8 Best Fishing Kayak Under $300 (2021)

There’s something for everyone in kayak fishing, whether you want to explore just the shores or go deep in the water or consider fishing as an exciting adventure.

Will you be fishing small rivers, the open sea, or a combination of both? Are you more interested in paddling or pedaling? Do you prefer the stability of a stand-up platform or the lightness and agility of a hull? There are hundreds of kayaks designed specifically for anglers, each with its own set of stability, scale, speed, and fishing features.

With many types of fishing kayaks now being available in the market, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. As a result, you don’t need a very expensive fishing kayak.

There are several fishing kayaks under $300 that provide exceptional quality, and we are here to help you find the best choice. Before we look at the best fishing kayaks under $300, let’s consider whether it is worth investing in a kayak under $300.

Is it worth investing in a fishing kayak under $300?

Yes, it is totally worth investing in a fishing kayak under $300. Wondering why?

Because several fishing kayaks under $300 offer great performance without spending a lot of money on it. Even at a lower cost, you can get a fishing kayak that is just as good as the expensive ones and enjoy fishing.

Consider the motor power, size, weight, and other factors while choosing the best one without worrying about the money.

Our Top Picks

Best premium: Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Kayak

“The best premium fishing kayak is the Sevylor Coleman Colorado fishing kayak with 18 gauge PVC construction and NMMA certified.”

Best premium runner-up: Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak

“The Pelicam Maxim is best for recreational purposes and has a Shallow V Chinese Hull, making it a premium feature.”

Best overall: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series

“With its top-notch performance and features like tough polyester core, tough polyester construction, etc., this one is the best of all.”

Best overall runner-up: YakGear Kayak & Canoe Outriggers

“This one has several features which add to its stability and make it the best overall runner-up. They are also easy to mount and simple to use.”

Best maximum comfort: Intex 68310VM Dakota Kayak

“If comfort is your primary concern, you need to check out the Intex 68310VM Dakota, which can easily accommodate 2 people up to 400 pounds. It is easy to transport, easy to inflate, and lightweight also.”

Best easy to use: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

“This one should be your go-to kayak if all you want is a simple and easy-to-use kayak, sans all the shenanigans and extra features. Simple, straightforward, and amazing is what this kayak is.”

Best high end: Intex Challenger Kayak

“Having two sides inflated with a high output air pump is definitely the best choice if you want a high-end kayak.”

Best durable: Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe Sport Kayak

“As for durability, nothing beats the Sea Eagle Deluxe kayak. It holds 2 persons easily, is suitable for up to Class III white water, and has holes that drain extra water.”

Our Top 8 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $300

Comparison Table of Fishing Kayaks Under $300:

Product Names	Kayak weight	Maximum capacity	No. of person capacity	Unique features
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak	39.01 lbs	400 lbs	2	Valve key that tightens the valves, Excellent repair kit, Front and rear footrest
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak	41 lbs	470 lbs	1	Double-wall construction, Rigid and durable, Puncture resistant, tarpaulin bottom with nylon top
Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak	30.60 lbs	400 lbs	2	Lightweight, Easy to inflate
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series	40 lbs	400 lbs	2	Easy to set up, 3-ply super tough construction
YakGear Kayak & Canoe Outriggers (Generation 2)	9 lbs	400 lbs	2	2 outriggers included for each side of the boat, Outriggers provide added stability, Adjustable outrigger arms
Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak	39 lbs	275 lbs	2	Perfect kayak for recreational purposes, Adjustable, Ergoform backrest with seat cushion, Molded footrests
Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak	26 lbs	500 lbs	2	2 skegs on bottom part, 1-way inflation and deflation, NMMA certified
Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars	23.9 lbs	220 lbs	1	Velcro straps, High output pump, Streamlined design for easy and smooth paddling experience

1. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is made of a durable laminate PVC with a lightweight polyester core and highly resistant to abrasion, impact, and sunlight damage. Two removable skews, suitable for deep and shallow water, are included, along with two floor-mounted footrests, two integrated recessed fishing rod holders, and two adjustable bucket seats in this model.

Another notable feature is the removable and flexible mounting bracket, which can accommodate additional accessories such as GPS systems, fish finders, swivel fishing rod holders, etc.

It has a high-pressure inflation mechanism that adds rigidity, stability, and high-pressure spring-loaded valves that make inflation and deflation simple.

The kayak’s open design makes it easy to get in and out. When entering the kayak, however, the bottom chamber gives way noticeably. If you’re going to use the deep-water fin, you can just get in the kayak when the water is deep enough. You can paddle it solo as well, thanks to the variable seat placement.

2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Even though this kayak can appear to be too small for two people to fit in, it is still a fantastic kayak with some incredible features. For example, the 18-gauge PVC construction is not only durable for lake use, but it is also NMMA certified, ensuring its quality. Another important feature is the 1000D tarpaulin bottom and 840D nylon top, which provide long-lasting puncture resistance.

When you’re fishing, paddle holders on either side of the kayak keep your paddles safe and out of the way. The boat also has two-rod holders that can be placed on either side of the paddlers. If each paddler wants to set up two lines at once, the second set of rod holders can be added. This kayak is ideal for those looking for an inflatable fishing kayak that is simple to set up and extremely durable.

3. Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty Vinyl Inflatable Kayak

This kayak that comes with 86-inch long oars and an air pump can carry two people weighing up to 400 pounds. This indicates that you can inflate the kayak and take it with you on the drive. You’ll be able to inflate it on the spot, so you won’t have to think about loading a kayak into your car for a road trip.

The long skew is useful for straight-line tracking, while the short skeg is useful for fast and short turns, given that the kayak is designed for speed and agility in the water. Since the kayak is inflatable, you don’t have to compromise on protection or even comfort. As a result, transportation is simpler for those looking for a practical kayak that doesn’t need a lot of room.

