What’s the Best Fishing Kayak Under 400? Top 10 Options Reviewed

If you are enthusiastic about angling, you should definitely consider getting a fishing kayak because it will help you maneuver the water and catch many fish.

Today, we want to cater to anglers who are on a tight budget hence the reason why we are reviewing the best fishing kayak under 400 from a variety of 10 worthy competitors.

If you are looking to save your coins and still get great usability from your kayak, you are in the right place so stick around.

Best Fishing Kayak Under 400

Under 400 Kayaks 2023: Comparison Table

The following comparison table brings together some of the finest options available at your disposal. You may keep scrolling for in-depth reviews of each one of them.

RankingNameDimensionWeight
1Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak120 x 30 x 13 inches42 pounds
2Lifetime Muskie Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak120 x 31 x 14.1 inches57.5 pounds
3Intex Explorer K2 Kayak123 x 36 x 20 inches36.4 pounds
4Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak34 x 19 x 11 inches54.6 pounds
5Sundolphin Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak96 x 28 x 16 inches28.7 pounds
6Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak120 x 30 x 11 inches108 pounds
7Intex Excursion Pro Kayak151 x 37 x 18 inches 46.3 pounds
8Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak Set108 x 30 x 13 inches26.3 pounds
9Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak18 x 10 x 24 inches46.4 pounds
10Perception Rambler 9.5 | Sit on Top Kayak for Adults114 x 32 x 13.1 inches48 pounds

1. Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak

It’s one of the most comfortable kayaks that come with fantastic functionalities yet at an affordable price.

Based on its design, this one person Kayak is great for river and lake fishing as well as standard kayaking.

In addition to that, this stylish vessel has high durability due to its Fortiflex Polyethylene construction.

The material gives it a rugged look and contributes to its light-weight property. As such, you can easily carry it around using its two side handles without having to strain much.

Key Features

One of the fantastic features of this sit-in fishing kayak is its light-weight. In addition to that, it’s highly durable due to its fortiflex polyethylene construction.

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As if that’s not enough, this 10-foot sit-in kayak is designed with proprietary features such as rope attached handle, flush mount rod holders at the back, and a front swivel rod holder.

And on top of that, it has an adjustable footrest that helps to keep the rider comfortable while fishing.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • Light-weight
  • Highly stable in water
  • Has an adjustable footrest
  • Has rod holders

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with paddles

2. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

It’s yet another light-weight and a fantastic kayak that you can enjoy fishing with on the water. In terms of its design, it includes many advanced features that assure a higher performance.

One of the outstanding features is the uniquely shaped hull that is great for maintaining track, easy maneuvers, and exceptional stability.

To make paddling more effortless, this revolutionary kayak integrates skeg at the bottom side that cuts through the surface tension.

In addition to that, it has a multi-machine design bottom that keeps you floating and prevent you from tipping over when battling a hard-fighting fish. 

Key feature

This Tamarack with paddle Kayak has a durable construction featuring a high-density UV-stabilized polyethylene.

In addition to that, it has a highly adjustable footrest to accommodate riders of different sizes.

Moreover, this market-selling kayak has a flat bottom, set pad and adjustable seat back to give a comfortable ride. It also includes two flush-mounted rod holders and one top mount fishing rod holder.

Better yet, it’s designed with both front and rear shock cord straps, two storage compartments at the center, and rear. And on top of that, it has one paddle keeper and T-handles for easy transport.

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • Highly customizable
  • Has a multi-chine hull
  • Two compartments for storage

Cons

  • The dry storage space is limited

3. Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak

This 2-person inflatable Intex-made kayak is one of the highest-selling kayaks that you can ever find in the market retailing below $100.

It includes all the functionality of a standard kayak in its design yet at a pocket-friendly cost. With its construction makeup, it’s suitable for lakes, rivers, and mild water bodies.

In addition to that, it features an adjustable inflatable seat having a backrest for maximum comfort, and a removable skeg that provides directional stability.

And not to mention, its bright yellow color is highly visible for a quick rescue in case of an accident.

Key Features

This innovative kayak is yellow and made up of heavy-duty vinyl with I-beam. In addition to that, it features a removable skeg, spacious cockpit, and two inflatable seats that are easy to adjust.

As if that’s not enough, it includes 86-inch aluminum ores and an efficient air pump.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • Cheaply priced
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Has a conspicuous color

Cons

  • Suitable for fishing on small water bodies.

4. Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak Canoe Boat.

It’s a light-weight inflatable kayak designed to hold up to 3 people with a maximum combined weight of 650 lbs.

