Best Fishing Kayaks Under $800
Best Fishing Kayaks Under $800 Comparison Chart
Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Under 800
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $800
- 1.1 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $800 Comparison Chart
- 1.2 How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 800
- 1.3 The Best Fishing Kayak Under $800
- 1.3.1 1. Best Overall and Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak Under $800: Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak
- 1.3.2 2. Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under $800: Perception Sound 10.5
- 1.3.3 3. Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103
- 1.3.4 4. Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 800: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Kayak
- 1.3.5 5. Best Bang for the Buck: Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- 1.4 What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak Under 800 Dollars
For $800, you can already get a great kayak that’s made for fishing. At this price point, the kayaks are more durable and stable and are sure to last you a long time of fun and relaxation on the water. You can also expect to see more features that can make your fishing trips more comfortable and your catching game better.
However, with so many different types and models around, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. So to help you out and make sure you’ll end up with only the right model for your needs, we made a guide on the things you have to look out for when buying a good fishing kayak. We also made a list of the 5 best fishing kayaks under $800 to help make your search easier.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayaks Under 800
We have searched all over the internet for the best fishing kayak under $800. We then listed down those we liked and those with the highest ratings and most recommendations. From there, we sorted them out and assigned them according to what type of kayak they belonged in.
We then had to determine the best kayaks in their respective categories. To do that, we compared them to one another. We looked at their general and fishing features, quality, durability, and value for money. After much deliberation among our team, we were then able to narrow down our list to only the top 5 fishing kayaks under 800.
So we guarantee that all the kayaks in this list are only the best and most reliable models that can improve your game and make your kayak fishing experience better.
The Best Fishing Kayak Under $800
- Best Overall and Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak Under 800: Pelican Catch Mode 110 Fishing Kayak
- Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak Under $800: Perception Sound 10.5
- Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103
- Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 800: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak
- Best Bang for the Buck: Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler
Why we love it:
- Has plenty of useful fishing features
- Very stable
- Adjustable seat
- Plenty of space
What it is best for:
- Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
The Pelican Catch Mode 110 is our top pick for the best fishing kayak for under 800. While it’s fairly new, it’s already making waves with its impressive features, quality, durability, and maneuverability. To top it all off, Pelican installed it with one of their finest fishing chairs. So it doesn’t lack comfortability as well.
The seating system is one of the best features of this kayak. You can adjust it to a higher seating position and have a better angle of vision and range of motion while fishing. It’s also pretty comfy with its EVA seat pad. It even has a storage space at the back for your other gear. We also like that you can stand up on this kayak while casting lines or reeling in fish. This is a pretty big plus as there aren’t very many fishing kayaks at this price point that can provide such a feature.
Other notable features of this model are its 2 4-inch rigging tracks for setting up your accessories, two bottle holders, 3 flush mount rod holders, and an anti-slip deck carpet. As if that’s not enough, it comes with lots of storage, too. Sure, it isn’t the easiest to transport. But for what it can do at a very reasonable price, it’s well worth it.
Pros:
- ZAllows stand-up fishing
- ZVery durable and stable
- ZComfortable
- ZMoves well in the water
Cons:
- QNot the easiest to transport
Why we love it:
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Sturdy
What it is best for:
- Slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds
If you’re looking for the best sit-in kayak that’s under $800, then we suggest the Perception Sound 10.5. At 46 lbs, it’s lighter than most sit-on-tops. Thus, making it easier and more convenient to transport. It also performs well on the water with its tri-keel hull giving you great stability and smooth steering.
Unlike many sit-ins, this kayak is very comfortable. This is because it’s longer and more spacious. That said, it’s great for big guys. It also has an extra cushy seat with an adjustable backrest. So you’re back is well-supported while paddling.
As for its fishing features, the Perception Sound 10.5 has 2 molded-in fishing rod holders and 2 mounting points in the dashboard. There’s also a large rear open storage area for your cooler, crate, and other fishing gear.
Pros:
- ZEasy to transport
- ZHandles well on water
- ZComfortable
Cons:
- QLimited storage
Why we love it:
- Plenty of space
- Adjustable seat and footrests
- Easy to maneuver
What it is best for:
- Slow-moving rivers and flat water lakes
Here’s a fishing kayak that has lots of fishing-specific features. The Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 has 1 adjustable rod holder, 2 flush-mounted rod holders, an accessory mounting, and a tackle box underneath the seat for storage. It even has a ruler for measuring your catch.
What we like most about this kayak is its stability and performance on the water. We found that it’s easy to maneuver. It’s very comfortable, too. With its adjustable footrests, it can fit tall riders with no problem. The cockpit is also very spacious, and the framed seat is adjustable. So you can easily find the right position for you while sitting and paddling.
There’s no lacking of storage with the Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 as well. It has a center storage hatch with a bucket for your personal items, a rear storage with bungee in front, and a deeper tank well at the rear with bungee for your other gear.
