Best low budget kayak 2024
Gilly Gals reply :
I'm a 15 year old boy who lives on a golf course that has a lot of really good ponds I love too fish. I would like to buy a kayak under 450 that I could use in these small ponds. Any reccomendations?
Darren. reply :
Welcome aboard!
There are a number of choices for you, but a key question
is -- is standing to fish a priority for you? Or will you be
content to sit and fish?
PECo reply :
A used one.
Look on Craigslist.
bholtzinger14 reply :
A pescador pro would be perfect. Used ones pop up around here for $450-550 pretty often.
Whatever you get make sure it has a raised seat. You will be much happier.
Fir3hawk reply :
Used Ascend. My first kayak was a Future Beach 126 10' kayak and it did a great job of getting me on the water but I'd definitely suggest holding out for an Ascend or similar used on craigslist. The seat is light years better than the plastic molded ones.
J Francho reply :
Get some seat time in several brands, if you can. Same advice I always give, regardless of price range. Pay close attention to max capacity ratings.
SummertimeCarl reply :
I've been kayak fishing for about 3 years in a cheap $200 pelican from Academy. It wasn't stable at all but did the job and was super light.
Recently I bought the Tamarack Angler 120 from Walmart (I know) and I really love it. It was $215 WITH a paddle. I bought that, use my upgraded paddle, and bought a stadium seat from Amazon that I put on it. The thing is super cheap and I really can't imagine a more expensive kayak being worth the extra money. I can't stand in it but it is plenty stable for long casts and hard hooksets. At $215 I don't mind dragging it across gravel etc. Still light enough to easily throw in the back of my truck and carry down to water access.
J Francho reply :
Not being able to stand is a deal breaker for me. Be careful dragging that across the gravel. These budget boats usually do not have a reinforced keel or sacrificial drag strip at the stern.
SummertimeCarl reply :
On 9/28/2017 at 3:03 AM, J Francho said:Not being able to stand is a deal breaker for me. Be careful dragging that across the gravel. These budget boats usually do not have a reinforced keel or sacrificial drag strip at the stern.
Yea, I wasn't attesting to the durability of the kayak but more implying if the kayak gets damaged it is easily replaceable. A FeelFree Lure 10 for instance may very well be more durable but it costs over 4 times as much so I'd feel less comfortable abusing it.
That cheap pelican sit-in kayak I had was super lightweight and had really thin plastic. Much thinner than the Tamarac, and I really abused the thing. I mean really abused it - dragging it across gravel (wet gravel when creeks became too shallow to float in) for long periods of time, not being careful. It's still running strong; I just wanted a sit-on-top for the stability and easy in/out access.
I just know usually when people post "what's the best budget kayak/boat etc" on forums people usually reply "here's an option about 25% over your actual budget" or "wait a year and a half until you find a super rare craigslist deal." Figured it would be nice to suggest a cheaper option that still does the job instead.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 9/27/2017 at 1:58 AM, Gilly Gals said:I'm a 15 year old boy who lives on a golf course that has a lot of really good ponds I love too fish. I would like to buy a kayak under 450 that I could use in these small ponds. Any reccomendations?
Look at asend d10t.
RB 77 reply :
On 9/28/2017 at 2:39 AM, SummertimeCarl said:I've been kayak fishing for about 3 years in a cheap $200 pelican from Academy. It wasn't stable at all but did the job and was super light.
Recently I bought the Tamarack Angler 120 from Walmart (I know) and I really love it. It was $215 WITH a paddle. I bought that, use my upgraded paddle, and bought a stadium seat from Amazon that I put on it. The thing is super cheap and I really can't imagine a more expensive kayak being worth the extra money. I can't stand in it but it is plenty stable for long casts and hard hooksets. At $215 I don't mind dragging it across gravel etc. Still light enough to easily throw in the back of my truck and carry down to water access.
I have the same kayak and the same truck! haha
BTW, I agree with the people that have recommended and entry level model or a used one on Craigslist.
J Francho reply :
On 9/28/2017 at 3:34 AM, SummertimeCarl said:A FeelFree Lure 10 for instance may very well be more durable but it costs over 4 times as much so I'd feel less comfortable abusing it.
That boat has a wheel in the keel, and is built like a tank. I rep'd for Feel Free and would definitely recommend them if they were in the budget.
