With so much information on the web, and with so many choices when it comes to buying a fishing kayak, its not difficult to feel overwhelmed with all the information when you are trying to work out which fishing kayak to buy. There are so many great fishing kayaks out there under $1000, but you obviously want the best fishing kayak for the money, and that’s why the Modern Kayaking team have reviewed a whole bunch of fishing and angling kayaks for this budget point to determine the best fishing kayak under $1000 (to quickly find out what the Editor’s Choice was –> click ).
Can’t quite stretch your budget to $1000 and looking for a cheaper fishing kayak? Then take a look at our series of reviews including a review of the Ocean Kayak Scrambler.
Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler Kayak
Editor’s Choice for the Best Fishing Kayak Under $1000
[box_light]
Vibe Kayaks are known to make innovative recreational kayaks, but what they really stand out for is their innovative fishing kayaks that are extremely affordable for the everyday fisherman. Vibe make a number of kayaks for every type of paddler, whether they are still novices are expert anglers, and the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler Kayak is one exceptional kayak at a great price. If you are looking for all the fishing features you would expect on a more expensive kayak, but only have under $1000 to spend, you cannot go wrong with the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler kayak. Featuring an extra wide hull for enhanced stability, standing up on the kayak is possible for even the heaviest of fishermen, whilst moving around on the kayak to grab some gear or reaching forward to access front hatches had no impact on the stability of the kayak. The Vibe Sea Ghost comes well specced with all these nifty features most fishermen now demand in a kayak, and it also provides plenty of storage space for everything you may need for your next fishing expedition.
From a features perspective, the Vibe Sea Ghost really excels in terms of storage capacity with its easy to reach 20 inch front storage hatch and its 8 inch rear hatch, and a massive rear tank well with adjustable bungees as well as a large sealed center console for additional storage (with even further accessory mounting points as well). Basically no issues for carrying all your fishing gear and then some. What we really like are those additional features that other kayak manufacturers charge extra for (in fact you would be hard pressed to find a kayak with all these features for the same price).
From the extra rod holders (2 capped flush mount fishing rod holders) to the foot controlled rudder system and even the tackle tray holders (2 of them that fit Plano 3600 tackle trays), the Vibe Sea Ghost is fully specced for a fishing expedition! Comfort wise, the kayak comes with the comfortable Vibe Hero seat and we also had no issues sitting in the kayak for those longer fishing trips. With its included toe-controlled rudder (normally an add-on with other kayak brands), the Vibe Sea Ghost tracks extremely well and is truly an exceptional kayak, and is suited both for novice anglers or even more experienced fisherman.
[pullquote_right]No issues standing up on this kayak and casting – the kayak is as stable as kayaks costing twice as much[/pullquote_right]
[pullquote_right]An exceptional kayak that tracks extremely well and is laden with additional features[/pullquote_right]
[box_success]
A fantastic fishing kayak for the price
The Vibe Sea Ghost 130 really is a fantastic kayak for this price bracket, and is a deserving Editor’s Choice for best fishing kayak under $1000. We could not fault it.
[/box_success]
PROS
Great value kayak with features found on kayaks for twice the price
Spacious forward and rear hatches
Stable and tracks well and has an included toe-controlled rudder
Combining both performance and features in a fishing kayak that is priced under $1000 is no easy task, but the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angling Kayak is one of those kayaks that really contains all the features you would want in a fishing kayak, its priced well and is superb for taking out onto lakes or rivers for your next fishing trip. Featuring superb tracking and stability, the kayak can even handle swells with ease. Measuring just over 13 foot (13′ 4″ in fact), and with a width of 28 inches, the Prowler 13 weighs in at 56 lbs, and has a carrying capacity of 450 lbs – enough for plenty of fishing gear. The kayak doesn’t come with a rudder, but one can be attached at the stern if you wanted by using the optional rudder kit for improved tracking. We didn’t even use a rudder and tracking was great, but if it does become really windy or choppy on the water, you can add the rudder for enhanced maneuverability.
From a storage perspective, the Prowler 13 has a large rear tankwell with deck bungees to keep everything secure. In the front of the yak cockpit is the 6″ Cam lock hatch where you can keep all of the smaller items that you want at your fingertips. The bow of the kayak features a large clickseal hatch compartment so all your storage needs are catered for. Fitted with 2 flush mount rod holders behind the seat, a moulded in seat well and the Comfort Plus Seat Back, longer fishing trips are not a problem in terms of comfort. The fact is that you could get a far sexier yak, and definitely find a more expensive fishing kayak out there, but what sets the Prowler 13 fishing kayak apart from its competitors is that the so-called Ocean Kayak P13 is not truly great at any one thing, but it does almost everything else quite well indeed. For an all-rounder fishing kayak that is both rugged and affordable, you can’t go past an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 sit on top kayak.
[pullquote_right]One of the most popular fishing kayaks on the market today[/pullquote_right]
[pullquote_right]Great features and a stellar price make this an exceptional buy[/pullquote_right]
[box_success]
Great all rounder fishing kayak
The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 is not exceptional at any one thing, but it is simply a great all round fishing kayak and really cant be beat for the price! You will have no regrets purchasing this as your fishing kayak of choice!
