Best Fishing Kayaks Under 400
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $400 Comparison Chart
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $400
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Fishing Kayaks Under 400
- 1.1 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $400 Comparison Chart
- 1.2 How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayak Under 400
- 1.3 The Best Fishing Kayak for Under 400
- 1.3.1 1. Best Overall and Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $400: Sea Eagle 370 Pro Kayak
- 1.3.2 2. Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Under 400: Lifetime Hydros Angler Kayak
- 1.3.3 3. Best Bang for the Buck: Explorer K2 Kayak
- 1.3.4 4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Kayak
- 1.3.5 5. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
- 1.4 What to Look For When Buying Fishing Kayaks Under 400 Dollars
Compared to the average cost of fishing kayaks, which is around $800 to $1200 with some even costing up to $5000, having a $400 budget may seem out of the question. But with patience and know-how, you’ll find a few kayaks that can do well enough in fishing on calm bodies of water.
So if you’re not yet ready to spend thousands of dollars on a fishing kayak and trying to stick with a tight budget, then we’re here to help. We have put together a list of all the good fishing kayaks under 400 to help you save time trying to look for the products yourself. And to help you make an informed decision, we have also included a list of all the things you need to consider when choosing a fishing kayak under this price range.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayak Under 400
We first tried to see what products were available on the market. To do that, we scoured the internet for all the cheap fishing kayaks under $400 we could find. We then shortlisted all the ones we liked, had the highest rating, and those highly recommended by other people who loved to fish.
We didn’t stop there. To further cut down our list, we compared the products against each other. We considered their features, value for money, durability, and quality. After much discussion, we decided among ourselves which products to keep and which to cut. We were then able to narrow it down to only the best of the best fishing kayaks under 400.
So no matter what kayak you choose from our list, we guarantee that it will give you a great time fishing in the water.
The Best Fishing Kayak for Under 400
- Best Overall and Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under $400: Sea Eagle 370 Pro Kayak
- Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak Under 400: Lifetime Hydros Angler Kayak
- Best Bang for the Buck: Explorer K2 Kayak
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Kayak
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Why we love it:
- Huge weight capacity
- Can fit up to 3 persons
- Comes with everything you need
What it is best for:
- Flatwater and up to class III whitewater
Overall, with its better handling, comfort, space, and quality, the Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3-Person kayak is a bar higher than the other kayaks in the same price range. Sure, it doesn’t have fishing-specific features, but it’s more than enough to give you a stable and reliable ride for catching some fish.
What’s great about this kayak is that it’s easier to handle on the water. At 12.5 ft long and with molded skegs, it tracks better while paddling. Its length also provides you with a lot of leg space while you’re in the water. Plus, it has an amazing weight capacity of 650 lbs and is marketed as a 3-person kayak. You can also use it for 2 people or paddle alone and have lots of space for all your fishing gear.
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro has nice and comfortable seats, too. Its inflatable deluxe seats with backrests provide good support for rowing, paddling, and fishing. It has rear pockets as well for keeping your essential items always within reach. Moreover, it’s lightweight, easy to inflate and deflate, and portable at a surprisingly affordable price.
Pros:
- ZVery spacious
- ZComfortable seats
- ZVery versatile
- ZEasy to maneuver
Cons:
- QThe paddles are a bit wobbly
Why we love it:
- Hard-shell kayak at an affordable price
- Has multiple rod holders
- Comes with paddles
What it is best for:
- Small bodies of water
Not sold on the idea of having an inflatable kayak for fishing? If you prefer a hard-shell kayak but don’t have the budget to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars for one, then check out the Lifetime Hydros Angler Kayak. It’s a sit-on-top kayak with 2 flush rod holders and 1 adjustable rod holder. It even comes with its own paddle.
What’s different about this kayak is that it’s lightweight, unlike most hard-shell kayaks. It weighs only 41 lbs, which is almost as light as many inflatable tandem kayaks on the market. It also has multiple footrest positions for riders of different sizes.