Swamp Rat reply :
I second the Ascend D10T. It was my kayak of choice from BPS as I was recently on Staff with them, and had my choice of any of their kayaks, but for small waters, and ability to stand, this was the best choice. New they are $450. Unfortunately, the GM locally said I had to switch to saltwater only or lose my Staff position, so looking for a new kayak company as we speak.
J Francho reply :
On 9/29/2017 at 7:10 AM, Swamp Rat said:I second the Ascend D10T.
This is a really nice boat for the money.
GoneFishingLTN reply :
On 9/29/2017 at 8:56 PM, J Francho said:This is a really nice boat for the money.
Are these the ones you can stand in?
DogBone_384 reply :
On 9/27/2017 at 3:20 AM, PECo said:A used one.
Look on Craigslist.
X2 ... If not, Bass Pro's Ascend brand is a nice kayak.
3crows reply :
Try to avoid the two piece types (Pelican for example) as they often split apart at the seam. A fully rotomolded hull is a better choice.
Gilly Gals reply :
Thanks for all the help everyone! Now I just gotta find a nice 400 dollar baitcasting combo to fish off of it! Tatula sv curado k. Then I gotta figure out a rod to go with it.
Hawkeye21 reply :
On 9/27/2017 at 1:58 AM, Gilly Gals said:I'm a 15 year old boy who lives on a golf course that has a lot of really good ponds I love too fish. I would like to buy a kayak under 450 that I could use in these small ponds. Any reccomendations?
If you can wait you can keep searching for sales on kayaks. I was able to get my Pelican Catch 120 on sale for $599 over a year ago. The Catch 120 is a great bang for your buck fishing kayak and I recommend it if you can find it in your price range.
Like others have said, keep searching on Craigslist or join some Facebook groups that people sell items on.
fishnkamp reply :
Forget the nice $400 baitcaster. Go with a nice Daiwa Tatula CT on a matching Daiwa Tatula rod. If you would rather you could choose one from these options: a Dobyns Fury, Powell MAX 3D or Inferno (on sale right now at Tackle Warehouse), or Irod Genesis II or Fiber. All of these are affordable and would match well. In fact you could have 2 combos for that $400.
BassWhole! reply :
On 1/18/2018 at 12:41 PM, fishnkamp said:Forget the nice $400 baitcaster. Go with a nice Daiwa Tatula CT on a matching Daiwa Tatula rod. If you would rather you could choose one from these options: a Dobyns Fury, Powell MAX 3D or Inferno (on sale right now at Tackle Warehouse), or Irod Genesis II or Fiber. All of these are affordable and would match well. In fact you could have 2 combos for that $400.
And can use one to fish out the other...
NYWayfarer reply :
On 9/28/2017 at 3:34 AM, SummertimeCarl said:Yea, I wasn't attesting to the durability of the kayak but more implying if the kayak gets damaged it is easily replaceable. A FeelFree Lure 10 for instance may very well be more durable but it costs over 4 times as much so I'd feel less comfortable abusing it.
That cheap pelican sit-in kayak I had was super lightweight and had really thin plastic. Much thinner than the Tamarac, and I really abused the thing. I mean really abused it - dragging it across gravel (wet gravel when creeks became too shallow to float in) for long periods of time, not being careful. It's still running strong; I just wanted a sit-on-top for the stability and easy in/out access.
I just know usually when people post "what's the best budget kayak/boat etc" on forums people usually reply "here's an option about 25% over your actual budget" or "wait a year and a half until you find a super rare craigslist deal." Figured it would be nice to suggest a cheaper option that still does the job instead.
I have one of those cheap Pelican sit-in's and I love it. It is super lightweight at 38lbs and is pretty durable. I have dragged it up boat ramps and have had collisions with docks that have only scratched it.
Tracks pretty good and it is fast. On sale you can get it for $220 at Dicks.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Man I must've read something wrong, you only have budget of 450 for kayak but you willing to spend 400 for rod and reel. Don't tell me you don't have budget for PFD neither.
Gilly Gals reply :
On 1/18/2018 at 12:41 PM, fishnkamp said:Forget the nice $400 baitcaster. Go with a nice Daiwa Tatula CT on a matching Daiwa Tatula rod. If you would rather you could choose one from these options: a Dobyns Fury, Powell MAX 3D or Inferno (on sale right now at Tackle Warehouse), or Irod Genesis II or Fiber. All of these are affordable and would match well. In fact you could have 2 combos for that $400.
I’ve been looking at the tatulas and they look sweet, but I think the curado k is looking a little nicer. That and a Shimano zodias or a MEGAbass levante.
