If you enjoy fishing, you should consider purchasing a fishing kayak. Fishing kayaks provide an easy way for fishers to get around on the water and catch as many fish as possible. Typically, fishing kayaks can be very pricy. However, if you’re on a budget, you can still find an amazing fishing kayak even for under $400. These will save your wallet and give you the great functionality that one of these kayaks offer.
When looking to purchase the best fishing kayak under $400, there are many factors that should be considered. Weight is important because it will make or break your transportation ease. Heavier boats are more difficult to carry by yourself. Dimensions of the kayak are also something to keep in mind in terms of your storage capacity. If you don’t have a lot of room to store a kayak, stick to smaller sized kayaks. Weight capacity solely determines how much you can carry with you on your fishing trip. If you have more gear, a higher weight capacity may be more ideal. The number of fishing pole holders that come built-in with your kayak is important because it determines how many poles you can safely use hands-free.
With our research, we hope to help you find the best fishing kayak under $400 for you. In our opinion, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is the best of the best. We have utilized plenty of resources including reviewing product specs and both expert and customer reviews. Throughout this article, you’ll be able to read through a comparison table, in-depth reviews of each product, and a buying guide for kayaks. Let’s take a look! More features: 18-gauge PVC construction; includes a carry bag and pressure gauge; adjustable seats Great for fishing with a friend, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak is an excellent option for a kayak under $400. This kayak makes for easy storage and simple transportation. Why? It’s inflatable! Made with both tough nylon and PVC, this kayak is also durable. One of the best aspects about the Sevylor Coleman Colorado Kayak is how there are multiple air chambers to prevent full deflation during an emergency. This means that even if one section undergoes damage and deflates, the other will still remain inflated and allow you to get back to safety easier. Based on its functionality, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado Kayak can hold up to 470 pounds and has even more room for equipment. This boat is equipped with sets of Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders allowing for the easiest of hands-off fishing experiences possible. With your free hands, you can reach into the built-in mesh pockets inside the boat and grab your favorite snack. Even better, if your arms get tired after a long day of fishing and paddling, you can connect a trolling motor to push you and your friend along. Another great feature of this kayak is how comfortable the seats are. They are padded and adjustable, so you can get a personalized feeling and seat. The paddle holders on the side of the boat hold you and your friends’ paddles and free up room inside of the cockpit. The Sevylor Coleman Colorado Kayak 2-Person Fishing Kayak is perfect for those looking for an easily transportable fishing kayak that they can enjoy with family or friends for a long time to come. More features: HDPE construction, adjustable padded seat, two 6-inch storage compartments The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is a top choice for a sit-on-top fishing kayak under $400. At only 52 pounds, this makes for a great kayak for easy transportation. It is equipped with two carrying handles for easier carrying as well. The kayak measures in at just 10 feet long, which is much shorter to other fishing kayaks on the market and also adds to the ease of transportation. This does, however, put some constrains on the storage space you can use. In terms of stability and functionality, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak was made for extreme durability and stability. Made of HDPE, this impact-resistant kayak is sure to last you a lifetime. Also, it is molded with a flat bottom which makes for flatter sitting. If you go to stand up to cast a line, beware that it will take some time to get used to the wobbliness of this flat-bottomed kayak. Similarly, while this kayak performs perfectly in still water with almost no water entrance, it is not ideal for choppy waters. It does, though, have two carved stability channels that balance the boat out on the water. Regarding gadgets and fishing benefits, this kayak comes with two flush mounted fishing rod holders and one adjustable holder. This means you can simultaneously have three hands-free rods set up at the same time. Just stow your paddle in the paddle keeper and place your valuables in one of the two under-deck hatches, and start fishing! After you catch your fish, easily store it in the bow or stern’s gear storage location with incorporated shock chords. The kayak comes with a five-year limited warranty, which, together with its durable construction, adds to the peace of mind. More features: heavy-duty PVC construction, rugged tarpaulin bottom, adjustable seats, NMMA certified The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak is ideal for family fishing trips on the lake. This boat is fully inflatable and therefore very light and easily portable. It weighs only 35 pounds and is 12 feet long, making it great for a family trip. This kayak can hold up to 490 pounds and is very durable. Made with heavy-duty PVC, this boat is likely to last a long time. Just in case an accident does happen and the kayak gets punctured, it is equipped with multiple air chambers to avoid full deflation. The rugged bottom can handle light scraping, but avoid creating excessive ware which could inevitably lead to puncture. Not interested in taking a fishing trip with three people? The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak has adjustable seats. This means you can remove two of the seats and put your seat wherever you are most comfortable. The boat is quite stable for an inflatable kayakand and works great on lakes and calm rivers, but waves will make paddling a challenge. The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak also comes with a spray skirt. This spray cover will keep you and your family dry through all splashes and water sprays. When considering purchasing this kayak for fishing, note there are no places to directly hold your fishing poles for hands-free fishing. Additionally, the storage capacity is quite limited. It is great, though, for casual day trips where you enjoy the water and fish by yourself with a single line. The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak is the perfect option for both