Take note, however, that the Lifetime Hydros Angler Kayak is smaller than most hard-shell sit-on-top kayaks. It’s only 8.5 ft, so it may not be so comfortable for very tall fishers. It can also carry only 225 lbs of weight. But if you’re into minimalist fishing or you prefer taking only the essential fishing gear with you, then this is definitely a great choice.
Pros:
- ZEasy to transport
- ZAffordable
- ZDesigned for fishers and anglers
Cons:
- QSmall max weight capacity
Why we love it:
- Cheap
- Comes with everything you need
- Easy to inflate and deflate
What it is best for:
- Smaller bodies of water like lakes and mild rivers
The cheapest on our list, the Explorer K2 Kayak can fit 2 people, can carry a lot of weight, and comes with everything you need to start fishing. Like other inflatable types, it’s also easy to use, easy to transport, and more convenient to store.
For its price (over $100), this kayak is surprisingly durable enough for a quick fishing trip in small bodies of water. With its 2-person capacity and 400 lbs max weight limit, you can bring along another person plus your gear. Or, for more comfort, you can also paddle alone and have all the space you need for your things.
The Explorer K2 Kayak also comes with a removable skeg, making it easier to steer it in the direction you want it to go. Its seats, however, can get uncomfortable over an extended time. But you can quickly fix that by buying a kayak seat of your choice.
Pros:
- ZLightweight and easy to transport
- ZCan fit 2 people
- ZComes with a skeg for directional stability
Cons:
- QThe seat can be uncomfortable over time
Why we love it:
- Has rod holder
- Lots of storage
- Can fit 2 people
What it is best for:
- Lakes and ponds
Here’s another affordable tandem kayak that you can also use for fishing. The Sevylor Coleman Colorado has a Berkley Quick Set Rod Holder for a convenient hands-free experience. It also has a few mesh pockets located in different parts of the cockpit to keep your tackles and other small items. On top of that, you have D-rings at your disposal where you can put your other fishing equipment.
We also like that this fishing kayak has adjustable seats. It’s a 2-person kayak with an impressive 470 lbs weight capacity, so you’ll have no trouble bringing in another person with you. For a more comfortable ride, you can go alone, too, and have plenty of space for all your gear.
Overall, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is one of the toughest and most fishing-specific kayaks under $400. You can also upgrade it later on by adding a trolling motor.
Pros:
- ZTough
- ZDesigned for fishing
- ZEasy to use and store
Cons:
- QDoes not come with paddles or an air pump
Why we love it:
- Comes with 2 different skegs
- Durable
- All-inclusive package
- Has 2 fishing rod holders
What it is best for:
- Flatwater and calm bodies of water
Our last pick for the best fishing kayak under $400 is the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. It is one of the most popular kayaks around not only for fishing but for recreational purposes as well. And it’s no wonder why with its huge max weight capacity, reasonable quality, all-inclusive package, and affordable price.
This kayak is among the most durable inflatable types at this price point. It uses a 3-ply construction with high molecular PVC, making it highly resistant to damage from impact, abrasion, and sunlight.
What we really like about the Intex Excursion Pro is that it comes with 2 removable skegs. So you can go to deep or shallow water with ease. It also has 2 adjustable bucket seats and 2 floor-mounted footrests for more comfort while paddling. Plus, it has 2 fishing rod holders and a removable and adjustable mounting bracket for your additional fishing gear like GPS, fish finder, or swivel fishing rod holder.
Pros:
- ZAffordable
- ZCan be paddled by 2 people or 1
- ZLightweight and more convenient to transport
Cons:
- QThe blades of the paddles are small
What to Look For When Buying Fishing Kayaks Under 400 Dollars
With so many types and brands of kayaks, it’s only normal that you get confused about which one to buy. So to help you make an informed decision, here’s a list of all the things you need to look out for when buying a fishing kayak.
