Best Fishing Kayaks Under 600 Dollars

Best Fishing Kayaks Under 600 Dollars
Comparison Chart

Weight
Length
Width
Seat Capacity
Max Capacity
Type
Fishing features
Best for
Pros
Cons
Bottom line
Best Overall
Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak Under 600
Pelican Sentinel 100X
44 lbs
9 ft 6 inches
30 inches
Single (1)
275 lbs
Sit-on-top
2 flush mount rod holders, removable storage compartment with 2 rod holders
Small bodies of water; all skill levels in fishing
Easy to transport, very durable, made for fishing
The seat can be uncomfortable over time
Solid, stable, lightweight, and more convenient to transport and store at a reasonable price, this is a hard shell kayak unlike any other at this price point.
Best Bang for the Buck
Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak 120”
52 lbs
10 ft
31 inches
Single (1)
275 lbs
Sit-on-top
2 flush mounted rod holders and 1 top mount rod holder
Small lakes, ponds, creeks, and backwaters
Has rod holders, can fit different size riders, is very stable, and offers lots of storage
Not the easiest to transport
This is a stable and solid fishing kayak with lots of storage to offer at a price that’s just hard to beat.
Pelican Basscreek 100xp Angler Kayak
50 lbs
10 ft
30.5 inches
Single (1)
325 lbs
Sit-on-top
Swivel rod holder, accessory eyelets, and 2 flush mount rod holders
Small and calm bodies of water
Stable, very durable, has plenty of room and is easy to maneuver
The seat can be better
A very sturdy fishing kayak with plenty of room for your rods, tackles, and other gear.
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 600
Elkton Cormorant Tandem Kayak
27 lbs
10 ft
35 inches
Tandem (2)
450 lbs
Inflatable
2 full motion rod holders, 2 vertical rod holders, and 2 angled rod holders
Lakes and calm rivers
Easy to transport, more convenient to store, and easy to use
The seats are a bit low
A more convenient option than hard-shell kayaks. This is a very durable and lightweight fishing kayak with lots of extras for a successful trip.
Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under $600
Perception Flash 9.5 Kayak
41 lbs
9 ft 6 inches
28.5 inches
Single (1)
325 lbs
Sit-in
Dashboard and 2 molded-in rod holders
Beginners; lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and calm waters
Lightweight, easy to transport, beautiful design, and very sturdy
Limited storage
If you’re looking for a fishing kayak that is easy to handle and maneuver, this is a great choice.

There are hundreds of fishing kayaks in the market, and they come in different types, models, and sizes. They also have different qualities with some having better features than others. Now, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. More so if you don’t know what to look for and have a tight budget to work with. 

So to help you out and save you the trouble of looking and comparing products yourself, we have made a list of the best fishing kayaks under 600. To help you make an informed choice, we also listed down the things you need to look out for in a good fishing kayak.

How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayaks Under $600

To find the top fishing kayaks under $600, we first had to see what was available on the market. So we scoured leading online marketplaces for fishing kayaks that fall under this price range. We then listed down all the ones we liked and those with the highest rating. We also looked at the customer reviewers and included those that were highly recommended by individuals who loved to fish. 

To further narrow down our list, we classified the kayaks according to their type and determined which of them were the best in their respective categories. We looked at their functionality, durability, features, quality, and value for money. We then decided which ones to include and which ones to drop. After much discussion, we were finally able to cut down our list to only the 5 top fishing kayaks under 600. 

So whichever kayak you go with, we guarantee that it is of the highest quality and fully able to provide you with a comfortable and safe ride while fishing in the water. 

The Best Fishing Kayaks Under $600

Why we love it: 

  • Lightweight
  • Very stable
  • Adjustable footrests

What it is best for:

  • Fishers and anglers of all skill levels
  • Small bodies of water

Our top pick for the best fishing kayak under 600 dollars is the Pelican Sentinel 100X. It is specially designed for anglers and fishers with 2 flush mount rod holders and 2 eyelets for adding your favorite fishing accessories. It also has a removable storage compartment with another 2 vertical holders for your fishing rod. 

