If you want to catch bigger fish, youāre going to have to wade into the water and cast your reels in new spots.
Fortunately, you donāt have to break the bank to buy a motorized fishing boat to accomplish this. You can have just as much fun with a fishing kayak.
Many kayak brands offer affordable options for advanced and beginner kayak anglers who want a functional watercraft that will serve their needs.
While these kayaks wonāt come with all the bells and whistles that define higher-end models, they are still performance-oriented and will stand by you through many years of fishing adventures.
Weāve compiled a list of the best kayak fishing kayaks under $400 that are worth investing in. It will help you understand what they have to offer and make your buying decision easier.
Take a look.
Best Fishing Kayak Under $400
1. Sevylor Colorado
Sometimes, a solo adventure just wonāt do. Thatās when you break out the Sevylor Colorado and call up a friend or invite a member of your family to come spend the day on the water with you.
Made with 840D nylon and 1000D tarpaulin, the Sevylor Colorado is tough enough to withstand all kinds of conditions. If your favorite fishing hole is in rough or rocky terrain, you wonāt have to worry about causing damage to the kayak.
With multiple air chambers, even if one springs a leak, the kayak will remain inflated and rigid for the rest of your trip and help you get back to shore safely. Thanks to adjustable seats, you will be comfortable for as long as it takes to reel in the right catch.
The Sevylor Colorado has a mesh storage space for stowing away gear and D-rings for attaching extra baggage. It also comes with a pair of Berkley quick-set rod holders that enable you to adjust the angle of your pole for a better fishing experience.
2. Intex Excursion 4
The problem with most large-capacity kayaks designed to hold more than one person and lots of gear is that theyāre very heavy.
Loading them on your vehicleās roof and carrying them to the water requires multiple people lending hands or specialized equipment like kayak carts and lift-assist kayak racks.
The Intex Excursion 4 doesnāt share any of these problems. The kayak can easily fit up to four paddlers and hold weights of up to 1,100 lbs.
Whatās more, itās inflatable so you can fold it up, store it in a bag, lug it around conveniently, and inflate it back up in minutes once you arrive at your fishing destination.
Some of the accessories that accompany the Intex Excursion 4 include two mounted rod holders positioned on each side, stainless D-rings, a repair kit, a manual pump, two aluminum oars, and a gear pouch for storing smaller items.
Grab lines going all the way around have been fitted to the sides to make getting back into the kayak easier if someone falls out.
With ample storage space in the bow and stern, you can bring along all the necessities and fishing accessories you need to make the trip memorable.
3. Advanced Elements StraitEdge
Advanced Elements StraitEdge is a versatile kayak that can go from calm waters to large waves without making you sweat or worry for your safety.
Itās made with heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin material layered on top of one another to create a durable puncture-resistant outer cover.
Adjustable padded seats with high backrests let you paddle comfortably for hours. The StraightEdge is one of the first self-bailing sit-on-top inflatable kayaks to utilize aluminum rib frames in the stern and bow for better tracking in open water.
It has self-bailing ports to help drain out water that finds its way into the kayak, ensuring you and your belongings stay warm and dry.
This combined with the unique hull design makes the kayak suitable for paddling in remote destinations and up to class III river rapids.
With a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, the StraitEdge wonāt take all your favorite kayaking and fishing gear. However, the thigh strap-compatible D-rings and bungee lacing on deck can comfortably hold your kayaking essentials.
This kayak also comes with all the necessary accessories included such as a folding seat, repair kit, rod holders, and a duffel carry bag.
4. FunWater Roamer 11
A kayak you can wear like a backpack; the FunWater Roamer is incredibly lightweight to facilitate easy portage and transportation. It inflates in minutes and offers exceptional stability and control on the water, making it ideal for paddlers of all skill levels.
The FunWater Roamer 11 is constructed using tough PVC material, providing increased durability and abrasion resistance. It can be paddled solo or in tandem with a partner. All you have to do is attach the inflatable seats and launch your kayak into the water.