Type
You have 3 options for fishing kayak type: inflatable, sit-on-top, and traditional sit-in kayaks. Here’s a quick rundown of each type to help you understand better:
- Sit-in: This type of kayak has an enclosed cockpit, which means you’ll need to climb inside the hull. Your legs will be protected under the deck and your lower body is sheltered. This provides better protection from the elements. Thus, making it a great choice for fishing in cold water or during colder and windier months.
The disadvantage of sit-in kayaks is that they don’t offer a lot of space for your fishing gear and other personal items. When water comes in due to waves, a flopping fish, or in the event of a capsize, the hull will also flood and you can’t continue your trip as there’s no way of bailing or draining it while in the water. Plus, sit-in kayaks are harder to enter and exit, which makes it more dangerous in case you do flip over.
- Sit-on-top: This kayak is considered the most ideal type of kayak for fishing. Its open cockpit design makes it easier to get in and out of. It’s also designed to be wider, which makes it more stable in the water. For some models, you can even stand up while fishing.
Aside from that, sit-on-top kayaks have more space to offer. Their open deck also offers more options for adding other fishing gear and accessories. However, because it is more open, you are more likely to get splashed and get wet. Not to mention that they are also heavier and harder to take from one point to another.
- Inflatable: If you don’t have space at home to store a huge hard-shell sit-on-top or sit-in kayak or a big car or trailer to transport one, then this is your best choice. You can quickly inflate it when going out to fish, deflate it when you’re done, and throw it in a carry bag for storage. Simple and convenient.
An inflatable kayak is similar to a hard-shell kayak. It has a bow and a stern, paddles, and a seat. Only, you’ll need to inflate it to get it to move. In terms of durability, of course, hard-shell kayaks are tougher and are built to last longer. An inflatable is also slower while in the water.
Sit-on-tops are preferred by many for fishing. It has a wider and more stable build with the addition of more space. It also has holes in the bottom, which quickly drains water that comes in. However, keep in mind that the best type of kayak is different for everyone. So choose according to your needs.
Length
When choosing a kayak, look closely at the length as it will give you an idea of whether or not you’ll fit inside. For instance, if you’re around 6’5” or 290 lbs, you may want to go for something that’s at least 11’ long. Anything shorter will make you uncomfortable while paddling.
Aside from your size, you should also consider where you are going. See, where you plan to fish can help determine the right kayak length for you. If you are planning to take on large open bodies of water like the ocean or big lakes and rivers, then choose long and slender kayaks as they are faster. They are also more capable of cutting through the water more smoother. Ideally, they should be longer than 12 ft.
On the other hand, if you are fishing mainly in small backwaters, ponds, or creeks, then shorter kayaks or those less than 11 ft in length will do. This is because they are easier to steer and maneuver.
Stability
You’ll need to look for a kayak that can provide you with the most stability, especially when it comes to fishing. Here’s where the width comes into play. See, a wider kayak means it’s more stable. The ideal width for a fishing kayak is at least 33 inches.
Weight Capacity
You should also consider the weight capacity when choosing which kayak to buy. Look for one that can hold you and all the gear and accessories you plan to take with you. If you’re going with another person or pet, you have to consider their weight as well.
Now, for the best paddling performance, you don’t want to go over 70% of a kayak’s max weight capacity. So if the weight limit is 650 lbs, don’t exceed 455 lbs.
Extras
It can also help if you go with kayaks that offer a few “extras” to make your fishing trip a success. For instance, you want inflatable kayaks that come with skegs. This is because they are harder to maneuver in the water. Skegs add directional stability, which can help you point the kayak to where you want it to go.
Kayaks with fishing-specific features have a great benefit, too. For instance, some offer rod holders, which is important if you don’t want to hold your fishing rod all the time. Some also have mounts where you can put in other accessories that can help you find and catch fish better.