As for storage, this removable compartment goes into a tank well with bungee rigging. There’s also storage in the platform with a deck cover, a smartphone holder, and a center console with compartments for keeping your smaller and other essential accessories. 

What we like about this sit-on-top fishing kayak is its weight. Compared to other hard-shell kayaks, it is lighter. Thus, making it easier to transport and store. It’s also incredibly stable, easy to maneuver, and very durable – all at an unbeatable price.

Pros:

  • ZEasier to transport than most hard shell kayaks
  • ZSolid and very durable
  • ZPlenty of rod holders
  • ZCan be added with other fishing accessories

Cons:

  • QThe seat can be uncomfortable for some

Why we love it: 

  • Has rod holders
  • Can accommodate any rider size
  • Tough and durable

What it is best for:

  • Small lakes, ponds, creeks, and backwaters

The cheapest on our list, and our next pick for the best fishing kayak under $600, is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak. It has a top-mount rod holder and 2 flush mount fishing pole holders. It has lots of storage, too, with 2 6-inch storage compartments in the rear and center. Plus, there are large storage areas for your gear at the bow and stern, which both has bungee rigging. 

We also like that this kayak has multiple footrest positions, which means it can accommodate different rider sizes. It is very sturdy and durable. Most of all, it’s very stable in the water and is easy to maneuver with its flat bottom with deep tracking channels and chine rails. 

At 51 lbs, this isn’t the easiest kayak to transport. But for its price and quality, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak 120” is a great steal.

Pros:

  • ZVery stable
  • ZHas a lot of storage
  • ZManeuvers well

Cons:

  • QNot the easiest to transport

Why we love it: 

  • Lots of storage
  • Stable
  • Plenty of extras

What it is best for:

  • Small and calm bodies of water

The Pelican Basscreek 100xp Angler Kayak is a great choice if you’re looking for a fishing-specific kayak. It has 6 accessory eyelets, 2 flush mount rod holders, a bottle holder, and a swivel holder for your fishing rod. It also has a front quick lock hatch, a 4-inch day hatch with a storage bag, and a tank well with a bungee cord. 

This is a very tough and durable kayak that is sure to last you a long time of fishing. It’s pretty stable, too, and it can provide you with the balance you need when reeling in fish or casting lines. Plus, it handles well. So you’d have no problem taking it to your favorite spots.

On the downside, the Pelican Basscreek 100xp seat can be uncomfortable over time. But this can be easily fixed with some extra padding. 

Pros:

  • ZSpacious
  • ZVery durable
  • ZEasy to handle on the water

Cons:

  • QThe seat can be better

Why we love it: 

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Can fit 2 people

What it is best for:

  • Lakes and ponds

If you’re looking for a fishing kayak that you can quickly throw at the back of your car, take out when needed, and pack away when you’re done, then choose the Elkton Cormorant Tandem Kayak. Like other inflatable kayaks, it is lightweight. Thus, making it easier to transport and more convenient to store. 

Now, what makes this kayak different from the other inflatables is its durability. It is made with 18-gauge 1000D PVC, making it resistant to ripping, tearing, and even your hook. So you don’t have to worry about puncturing it while fishing. It’s also designed with anglers in mind and has everything you need to make your trip a success. 

The Elkton Cormorant Tandem has 2 full-motion rod holders, 2 vertical rod holders, and 2 angled rod holders. So you can set up your rods in a variety of combinations for the best catch. As for storage, it comes with a mesh storage bag that you can strap into your kayak. 

Pros:

  • ZEasy to use
  • ZMore convenient to transport and store
  • ZSpacious
  • ZLots of rod holder

Cons:

  • QThe seats are a bit low

Why we love it: 

  • Lightweight
  • Great design
  • Very sturdy

What it is best for:

  • Beginners
  • Lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and calm waters

If you prefer to use a sit-in kayak for your fishing adventures, then check out the Perception Flash 9.5 Kayak. It’s very stable. Plus, you’ll be more protected from the elements. It’s also very simple and easy to use. In fact, it’s perfect for new paddlers. 