Whether you plan to go splashing around in a lake, slow-moving river, or the ocean, the FunWater Roamer 11 will track straight and enable you to execute maneuvers and turn with ease.
The kayak has three removable fins fitted underneath to enhance balance and allow you to traverse the waters more easily in whatever direction you want, at your desired speed.
Itās the perfect boat to take fishing or just have a lazy, relaxing day soaking in the sun on the water alone or with your kid, friend, pet, or family.
5. Pelican Quest 100x
Measuring 40 lbs in weight and 10ā in length, the Pelican Quest 100x is designed for smaller paddlers who want a kayak they can store and transport conveniently. The kayakās double-arched, multi-chine hull makes it very stable and great at tracking.
This sit-on-top fishing kayak features an adjustable Ergoformā¢ padded seat and molded footrests, promising all-day comfort on the water.
The Pelican Quest 100x has two flush mount rod holders as well as a rear tank well with bungee cords and a front storage compartment that can accommodate small fishing crates and other gear you may bring along.
In the cockpit area, youāll find a bottle holder to help you keep your favorite beverages within reach so you can stay well-hydrated while fishing for your next catch.
For easy drainage, the kayak has two scupper holes in the seat that bails out water quickly so you wonāt have to sit in a wet kayak all day.
6. Intex Excursion Pro
Designed for use in saltwater and freshwater, the Intex Excursion Pro will take you to where the fish are biting.
Itās made with 3-ply polypropylene material thatās highly resistant to impacts and abrasions and can maintain its hue even after repeated contact with harsh elements or chemical agents.
When inflated properly, the Intex Excursion Pro can take two persons and a considerable amount of gear, all weighing up to 400 lbs.
You can store whatever you want to carry in the bow and stern and even tie down your dry bags to keep them secure no matter how bumpy the float trip gets.
The Intex Excursion Pro features two bucket seats that can be adjusted to different positions to suit each paddlerās frame.
It also offers two floor-mounted footrests, two integrated recessed rod holders, and two detachable skegs for tracking in shallow and deep water,
The Intex Excursion Pro is sold along with essential accessories like a high-output pump, repair patch, mounting brackets for phones and cameras, and two aluminum paddles that can be disassembled during transportation.
This means that you can take the kayak right out of the box and start using it without needing to buy any additional items.
7. Sevylor Quickpak K1
If youāre looking for a lightweight and affordable fishing kayak under $400 that delivers a balanced performance in flat or calm water, you canāt go wrong with the Sevylor Quickpak K1.
This inflatable sit-on-top kayakās design features a flat reinforced tarpaulin bottom, a rigid floor, and three separate air chambers which give it buoyancy and allow it to sit high up on the water.
Paddlers who are new to kayaking will have no trouble maintaining stability in calm waters while advanced paddlers can venture into rougher territory and still maintain good control of the watercraft.
The Quickpak K1ās paddles can be taken apart for compact storage and easily reassembled when out on the water. With a maximum capacity of 400 lbs, the kayak can hold a fairly large person and some gear.
You can keep beverages on hand in the cup holder and stow away food and other items in the cargo net near the bow. The kayak comes with double lock valves that allow you to inflate and deflate it within minutes.
It also includes an efficient pump and a backpack system for carrying the folded-up kayak that doubles as a kayak seat.
Thereās an inflatable backrest that you can lean on for support and a multi-position footrest to help you find the most comfortable alignment for your body.
8. FreeIn Explorer
Whether you want to go alone or catch up with a friend while sipping cold beers and trying to catch your dinner, the FreeIn Explorer can accommodate your needs.
Itās versatile enough for experienced paddlers and beginners of all ages.
The FreeIn Explorer is lighter and stiffer than most inflatable kayaks in its category because of its 3D hollow structure design.
