Best Fishing Kayak Under $700

Fishing has to be one of the most relaxing sports you can do. However, when you fish from the shore line things may start to get a little boring for many people. Fortunately, there is a new way of fishing and that’s with a kayak, allowing you to tackle the sport in a whole new dimension. Looking for the best fishing Kayak under $700 will allow you to find an excellent kayak with lots of added features.

Finding a new or your first kayak can be a labored process, its sometimes hard to cut thought the jargon that you sometimes read. However, we have broken everything down to help you find the perfect kayak for your fishing adventures.

We have found the top 6 kayaks within the 700 dollar budget, and fore people looking for a little extra help on what to look for we have you coved with an extensive buying guide below.

1. Perception Pescador 12 | Sit on Top Fishing Kayak

Imagine the perfect day for fishing. The sun is shining but it’s not too hot. There is a slight breeze that takes the edge off making it the perfect temperature. The water is calm, clear and cool. Your cooler is stocked with your favorite ice cold beverages. What could possibly make this scene better? Being on the water.

Enhance any fishing adventure with a fishing kayak by Perception. Perception is an American company that proudly makes its Pescador kayak in the United States. This fishing kayak has all the bells and whistles you could possibly want in a kayak at an honest price.

The Pescador fishing kayak has everything you could want in a kayak. It has a ton of storage, both in the front and back, allowing you to store you fishing gear, fish you’ve caught, food and drinks, clothing and more. The storage space allows you to outfit this kayak into whatever setup you need for a day out on the water.

It is made from a single piece which prevents leaks and makes maintenance easier. The single body design of this kayak is sleek and light. The kayak weighs only 63lbs but can handle a max weight of 375lbs. A great ratio that makes this kayak easy to handle but able to carry a lot.

Then there are the comfort upgrades that make this kayak a luxury to spend time in. It has built-in cup holders to keep your favorite beverages secure while out on the water. The seating is plush and cozy made with a thick insulated pad with built-in ventilation. This will keep your backside soft and cool.

What we love about this Kayak

This fishing kayak is perfect for a day out hitting the lines or as a perfect vessel to just enjoy some time out on the water. The construction is perfect for slow moving rivers, ponds, lakes and other calm bodies of water.

2. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

Make the most of your outdoor time with a new ocean worthy kayak by Malibu. Kayaking is the perfect way to spend a day outside on the water. It is relaxing, fun and can offer some stunning views. Some people use it as a quality work out. Paddling can work your core and upper body. Or take it easy and drift lazily on the currents steering when you need to. Kayaking offers loads of fun.

The Ocean Kayak by Malibu is a durable tandem kayak that is perfect for a whole assortment of uses. It can be piloted solo or it can be configured to fit up to two adults or a combination of other family members. Bring your water loving furry friend out with you or bring your child or bring both. With plenty of room and a 425lbs weight capacity, you are able to bring along your favorite pets or people for an unforgettable day on the water.

The kayak features two plush comfort seats in a sit on top designed hull. The comfort seats are able to be adjusted in four different ways making it the ideal kayak seat. This gives you more options to get better grip, balance, and comfort out of these seats over a basic molded seat with no customization. This kayak offers unrivaled comfort, grip, and positioning with their patented footwell designs. This makes the kayak safer and more comfortable than the next.

Rapping up the features

This kayak features two high tension gear straps to hold down your things during a trip out on the water. The design makes it easy to get in and out of and has molded handles that are perfect for carrying or entering the kayak. It is sturdy enough to do some calm coastal kayaking or any other body of water that you are adequately familiar with.

3. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak Sit On Top Kayak has made a name for itself as an all around great fishing kayak. It is versatile, spacious and eye catching and comes with a load of helpful features all for an affordable price. All of these things have elevated the Lifetime Tamarack Angler to soaring popularity among kayakers and fishermen alike.

Specs:

• 120” long
• 31” wide
• 52lbs boat weight
• 275lbs maximum capacity

The number of features in this kayak is noticeable and they are all great features that increase the comfort and usability of this model. The kayak is a single molded piece with no seams which makes it more buoyant and it can’t leak. Some inflatable kayaks or boats that come in multiple pieces are prone to leaking and don’t give a smooth and sturdy ride, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler gives both a smooth ride and won’t leak due to their single-piece design for the body. It features a large comfortable seat with a breathable and water resistant cushion. No hard molded plastic seats here.

