Best Fishing Kayak Under $1500
Best Fishing Kayak Under $1500 Comparison Chart
Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Under 1500
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Fishing Kayak Under $1500
- 1.1 Best Fishing Kayak Under $1500 Comparison Chart
- 1.2 How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1500
- 1.3 The Best Fishing Kayak Under $1500
- 1.3.1 1. Best Overall and Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak Under 1500: Old Town Topwater 120 Angler Fishing Kayak
- 1.3.2 2. Best Bang for the Buck: Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak
- 1.3.3 3. Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Under 1500: BKC TK122U Fishing Kayak
- 1.3.4 4. Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under 1500: Wilderness Systems Pungo 125
- 1.3.5 5. Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $1500: Sea Egle 385ft Fasttrack Pro Angler
- 1.4 What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1500
So you’re willing to spend $1500 on a new fishing kayak but don’t know what to get? Well, we’re here to help you out. With plenty of good choices around, all in different models with different features, we know how challenging it is to choose which one to buy. It gets even harder to decide if you consider how big a chunk of money you’ll be spending on one. So, of course, you’d only want the best.
To help you find just that, we have put together a list of the 5 top fishing kayaks under $1500. And to make sure you’ll end up with the right one that matches your needs, we have also included a list of all the things you need to look out for in a fishing kayak.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1500
We have spent hours and hours researching and scouring through Amazon for all the great fishing kayaks under $1500. Once we saw what was available in the market, we were able to create a shortlist of all those we liked and those highly recommended by anglers.
From there, we sorted the kayaks according to their type and determined which one was the best in their respective categories. To do that, we set them side by side, looking at each of their features, durability, value for money, and overall quality. We then discussed among our team which ones to cut and which ones to include. After much deliberation, we were then able to narrow it down to only the top 5 fishing kayaks you see below.
That said, whichever one you go with, we guarantee that it is only of the highest quality, most durable, and well worth your hard-earned money.
The Best Fishing Kayak Under $1500
- Best Overall and Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Under 1500: Old Town Topwater 120 Angler Fishing Kayak
- Best Bang for the Buck: Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak
- Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Under $1500: BKC TK122U Fishing Kayak
- Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak for Under 1500: Wilderness Systems Pungo 125
- Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $1500: Sea Eagle 385ft Fasttrack Pro Angler
Why we love it:
- Very stable
- Large open deck and comfortable seat
- Huge capacity
What it is best for:
- Lakes and slow-moving rivers
Our top pick for the best fishing kayak under $1500 is the Old Town Topwater 120. It is a great mix of everything you need from a fishing kayak: stability, maneuverability, comfort, and high capacity. Add that to its many fishing-specific features, and you’re all set for a great day on the water.
This kayak is incredibly stable, and you’ll have no problem standing up on it while casting your line or reeling in a fish. It even has EVA foam deck pads to give you more traction and comfort while standing. As for sitting, you’ll be happy to know that this kayak is equipped with a very comfortable and breathable seat, which has high and low positioning.
We also like that the Old Town Topwater 120 didn’t sacrifice storage. It has an oversized stern tank for a cooler or crate plus all your other gear, a well-thought-out storage place onboard for your rod and tackles, and a dry storage hatch to keep your smaller and personal items safe. It also has 3 rod holders, 2 tracks for mounting your accessories, and a universal transducer mounting system for adding your favorite fish finder without the need to drill any holes.
Pros:
- ZVery comfortable
- ZAllows stand-up fishing
- ZPacked with fishing features
Cons:
- QQuite heavy
Why we love it:
- Lighter than many hard-shell kayaks
- Lighter than many hard-shell kayaks
- Comfortable seat
What it is best for:
- Lakes and slow-moving rivers
The Old Town Sportsman 106 is the cheapest in our list of the best fishing kayaks under 1500 – but it sure doesn’t fall behind in quality. It is a shorter and lighter fishing kayak, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a hard-shell type that’s more convenient to transport. But even with its more compact size, it delivers big on performance, comfort, and stability.