Pros:
- ZHas many fishing-specific features
- ZComfortable
- ZVery stable
Cons:
- QThe tackle box underneath the seat is not accessible
Why we love it:
- Lots of mounting points
- Can fit 2 people
- Comes with everything you need
What it is best for:
- Flatwater and up to class III rapids
At an $800 price point, inflatables are likely of higher quality materials. They’re no longer thin and their construction is way better than those of their cheaper counterparts. So they’re more durable and less likely to get damaged by your hooks and other fishing gear.
Now, one of the most durable inflatable kayaks at this price point is the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead. It is made with 1000D reinforced layered PVC with a rigid drop-stitch floor. So it wouldn’t rip or tear even against logs, rocks, and underwater obstacles. Furthermore, this construction and floor design provides you with a solid platform where you can position yourself better. Aside from sitting, you can also bait-cast while standing without worrying about losing your balance. For an inflatable, this is a pretty hard feature to beat.
Other things we like about this kayak are its all-inclusive package, lightweight, huge max capacity, and multiple Scotty-style mount attachment points where you can put your fish finder, fishing rod holder, bait tray, and more.
Pros:
- ZAllows stand-up fishing
- ZLarge max capacity
- ZDurable
Cons:
- QShort paddles
Why we love it:
- Lightweight
- Comes in a complete set
- Comfortable
What it is best for:
- Bays, inland waters, lakes, coastal/open waters, and moderate to fast-moving rivers (up to class III)
Our last pick for the best fishing kayak under $800 is the Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler. It is inflatable, so it’s easier and more convenient to transport and store. It also has a wide beam, making it super stable. Add that with its patented aluminum rib frame, and you’ll have an inflatable kayak with surprisingly good tracking and performance.
Like the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead, this kayak is pretty durable. It’s made of heavy-duty material and abrasion pads. Thus, it’s sure to go well against aggressive conditions. It’s also comfortable with its high-back seat and inflatable lumbar support.
As for its fishing features, this inflatable kayak has 2 rod holders and a removable mounting rail where you can put in your fishing accessories. It has also stainless steel d-rings and a deck with bungee lacing for your other gear.
Pros:
- ZEasy to inflate and deflate
- ZEasy to move and store
- ZVery stable
Cons:
- QTakes a while to dry
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak Under 800 Dollars
So how will you know which fishing kayak is right for you and which one to get? Well, here are some of the most important things you need to consider before spending your hard-earned money on one:
Type
The first thing you need to do is choose the type of kayak you want. Now, this will depend on your needs. Will you be fishing during colder months? Do you want a kayak that will give you more protection against the elements and have a lesser chance of getting wet? Or maybe you prefer a kayak that moves through the water more efficiently? If so, then you might want to go for a sit-in kayak.
On the other hand, if you value stability over performance – which is likely the case for most anglers – then you’re better off with a sit-on-top. For some models, they’re so stable that you can even stand up on them while fishing and casting, which is a big plus.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride while on the water, then a sit-on-top is much better. Since it has an open cockpit design, you’ll have more space to move and shift around. This open deck also makes it more versatile, providing you with more ways to customize it according to your fishing needs.
Now, if you can’t handle hard-shell sit-ins and sit-on-tops, you also have the option to go with inflatables. This type of kayak is lighter and more portable. So it’s easier to transport and store. Most of the time, it comes in a complete set too. Thus, you can head out to the water as soon as it arrives.
Weight Capacity
Before buying a kayak, you should first think about what and who will you bring on your fishing trips. You then have to consider all those weights plus your own and add them all together. Once you’ve got a rough estimate, you can then start looking at kayaks with max capacities that can accommodate all those weights.
Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t exceed 70% of the max weight capacity of a vessel. This is to make sure you can paddle well on water. So if the max weight of a kayak is 350 lbs, try not to go over 245 lbs.
Length
Another important factor to consider when buying a kayak is its length. Why does this matter? Well, longer kayaks can cruise more efficiently. They are also faster and provide more storage space for your gear. Meanwhile, shorter kayaks are better and faster in turning.
So how do you know which length to go with? Well, if you’re going to big and open bodies of water, then choose longer kayaks or those 12 ft or longer. If you’re going to calm small bodies of water, shorter kayaks or those less than 11 ft will do.
Aside from that, you should also consider your size. If you’re very tall, around 6’5”, or a bit on the heavy side (290 lbs), then you may want to get something longer (11 ft or more) so you’ll be more comfortable while paddling.
Transporting
One of the most important things you have to think about before buying a kayak is how you’ll move it. How will you take it from your home to the water and back? Will you be doing it alone? If so, then how much weight can you bear? Do not buy until you know where to put your kayak and how you’ll take it to and from there.
Fishing Features
When trying to decide which is the best fishing kayak under 800 for you, consider the fishing features. Look for those that offer the things you’ll need and those that will come in handy while you’re out on the water. For instance, if you want to set up or carry multiple fishing rods, then you may want to get a model that offers more than just 1 rod holder.
Try to also consider the accessories you want to take with you. Do you prefer fishing with a fish finder or GPS? Then a kayak with mounting points will be great. If you like having your drink always nearby, then find something with a cup or bottle holder.
