When you think about fishing, it used to be that it was a relatively inexpensive hobby to try. Now, with the advances in technology and the amount of gear available, you can spend thousands on your gear. Imagine if you throw a kayak into the mix too. You can pay thousands of dollars for a professional kayak, just as you can pay thousands for expert rods and reels.
The good news is that it need not be that way. If you look around a little, you can find rods and reels (as well as other fishing gear) which perform as well as the most expensive equipment (and often better) while costing only a fraction of the price.
Here is where we want to help. If you are looking to do some kayak fishing, it can often be off-putting. You have to spend a chunk of money at the outset to get yourself a kayak. But, did you know that you are able to get a great fishing kayak for under $600?
We have scoured the farthest reaches of the internet to find you the perfect fishing kayak on a budget. Here are five of the best fishing kayaks under 600.
5 Best Fishing Kayak Under 600 Reviews 2021
1. Lifetime Tamarack Angler Fishing Kayak
You need not break the bank to find a really great kayak, and this kayak is proof of that. It is amazingly affordable while still giving you a kayak which is strong, sturdy, and functional. You have the option of adding a paddle for a few extra dollars, which is a great addition in our opinion; why not get everything you need without the hassle of shopping around?
This kayak is constructed from high-density polyethylene. This gives you a stable and durable kayak. It has a stable flat bottom which helps it to sit balanced in the water. Once you are in the kayak, there is an adjustable seat which provides a lot of comforts. Getting comfortable before you get out in the water is extremely important. The more comfortable you are, the longer you can stay out there and fish. The two-rod holders help with that too. With a place to affix your rod, you do not need to strain yourself as you peacefully wait for the fish to bite.
There is ample storage here for all of your fishing equipment. Front and rear bungee storage areas are available for large items, with storage compartments built into the front and center of the kayak. You also have paddle holders so that you can shift quickly between paddling and fishing without the threat of a paddle dropping into the water.
This is a great kayak for anyone who is starting out. You get great stability with a lot of storage options.
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2. Vibe Skipjack Kayak
This is a great kayak for tracking through the water. The design and shape of the kayak mean that it cuts easily through the water and you will only need to paddle lightly to get this vessel moving. It is also easy to track left and right and change direction at speed. This is great if you are tracking the movement of the fish below you.
This is a kayak designed for one person. It is also extremely light, making it easy for one person to transfer from storage to your vehicle and from your vehicle to the water. The four easy-grip handles make this portability easy.
You get an included paddle with this kayak, and there are two paddle parks to protect your paddle when you need to grab your rod quickly. Nothing can ruin a fishing trip faster than a paddle lost to the water. You also have four rod mounts, so you never have to worry about losing your rod either. Fishing is all about peace and tranquility. Having the option to attach your paddle and rods, freeing up your hands to eat, drink, or just be merry, means that you can truly relax on your fishing trip.
You have two sealed hatches to protect anything against the water (though you should wrap your items too in case water does seep in). There is also a large bungee area to store all of your larger fishing equipment. This is a great kayak for anyone out on a solo fishing adventure.
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3. SunDolphin Journey Kayak
This is another extremely affordable kayak on our list. For a little under $300 (at the time of publishing), you get a kayak which will hold up in performance against many more expensive models. The shape and design of the kayak make it great for lakes and rivers. It has enough stability to hold up against a small current, and enough speed and agility to move quickly through quiet waters.
It is also a lightweight kayak meaning that you do not have to exert a lot of energy to get your kayak out to the middle of the lake or to chase the fish around. There is also a lot of stability with this kayak. We would not recommend standing up to fish, but you will be able to get in and out with ease and turn quickly without rocking the boat (so to speak).
When you do get to where you want to be, you have two flush rod holders and one swivel rod holder to entertain your fishing poles. You can shore up your kayak and sit and enjoy your surroundings, waiting for the fish to bite.
With ample storage at the front and back, you always have a place to store your gear. There is also a lot of room around your feet for extra gear, should you need it. A great kayak on a budget.
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4. Sevylor Coleman 2-Person Kayak
It is not often that you find a 2-person kayak as cheap as this one. This kayak has enough room for you and a buddy, and you have a lot of options when it comes to storing and transporting this kayak. This is an inflatable kayak; you do not need to worry about roof mounts on your vehicle or how you are going to get the kayak to the water. With an inflatable kayak, you can inflate the kayak at the water’s edge. This also means that you can get your kayak into areas which are usually inaccessible to regular kayaks. You have a lot more freedom with an inflatable kayak than you do with a regular one, but you do need to take a little more care with it.
This inflatable kayak is crafted from 18-gauge PVC. The tarpaulin bottom and nylon cover helps to protect the kayak both in the water and on land. There are also multiple air chambers so, if you do get a puncture, the kayak will stay afloat, allowing you to get back to dry land and fix the problem.
Rod holders allow for hands-free fishing and are completely adjustable. You also have the option to add a motor to the back. A great kayak for everyone.
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5. Emotion Renegade Kayak
We love the rich green of this kayak. One look at your new vessel and you will already feel as if you are in nature. The high-density polyethylene gives you a lot of strength and durability. You get a great combination of stability and maneuverability. This is one of the best kayaks on our list for speed and tracking.
We like the net lacing cargo storage at the rear of the kayak; it offers you a little more security than bungee storage would. There is also a below-deck hatch between your feet. This is a great kayak for the novice kayaker.
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Final Verdict
It is always hard to narrow five great kayaks down to one winner, but that is what we have done. Our overall pick for the best sub-$600 kayak is the Lifetime Angler Fishing Kayak. We like any kayak which comes with an included paddle but, more than that, we loved how this kayak performs and the price point at which you can get it. This kayak outperforms many kayaks at only a fraction of the price.
This kayak performed admirably when it came to comfort, and that is always high on our list of what to look for in a great kayak. The stability is excellent, you have a lot of storage for all your gear, and it moves adequately through the water. It does not matter if you are starting out or have been kayak fishing for years, this is a great kayak for almost anyone.