family trips or solo adventures. Regardless of what you use the kayak for, you won’t be disappointed. More features: heavy-duty PVC construction, rugged tarpaulin bottom, adjustable seats, NMMA certified The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak is ideal for family fishing trips on the lake. This boat is fully inflatable and therefore very light and easily portable. It weighs only 35 pounds and is 12 feet long, making it great for a family trip. This kayak can hold up to 490 pounds and is very durable. Made with heavy-duty PVC, this boat is likely to last a long time. Just in case an accident does happen and the kayak gets punctured, it is equipped with multiple air chambers to avoid full deflation. The rugged bottom can handle light scraping, but avoid creating excessive ware which could inevitably lead to puncture.Not interested in taking a fishing trip with three people? The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak has adjustable seats. This means you can remove two of the seats and put your seat wherever you are most comfortable. The boat is quite stable for an inflatable kayakand and works great on lakes and calm rivers, but waves will make paddling a challenge. The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak also comes with a spray skirt. This spray cover will keep you and your family dry through all splashes and water sprays.When considering purchasing this kayak for fishing, note there are no places to directly hold your fishing poles for hands-free fishing. Additionally, the storage capacity is quite limited. It is great, though, for casual day trips where you enjoy the water and fish by yourself with a single line. The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak is the perfect option for both family trips or solo adventures. Regardless of what you use the kayak for, you won’t be disappointed More features: HDPE construction, large open cockpit, adjustable padded seat The Excursion 10 Fishing Kayak is one of the best kayaks of its kind currently on the market. Its sit-in design keeps you shielded from any water entering or splashing on to you while rowing. The best part about that? It makes the kayak great for lake and river use.Carrying and transporting this kayak is easy as well. Weighing only 41 pounds, it can be lifted by a single person. This is one of the lightest fishing kayaks you’ll find! Two T-handles are fixed on the ends of the Excursion 10, which also aids to the efficiency and travel. In terms of storage, at only 10 feet long, it is a breeze! Made of a high-density polyethylene material, the boat is rugged and can take a lot of hits.With two flush mount rod holders and one swivel rod holder, you can simultaneously have three different fishing poles hooked up while you sit back and relax. Speaking of relaxing, the included kayak seat is padded and provides a significant amount of back support, as it leans against the rim of the kayak’s cockpit. If you need to store any gear, there is a storage compartment in the stern of the boat. Additionally, there is a single water bottle holder to keep your drink. Remember to always stay hydrated on the water!In terms of comfort, the Excursion 10 Fishing Kayak has plenty of padding to keep the long day of fishing easy. When the day gets rough and you’re tired of paddling, stow your paddle in the paddle holder and sit back in the kayak. Both the seat and the foot braces are adjustable. This allows for a perfectly customizable experience. There are also two protective thigh pads to rest your legs on inside the cockpit.
Quick Summary
Editor's Choice:
Sevylor Coleman Colorado
"An inflatable sit-on-top kayak with uniquely designed fishing pole holders, as well as durable construction"
Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak:
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
"A sit-on-top kayak with three fishing rod holders, which is stable and responsive on the water"
Budget Pick:
Sea Eagle 370 Pro
"An inflatable kayak that can accommodate one or two persons and up to 360 pounds of weight"
Best Large Fishing Kayak:
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
"A spacious and comfortable inflatable kayak that can hold up to three persons at a time"
Best Sit-in Fishing Kayak:
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
"A lightweight sit-in kayak ideal for a lake or river use, featuring three fishing rod holders and durable enough last you many years"
Top 5 Fishing Kayaks under $400 Review 2024
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2786 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
1
Editor's Choice
Sevylor Coleman Colorado
Features
What are our favorite features?
What could be better?
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5256 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
2
Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
Features
Why did it make our list?
What is not ideal about it?
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6724 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.1
3
Budget Pick
Sea Eagle 370 Pro
Features
What makes it special?
What cons did we find?
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7501 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.7
4
Best Large Fishing Kayak
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
Features
What are our favorite features?
What could be better?
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2552 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.6
5
Best Sit-in Fishing Kayak
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
Features
What stands out?
What cons did we manage to find?
Also Product Ranking:
Buying a kayak for fishing can be a long, confusing process, as there are plenty of aspects to consider when looking to purchase your kayak, especially if you’re on a budget. If you are unsure of where to begin, we have assembled a list of the most important characteristics to focus on when purchasing a kayak.
Fishing kayaks under $400 often won’t have as many gizmos as more expensive kayaks will have. For example, soft and inflatable kayaks are typically what you’ll find for the price point, compared to more expensive kayaks which tend to use a firmer and non-puncturable material.
The less expensive the kayak gets, the less features will be included, like fishing rod holders, foot rests, and extra cargo space.
Some of these may be deal breakers for you, but for a lower price point, you have to be willing to forego some of the conveniences that more expensive fishing kayaks offer. There are plenty of ways to get around these issues, though. If you don’t mind holding your own pole for the duration of your trip, this is a great option to save a lot of money on a boat.
