Best Fishing Kayak Under 300 [Top 8 Sit On Top Kayaks]

Everybody knows that fishing has been around for as long as civilization but what I can see getting more and more popular in recent years is kayak fishing.  Not only is kayak fishing getting more popular but it’s also becoming more affordable, that’s why we are going to review the best fishing kayaks under 300 dollars for you.

What better way to hunt down your favorite fish than getting on the water and casting your line in areas which you wouldn’t be able to from the shore.

Best Fishing Kayak Under 300 at a Glance

1. Sevylor Coleman Colorado
2. Sea Eagle 370
3. Sevylor C001 Tahiti Hunt Fish
4. SUN Dolphin Destin 10.4
5. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
6. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
7. Sevylor Quikpak K1

Not only does kayak fishing provide the advantage of being on the water but it’s also a great workout and tends to make fishing from the bank or shoreline look boring. 

Whilst some fishing kayaks can come with all of the bells and whistles such as fancy rod holders, fish finders and storage areas. With a budget of $300, you are slightly limited in certain areas. However we thoroughly believe that any of the kayaks on our list will serve you well whilst fishing. 

All of the kayaks on our list are sit on top kayaks as they are generally considered the better choice due to space and stability whilst fishing. So you’ll also be getting the best sit on top kayak for under 300.

Top 7 Best Fishing Kayaks Under 300

​How To Choose The Best Fishing Kayak Under 300

As you have already seen, just from our list of top 8 budget fishing kayaks that they can vary massively in size, weight, material, how many people it can hold and many other features. To make things easier for you whilst you’re out shopping for the best fishing kayak, we’ll tell you how to choose the right one for you. 

Fishing Kayak Features

Whilst you’re out shopping for your fishing kayak under $300 there is a few main features you should be aware of. Let’s go over them now:

Spray Skirt: A spray skirt can only be used on a sit inside kayak which fully covers your lower half. Their main purpose is to keep out any water, whether that be rain or rougher water. If you also capsize, the spray skirt will stop any water entering the kayak keeping you fully dry. Fishing kayaks tend not to be ‘sit inside kayaks’ therefore you wont typically find a spray skirt on any fishing kayaks. 

Peddles: It is common to find peddle on fishing kayaks. This allows you to propel the kayak forward whilst having your hands free for rigging your lines or casting. However peddles tend to be found on higher end fishing kayaks. It’s unlikely to find one with peddles under 300. 

Rocker: The curvature of the kayak hull is referred to as the rocker. If the kayak is very curved (has a big rocker) it is easier to turn and manoeuvre in rough waters however it makes it harder to paddle in a straight line on calmer waters – for a fishing kayak I would recommend getting an average shaped rocker.  This will ensure the kayak is stable and easy to fish from. 

Skeg: A skeg is a solid fin which extend into the water from the kayaks stern (back of the kayak). The skeg is there to improve the kayaks tracking in a straight line in rougher/windier conditions. However having the skeg fully extended into the water makes the kayak harder to turn quickly. Whilst fishing it’s a good idea to have the skeg placed into the water. It will help prevent you from being spun around whilst fishing by the wind. 

Rudder: A rudder also hangs of the back of the kayak. However it is different to a skeg, it can move side to side allowing the kayaker to turn the kayak without using a paddle. The rudder is often controlled using foot pedals. You often see kayak rudders on fishing kayaks when you need your hands free. They are not common on recreational kayaks or budget kayaks. 

Types of Kayak

At a very basic level, I would categorise all kayak types into two main groups sit inside kayaks and sit on top kayaks. The name essentially says it all. You may also come across Inflatable Kayaks which can be either sit inside or sit on top, but due to the fact they are made from a completely different material we will cover the pros and cons of them as well. 

Sit Inside Kayaks (Traditional Kayak):

Sit inside kayaks are the traditional form of a kayak. They are what most people picture in their minds when they think about kayaking. With a sit inside you are only exposed from the waist up. Your legs and feet are enclosed inside the bow of the kayak, sheltered from all of the elements. 

Sit inside kayaks float lower in the water than sit on tops, this gives them a lower center of gravity and make the kayak more stability and makes it more efficient to paddle. 

However most anglers opt for a sit on top kayak for fishing as they offer more room, storage and are generally easier to move on whilst grabbing gear and casting your line. 

PROS & CONS​​​​

• Better in colder environments 
• Can use a spray deck to keep your lower half dry
• Lower center of gravity increases your stability 

• Harder to enter and exit the kayak
• If you capsize, water can enter the kayak making it harder to re-enter and retrieve
• Not the most practical choice for fishing in most circumstances

Sit On-Top Kayak (Fishing kayak):

Sit on top kayaks are the most preferred choice amongst fishing kayakers. This is due to their ease of use, no spray deck, usually more storage and room to move. 