The large size of this kayak also increases its creature comfort features. It has a ton of useful storage with two enclosed storage areas which can be used to hold gear, ice, drinks, coolers, or fish. It comes with rod holders built right into the kayak itself. You will not feel cramped with all of your things on this kayak because of the ample storage options. Pair that with the bulky 275lbs total capacity and you can really load this kayak down.

Whether you are geared up for a long day of idyllic fishing on calm waters or if you want to bring a ton of drinks and snacks for a relaxing day of sight seeing and paddling, you can equip this kayak any way you like. This versatility has made it popular with water loving people of all stripes.

Best of all, the whole thing is designed and manufactured in the United States so you know you are getting the best quality available.

4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Kayaking is a wildly popular outdoor activity and for good reason. It is a great way to spend a day out on the water, getting some sun, and seeing some gorgeous natural sights. It can be as relaxing as you want or as strenuous as you want if you want to get a workout on the water. However, none of these activities are super fun to do alone, which is why Sevylor Coleman Kayak has made their Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak. This is a perfect kayak for two people and can offer hours of fun in the sun with your spouse, kids, best friend or even your fuzzy friend.

Specs:

• 131” long
• 40” wide
• 42lbs boat weight
• 470lbs maximum capacity

The kayak itself is large and spacious coming in at just over 13’ in length which gives both parties plenty of room to stretch out and paddle without getting cramped or getting in each other’s way.

The seats are designed for comfort and can be adjusted to fit each person individually. The Comfort Plus seating is a padded seat reminiscent of a porch chair. No uncomfortable molded plastic seats here. Sevylor Kayak have also designed a comfortable system of overlapping footrests which allows both parties to brace comfortably while paddling and works in tandem with the Comfort Plus seats to give you a smooth and comfortable kayaking experience every time.

The sit on top design makes it so that the kayak is easier to board and less restrictive during use. It allows the user to sit higher in the water and get better views and more comfort out of their experience. Kayaking can be a great bonding experience for people of all kinds, and tandem kayaking can be a fun day in the sun or a great way to break a sweat with friends.

5. Riot Kayaks Escape 12 Angler Sit-On-Top Flatwater Fishing Kayak

Riot Kayaks has created a sit on top fishing kayak that is worth a look for those who enjoy fishing, those who enjoy kayaking, and those who enjoy both. Their Riot Kayaks is a quality piece of equipment that is both an amazing fishing kayak and just a great kayak in general. This is because of its one piece, American designed and made, construction and its ample room for storage and extras.

The Riot Kayak is a large, single seat, fishing kayak that is perfect for slow moving water. This includes rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes as well as calm coastal waters. The sit on top design gives you a better view of your surroundings as well as a stable and comfortable perch to fish from.

Some other similar kayaks are unbalanced and leave you feeling uneasy during use but not the Riot Kayaks. This kayak’s single, seamless design is leakproof, stable, and buoyant. This gives you the feeling of safety and stability when you’re out on the water. It can ruin the fun if you feel unsafe during kayaking which can happen with lesser designed models.

The comfort and stability come from this kayak’s size and weight. It is 12’ in length and 30” wide. The long plastic body ensures that it glides through the water without any issue. The kayak weighs 72lbs which is perfect for stability but is still manageable by a single rider. It is not too bulky to handle by yourself but is sturdy enough to keep you high and dry on the water.

Extra kayak features

In addition to that, this kayak comes with a plethora of comfort upgrades that are going to leave you impressed. It has a unique seat design that is made for support using a large pad and vented back to keep you cool and relaxed during paddling. There is a ton of storage built-in, including drink holders, two storage bins, one at the front and one at the back and rod holders.

That means you can pack a cooler filled with drinks and food for a long day on the water, pack your rods, and still have room left over for additional things. The roominess and storage of this kayak are unmatched. This is backed by the boat’s 300lbs weight capacity which allows you to load down the boat for long stretches out in the sun.

6. Perception Flash 9.5 | Sit Inside Kayak

Kayaking is a great activity that can be fun for the whole family. It is a fantastic way to get some quality outdoor time, fresh air, and time in the sun. Kayaking can also be a fantastic way to get some exercise. It can be a cardio workout, an upper body workout, and a mental workout. It is fun to explore new areas and paddle into the unknown wilds of the intercoastal or your favorite nearby water sources. Yes, kayaking is a versatile and fun activity. But no one wants to do it alone.