On 1/19/2018 at 8:56 PM, JustJames said:Man I must've read something wrong, you only have budget of 450 for kayak but you willing to spend 400 for rod and reel. Don't tell me you don't have budget for PFD neither.
I don’t have the budget for either at the moment???? I’ll be working for my dad though this summer and those are two items I would like to purchase.
On 1/19/2018 at 8:56 PM, JustJames said:
LadiMopar reply :
My vote for your baitcaster is definitely the Tatula or if you want essentially the same reel at a little less money see if you can get the Arachnid from Cabelas. It's made by Daiwa ( as are most of their reels) and has one more ball bearing than the Tatula. I have one and it casts like a dream...plus had a little extra cash for other tackle.
Wishing you all the best young angler...Keep us updated on your progress.
LM
Gilly Gals reply :
On 1/20/2018 at 9:04 AM, LadiMopar said:My vote for your baitcaster is definitely the Tatula or if you want essentially the same reel at a little less money see if you can get the Arachnid from Cabelas. It's made by Daiwa ( as are most of their reels) and has one more ball bearing than the Tatula. I have one and it casts like a dream...plus had a little extra cash for other tackle.
Wishing you all the best young angler...Keep us updated on your progress.
LM
Thanks for all the information! I will do! Very cool about Diawa making some of the cabeleas reels that’s very interesting thanks!
LadiMopar reply :
On 1/22/2018 at 1:06 AM, Gilly Gals said:Thanks for all the information! I will do! Very cool about Diawa making some of the cabeleas reels that’s very interesting thanks!
You are most welcome. I have a grandson not a whole lot younger than you and I would give him the same advice. Why spend more for the brand name if they are making the same product for someone else? I own several Cabela reels and have been very happy with all of them.
Once upon a time I sold tackle for a living, and if you don't mind a little more advice I'll tell you what I told my customers...many of whom were military and didn't have a ton of cash..buy the best quality you can reasonably afford. Going into debt to have the newest, biggest, hottest thing on the shelf will not necessarily make you a better angler; observation, practice and "education" applied consistently will put you on the path to being the best angler you can be. And if you take extra good care of your equipment, it will take care of you for many years to come.
That being said, I'm curious to know if you are hoping/planning for a future as a professional angler, fishing guide or other environmental professional?
If you'd like to message me privately you're welcome to do that.
LM
JLBBass reply :
On 9/28/2017 at 2:39 AM, SummertimeCarl said:I've been kayak fishing for about 3 years in a cheap $200 pelican from Academy. It wasn't stable at all but did the job and was super light.
Recently I bought the Tamarack Angler 120 from Walmart (I know) and I really love it. It was $215 WITH a paddle. I bought that, use my upgraded paddle, and bought a stadium seat from Amazon that I put on it. The thing is super cheap and I really can't imagine a more expensive kayak being worth the extra money. I can't stand in it but it is plenty stable for long casts and hard hooksets. At $215 I don't mind dragging it across gravel etc. Still light enough to easily throw in the back of my truck and carry down to water access.
Nice yak for $215!!!!
haggard reply :
I got a Sundolphin Journey 10SS (10 footer) for $185 from Walmart. I've seen plenty bad reviews on it but what do you want for $185? I haven't tried it yet but sure looks like a great yak for short money. Weighs 44 lb so easy to lug around.
Gilly Gals reply :
On 1/22/2018 at 8:49 AM, LadiMopar said:
You are most welcome. I have a grandson not a whole lot younger than you and I would give him the same advice. Why spend more for the brand name if they are making the same product for someone else? I own several Cabela reels and have been very happy with all of them.
Once upon a time I sold tackle for a living, and if you don't mind a little more advice I'll tell you what I told my customers...many of whom were military and didn't have a ton of cash..buy the best quality you can reasonably afford. Going into debt to have the newest, biggest, hottest thing on the shelf will not necessarily make you a better angler; observation, practice and "education" applied consistently will put you on the path to being the best angler you can be. And if you take extra good care of your equipment, it will take care of you for many years to come.
That being said, I'm curious to know if you are hoping/planning for a future as a professional angler, fishing guide or other environmental professional?
If you'd like to message me privately you're welcome to do that.