Sit on top kayaks are very stable due to their width and are very easy to get in and out of. If you are worried about tipping over a lot then a sit on top kayak might be the better choice. Some options are great for kayak fishing. Some come with peddles and plenty of storage areas for your fishing tackle and gear.

If you choose one specifically designed for fishing it can also come with rod holders and specific areas for attaching fish finders and trawling motors. 

PROS & CONS

• Can be easily re-entered once flipped
• Great in hot climates 
• Don’t feel restricted – You can easily grab all of your fishing gear

• Higher center of gravity than a sit inside kayak
• Colder in cold climates – you’ll also get wet

Inflatable Kayaks:

Inflatable kayaks have risen in popularity amongst anglers in recent years, this is largely due to the advancements in materials engineering which is making these kayaks extremely durable and tear resistant. As well as this, the demand for kayaking is increasing however not everyone owns vans or cars large enough to carry a solid kayak. 

Inflatable kayaks roll away after use into a small carry bag which can fit in the trunk of almost any vehicle. They are also great for camping and hiking trips where you cant carry a solid kayak with you. 

Inflatable kayaks can come in either sit on top or sit inside variations.​

PROS & CONS

• Lightweight, easy to carry to shore
• Usually easy to inflate and deflate
• Made from durable materials

• Harder to paddle and turn in the water
• Need to inflate every time you want to use it
• There is more aftercare required. You have to clean and dry the kayak to prevent mould growing

Common Kayak Materials 

Most solid kayaks that you will find on the market are produced out of polyethylene plastic. This is because it is hard and very durable. It will scratch but you wont ever have to worry about causing serious damage to your kayak even on sharp rocks. 

Whilst polyethylene kayaks are perfect for the beginner and recreational kayaker, once you get more advanced in the water, you will start to notice the drawbacks of them. 

Polyethylene is much heavier than alternatives such as fibreglass, it can also fade when left for too long in direct UV sunlight. I would always recommend storing your kayaks in a shaded area whilst not in use. 

Another common kayak material is ABS. It is slightly lighter than polyethylene and has much greater UV resistance. However ABS kayaks will tend to cost a little more, however you still may find a good one under $500. 

The most expensive and highest performing kayaks are produced from composite materials such as Fiberglass and Kevlar. The cost of these kayaks can easily run into the thousands of dollars and aren’t the first choice for beginner kayakers. 

Because fiberglass and kevlar kayaks are more expensive they are often tailored to more experienced kayakers for use in touring kayaks or whitewater kayaks. It’s unlikely you will find a best fishing kayak under 300 produced from these materials. 

Most inflatable kayaks are produced from durable PVC on the top of the kayak. This is made to be tear and puncture resistant so you wont have to worry about your fishing gear catching and snagging the kayak. 

The bottom of inflatable kayaks is typically made from tough tarpaulin. This allows them to be dragged in and out of the water along sharp and jagged rocks without any worry of tearing the kayak. However it’s always best to be on the safe side and avoid sharp rocks and any violent dragging – plus, your kayak will last longer if looked after better!

Storage Space

Another important thing to consider whilst buying the best fishing kayak is the amount of storage space you need. After all you’ll be taking along a rod, reel and perhaps a tackle box with you. 

If you are using a sit inside kayak with a spray deck, you can often store things in the space inside of the hull, although I would always recommend placing your valuables and goods inside of a dry bag in case water gets inside. 

Some kayaks will come with built in dry storage areas which seal very tightly and allow no water to enter. If you are taking along expensive gear such as a camera then you may want to consider getting a dry hatch. Even when i’m using my dry hatch, I still place my goods inside of a dry bag. Better to be safe than sorry!

If you opt for a sit on top kayak which hasn’t got a lot of deck storage, you can purchase aftermarket kayak crates which strap down to the bow or stern of the kayak and act as a storage container. These are great if you are going kayak fishing and need to store your tackle gear.

Almost all kayaks you will come across will have some sort of bungee cord system on their hull. This can be used to strap down light items that you may need to access quickly such as your spare paddle, dry bag or map. I wouldn’t tie down heavier items onto the top of the boat as you’ll affect the center of gravity.

Conclusion

We really hope that this article has helped you decide which fishing kayak under 300 to purchase. We thoroughly believe that any kayak on our list will be a great choice for any angler looking for an affordable fishing kayak. 

To recap, our top 2 best fishing kayak choices are the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Kayak and the SUN Dolphin Destin 10.4 Fishing Sit On Kayak. 

If after reading this article you realise you might need to stretch your budget for a fishing kayak a little further… We have also reviewed the best fishing kayaks for under $1000.