Best Fishing Kayak Under $300
Best Fishing Kayak Under $300 Comparison Chart
Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak Under $300
Are you looking for your first fishing kayak? Are you still not ready to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on one? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
With so many different models and types in the market, we know how confusing it can be to choose which kayak to buy. It gets even harder to decide when you don’t know what to look for. So to help you out and make your search easier, we have put together a list of the top cheap fishing kayaks under $300. We have also included a list of things you need to consider when buying a kayak to make sure you’ll only end up with the right one that matches your needs.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayaks Under $300
To find the best kayak for fishing under 300, we first had to see what was available in the market. After many hours of researching and scouring the internet, we were able to create a shortlist of all those that impressed us. We also included those with the highest ratings and had the most recommendations from fishers.
From there, we compared the kayaks against each other and looked at their features, durability, quality, and overall value for money. After much consideration and discussion among our team, we were then able to identify the top 5 fishing kayaks under 300.
That said, we guarantee that all the kayaks below are suitable for fishing and are sure to give you a great time on the water.
The Best Fishing Kayaks Under 300 Dollars
- Best Overall and Best Sit-on-Top Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $300: Intex Excursion Pro K2 Kayak
- Best Bang for the Buck: Explorer K2 Kayak
- Sea Eagle 330 Pro Inflatable Kayak
- Best Sit-In Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $300: Intex Challenger Kayak
- Sevylor Quikpak K1 Kayak
Why we love it:
- Comes with fishing rod holders and mounting bracket
- Compatible with deep and shallow water
- All-inclusive set
- Lightweight
What it is best for:
- Lake, river, or ocean
The best kayak for fishing under 300 is the Intex Excursion Pro K2. With a max capacity of 400 lbs and measuring 12’7”, this kayak can fit 2 people and still have plenty of space for your gear. It’s wide, too. So it’s very stable on the water. Plus, it comes with 2 removable skegs, so you can use it on deep and shallow waters without a problem.
Now, what’s great about this kayak is that it’s equipped with several handy features for fishing. For under $300, this is hard to find. It has 2 recessed fishing rod holders and a removable and adjustable mounting bracket for your accessories like a fish finder, GPS, or swivel fishing rod holder. There are also stainless steel d-rings where you can tie down your dry bags and other gear.
Sure, the Intex Excursion Pro K2 kayak can use some more comfortable seats. But overall, its durability, fishing features, storage, and quality are hard to beat, especially at this price point.
Pros:
- ZEasy to store and transport
- ZCan fit 2 people
- ZSturdy
- ZDesigned for fishing
Cons:
- QDesigned for fishing
Why we love it:
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- More convenient to store
- Comes with everything you need
What it is best for:
- Smaller bodies of water like lakes and mild rivers
Our next best fishing kayak under 300, and also the cheapest on our list, is the Explorer K2 Kayak. It’s a tandem kayak with a 400lbs max weight capacity, so you can take a buddy, your child, or your furry friend on your adventures. Then once you’re done, you can quickly deflate it, pack it away, and throw it at the back of your car. Easy and convenient.
Like other inflatables, this kayak comes in a complete set. So you can immediately test it out on the water and enjoy a day of fishing as soon as it arrives. Furthermore, it’s very wide. Thus, it’s less likely to tip over.
On the downside, the Explorer K2 Kayak could use some better seats. But other than that, this is a portable, convenient, and cheap kayak that’s pretty decent for fishing. If you’re a beginner and not yet ready to drop a ton of cash for a fishing kayak, this is a pretty good choice.
Pros:
- ZCheap
- ZHigh weight capacity
- ZLightweight
Cons:
- QThe seat can be better
Why we love it:
- Easy to transport
- Easy to use
- Comes in a complete set
What it is best for:
- Flat and calm water, and up to class III whitewater
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable kayak, then check out the Sea Eagle 330 Pro. it is easy to inflate and deflate and comes in a complete set with 2 paddles, a foot pump, and its own carry bag. Sure, it doesn’t come with any fishing-specific features. But it is a well-made inflatable kayak that you can certainly use for fishing.
The best thing about this kayak is its weight. At 26 lbs, it’s surprisingly light for a tandem kayak. But even with its portable size and lighter weight, it is very stable and rugged. So it’s sure to last for years. Plus, its seats are more comfortable than most inflatable kayaks at this price point.
The Sea Eagle 330 Pro is easy to maneuver and tracks well enough in the water. It also has a very high max capacity of 500 lbs. Take note, however, that this tandem kayak is better suited for 1 adult and a child or dog, or two smaller adults.
Pros:
- ZVery lightweight and portable
- ZQuick set up
- ZLarge max weight capacity
- ZVery durable
Cons:
- QNot ideal for 2 adults with large body types
Why we love it:
- Comes with an electric pump
- Easy to transport
What it is best for:
- Lakes and mild rivers
If you’re looking for a sit-in type of kayak but are not really interested in getting a hard-shell one, then the Intex Challenger Kayak is a great alternative. It has an enclosed cockpit, so you’re better protected from the elements. It’s also pretty stable, and when used with the removable skeg, it tracks pretty decently on the water.
