package
It truly is a kayak with all the features you need to go fishing with all the gear you could possibly require.
The only downside to this kayak is that the wind does blow it around a bit and that it’s heavy to move around. You might need two people to take it on and off a roof rack and you might want to consider keeping it by your spots if you can or getting a trailer for it.
Specs
- Type: Hardshell
- Seating: Sit on top
- People: 1
- Length: 12.3 feet
- Storage: Front & rear wells plus internal
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Pros
- Huge carrying capacity
- Catamaran hull design for superior stability
- 1 swivel and 4 flush mount rod holders
- A lot of storage space
- Dual-position fold-down seat for comfort
- Non-slip pads and stand up strap
- Fast and tracks well
Cons
- The wind blows it around a bit
- Heavy to carry around
What Are Fishing Kayaks?
Fishing kayaks are small vessels that have been designed for fishing with clever little accessories and features that make angling easy.
You can find inflatable fishing kayaks (I’ve reviewed those here), single ones, tandem kayaks, sit-on kayaks, sit-in kayaks and hardshell ones.
They come with paddles so that you get out on the water to areas inaccessible from the shore and they’re portable too, allowing you to simply up and go to a new lake, river, or beach whenever you like.
Is It Worth Buying A Kayak For Fishing?
They give you the option to explore all the angling areas close by with minimal effort, maintenance, investment, and with excellent access.
Versatile
You can just load up your fishing kayak on or in your car and head to any bit of water you fancy exploring.
Once you’re there you won’t be restricted to the shore either but can go to any part of the water you’re willing to paddle to.
Advantages Of Fishing Kayaks
We have already touched on a few of these but here is a complete list of why owning kayaks for fishing is a great thing.
- Less of an investment than a boat
- Lets you access large areas of water instead of being stuck on the shore
- You can take your kayak to any bit of water you like with ease
- Kayaks are quiet and don’t scare fish as there is no engine
- Require far less maintenance than a boat
- Paddling a kayak around gets you fit and healthy
- Kayaks are rigged to hold rods and equipment
- You can add GPS units and fish finders with ease
- Some kayaks can handle a trolling motor being attached to the back so you don’t have to paddle
- You can access areas with a kayak like thick mangrove channels that you can’t with a boat
What’s the difference between a fishing kayak and a regular kayak?
There are two main differences between a regular kayak and one that is designed for angling.
Stability
The first is stability.
Fishing kayaks are designed to be more stable so they don’t capsize when you’re casting, standing, or fighting a fish. People have even landed 200lb marling on a kayak for fishing, so they are made to stay the right way around.
Features
The second difference is the features a kayak for angling comes with.
They are packed full of handy features to make angling easy and come with holders for your rods, anchor areas, tackle trays, outside gear areas, internal lockers, and some even come with platforms for you to stand on.
The best fishing kayaks will also feature mounting areas to allow you to create your own preferred setup. You can add fish bags, another rod holder, mount a GPS, add on a trolling motor, and more.
Endless Variety
The options truly are endless with angling kayaks but with a regular kayak, you won’t have any of these features or the ability to accessorize and make it how you want it to be without compromising the kayak’s water-worthiness.
Things To Consider When Buying a Fishing Kayak
Type
The first thing you want to make sure of is that you get the right type of kayak for you and the choices are an inflatable or hardshell. They both have advantages and disadvantages and I discuss these below
Inflatable
Inflatable kayaks are far lighter and more portable.
There is no need for a trailer or a roof rack as when deflated they’ll fit into the trunk of your car with ease.
They are quite durable and are built with UV, puncture, and abrasion-resistant materials to ensure longevity.
But they will never be able to compete with a hardshell’s durability.
Repairs
You may end up using a puncture repair kit quite often, especially if you fish in sharp rocky areas.
They also lack internal gear areas as that would comprise the flotation plus you’ll have to inflate and deflate them every time you go on the water, which will be tiresome.
Hardshell
Hardshell kayaks are heavy and a bit of a pain to transport around. You’ll either need a trailer or a roof rack to get them to where you want them.
They are, however, far more durable than an inflatable and won’t suffer from punctures or abrasion thanks to their rigid build.
They feature internal gear areas and in general, have a better layout with multiple gear areas, and rod holders. Plus they are much easier to mount accessories to thanks to the hard body than inflatables.
What Are You Fishing For And Where?
You need to make sure the kayak you choose can handle the environment you’re paddling in and the fish you want to catch.
This is as much about your safety and fishing success as it is about the kayak’s longevity.
If you’re planning on going after sharks and billfish in the ocean then an inflatable kayak is a big no.
Safety
The chance of these fish putting a hole in your vessel and leaving you to sink is very high and you’ll want a hard-bodied kayak instead.
Also, if your angling areas are full of sharp rocks that are likely to cause pictures then an inflatable kayak is going to become a burden and need constant repair jobs to keep you on the water.
TIP
But, if you plan on going to areas with soft bottoms, smooth rocks, and bar planing to catch fish like bass or crappie that would put a hole in a kayak, an inflatable is a solid choice.
Weight Capacity
Every kayak comes with its own individual weight capacity.
Some can hold 250lbs and others can hold 500lbs.
In order to find the right one for you, you need to consider your weight and the weight of the gear you plan on bringing on your biggest fishing adventure plus the amount of fish you intend to bring home.
Plan Ahead
If you’re planning on going on a 6-day trip and want to carry all the supplies you need on your kayak, you’re going to need one that can hold it all without sinking.
And should therefore go for a carrying capacity of 400lbs plus.
The same goes if you plan to load up with 100lbs of fish to put into the freezer.