This kayak has a very stable hull and cushioned floor pads, allowing you to stand without worry. When you need to sit, it has a mesh seat with lumbar support that’s comfortable and breathable. So you can fish all day with ease.
Furthermore, it offers plenty of storage for all your gear. The stern tank well with bungee is large enough to store a bait bucket, tackle crate, or cooler. It also has a sealed hatch at the bow for keeping your other gear dry. As a bonus, there are storage under the seat and side pockets for all your quick-access items. You’ll even get a custom tackle box and 3 rod holders, plus 2 tracks for mounting your other fishing accessories.
Pros:
- ZEasy to transport
- ZSolid and sturdy
- ZHas lots of storage
Cons:
- QSlow on water
Why we love it:
- Can fit 2 to 3 people
- Has many tracks for accessories
- Comes with 2 paddles
What it is best for:
- Lake, river, and ocean
Want to bring along a friend or your partner with a child or pet? With an impressive 770 lbs capacity, you can easily do so with the BKC TK122U and still have plenty of weight and space to spare for all your gear. It’s also very stable, so you can stand on it while fishing.
This kayak has lots of features to help in your fishing. It has 2 articulating rod holders, 2 flush-mount rod holders, a rear cargo area that can fit a 20-liter cooler, and 4 track rails for mounting your accessories. While not the most effective in keeping water out, there are also 2 dry storage hatches in each seat to keep your things always within reach.
Additionally, we liked the BKC TK122U’s aluminum frame chairs. They’re padded with backrests and have multiple adjustment points. Add that with the wide open deck, and you’re sure to be comfortable while on the water. As a bonus, it even comes with 2 adjustable aluminum paddles.
Pros:
- ZVersatile
- ZHigh weight capacity
- ZComfortable
Cons:
- QWaterproof hatches are not very watertight
Why we love it:
- Lightweight
- Can accommodate taller and bigger paddlers
- Easy to steer
- Beautiful design
What it is best for:
- Calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and calm coastal waters
Do you prefer a sit-in kayak? Well, then check out the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125. It’s 12’6” long and 29.5 inches wide, so it’s pretty big compared to other sit-ins. This makes it spacious and comfortable for those with larger body types. But even with its bigger size, it’s still lightweight and easier to transport compared to many hard-shell kayaks.
What’s great about this kayak is its performance. This is a great choice if you’re looking for speed and something easy to paddle. While it doesn’t have many fishing features, it does come with a Slidetrax rail where you can put your phone, fishing rods, fish finder, and other accessories you want to take with you on the water. There are also 2 customizable mounting platforms, a removable dry box, and two cup holders.
On the downside, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 has limited storage. It only has a rear hatch with a sealed bulkhead for keeping your gear. There is, however, a recess on the dashboard for the Wilderness Systems battery (sold separately), which is designed to keep your electronics charged on the go.
Pros:
- ZGreat performance on the water
- ZEasy to transport
- ZComfortable and spacious
Cons:
- QLimited storage
Why we love it:
- Lightweight
- Comes in a complete set
- Can fit 2 to 3 people
What it is best for:
- Calm water and up to class II whitewater
Here’s the best inflatable fishing kayak you can find under $1500. With an impressive 635 lbs weight capacity, the Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Pro can fit up to 3 people and still have room for all your gear. And just like other inflatables, it is lightweight and more portable. So it’s easier to move and store.
For an inflatable, this kayak is pretty tough. It is made with thick 1000-reinforced Denier and double-reinforced welded and glued seams. So it’s sure to last a very long time. Its floor is pretty rugged as well and equipped with a non-slip crocodile hide EVA pad. This ensures you won’t slip while standing. It also provides extra protection from fish fins, hooks, and other fishing tools.
As for fishing features, the Sea Eagle 385ft Fasttrack Pro doesn’t offer much. It does, however, have customized front and rear spray skirts with built-in holders for your rod, tool, lure, and hook.