Now, you don’t have to. Introducing, the Perception Flash 9.5 that is able to fit one rider. It can be a fun thing for couples to do, a great way to spend time with your kids, or let your kids go out on their own adventures. All of this fun is possible due to the Perception Flash 9.5 kayak’s excellent design and construction.

The kayak is 9.6’ long and 28.5” wide giving it a lot of space to hold your fishing gear. It can be full of you fishing gear because this kayak has a natural weight capacity of 325lbs. That means you can load up and hit the water without worrying about squeezing in or sinking. It is a durable, roomy tandem kayak.

It also includes overlapping footwells for stable, comfortable paddling and bracing, molded handles to help beach the boat, and put it in the water as well as two comfortable seats that are a unique padded design that is far superior to the old molded seats that are hard and uncomfortable.

Best Fishing Kayak Under $700 Buying Guide

A kayak can be a fun way to expand upon one of America’s favorite hobbies. Fishing from shore has its own charm and benefits but sometimes the best spot to be is on the water, among the fish, the wind, and the waves. There are plenty of options for fishing kayaks in the lower price ranges but what about an awesome mid-priced fishing kayak?

First, there are a few things to consider before purchasing a fishing kayak.

Where to?

The first thing to think about is where you are going to be using the kayak the most. There are kayaks that are suited for different kinds of bodies of water and different locales. Not every kayak is going to be able to perform in every kind of water.

What kind of fishing do you like to do? Are you going to be in freshwater or saltwater? How far away is the place you are going to be kayaking from your house? These are all important things to consider before buying a kayak. If your ideal body of water is off the beach or in the intercoastal it is going to change your purchase parameters compared to a lazy creek for example. Distance is important too because it will affect how portable the kayak needs to be.

Design, Size, and Functionality

The next thing you are going to want to consider is what kind of kayak is going to suit you the best. There are three main types of fishing kayak. They include the sit on top, sit inside and inflatable varieties.

The sit on top kayak is one where the seat sits above the hull of the boat. This gives you a great vantage point to see and is easiest to cast from. From a pure fishing standpoint, this is the best design. However, the sit on top design makes it more difficult to weather choppy waters and is a little harder to paddle and maneuver.

The sit inside design is more of your typical kayak design. The boater sits within the hull and the sides of the boat are going to come up around them. This is better for traveling on the water and is easier to paddle and steer than the sit on top. However, casting and reeling can be more difficult from inside the hull than on top of it.

The last kind is the inflatable kayak. These are usually cheaper but can be hard to maintain. They can get caught on hazards in the water and punctured. They also require their air levels to be maintained via a pump or full break down and reinflation.

The kind of kayak that is best for you is going to depend on what kind of waters you are going to be traveling in and what kind of fishing you want to do the most.

Other design feature to consider

The other important part of kayak design is going to be the size and capacity of the kayak. Some boats have smaller capacities than others. If you want to catch a lot of fish or carry a lot of gear with you for a long day on the water you are going to want a kayak with more weight capacity and storage than if you only want to be out for a short amount of time.

Due to the different factors, the “best” of anything is subjective, especially when it comes to something as personalized and varied as fishing. These factors are going to change everyone’s perception of what is best for them. That being said, I have picked out a versatile, durable, high quality and all-around great fishing kayak that should appeal to a very broad audience.

Verdict

Kayak fishing is a new kid on the block but it’s taking off, it’s such a fun way to get your lines wet when you’re looking for a change from just hitting the shore line. There are many different things to consider when making a purchase but we hope that we have helped you find the best fishing Kayak under $700.

Consider what you need when you go fishing and try to get as many features that you need that your budget allows.

I’m always asked what I believe is the best out of the list; I am normally reluctant on pinpointing a single product. However, this time it’s a little different as I love the Kayak I have singled out so much so that I have given it a much more in-depth review below.

I must say even thought I love this kayak choosing any from the list will give you hours of fun on the water and there on the list for a reason. I would never put anything on the list that I would not use myself.