Due to its light-weight, it’s easily portable and suitable for even class III white water.

Without mentioning, this 370 deluxe kayak comes with two fantastic, comfortable, and movable seats to support your back and maintain your comfort during the ride.

In addition to that, it has specially designed skeg at the bottom for improved tracking and speed.

Key Features

One of the unique features of this superb kayak is the ultra-light-weight of 32 pounds. In addition to that, it has two comfy and adjustable seats that keep your back comfortable while on your fishing adventures.

In addition to that, this eagle 370 pro inflatable kayak comes in a package featuring the inflatable kayak, two paddles, a foot pump and a fashioned carry bag.

As if that’s not enough, it’s designed with five deluxe with 1-way inflation/ deflation and has an open/close drain valve.

Pros

  • Light-weight and inflatable
  • Comes with a pair of paddles
  • Comfortable back seats
  • Durably constructed
  • Easily portable

Cons

  • A bit expensive.

5. Sundolphin Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak

It’s a one-person kayak specifically designed for use in rivers and lakes. If you’re looking for an ultra-weight kayak that you can easily move around with, then this may be what you need.

In addition to that, this Sun Dolphin-made sit-in kayak is highly stable. Besides that, it tracks and paddles with ease, thereby offering a high degree of efficiency and convenience.

And on top of that, it comes in a highly visible red color, but also available in other colors such as ocean and tangerine, from which you can choose your favorite.

Also, it can go without saying that this kayak is highly versatile and fits users across numerous age groups and sizes.

Key Features

This stylish kayak has a length of 96 inches, 28 inches width, 16 inches height, and can safely carry up to 260lbs.

In addition to that, it has a padded adjustable seat back, spray deflector, a dry storage compartment, a paddle holder, and a specially designed recessed drink holder.

Pros

  • Has a stylish design
  • Has a comfortable and adjustable seatbacks
  • Light-weight
  • Greatly versatile
  • Stable on water

Cons

  • It doesn’t tolerate load beyond 250lbs.

6. Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak

It’s yet another high-performance sit-on-top kayak skillfully designed to provide the best performance on rivers and lakes. It’s also a perfect option for getting to most of the excluded places.

Due to its light-weight, this top-rated kayak has become one of the most loved vessels that you can easily transport from one place to another.  It also has retractable handles that makes it more portable.

Key Features

It’s olive in color and designed with retractable handles for easy carrying into and out of the water. Besides that, this beautifully designed can hold up to 250lbs and has a spacious cockpit.

Also, it features two flush mount and one swivel rod holders, highly adjustable padded seat back, adjustable foot braces, storage compartments with, and portable accessory carrier.

And on top of that, it has protective thigh pads, shock cord deck rigging, and easily accessible cockpit.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • Has adjustable padded seatback
  • Highly stable
  • Spacious cockpit

Cons

  • The seatback isn’t fully adjustable.

7. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Looking for a beautifully constructed kayak with super durability? If so, then this may be one of the best options that you can consider.

Not to mention, it’s constructed with a super tough PVC with and a highly durable polyester core. As such, it’s resistant to damages due to impact, abrasion, and sun.

Due to its high-pressure inflation using a high-pressure spring-loaded valve, this fantastic has additional stability and rigidity. Besides that, it’s easy to inflate.

Key Features

This highly durable kayak is versatile, comes with two skews that are removable for maximum performance in both deep and shallow water.

In addition to that, it features two footrests, adjustable two back seats, and recessed integrated rod holder.

More interestingly, it has adjustable and removable mounting brackets that allow for extra accessories such as GPS, swivel fishing rod holders, and fish finders.

And on top of that, it has storage space below bow and stern and holds up a maximum total weight of 400lbs.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • Resistant to impact, abrasion, and sunlight
  • Light-weight construction
  • Versatile in use
  • Adjustable and removable mounting bracket

Cons

  • It has no drainage port

8. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak

It’s yet another top-rated kayak with performance functionalities that you can try out. If you’re looking for a high-performance kayak retailing below $100, then this may be the best choice for you.

Not to mention, this is durably constructed with high quality welded materials decorated with eye-catching graphics for elegance and increased safety on the river and lakeshore.

As if that’s not enough, this beautifully designed kayak has a comfortable and spacious cockpit. In addition to that, it’s highly stable due to the inflatable I beam floor.

Key Features

This highly durable and elegantly designed fishing 108 long 30 inches wide and 15 inches height. 

Besides that, it has a high comfort cockpit that is designed to optimize space and increases stability due to the inflatable I beam floors.