Like other inflatables, this kayak is lightweight and portable. Thus, you can easily take it from one point to another and quickly pack it away. Set up is simple and quick, too, especially with the electric pump that it comes with.
The Intex Challenger Kayak is a comfortable and rugged kayak that’s great for quick fishing trips. It comes with everything you need to hit the water and has a satisfactory performance at a very reasonable price.
Pros:
- ZLight and portable
- ZEasy to set up
- ZMore convenient to store
- ZDurable
Cons:
- QSmall max weight capacity
Why we love it:
- Easy to carry and transport
- More convenient to store
- Comes in an all-inclusive package
What it is best for:
- Lake and other still water
Here’s a kayak that’s pretty decent for quick fishing trips. At 18 lbs, the Sevylor Quikpak K1 is the lightest kayak on our list. So it’s easier to carry around and take from your home to the water and back. You can take it on any adventure without requiring any help from anyone.
Now, even with its compact size and light weight, this kayak can surprisingly hold a lot. It has a max capacity of 400 lbs and a wide body. So it’s great for different sizes of paddlers. Its open deck design also provides you with ample space for stretching your arms and legs.
On the downside, this kayak doesn’t have that much storage. There is, however, a space in front with netting for your gear. There’s also a cup holder for keeping your beverage close by.
Pros:
- ZVery lightweight and portable
- ZEasy setup
- ZCheap
Cons:
- QLimited storage
What to Look For When Buying a Fishing Kayak Under 300
There are mainly 3 types of kayaks for fishing, which are traditional sit-ins, sit-on-tops, and inflatables. But since you are looking for a fishing kayak under 300, your only options are inflatables.
Inflatable kayaks are cheaper, lighter, and thus, easier to handle and transport. They also pack smaller, making them more convenient to store. As for durability, however, they are more prone to damage and have shorter lifespans.
But that said, inflatable kayaks today have better quality. So while they may not be as sturdy as hard-shell kayaks, they’re still not easy to rip and tear. Unlike your usual pool and toy inflatables, they are thicker and more durable.
Now, with so many inflatable kayaks in the market, you have to be careful when choosing which one to buy if you don’t want to waste your money later on. So to help you find the right one for your needs, here’s everything you need to look out for in a good inflatable kayak for fishing:
Design
You have to choose between a sit-on-top inflatable and a sit-in. While a little different from hard-shell designs, the concept is still the same. Sit-in inflatables have enclosed cockpits, and sit-on-tops have an open deck. If you’re fishing during colder weather, then you may want a sit-in type as it provides better protection from the elements.
If you don’t mind getting wet and getting splashed by water and usually fish during warmer days, then a sit-on-top is a better choice. Its open deck design provides you with more space to move around and store your gear. It is also easier to enter and exit, especially when you tip over.
Construction
Since you’ll be carrying hooks and other pointy things with you while fishing, you want a durable inflatable kayak that won’t easily get torn or damaged. To find that, make sure to check the construction and material. Choose either those that are made with multiple layers of vinyl or those made of heavy-duty materials such as PVC and rubber. Kayaks that incorporate drop-stitch technology are good options, too.
Remember, an inflatable kayak can last a long time if it’s made with the right materials and is constructed well. Those that are not, on the other hand, are a waste of money as they’ll only last a summer or just a few uses.
Weight Capacity
Before you buy a kayak, always consider your own weight and then your gear. If you’re planning to take someone with you like a friend, family, or dog, you have to consider their weight as well. Once you’ve got an estimate of all those combined weights, you can then choose from a single or tandem kayak. You will then have to look at the maximum weight capacity of a kayak and determine if it’s enough to hold everything and everyone you want to take with you.
It’s also worth noting that you should not exceed 70% of the max limit. This is to ensure a safe and the most efficient paddling experience. So if the weight capacity is 500 lbs, try to stay within 350 lbs.
Skeg
Inflatable kayaks can be heavy and difficult to maneuver while on the water. But when added with a skeg, their directional stability improves. Thus, making it easier to point them in the direction you want to go. That said, look for kayaks that come with molded or removable skegs.
Stability
When it comes to fishing, stability is key. So when choosing which one to buy, check the width of the kayak. It should be at least 33 inches wide. As it gets wider, the more stable it will be.
Extras
Try to look for kayaks with “extras” or features that can help you improve your game or make your fishing experience more comfortable. Fishing rod holders, for example, are important so you won’t have to keep holding your fishing rod while on the water. Cupholders are great to have as well since you can keep your drinks always within reach. Plus, try to consider kayaks with mounting tracks, so you can add your accessories later on.