But, if you plan on just day-tripping and bringing home one or two big fish for dinner, then your kayak needs to be able to hold you plus about 50 lbs. You might want to consider bringing a rotomolded cooler to keep your catch fresh.
Stability
Angling from a small rowboat can be challenging in terms of stability and the same goes for kayaks.
Imagine hooking a monster catfish that weighs 40lbs with your rod and reel combo from a kayak and trying to land it at the end and pull it on board.
I immediately imagine capsizing when I think about moments like this.
Here’s a video on how to know your kayak stability…
Angling kayaks are designed to be more stable than regular kayaks but they aren’t all equally as stable.
Some are designed with a catamaran hull for extra stability and others are designed to be faster in the water with less stability.
NOTE
Make sure to pick the right stability for your needs. Are you planning on catching huge fish? Do you want to stand up to fish sometimes? Will you be going through turbulent water that could capsize you?
If you have answered yes to any of those questions then you should ensure the kayak you choose has the stability to handle it.
Weight & Portability
We have already discussed portability in terms of inflatables and hardshell, inflatable being far easier to transport.
But, if you’re in the market for a hardshell you should consider their weight as some are a lot lighter than others but there is a payoff you should be aware of.
Lighter kayaks are, of course, more portable and they are also faster on the water as you have less weight to paddle.
But lighter kayaks are also a little less stable and are more susceptible to capsizing and being pushed around by the wind.
TIP
When choosing your kayak it’s best to find a balance between weight, speed, portability, and stability. Again, think about where you’re going to use it. Is it windy often? Is the water turbulent? Do you need to carry your kayak to the shoreline? Can you lift it on your own?
Features
What does the kayak you want come with that will make angling easier?
The best fishing kayak for you will carry all the fishing gear you want to take with you, make it easily accessible, carry enough rods, be able to troll and vast with easily, and have areas for you to mount accessories to.
Rod Holders
The best fishing kayak will have a minimum of three holders with the proper placement for you to troll and cast as you like.
There should be two holders behind the chair so you can let two lines out and paddle to get your lures trolling. Speaking of lures, these trout trolling lures might interest you.
There should be one holder in front of the chair for casting so if you see some fish in front, you can quickly drop the paddle and make a cast.
It’s also great if the kayak features multi position rod holders. You can adjust where you would like to put your rods while paddling or fishing on your kayak.
A fishing kayak should also have a paddle holder or a paddle park so your paddles wont get in the way while you’re fishing.
Gear Areas
You not only want enough space for your gear but you also need it to be accessible and secure.
A good kayak will come with multiple areas in the front and back that you can reach from the chair.
There should be one or two storage hatches for internal storage and two large bungee wells for your tackle boxes and dry bags.
Mounting Options
A good angling kayak will also come with mounting areas or integrated accessory rails where you can attach extra fishing gear like a fishfinder, GPS, extra rod holders, paddle holders, portable accessory carrier, fishing umbrella or anything else that’ll make your angling life a bit easier. You might want to tie on a fish bag so you can store your catch outside of the kayak for example.
If you have no clue about mounting a fishfinder, here’s a guide on how to mount a fishfinder. Be sure to check it out.
Paddling Comfort
If your kayak is not comfortable to paddle around in, the chances of you using it are going to go down quite quickly.
If you look at kayak reviews, and I have looked at a lot of kayak reviews, the main complaint is that the user is uncomfortable while they paddle.
Their back hurts or their bum aches, and it ends up spoiling their time on the water.
Long Hours of Paddling
Also, if you’re fishing in a large body of water like the ocean of the great lakes, you might have to paddle for a while to find the fish.
It could take you hours and if you’re not comfortable paddling, once you find the fish you might be in so much discomfort that you don’t even feel like catching them.
This is simply not an option.
Paddling Ergonomics
The key to paddling comfort comes down to the chair and footrests…
The padded seat should have a backrest and be adjustable. This will allow you to find the most comfortable position for you.
The footrests should also be adjustable so you can match them to your height, as having proper foot placement gives you a lot more power when you’re paddling and takes the strain off your back.
Most angling kayaks do come with these features, thank god, but it’s still worth checking they are there as it could make or break your angling time on the water.
Summing Up
Here’s a quick look at the top 5 best fishing kayaks from the lineup…
Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
Best Inflatable Under $1000
Best Under $1000 For Beginners
If you still haven’t decided on the kayak for you, here are the two kayaks I would choose for different reasons.
Best Fishing Kayak Under 1000 For Beginners
If you’re new to kayak fishing and want something simple, safe, and easy but still has an awesome setup, go for the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100.
It has enough gear areas, a good rod holder layout, and it’s going to last you a long time.
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Under 1000
If you’re a bit of a pro and want stability, space, and the option to guide a buddy or go for a multiple-day trip, the Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak is the best choice.
You can happily go with two, have an abundance of storage space with one, plus this tandem kayak is super stable for standing up and casting from or going through rapids to get to better angling spots. It does it all.
Think it Through
Buying a fishing kayak is a great way to get fishing on the water without having to own a boat.
But, to select the best one for you is a little tricky if you’re new to it.
I hope this Best Fishing Kayaks Under 1000 article has helped you understand the world of fishing kayaks a little bit more.
It all comes down to portability, durability, and having the right layout for you in the kayak.
Thanks for reading my Best Fishing Kayaks Under 1000 review, and I hope you enjoyed it.
Please feel free to share this Fishing Kayaks Under 1000 article with your buddies, and if you’re looking to add a mobile GPS or fish finder to a kayak on your next fishing adventure, check out our best portable fish finders article or the Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 Di review for some useful information.
