What is the best Fishing Kayak under $500? Fishing from a kayak instead of casting away by the bank is a great way to fish if you enjoy both kayaking and fishing. Those who are fishing as a hobby or as a sport very well know that the water is hard to resist. A kayak offers an alternative solution to this conventional fishing method. Kayak fishing is an easy, exciting and a fulfilling hobby or sport.

One of the main advantages of kayak fishing is that you can cover more areas at your own pace. Not to mention that it gives you more opportunity to get that big catch. Fishing kayaks are generally easy to maneuver and can be used on most bodies of water.

The Best Fishing Kayak Under 500

Different Kayak Designs

• Tandem versus solo

• Sit-on-top versus sit-inside
• Hard-shell versus inflatable
• Narrow versus wide

Tandem versus solo

Using a tandem kayak (i.e. a kayak for two people) can take a bit of getting used to, particularly if you have only ever kayaked solo. Tandem is a great way however, for two people to get on the water together. You can take passengers; kids, grandparents, and even dogs with you, and they don’t even need to paddle if they don’t want to. There is even room for a cooler.

Usually the stronger of the two sits at the rear where they have good control over the kayak, but you also may base that decision on weight, experience and preference. The other advantage to a tandem is that you can travel more quickly, particularly if you are paddling in unison. Working together and communicating as a team is an important part of tandem kayaking. Otherwise you might have a mutiny on your hands!

Sit-on-top versus sit-in

The choice between these two types largely depends on the type of water you go fishing. For big and rough bodies of water, it would be best to use a sit-in kayak as it provides speed and ease of turning. On the other hand, a sit-on-top kayak is good for calm waters and is stable enough to allow you to stand, fish and cast in hard-to-reach areas. You’ll also find it easier to track but more difficult to turn than the sit-in style.

Hard-shell versus inflatables

If space or ease of transport is of high priority to you, then an inflatable kayak would obviously be an advantage. However, you will have the hassle of trying to inflate and deflate with each use.

As long as you have a vehicle that can transport a hard-shell kayak from one point to another, and storage space is not an issue, then try to get a hard-shell kayak. They normally last longer.

Narrow versus wide

Wider fishing kayaks are more stable but are also more difficult to paddle while the narrower ones can easily tip off but are easy to maneuver.

Aside from the design, it’s also important to know what matters more when choosing a fishing kayak. These are features that can give you optimum fishing experience.

Features to Find the Best Fishing Kayak under $500

Stability - In kayaking, there are two types of stability. Primary stability is stability in calm water while secondary stability is stability while in motion. Generally, narrow kayaks have less primary stability but have more secondary stability. The opposite is true for wider kayaks.

Durability - This is normally a trade-off between a hard-shell and inflatable kayak. Fishing in rough waters requires more durability which solid-built polyethylene kayaks have. If you plan to fish in open and calm waters, an inflatable kayak will do.

Maneuverability - When you are out there fishing, you’d want a kayak that is easy to move forward and turn. The length and width as well as the rocker of the kayak play an important role in this regard.

A rocker is the curve on the bottom of the kayak and it comes in two styles. A rocker is the amount the stern and bow is affected by the water line. A kick rocker is when the middle of the bottom is flat but the ends are angled, while a continuous rocker is one continuous curve from one end to the other. A kick rocker makes the kayak easy to move, while a continuous rocker allows for quicker turns and have generally easier maneuverability.

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Storage - A kayak that is designed for fishing normally has a storage space for your gears, including the fish you catch. You might also want to look for a kayak with rod holders, especially if you change bait and lure frequently. Also, it would be good to choose one with dependable storage hatches for keeping your valuables dry.

Weight - This is for the purpose of transporting your kayak from your house to where you are fishing. Obviously, a lightweight kayak including those that are inflatable allows for easy transportation. The hard-shell ones are generally heavier so you would need to have a dedicated vehicle or a roof rack for transporting it.

Hull Design

Rounded-Hull- Designed for moving water conditions for increased speed, but with primary stability.
V-Shaped Hull- With a more discernable V-shaped it allows for faster speed with more secondary stability.
Flat-Hull- Flat hulls provide stability and maneuverability.
Pontoon – These types of kayaks provide primary stability like a flat hull, but also secondary stability of a rounded hull. However, they may not be the best for speed.

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Tracking. Tracking is the extent a kayak is able to keep on its course. If a kayak has good tracking it is also less maneuverable.

Scupper. Holes that are found in sit-on-top kayaks which drain the water.

Color. While you may think that this is purely aesthetics, color has also some sort of benefit, particularly on safety. Kayaks have a low profile on the water and can’t easily be seen by bigger boats. If you are in open water where there are also motorized boats, a bright orange or yellow color makes it easier for them to spot you.

When choosing the best fishing kayak under $500, it would be good to consider one that will provide you comfortable, safe and an optimum fishing experience. Buy the one that is suitable for your overall purpose and don’t let the cost be your primary consideration.

Conclusion, the best fishing kayak under 500 is..

Among the best fishing kayaks listed here, the Lifetime Tandem Kayak gives you more value for your money. It is comparatively durable, easy to control and stable because of its narrow width and tunnel hull design. Moreover, it is lighter and cheaper compared to the other hard-shell UUH-TK181 Tandem Fishing Kayak. While it has similar features with the other Lifetime kayak listed above, the Lifetime 10 Foot Manta Tandem model comes in a vibrant yellow color which is easily visible if you are in open water.