Best Fishing Kayaks Under $200
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $200 Comparison Chart
Best Sit-on-top
Best Sit-in Fishing Kayak
How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayak Under $200
The Best Fishing Kayak Under $200
- Best Overall and Best Sit-on-Top Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $200: Explorer K2 Kayak
- Best Bang for the Buck and Best Sit-In Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 200: Intex Challenger Kayak
- Coleman Sevylor Quikpak K1
- Coleman Sevylor Fiji Tandem Kayak
- Intex 68310VM Dakota K2
Why we love it:
- Easy to handle and transport
- Comes with everything you need
- High max weight capacity
What it is best for:
- Smaller bodies of water like lakes and mild rivers
Our best fishing kayak under 200 is Explorer K2. Like other inflatable kayaks, it is easy to inflate, deflate, and then stored away. It’s also light and easy to take from one point to another. Plus, it has everything you need to start your kayak fishing journey. Now, what makes this inexpensive kayak our top pick is its performance. At this price point, it offers surprisingly reasonable performance on the water. It is stable, and when added with the skeg, becomes more manageable and easy to control. This is a versatile inflatable kayak, too. It can fit 2 people with some gear with its 400 lbs max weight capacity. Or, for best results, you can paddle it alone. Not only will this allow you to carry more fishing gear, but it will also give you a more comfortable ride. On the downside, we noticed that the seats on the Explorer K2 can be a bit uncomfortable after sitting on it for a very long time. But overall, with its versatility, performance, and features, this is a great inflatable vessel for getting into kayak fishing at a price that’s just hard to beat.
Pros:
- ZFit two people
- ZLightweight
- ZEasy to inflate, deflate, and store
- ZVery stable
Cons:
- QThe seats can be better
Why we love it:
- Provides protection from elements
- The seat is removable and adjustable
- Extremely light
- A cargo net for securing your items
What it is best for:
- Lake or slow-moving river
The Intex Challenger is certainly one of the cheapest yet surprisingly effective inflatable fishing kayaks under 200. It is short and lightweight, so you can easily take it with you wherever you want to go. While it may look small on the outside, its cockpit has surprisingly enough room to make you feel comfortable. Furthermore, this kayak offers ample storage for some of your gear. There’s a space behind the seat in the stern and a luggage net on the bow. We also like that it comes with a skeg, which is very important for inflatable kayaks as it gives them better directional stability. Plus, it’s a sit-in type, so you’ll be more protected from the elements while paddling. Unfortunately, due to its enclosed cockpit design, this kayak is not ideal for tall people. That said, for its very reasonable price, complete inclusions, and satisfactory performance on the water, the Intex Challenger is a great choice for trying out kayak fishing.
Pros:
- ZVery easy to use, transport, and store
- ZDurable
- ZVery affordable
- ZComes with removable skeg
Cons:
- QNot recommended for very tall riders
Why we love it:
- Comes with everything you need
- Very lightweight
- Stable
What it is best for:
- Lake and other still water
Pros:
- ZEasy to inflate and deflate
- ZHigh max weight capacity
- ZEasy and convenient to transport
Cons:
- QNot much space for storage
Why we love it:
- Includes a spray cover
- Has everything you need
- Can carry a lot of weight
What it is best for:
- Still water
Pros:
- ZQuick to set up and pack away
- ZProvides extra protection from water splash
- ZRugged
Cons:
- QDoes not come with a skeg
Why we love it:
- Can fit 2 people
- Comes with 2 different skegs
- Can be converted to a single drive
What it is best for:
- Lakes, rivers, and coast
To wrap up our list of the best fishing kayaks under 200 dollars, our last pick is the Intex 68310VM Dakota K2. Like all the tandem kayaks we’ve included, it can be converted to single paddling by simply removing one of the seats. This is a better alternative to buying single inflatable kayaks, which usually don’t have enough storage for your fishing gear. On the downside, this kayak feels a little heavy on the water. But to make it easier to maneuver, the manufacturer added 2 different skegs with it. You can use the long one for straight-line tracking and the short one for making quick and easy turns. It also comes in a complete set, including 2 paddles, a pump, and a carry bag. As a bonus, there are even 2 dry bags with carry straps. That said, for its price, the Intex Dakota K2 is already a fantastic inflatable kayak that you can fish with.
Pros:
- ZEasy to transport and store
- ZHas everything you need
- ZCarries a lot of weight
- ZVersatile
Cons:
- QFeels heavy in the water
What to Look For When Buying a Fishing Kayak Under $200
Design
There are sit-in and sit-on-top inflatable kayaks. Sit-in types have enclosed cockpits, while sit-on-tops are open. If you’re fishing on colder days, in colder water, or you just live somewhere cold, a sit-in inflatable kayak is better for you. This is because you’ll be more protected from the elements. On the other hand, a sit-on-top is a great choice if you’re fine getting splashed by water now and then. It also offers more space for you to move around and cast your line. Plus, it’s easier to get in and out of, especially when you capsize.
Construction
For fishing, you’ll want either a multi-layer inflatable kayak or a heavy-duty one. Multi-layer inflatable kayaks are made with multiple layers of vinyl, while heavy-duty inflatable kayaks are made of thick materials like rubber, PVC, or drop stitch technology. With the right materials and when constructed well, a good inflatable kayak can last for a long time. On the other hand, a kayak that’s not made well is a waste of money as it will only last you the summer or just a few uses. So make sure to choose carefully.
Skeg
Inflatable kayaks can be hard to maneuver in the water. So you may find it a bit difficult to go where you want it to. Now, a way around this is by adding skegs, which adds directional stability. So try to look for kayaks that already include a skeg.
Stability
When it comes to fishing with a kayak, you’ll need all the stability you can get. Here’s where the width of a kayak plays a very important role. See, the wider it is, the more stable it can get. That said, look out for fishing kayaks under $200 that are at least 33 inches wide.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is another important factor you have to consider when choosing a fishing kayak. You’ll want something that can hold you and all your fishing gear. If you’re planning to go fishing with another person, then look for a tandem kayak as it has a higher max capacity. Now, a rule of thumb for the best paddling performance is that you should not exceed 70% of the max weight capacity. For example, if the weight limit is 500 lbs, don’t go over 350 lbs.
Length
The length of your kayak depends on where you are planning to fish. If you’re going on smaller bodies of water, a shorter kayak or 11 ft long or shorter will suffice as it is easier to maneuver. On the other hand, for large bodies of water like lakes and rivers, consider kayaks that are 12 ft or longer. They are faster and more capable of cutting through the water than shorter kayaks.