Inflatable seats with backrests that can be quickly removed and modified are also included with the kayak. When the kayak and accessories are not in use, you will use two dry bags and a carry bag.

4. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series

This kayak is one of those kayaks that offer top-notch performance, that too, at very affordable rates. The kayak is lightweight and highly resistant to abrasion, impact, sunlight, and other forms of damage, and it is made of laminate PVC with a polyester core.

The Intex Excursion Pro kayaks have the added advantage of being inflatable kayaks built to offer unparalleled comfort to the users. This kayak will provide help for your body without causing numbness. Furthermore, unlike traditional kayaks, you will not be trapped in a single spot.

The kayak has two adjustable footrests and adjustable seats. The footrests will be useful in enhancing your comfort. All you have to do is position them correctly, and your legs will not become numb.

5. YakGear Kayak & Canoe Outriggers (Generation 2)

The adjustable outrigger arms from Yak-gear Generation 2 are 30-inches long. Strong plastic is used to make the floats.

These outriggers function excellently in giving your kayak significant extra stability because, without the outriggers, this will almost certainly result in the kayak tipping over. The outriggers even have a GoPro camera mount. Hence it is a much-loved product for several photographers and videographers. Stainless steel mounting hardware and insulation instructions are included in the package.

The Yak Gear Outriggers are a simple-to-mount safety net for any situation. This comes in handy if you want to catch fish, explore the choppy waters, or just enjoy paddling with the kids.

Two outriggers are included in this kayak stabilizer pack, one for the starboard side and one for the port side of your watercraft. The outrigger’s arms may also be adjusted, and they measure approximately 30 inches in length. They will make a floating base for you that is 22 inches away from the port and starboard sides of your ship. The outriggers can be removed at any time, rendering watercraft transportation a breeze.

6. Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak

This Pelican Prime Kayak features a padded Ergofoam backrest and an ergo foam bench, making it a popular choice among kayaking enthusiasts. So, if you’re looking for the most comfortable pelican kayak, this Kayak Pelican Maxim is sure to please. Since it is a beginner kayak, the kayak can only seat one person despite having features such as a bottle holder and carry handles. If you’re kayaking with a party and aren’t alone, this one may not be enough.

This kayak also has a flat bottom with a Shallow V Chinese Hull, a unique feature. This gives the kayak a lot of stability as well as a lot of maneuverability. However, since this model does not have rod holders, it cannot be used as a fishing kayak.

7. Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak

With up to 500 pounds of capacity that can easily accommodate 2 people, this kayak is perfectly suitable for up to Class III white water. This is also one of the most lightweight and easily portable kayaks that you will ever find.

This kayak is very tall, and hence you can be assured that it stays afloat, thanks to a series of long tubes, which ensures that you won’t be riding low in the water. You can position the seats somewhere between the vessels, which gives more flexibility for different paddling styles and paddler sizes.

In situations where only one person is paddling, you also can choose just one seat on the kayak. There are two tiny skegs on the bottom of this Sea Eagle 330 kayak. These help the boat track in a straight line in the water. You can also find a hole that allows water to drain from the boat when paddling, so you don’t end up sitting in a bathtub of water by the time you’ve had enough.

8. Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars

The inflated kayak has air chambers on the ground. Two sides are inflated with the high-output air pump using Boston valves included in this model. Since the air pump is a very tiny device, it takes some time to inflate it fully. You could also get a bigger air pump to speed up the inflation process. On the other hand, a larger air pump necessitates more room, which should be considered.

One standout feature of this kayak is its bright green color and sporty graphics, making the kayak highly visible wherever you go. The Velcro straps are also a great addition, and they are rightly placed boat’s deck. The backseat straps are longer, so you can change the position of the seat. The seats stay where you put them while paddling, thanks to these Velcro straps. Furthermore, the backrests of the seats are secured to the ground chambers by adjustable belts.

Factors to consider before choosing a fishing kayak under $300

Weight of kayak

When selecting a kayak, keep in mind the total capacity and ability of your car top and the amount of weight it can bear. Moving a heavy kayak down to the launch site will necessitate the use of a wheeled cart.

Storage space

Consider how much room and extras you’ll need onboard your kayak. Are you planning on keeping fish? Is it important for you to have live bait on hand? Are you planning on kayak camping? Many kayak fishermen use milk crate systems to store tackle and extra rods. Choose one that has the right storage option that will suit you

Length of kayak

You’ll want a kayak that’s no less than 10 feet long since longer kayaks have the ability to track better and also ride straight.

Width of kayak

The larger the kayak’s width, the more secure it will be. You will, however, lose speed easily when you are using a very wide kayak, so be careful of that and choose an optimal size. A fishing kayak’s minimum width is approximately 30 inches (76 centimeters). Short kayaks can easily be tossed around by waves, while a long, short boat would be sluggish.

Weight capacity

Even though you will find that most kayaks can accommodate up to 400 pounds, it may not be as easy as you think. Hence, to determine the right weight capacity for your kayak, simply choose a kayak that can hold at least 100 pounds more than your body weight plus the weight of all your gear combined.

Stability of the kayak

Stability of the kayak is critically important. Hence, you need to avoid V-shaped hull kayaks since these can overturn easily. A tunnel or flat-bottom hull is the best choice.

Conclusion

Hope you learned a lot about the fishing kayaks under 300, and now you can go on an adventurous trip. Gone are the days when you use to think that buying a kayak needs a hell lot of investment.

With these top choices, you can easily have one just by spending 300 bucks.

Depending on your choice, just go for any of the above-listed fishing kayaks. Do not forget to share your experiences with us!

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