Pros:
- ZEasy to inflate and deflate
- ZMore convenient to transport and store
- ZAllows stand-up fishing
Cons:
- QLimited fishing features
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak Under 1500
$1500 for a fishing kayak isn’t cheap. It’s a big amount and a big risk. So it’s important that you get it right. But how will you know if a kayak is a good match for you? Well, here are the things you need to look out for when choosing what fishing kayak to buy:
Type
You have to consider what type of kayak you want depending on your needs. If you’re fishing during colder and windier months, you might want to get a sit-in kayak. It has an enclosed cockpit, allowing you to put your legs safely under the deck. This means your lower body is sheltered, giving you more protection against the water, wind, and other elements. So you’ll stay dry and warm while fishing.
Now, if you don’t mind getting splashed by water and getting wet once in a while, then a sit-on-top kayak might be the best choice for you. It has an open cockpit, so you won’t have anything sheltering your body. But in exchange, you’ll have a more comfortable space where you can move more freely. This makes it a better choice for those with long legs, big body types, or limited flexibility.
A sit-on-top kayak is also designed more for stability rather than performance. In fact, some models are so stable that you can even stand up while fishing. As an angler, this is a big feature that can help you with your game and comfort. Furthermore, it’s also better if you have any plans of customizing or upgrading. Its open deck offers more versatility, allowing you to add accessories later on.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter fishing kayak that you can just throw at the back of your car when you’re done, then consider an inflatable. It’s much easier and more convenient to transport and store. Plus, most models come in a complete set. So you can quickly head out fishing as soon as it arrives.
Weight Capacity
When buying a kayak, always check the weight capacity. It should be enough to accommodate you and all your gear. If you’re planning to take someone with you or your pet, then you have to consider their weight too.
As you’re checking weight capacities, keep in mind that you can’t exceed 70%. This is so you won’t have trouble paddling on the water. That said, if the max weight limit of a yak is 350 lbs, try to stay within 245 lbs.
Length
Length is another factor you have to consider. See, longer kayaks are better and more efficient in cruising the water. They are faster as well. On the other hand, shorter kayaks make turns better. So if you’re going to large and open water, you’ll need larger kayaks (12ft or longer). Meanwhile, for small and calm water, shorter kayaks (less than 11ft) are ideal.
The right length of kayak for you also depends on your body type. If you’re around 290 lbs and 6’5”, consider getting longer kayaks (11ft or longer) for more comfort while paddling.
Transporting
If you’re purchasing a big and heavy kayak, do you have a truck or trailer that can handle it? If you have an SUV, do you think you can lift it to the roof? Will you need and have someone always there to help you? Or do you have to do it all alone?
Before buying a kayak, you should first consider where you’ll store it and how you’ll take it from there to the water and back safely.
Stability
When you’re fishing, you will need a kayak with the most stability, especially if you’re planning on standing up while casting and reeling in a fish. Here’s where the width plays an important role. See, the wider a kayak is, the more stable it gets. However, as a kayak goes wider, the slower it is in the water.
That said, 30 inches is the minimum width for good stability.
Comfort
Comfort plays a big role while you’re fishing. Since you’ll be in the water and the kayak for a long time, you want to be as comfortable as possible. So make sure to check the seats. Ideally, they should be adjustable, have supportive backrests, be padded, or, at least, be soft enough. Look out for adjustable footrests, too, as you need them to stay upright while paddling.
Adding to your comfort is the cockpit. It should be spacious enough that you’ll still be able to move and reach your things when needed.
Fishing Features
Lastly, try looking for fishing kayaks with features that can make your trips more comfortable and your fishing more efficient. Rod holders, for instance, are important if you want to carry or set up multiple fishing rods with you. You also need them for a hands-free experience.
If you want to use fishing accessories like a fish finder or GPS, look for a kayak with mounting points. Other features that can come in handy are bottle or cup holders, paddle holders, tackle storage, and storage areas that can keep your things dry.