LM
I’m sorry for such a late reply but I’ve had a long winter her in WYO, I think I’m planning on purchasing the curado k from eBay, I’m not sure if I’d have a future in that. Wyo isn’t the best state to bass fish???? with our state record being under 8 pounds, but as far as trout fishing goes, I’d say we’re the best state for it in the country. I don’t plan on it but it would defiantly be a very cool job if I would be able to make a living off of it
LadiMopar reply :
On 4/5/2018 at 8:49 AM, Gilly Gals said:I’m sorry for such a late reply but I’ve had a long winter her in WYO, I think I’m planning on purchasing the curado k from eBay, I’m not sure if I’d have a future in that. Wyo isn’t the best state to bass fish???? with our state record being under 8 pounds, but as far as trout fishing goes, I’d say we’re the best state for it in the country. I don’t plan on it but it would defiantly be a very cool job if I would be able to make a living off of it
Hey Gilly Gals!
Nice to "see" you back here. No apologies needed, I am very familiar with winter in the Northern plains/Rocky Mt area of the country. Lived in CO for five years, and spent another 10 on and off in SoDak.
You're right about the bass/trout ratio but you're certainly not alone with that. As far as a future profession, it is of course all up to you, but in your neck of the woods we always need great guides (nice deer in your profile pic btw). And you can make some pretty good money at it if it's something you really love....but you do really need to love it. I worked for a guide/outfitter in CO for a season (June -Nov.) It was a wonderful experience, hard work, but worth the effort, at least for me. In the summer months we did guided horseback tours into the mountains and then it was off to hunting camp in the fall.
Wishing you all the best with the Curado k. Shimano isn't my cup of tea, but they do make a decent reel, and hey, if we all liked the same things it would be a mighty boring world! 
Let us know how it works out, and please keep us posted on your season.
Say "hello" to the big sky for me...it will be a long while before I get back that way and I sure do miss it!
LM
Gilly Gals reply :
On 4/6/2018 at 10:51 PM, LadiMopar said:
Hey Gilly Gals!
Nice to "see" you back here. No apologies needed, I am very familiar with winter in the Northern plains/Rocky Mt area of the country. Lived in CO for five years, and spent another 10 on and off in SoDak.
You're right about the bass/trout ratio but you're certainly not alone with that. As far as a future profession, it is of course all up to you, but in your neck of the woods we always need great guides (nice deer in your profile pic btw). And you can make some pretty good money at it if it's something you really love....but you do really need to love it. I worked for a guide/outfitter in CO for a season (June -Nov.) It was a wonderful experience, hard work, but worth the effort, at least for me. In the summer months we did guided horseback tours into the mountains and then it was off to hunting camp in the fall.
Wishing you all the best with the Curado k. Shimano isn't my cup of tea, but they do make a decent reel, and hey, if we all liked the same things it would be a mighty boring world!
Say "hello" to the big sky for me...it will be a long while before I get back that way and I sure do miss it!
LM
Thanks so much for the kind words and I will try my best to keep on posting about my fishing experience this spring, summer and fall. I recently made a big purchase and bought a (pontoon)? Not sure what to call it but i'll post pictures when i get home. It has a trolling motor though and i've really enjoyed it so far.
thinkingredneck reply :
In WY, an inflatable pontoon might be a better choice
the reel ess reply :
Check out Academy. They have a Magellan (their house brand) model that looks exactly like the Pescador (not the pro) for $449. My guess is it's the exact same kayak, but $50 less. It's probably still made by Perception.
Gilly Gals reply :
On 4/24/2018 at 11:58 PM, thinkingredneck said:In WY, an inflatable pontoon might be a better choice
that's actually what i ended up buying, its got a trolling motor on it and it works great.
Dranrab reply :
On 4/25/2018 at 4:14 AM, the reel ess said:Check out Academy. They have a Magellan (their house brand) model that looks exactly like the Pescador (not the pro) for $449. My guess is it's the exact same kayak, but $50 less. It's probably still made by Perception.
And those are the old Wilderness Systems Tarpon molds. I have owned a 10 and a 12 and they are fantastic.
the reel ess reply :
On 4/27/2018 at 7:50 PM, Dranrab said:And those are the old Wilderness Systems Tarpon molds. I have owned a 10 and a 12 and they are fantastic.
Yes, I have the 12' Pescador. They are a bargain for what you get. The only drawback to it is the old seat design. I use a stadium cushion to keep my tailbone from aching and keep my butt dry. I'd like a stadium seat but this kayak is not stable enough for it. That has me thinking of upgrading, saving the Pescador for buddies and selling my daughter's Spirit 120. If she goes can use the Pescador.
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