As for its fishing features, this kayak doesn’t have much other than its molded-in rod holders. Since it’s shorter, it doesn’t offer a lot of storage, too. But it does have a 10-inch storage hatch for keeping your extra gear dry. It also has a dashboard where you can put your drink and other small gear and keep them accessible.

That said, the Perception Flash 9.5 Kayak offers something that many fishing kayaks lack – and that’s handling. With its dual tracking channels, it’s easier to keep it on course. And since it’s short, it’s easier to maneuver. It’s also lightweight. So you’ll have no problem transporting and storing it. 

Pros:

  • ZEasy to transport
  • ZVery easy to maneuver
  • ZStable

Cons:

  • QLimited storage

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak Under 600

When buying a fishing kayak, no matter the price range, always look out for the following: 

Weight Capacity

Before you purchase a kayak, you should first consider your weight plus the weight of all your gear. If you’re planning to take someone with you or your pet, you have to consider those too. Once you’ve got that down, you can then start your search for a kayak that can accommodate all those weights. 

However, you don’t want to exceed 70% of a kayak’s max weight capacity if you want the best paddling experience. So if the weight limit of a particular model is 650lbs, make sure you don’t go over 455lbs. 

Type

There are 3 types of fishing kayaks, and the best one for you depends on what you need. For instance, if you’re fishing during colder days or in colder water, you may want to try sit-in kayaks. They have an enclosed design and while inside, your legs are protected under the deck and your lower body is sheltered from the elements. This means you’ll be drier and warmer while out on the water. 

Sit-in kayaks are easier to maneuver, make turns better, and are faster. However, they don’t offer much space for your gear, and they can be challenging to get in and out of. Moreover, in case you capsize, recovery is harder as the hull will likely be flooded. 

On the other hand, there are sit-on-top kayaks, which are preferred by more fishers. They are easier to exit and enter, are very stable, and have more space for storage. The open design of the deck also offers more opportunities for upgrades and customization as they are easier to add accessories on.

Furthermore, sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing, which means they can quickly drain the water inside the hull. But the downside is that you are more likely to get wet on a sit-on-top than on a sit-in.  

Then, there are inflatable kayaks. If you don’t have space at home or don’t have the means to transport a huge hard-shell sit-on-top or sit-in kayak, then this may just be the best type of kayak for you. They are easy to use and store. Plus, they’re more convenient to carry from one point to another. 

Some inflatables also have fishing-specific features like rod holders and mounting bases for your fishing accessories. Take note, however, that they are naturally less durable than hard-shell kayaks. They’re slower and harder to maneuver, too, especially when the wind is strong. 

Length

You’ll want a kayak that’s comfortable while you’re paddling. So when choosing, consider your body size. If you’re pretty big and tall or around 290 lbs or 6’5”, choose a kayak that’s at least 11 ft long. 

Where you are planning to fish is another factor that can affect the right length of kayak that you should choose. For instance, if you’re going to bigger and more open bodies of water like large lakes and rivers or the ocean, then you have to go with longer kayaks or 12 ft or longer. They are faster and more capable of cutting through the water. 

If you’re only going to small backwaters, ponds, creeks, and lakes, then you can choose shorter kayaks or those less than 11 ft in length. This is because they turn easier and are easier to maneuver. 

Stability

When it comes to fishing kayaks, stability is key. Now, width is one of the factors that can affect stability. The wider the kayak is, the more stable it is… up to a point. That said, you also don’t want something too wide as it can be too slow. The average fishing kayak width is between 30 inches to 40 inches. 

Transporting

You have to think about how you can take a kayak from point A to point B and vice versa. Can you handle carrying a 50 lb kayak all on your own? Do you have a car that can accommodate a hard-shell 10 ft kayak? Don’t buy a kayak until you know where and how you’re going to put it. 

Extras

You should also try looking for fishing kayaks with a few extras or fishing-added features to make your trip more comfortable. For instance, it can be a huge help if you can arrange or put down your fishing rods while on the water, especially when you need to do something else. Or if you tend to use a GPS or fish finder, it will be great if you can attach them to your kayak as it can further improve your game.