There are different kinds of kayaks you can get when looking to purchase a fishing kayak. The benefits of each vary depending on what you’ll be using your kayak for and where you’ll be using it. The most common kinds of kayaks are sit-inside recreational kayaks, touring kayaks, and sit-on-top recreational kayaks. Each is good for different uses. For example, touring kayaks are longer and easier to control for longer trips over a broader span of time.
Sit-on-top kayaks are best for steady lakes and cruising adrift a body of open water.
Sit-inside recreational kayaks may be great for lakes and rivers, but they may not be ideal for rapids and waves like oceans, or for longer trips as they can be more difficult to control.
One of the first characteristics to look into when purchasing a kayak is the material that the boat is made out of. Purchasing a hardshell kayak versus purchasing an inflatable kayak solely depends on your preference and where you’ll be using your kayak.
Hardshell kayaks can be heavier and more difficult to transport than inflatable kayaks.
For example, the Sea Eagle SE370 inflatable kayak only weighs 32 pounds. Inflatable kayaks should be used with caution, though, as they can be punctured if dragged on hard or sharp surfaces. Hardshell kayaks can reach heavier than 70 pounds, but they are more stable and easier to maneuver. When looking to buy a kayak, consider what for and where you’ll be using your boat.
The second aspect you should consider when looking to purchase a kayak is if you’d prefer a sit-inside or sit-on-top kayak. There is a significant difference between the two. Sit-in kayaks keep your legs and lower half enclosed in the cockpit. This can serve as a barrier between you and any cold waters or wind. If your boat tips or fills with water, it will be more difficult to manage. For reference, look at the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Kayak above. Sit-on-top kayaks, like the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 fishing kayak, leave your legs exposed with plenty of room to stretch out. Water is more likely to get in to your boat, as it is fully open, but the scupper holes allow easy drainage.
If you are unfamiliar with the key features to keep an eye on, the buying guide below will highlight some significant features.
If you’re limited on space, keeping track of the weight and dimensions of your prospective kayak is very important. All kayaks come with different specifications and characteristics, and weight and dimensions are one of them. Some of the best compact and lightest kayaks to purchase are the inflatable ones. For example, the Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package is one of the lightest and most compact kayaks you’ll find at 32 pounds and 12 feet long. This, when deflated, folds into a small carrying case and can be stored in the trunk of a car. Conversely, if you have a lot of space and don’t mind weight and size restrictions, you can go with a heavier and non-inflatable kayak.
Depending on how heavy you are, how many people you plan to kayak with, and the amount of gear you plan to bring, you should focus on the weight capacity that your kayak can hold. If you plan to bring more gear with you, consider purchasing a kayak with a capacity of over 400 pounds. Astonishingly, some kayaks can even hold up to 650 pounds. An example of a kayak with this amount of weight capacity is the Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package. If you don’t plan to bring a lot of weight along with you, you can consider purchasing a kayak with a lower weight capacity like the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak capable of holding 250 pounds, which is enough for a single person and some gear.
Do you have frequent back pain? If you require constant or comfortable back support, look into finding a kayak with sturdy back support. This is an especially nice touch on kayaks if you’re planning to take a long trip or spend a whole day on the water. The more back support you have, the better you’ll feel the next morning. For example, the Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak on our list features phenomenal back support. You can lean back and sit comfortably when rowing. If you’ll just be taking short trips and don’t get a sore back, finding a kayak with exceptional back support won’t affect you as much.
As long as you plan to use your kayak for fishing, you should consider looking for additional features that are attached to your kayak specialized for fishing. Some of these features include fishing pole rod holders, extra cargo storage, paddle holders, and extra padding. Fishing pole rod holders allow you to have a hands-free fishing experience. All you have to do is hook your rod into the holder after your line is casted and sit back and relax!
Extra cargo storage is perfect for fishers to hold their bait and tackle. Having a corded area to keep your fish and cooler help as well.
Paddle holders are great when you’re ready to cast a line. Instead of lugging your paddle inside your boat, easily hook it to the outside. Extra padding is great for added comfort while lounging around on the open water. One kayak with all four of these included features is the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to have a backup, look for kayaks that come with warranties. Warranties ensure you protection against any manufacturers issues that may come along during the warranty period. You can look into individual warranty offers for each kayak you like and determine which has the longest warranty period. Of the above, the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak has a lifetime limited warranty. This is great for users who know they’ll be keeping and using their kayak for a long period of time.
There are various tips and tricks you should be aware of when going kayak fishing. These are all based around you having the safest, most enjoyable experience possible.
After a thorough research, we found out that the top three fishing kayaks under $400 were the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak, and the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak.
We liked the efficiency and durability of the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak. This kayak had the best weight capacity and high durability, as well as a lightweight material, meaning it’s relatively easy to carry despite it being a tandem kayak.
We decided the second highest-rated fishing kayak is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak due to its best use for fishing and the amount of features it has.
Lastly, the third best fishing kayak on this list was the Sea Eagle 370 Pro. It is very budget-friendly and can take up to 490 lbs.
Hopefully while reading we were able to help guide you to finding the best fishing kayak under $400 for you. Enjoy your days fishing on the water with your new kayak!