Better yet, it’s designed with a cargo net that provides a safe place for storing supplementary gear. Also, this kayak comes with 84-inch ore made up of aluminum, repair patch, and high-output manual air pump.

And on top of that, it weighs 27.7 pounds and can hold up to 220 pounds.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • High comfort and space-optimized cockpit
  • Light-weight
  • Affordably priced
  • Comes with an oar and a pump

Cons

  • Not great for load beyond pounds

9. Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak

It’s a fantastic kayak that’s specially designed with three seats for sharing the fun with a friend and family members.

Based on its design, it performs optimally in flat water. Therefore, it doesn’t work pretty well in open water with the tide and huge waves. 

With this spacious kayak, you shouldn’t worry about punctures and damages since it’s constructed with high-quality PVC.

The PVC construction assures extended service into the future. The body is also divided into several air chambers to ensure your safety even if one compartment loses air.

Key Features

It’s durably constructed with rugged, heavy-duty PVC suitable for lake use. In addition to that, it features a tarpaulin bottom that protects the kayak from bottom punctures, thereby enhancing its durability.

Also, it has an airtight system with no leak and has a double-threaded valve that makes it easy to inflate and deflate when no longer in use.

When it comes to your comfort, this kayak has adjustable seats to keep you comfortable and spray covers to protect you from splashes.

Pros

  • Durably constructed with heavy-duty PVC
  • Designed with multiple air chambers
  • Easy to inflate and deflate Boston valve
  • Has spray covers
  • Has handles for easy portability

Cons

  • Not great for open water

10. Perception Rambler 9.5 | Sit on Top Kayak for Adults

It’s one of the versatile kayaks with high stability and comfort due to the adjustable seat back and different footrest levels that fits your size. It’s perfect for use on slow-moving rivers, lakes, ocean bays, and light surf.

The adjustable seat back height, as well as the seat angle, provides a personalized fit that assures comfort throughout the ride.

In addition to that, it also has molded footrests to fit diverse leg lengths.

Even if you’d wish to take some favorite beverage with you, you’ll still enjoy the ride. That being said, this kayak provides a strategically positioned drink holder to keep your comfort and increase convenience.

Key Features

This fantastic kayak is 9 feet 6 inches long, 32 inches width, weighs 47lb and can hold up to 250lbs.

It’s light-weight and durably constructed to go long into the future. Besides that, it features an adjustable seat back, molded footrests, and a beverage holder.

In addition to that, it’s versatile, portable with four carry handles, and has rare deck storage with elastic cordage.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • Light-weight and easily portable 
  • Has adjustable seat back height and angle
  • Has a drink holder
  • Designed with four carry handle

Cons

  • Easily sways

Buying Guide for Fishing Cheap Kayaks

For you to get your hands on a great kayak, you have to consider a few important factors like:

Size and Dimensions

This is a particularly important factor to consider especially if you have limited space. Kayaks are designed with different features and specifications with weight and measurements being the main two.

Get an inflatable kayak if you want something lightweight and compact for your limited space. However, if you have a lot of space, you can go for a denser non-inflatable kayak.

Weight Capacity

You want to consider your weight, how many people you are going to have on board, and the weight of the gear you intend to carry.

All these factors will help you pick the right kayak capacity that will be able to accommodate all the weight that will be onboard.

Comfort Ability

It is important to be comfortable when fishing, because then you will be able to concentrate on the task at hand.

This is why it is crucial to get a kayak with solid back support that will ensure you do not strain or develop any pains while fishing.

Kayak Warranty

Whenever you are purchasing anything, you want to have a warranty to safeguard you from any malfunction within the warranty period.

This way you get to save money you would have spent on repairs and replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Perhaps you have a question or two on this topic and that is why we have addressed a few below.

What is the best color for a fishing kayak?

Most anglers tend to lean towards bright orange or fluorescent lime green colors because of the visibility they offer.

Are kayaks good for fishing?

Yes, they are. Sit-on-top kayaks are sturdy and easy to get in and out of hence user friendly.

Our Best Pick

Based on our analysis, Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak is the best, and here is why. Unlike other inflatable kayaks, this two-people, Intex-made kayak comes with awesome features yet at a cheaper cost below $100. 

Such features include a comfortable cockpit, adjustable seats with comfy backrests, removable skeg to offer directional stability, and brightly colored for high visibility. And on top of that, it designed to suit the needs of every rider.

Final Thoughts

Fishing is an enjoyable activity but what happens if you do not have the funds to acquire a high-end kayak? Well, we have already explained how to get one on a budget and it is now up to you to make the right choice.

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