Best Fishing Kayak Under $800 For 2025

Kayaking and fishing blend together to offer a peaceful escape from daily life. You paddle out to quiet waters, where the only sounds are the splash of your paddle and the fish jumping. This is where inexpensive fishing kayaks come in. They help you reach places other boats can’t, giving you a chance to fish in solitude. 

However, finding the right one can be tough, especially when you want to keep costs under $800. Here, we look at three budget kayaks that might just be what you need for your next fishing trip.

Perception JoyRide 10 – $767

The Perception JoyRide 10 is designed with the recreational paddler in mind, offering stability, comfort, and accessibility for those venturing out on the water. This fishing kayak under $800 provides a stable platform for fishing in calm lakes and rivers, making it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike.

The Perception JoyRide 10 features a Zone Deluxe Seating System, which many find super comfortable. The seat is adjustable, allowing you to customize your fit while paddling, which can be crucial for long fishing trips. The adjustable footrests further enhance comfort for paddlers of various sizes.

The JoyRide 10 has a self-draining scupper hole to manage water ingress, ensuring that you’re not sitting in a puddle while fishing. The storage hatch with a hinged lid provides easy access to gear, although it is not completely waterproof, so waterproof bags are recommended for electronics or valuables.

This Fishing Kayak Under $800 tracks well, even in windy conditions or choppy waters, providing a stable base for casting lines or enjoying a leisurely paddle. The Perception JoyRide 10 is known for its excellent maneuverability, making it easy to navigate through tight spots or around obstacles while fishing.

For fishing enthusiasts, the JoyRide 10 offers features like an Entertainment Dashboard with Solo Mount accessory compatibility, which allows for customization such as adding rod holders or a fish finder. The patent-pending Selfie Slot provides a unique way to capture your fishing adventures.

While the Perception JoyRide 10 excels in many areas, it lacks a skeg, which might affect its tracking in stronger currents or winds. The seat, while comfortable, may be too firm for some, and the back storage compartment isn’t entirely waterproof. Also, the absence of a drain hole around the cockpit lip means any water you get in stays in until you tip the kayak.

Who Is This For?

The Perception JoyRide 10 is well-suited for those seeking a Fishing Kayak Under $800 for day trips on lakes or calm rivers. It’s ideal for beginners or those looking for a comfortable, stable platform for fishing or casual paddling. Intermediate paddlers might appreciate its versatility for short trips or exploring gentle waterways.

Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft – $700

The Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft stands out as a top choice for those seeking a Fishing Kayak Under $800. It’s designed with both stability and comfort in mind, offering great value for anglers on a budget. With a length of 10.3 feet, this kayak is perfect for calm lakes and rivers, providing a stable platform for fishing or photography. Its 31-inch width ensures it’s stable enough for standing, a feature not commonly found in kayaks in this price range, making it suitable for those who prefer to stand while fishing.

Comfort is prioritized in the Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft. It features an adjustable framed seat and footrests, allowing for a comfortable fit for various paddler sizes. The seat, though comfortable, might be a bit firm for some, but its adjustability is a major advantage. Its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) hull ensures durability, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty, adding peace of mind to your purchase.

For storage, Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft offers ample options. It includes a center storage hatch with a bucket, front and rear bungee cords, and a deeper tank well, ensuring you have space for your gear without sacrificing accessibility. Anglers will appreciate the kayak’s stability and the accessory mounts, like two flush-mounted fishing rod holders and one adjustable fishing rod holder.

One potential drawback is the quality of the included paddle, which might not meet everyone’s standards, but Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft includes a paddle keeper to secure your paddle when not in use. It’s worth noting that while this kayak provides excellent stability and comfort, it’s not designed for speed or heavy currents.

Who Is This For?

The Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft is well-suited for recreational paddlers and beginner to intermediate anglers. Its lightweight nature, combined with a high loading capacity of 300 lbs, makes it versatile for day trips or even short overnight excursions with gear. For those looking for a Fishing Kayak Under $800, Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft offers a blend of comfort, stability, and functionality, making it a solid choice for a variety of water-based activities.

Lifetime Tamarack Pro 10.3 ft is a reliable and feature-rich option for those seeking a Fishing Kayak Under $800, promising a comfortable and stable experience on the water.

Pelican Catch 100 NXT – $779

The Pelican Catch 100 NXT is a standout option for those seeking a Fishing Kayak Under $800. It’s designed with both stability and comfort in mind, offering great value for anglers on a budget. With a length of 10 feet, this kayak is perfect for calm lakes and rivers, providing a stable platform for fishing or photography. Its 34-inch width ensures excellent stability, even for standing, a feature not commonly found in kayaks in this price range, making it suitable for those who prefer to fish while standing.

Comfort is a priority with the Pelican Catch 100 NXT. It features an ErgoForm padded seat, adjustable for different paddler sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit. While the seat is comfortable, some might find it a bit firm, but its adjustability is a major advantage. The kayak’s body is made from RAM-X™ Premium, a multi-layer polyethylene construction, providing durability and resistance to UV damage and impacts.

This Fishing Kayak Under $800 offers ample storage options, including a waterproof storage hatch with a non-return drainage, bungee cords on the deck, and a larger tank well. Anglers will appreciate the kayak’s stability and the accessory mounts, like the dual rod holders, a swivel rod holder, and an ergonomic handle for easy transport. Pelican Catch 100 NXT tracks well, thanks to its three-piece paddle and the adjustable footrests.

One potential drawback is the lack of a skeg, which might affect its tracking in stronger currents or winds. However, for its intended use on calm waters, this kayak performs admirably.

Who Is This For?

The Pelican Catch 100 NXT is well-suited for recreational anglers and beginner to intermediate paddlers. Its lightweight nature, combined with a high loading capacity of 350 lbs, makes it versatile for day trips or even short overnight excursions with gear. For those looking for a Fishing Kayak Under $800, Pelican Catch 100 NXT offers a blend of stability, comfort, and functionality, making it an excellent choice for a variety of water-based activities.

Pelican Catch 100 NXT is a reliable and feature-rich option for those seeking a Fishing Kayak Under $800, promising a comfortable and stable experience on the water. Pair it with a good Fish finder under 200 and a good fishing rod to have a good catch.