Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to get off the bank and start catching fish, but can be expensive! In this post you’ll find the 3 best fishing kayaks under $300.
Best fishing kayaks under $300
- Lifetime Angler Fishing Kayak – Best overall
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak – Best Portability
- Lifetime 10 ft. Cruze Sit-In Kayak with Paddle – Best Price
Fishing Kayak under $300
When looking for a good fishing kayak or just a good kayak in general there are a few things you need to look for. Stability, weight of the kayak, carrying weight, and of course price. Outside of price, stability has to be the most important one especially when looking at a fishing kayak.
Lifetime Angler Fishing Kayak – Best Overall
Lifetime Angler Fishing Kayak
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Lifetime Angler Kayak is the best overall from this list. It is a true sit-on-top fishing kayak and a great value for $299. The kayak weighs 51 lbs. and has a carrying capacity of 275 lbs. However the best features have to be built in rod holders. While most of the kayaks on this list have padded seats, this is one of the few that has rod holders and the only one that has two rod holders built in.
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak – Best Portability
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Intext Excursion Pro is a 2 seat inflatable kayak. It’s made of durable plastic that is highly resistant to damage like abrasions, impact, or sunlight.
It is the most portable out of the 5 kayaks on this list. Inflating or deflating the kayak is quick with spring-loaded high pressure valves and it comes with a pump. When deflated it folds up and and can be stowed away in the carrying bag.
An underrated feature is the removable mounting bracket that allows you to install items like rod holders, a fish finder, or any other fishing accessory. At $287 it is a great value for a very portable kayak.
Lifetime Cruze Sit-In Kayak with Paddle – Best Price
Lifetime Cruze Sit-inside Kayak
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.If you’re looking for the best fishing kayak under $300 at the best price, the Lifetime Cruze Sit-in Kayak is going to be your best bet. Coming in at $249, it is the lowest price on the list that comes from a well known brand. Almost everyone starts out in a Lifetime kayak.
While it doesn’t have the rod holders like the first kayak it does have ample storage in the hull of the kayak. It also has a removable padded seat for comfort so you fish from the kayak all day. At 45 lbs. it is one of the lightest kayaks on the list that should make it easy for anyone to load and unload this boat.
Signup for my monthly newsletter to get content and gear recommendations every month. I'll send you stuff I like, I will never spam you.
Best kayak under $300
Getting a kayak under $300 can be a tough task, but it’s definitely possible. Hopefully this list has made that task a little easier for you and you find a boat in your budget that will help you get off the bank and chasing some big fish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Kayak is Best for Fishing?
This is an unanswerable question because everyone has their own opinion. However what you want to look for is stability and comfort in a fishing kayak. If you can, test out a kayak before you buy one so you can get an idea of what you like.
If you’re going to be out on the water all day you are going to want a kayak with a comfortable seat. There is nothing worse than having back pain one hour into a fishing trip because you have a bad seat. If you do have a bad seat you can buy a pad, but the back support is very important.
Having a stable boat is one of the most important things to look for. The more stable the better. This comes into play when you’re casting or reeling in a fish. You don’t want your kayak feeling like it’s going to tip just by casting out your lure. You want to be able to feel comfortable and secure when you are fishing and thats why stability is so important.
Are Cheap Kayaks Worth It?
If you’re on a budget and want to get off the bank, yes it’s worth it. Now there are several kinds of kayaks under $300, but not all of them are good for fishing. There are some great kayaks, but more for recreational kayaking.
When it comes to cheap fishing kayaks, it’s always good to get off the bank if you can and buying one at this price can be the ticket for most. Especially for someone who isn’t sure they would like to be on or in a kayak.
As long as you are buying a quality fishing kayak from a trusted brand, the price should be worth the kayak. Always look for damage or defects at the store. Ask about a warranty program, read reviews, and ask around to see if anyone has used the kayak you are looking to buy.
With the growth in kayak fishing there is more variety and options now more than ever. Whether you are looking for an inflatable kayak or a traditional sit on top fishing kayak, there are definitely some options for you.
What is the Best Beginner Kayak for Fishing?
The best beginner kayak for fishing is the one you can afford and are comfortable in. You want to be able to paddle in it easily and fish from it comfortably. You also want to be able to accessorize it.
That’s why the Lifetime Angler Fishing kayak is the best overall kayak. It’s stable and easy to fish out of. It has rod holders and space for you to add accessories.
The Intex Excursion Pro is also stable, customizable, and very portable. At that price it’s hard to be beat when you are looking for your first fishing kayak.
But ultimately you want a kayak that is fun to fish out of and that you enjoy being in. Try different kayaks. Ask people who have the kayak you are looking to buy how they feel about it. What they like, what they don’t like and if they would buy it again after using it for a while. Hopefully you get out and start catching some fish.