Our Favorite is…

The Perception Pescador 12 Sit On Top Fishing Kayak Review

perception Kayak Pescador Sit On Top for Recreation

• Sit-on-Top Kayaking's Most Well-Rounded Performer for Larger Paddlers - Made in USA
• Easy open front hatch with latching lid and massive rear tank well offer loads of storage
• Comfort seating system with thick ventilated padding for superior support
• Leak-proof one-piece construction with built-in buoyancy for added safety
• Optimized design and construction make it easier to carry

$968.01

Buy On Amazon

Imagine you are out on the water, you have two rods ready to go, one is stored with a separate line and bait for a different kind of fish. You have your rod in your hand. The day is nice, the water is calm. Suddenly you get a bite, you reel it in from the comfort of your seat, pull it in and immediately stuff it away in your convenient fish cooler that is sitting right behind you. You swap out your gear from the handy front compartment and swap rods all without moving from your comfortable vantage point.

Meet the Pescador 12, a well rounded and quality fishing kayak from the makers at Perception Kayaks. This kayak comes in just under $700 and checks all of the boxes as to what makes a fishing kayak something worth buying.

Size Specs

• Length: 12’
• Width: 32”
• Weight: 63lbs
• Max capacity: 375lbs

This kayak has the prototypical size that you want out of a solo fishing kayak. It is the perfect size at 144”x32” and weighs in at a respectable 63lbs. The kayak is not too heavy to handle on its own and is made from durable materials that are going to last. The weight capacity at 375lbs is extremely good, especially for a solo kayak. This gives you a lot of wiggle room in terms of weight.

With such a high capacity you can load down your kayak with food and drinks for a long relaxing day on the water or you can load it up with gear and coolers in anticipation of hauling back a lot of fish. The weight capacity comes from the unique design and construction of the hull that makes this kayak extremely stable and safe.

The hull design

The hull of the Pescador 12 is made from a high-density polyethylene material that is shaped into one piece. This means that the kayak will not have any leaks due to seams from multiple interlocking parts. This polyethylene is specifically designed to handle any conditions you may encounter out on the water. It is abrasion-resistant and UV resistant. It won’t fade in the sun, it won’t heat up too much and it won’t rip or tear if you bump into something out in the field.

Not only does this quality material make this kayak a long-lasting and durable piece of equipment, but it also makes it safer than other kayaks. The high weight capacity and added buoyancy make this kayak sit firmly in the water allowing you to relax and enjoy your time fishing rather than being worried about an unbalanced kayak. The Pescador 12 is designed to stay upright and reduce the chance for a capsizing incident. This gives you all the benefits of a sit on top kayak without some of the inherent risks of the design.

Not only does the Pescador 12 feature unbeatable durability and safety in the design of its hull it also has all of the creature comforts that you crave from a fishing kayak. Some other kayaks on the market, especially in the lower price ranges, are sparse and come with very little comfort features. Not so with the Pescador.

The added feature you may not expect

This kayak has the ultimate fishing trip in mind with the features that Perception has built into it. These include built in cup holders for your ice-cold beverages. Comfortable, ventilated seating that keeps you cool and cozy all day. Front and rear storage to stash all of your gear. Plenty of capacity and room for a fish cooler. A pair of molded rod holders that make it simple to store your rods during paddling. It really is the fisherman’s dream.

The best features though are definitely the storage space. The front hatch is perfect for keeping lines, lures, and hooks that can easily be grabbed at any time. The rear trunk is super large and is perfect for a cooler, lunch box, or other bulky objects. You can keep all of the fishing gear conveniently upfront and then stash the fish you catch in the rear trunk over ice. The storage and weight capacity mean that you can really kit out this kayak any way you want to.

If you want to batten down for an all-day fishing adventure, load up the gear and the cooler and get out there. If you want to do a little more sipping and relaxing than fishing, you can bring an entirely different set of stuff depending on what kind of day on the water you want to have.

Rounding this great kayak up

This kayak is just comfortable all around. It is comfortable to sit in. Also, It is comfortable to fish from. It is comfortable to move around on land and in the water. Comfort is the name of the game. Everything about the Pescador 12 is convenient, comfortable, or both.

When you consider how many awesome extra features this kayak has and pair that with the durability and stability of the hull you have an amazing kayak set up with very few downsides.

And, the entire thing is made in the United States. The combination of performance, comfort, and design really makes this a no brainer in terms of quality. If you are in the market for a fishing kayak in the neighborhood of $700 then there is no better option out there than the Pescador 12.