This hull design combined with a stern fin and drop-stitch floor enables the kayak to track straight, execute sharp maneuvers, and glide through the water faster.
Made with scratch-resistant fabric, the FreeIn Explorer can withstand all kinds of abrasion-causing elements from your petās paws to fallen tree branches and rocky shores.
When fully inflated, you may have a hard time distinguishing the FreeIn Explorer from a traditional hardshell kayak because of its exceptional rigidity.
The kayakās bright orange color helps it stand out in all weather conditions, reducing the chances of collision and making it easier for rescuers to find you in emergencies.
For increased comfort, the kayak has been fitted with a removable seat thatās attached using D-rings. Additionally, the FreeIn Explorer is equipped with bungee straps for securing your dry bags and equipment.
9. Intex Explorer K2
If you want a kayak that you can use for fishing or just to have fun with company, the Intex Explorer K2 is a good bet. The sit-in inflatable kayak has plenty of room in the cockpit to stretch your legs and store your fishing gear, food, and drinks.
Intex Explorer K2 sports two cozy kayak seats with inflatable backrests for optimal lumbar support. The kayakās l-beam floor and high-buoyancy side chambers serve to increase balance, making it very difficult to tip the kayak over.
Although this vessel handles well in rough water, it performs best in calmer surroundings. The Explorer K2ās hull design helps minimize splashes and keep water from getting into the kayak when paddling in choppy terrain.
Also, you can improve the kayakās tracking ability by attaching the removable skeg that comes with the package.
Inflating and deflating the Intex Explorer K2 is easy thanks to Intexās use of Boston valves, while grab handles with grab lines that go around make re-entering the kayak a breeze.
Intex did well to include other accessories such as a pump, two kayak paddles, a repair patch, and a carrying patch eliminating the need for additional purchases.
10. Unitackle Portable
One of the best fishing kayaks under $400 that you can get is the Unitackle. Itās constructed with thick PVC material and stitched together using advanced welded seam technology, so itās waterproof and resistant to wear and tear.
Unitackle provides a manual pump along with the kayak for stress-free inflation. Also, the kayak is fitted with a high-pressure valve which prevents air from leaking out.
Although the Unitackle is not very generous in the storage department, it can support up to 220 pounds in weight so you can still pack essential equipment or personal belongings for your fishing trip.
You wonāt have to cut your time on the water short due to discomfort because the Unitackle features a backward-leaning seat and backrest, providing ample support for your back.
When youāre done paddling, the kayak can easily be folded and stored in the accompanying backpack until your next outing.
11. Sun Dolphin Excursion 10
Nimble with plenty to offer aspiring and experienced paddlers of all sizes, the Sun Dolphin Excursion 10 is a great boat to take fishing on lakes and rivers.
Weighing only 41 lbs, itās one of the lightest hardshell fishing kayaks on the market, so you can easily transport it and carry it to the water without assistance.
The Sun Dolphin Excursion 10 sports a roomy cockpit with padded seats, protective thigh pads, and adjustable foot braces for sustained comfort.
The spacious cockpit allows you to move your body fluidly to cast and reel fish more efficiently without risking tipping the kayak over.
Youāll be impressed with how stable this sit-in kayak is and how well it tracks in flat and calm waters. It also has a few angler-friendly features like one swivel rod holder, two flush mount rod holders, deck rigging, and a sizable watertight storage compartment for securing your gear.
The Sun Dolphin Excursion 10ās Fortiflexā¢ļø high-density polyethylene material protects it from the sunās harmful rays, allowing it to last longer without fading or warping.
Conclusion
Cheap doesnāt always mean shoddy quality.
Plenty of affordable fishing kayaks under $400 out there move fast, offer maximum stability, and are highly durable.
The right one for you just depends on where you want to go paddling and your preference for sit-on-top, sit-in, inflatable, or hardshell boats.
However, my favorite is the Intex Excursion Pro because of its versatility, large weight capacity, and assortment of fishing accessories.