[/box_success]
PROS
Great all-rounder fishing kayak
Fantastic tracking and stability
Optional rudder attachment kit for choppy waters
CONS
Front scupper holes can be troublesome
[/box_light]
Brooklyn Kayak Company – BKC UH-TK181 12.5 foot Sit On Top Tandem Fishing Kayak
Best Tandem Fishing Kayak Under $1000
[box_light]
There’s no doubt that the name of this kayak is a mouthful, and the marketing chaps at Brooklyn Kayak Company need to sharpen their game when it comes to marketing what is considered as one of the best tandem fishing kayaks under $1000. When you want to go fishing with your buddy out in the lake or river, you obviously want the best tandem fishing kayak for your money that combines ample storage for all your fishing gear, easy accessibility for the 2 paddlers, and of course stability. That’s where the BKC UH-TK181 12.5 foot sit on top tandem fishing kayak shines, and it really delivers in every regard and is our pick for the top tandem fishing kayak under 1000.
With a massive 7 Rod Holders, 4 flush mounted for stability and another 3 that are adjustable for convenience, you can see that the UH-TK181 is made for fishing, allowing you to get multiple line in the water at once. With a maximum capacity of 450lbs, and weighing in at 68lbs, the UH-TK181 is easily transportable by 2 paddlers, but you would probably be looking at a kayak cart if trying to haul it on your own. Talking about going solo, the UH-TK181 is also great if youre just fishing alone, and stability is not hampered by just having a single paddler in the kayak. What we really liked about BKC kayaks, is that all kayaks come standard with two high-quality aluminum paddles and two deluxe kayak seats with your purchase. So you can spend your extra money on extra fishing gear or whatever takes your fancy, as this tandem fishing kayak is complete for an all-in price of under $1000. Fantastic!
[pullquote_right]7 Rod holders allow you to get multple lines into the water at once[/pullquote_right]
[pullquote_right]Kayak seats and paddles included with every purchase[/pullquote_right]
[box_success]
Tandem fishing just got a whole lot easier (and affordable too!)
Grab all your gear, grab your best mate, and head off fishing with the best tandem kayak around, namely the BKC UH-TK181 tandem fishing kayak. No matter the awkward name, this tandem kayak has the capacity to support upto 450lbs of weight and plenty space to hold whatever fishing gear you need. You wont get a better value tandem fishing kayak with such good features!
[/box_success]
PROS
A Massive 7 rod holders
Max capacity of 450lbs allows for 2 adults and plenty of gear
Paddles and kayak seats included with every purchase
CONS
The model name is a mouthful – OK we couldn’t find any cons really!
[/box_light]
PERCEPTION Pescador Pro 12 Kayak
[box_light]
We have already undertaken an in-depth review of the Perception Pescador 12 Angling kayak (check here for our review) – and the Pescador 12 foot Angler kayak was really a standout yak that is considered to be one of their renowned performers as it’s a truly versatile sit-on-top fishing kayak. From a storage perspective, the Pescador 12 has a large storage hatch up front (18/20 inch) and the storage runs throughout the whole kayak. The 6 inch center hatch is convenient to store fishing gear or any other small items (i.e phones) that you may need within easy reach. The back storage can fit a 12×12 storage crate (or cooler), and because the kayak is so stable you are able to reach around and grab things from the cooler without affecting the stability of the boat.
Transporting the kayak around is made easier with some great grabs for both front and rear and the kayak weighs in at a mere 29kgs which is fairly lightweight for its size. As we mentioned in our in-depth review, what we really liked about the Pescador 12′ kayak was that it was stable on the water. In fact, to say that the Pescador 12′ Angler is extremely stable in the water would be an understatement. And of course stability on the water is exactly what you want when you go fishing. You are even able to swing your legs over the side and wade them in the water without rocking the boat or affecting the stability. The 2 flush mount rod holders go really deep to fit most rods and we could fit any rod that we tested the holders with. Being only 28 inches wide, the Perception Pescador 12 tracks really well through the water, and once again, we have to stress the stability of this kayak in the water. All in all a lightweight yak that is suitably priced.
[pullquote_right]Super stable in the water and you can even swing your legs over the side without affecting the stability[/pullquote_right]
[pullquote_right]Lightweight fishing kayak that is suitably priced[/pullquote_right]
[box_success]
For fishermen looking for an extremely stable kayak
The Perception Pescador 12 foot Angling kayak is really one of those kayaks that you would purchase if you were looking for an extremely stable experience on the water. Fishing with the kayak is great as you are able to swing your legs over the side and it won’t affect the stability – making this kayak perfect for beginners and inexperienced paddlers looking for a great fishing kayak.
[/box_success]
PROS
Super stable on the water
Renowned performer
Large storage hatch up front
CONS
Not many
[/box_light]
George
I have been kayaking since I was 10 years old and am now the Editor-in-Chief of ModernKayaking magazine. My role allows me to spend time out on the water whilst requiring me to review the latest kayaks and kayaking gear, and when I'm not working you will usually find me doing some fishing from my kayak out on some lake somewhere!
