Kayak Fishing has been motivated from the ease of use, Being able to load your fishing kayak on a rack and head to the water. Then being able to explore and access even the shallowest of water, Before at the end of the day, reloading and take it all back home. With no mooring fees or crews needed to launch and recover. The Kayak has really become the fishing platform of choice for many anglers.

If you are really looking to get out kayak fishing and you have already looked through the fishing kayaks available under $500 and also Fishing kayaks under $600 and you still haven’t found anything suitable for your next adventure.

For under $1000 there is a huge selection of kayaks available with many great features

Remember to take a look at my budget kayak buying guide to help you decide what to purchase.

Here is a concise list of the best Fishing Kayaks available under $1000

Best Fishing Kayaks under $1000 Comparison:

ImageNameBrandLengthWidthWeightMaximum Capacity
Lure 10Feelfree Kayaks10”34”69 lbs375 lbs
Pescador 12Perception Kayaks12”32.5”64 lbs375 lbs
Catch 120 NXTPelican11”834”69 lbs400 lbs
Prowler 13Ocean Kayak13”428”56 lbs325 lbs
Tarpon 120 AnglerWilderness Systems12”330”63 lbs350 lbs

Products from Amazon.com

Feel Free Lure 10 Fishing Kayak

What We Say

The Lure Series from Feel Free has been one of our favourite models of fishing kayak, combining comfort and functionality to create one of the best fishing platforms available.

The Lure 10 is the compact brother to the larger Lure 11.5 and 13.5 fishing kayaks The Lure 11.5 was also a strong contender for our Best Fishing Kayaks of 2018

But in this instance we wanted to really show that quality didn’t need to be the most expensive. The Lure 10 comes packed with all of the same features just a shorter hull, better suited for lakes and rivers. The Lure is extremely stable, fitted with the Gravity seat providing lots of adjustment in absolute comfort.

The front deck is large with the padded standing area and stand assist strap to make moving about the boat effortless.

The Lure is fitted with lots of storage options and the removable electronics and transducer pod means you can take all your valuables home easily. There really is no wasted space aboard.

The colour options are both bright and camo creating a nice change from the darker olive colors found in many brands.

This series is definitely one of my favorite fishing kayaks packed full of so many great features with some really good color schemes, comfortable and ready to land your trophy fish.

Manufacturers Information

Feelfree Kayaks is taking kayak fishing to a new level in stability, comfort and versatility with the new 2014 Lure. The Lure 10 is the smaller more compact brother of the Lure 11.5 and is excellent for shorter trips on rivers and lakes without compromising features.

The kayak also comes with a variety of unique features seen on Lure series kayaks including a removable multi-level extra wide Patent Pending Gravity Seat, Feelfree’s patented wheel in the keel and Uni-Track system. The Gravity Seat offers a wide range of seat heights, which is adjusted with the simple function of a lever and is removable. What really sets the Gravity Seat apart is the ability to sit flush on the deck of the kayak when additional stability and a more efficient paddling position is needed for longer distances.

The Lure’s super-stable 36” wide hull paired with a padded standing platform gives you the option to paddle or cast in either the sitting or standing position whether fishing inland waters or wide open oceans — this kayak fears no water.

Specifications

Feel Free Lure 10 Fishing Kayak
Specifications
Length10”0
Width34”
Weight69 lbs
Max Capacity375 lbs

What we liked

  • All of the features found on the larger version condensed onto the 10ft model
  • Great colour schemes
  • Really comfortable gravity seat
  • Big standing space area
  • Plenty of storage options

What we didn’t like

  • Uni Track system is not compatible with Slide track system without an additional adaptor
Perception Kayak Pescador Pro

Perception Kayak Pescador ProPrice: $879.00

Perception Pescador Pro 12 Fishing Kayak

What We Say

The Perception Pescador has been built with the fisherman in mind. This exciting angling platform is packed full of features built on a user friendly design. The Pro seat is comfortable and offers different height positions to fish from the bow mesh keeps things tidy and the rear storage is large enough to accommodate a crate.

Perception as a brand bring confidence and quality with many years experience building boats from whitewater to recreation perception have a strong heritage. The Pescador Pro is designed for maximum durability and optimized weight.

The boat is fitted with the Yak Attack Gear Trac. This makes sure the boat is easily upgradable, nd can be customized for the best possible user experience.

The Pescador Pro is built in 2 sizes a 12 foot and a 10 foot design. The 10 foot Pescador allows greater maneuverability to the longer 12 foot version.

An upgraded version is also available with a paddle drive system  The Perception Pescador Pilot is the same hull with the addition of the new Pilot Drive with Quick Key Zero

Manufacturers Information

The Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 kayak leads the pack with serious fishing performance, stability, and comfort. The sit-on-top design offers generous storage and accessory mount options that make it easy to outfit the boat for all-day excursions. The removable and adjustable camp chair is the most comfortable seat found on any fishing kayak. The longer length remains maneuverable, while adding speed, cargo space, and stability—perfect for accessing quiet waters beyond the reach of other boaters.

Specifications

Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 Fishing Kayak
Specifications
Length12”
Width32.5”
Weight64 lbs
Max Capacity375 lbs

What we liked

  • Pro Seat is comfortable and adjustable
  • Boat is stable and durable
  • Good storage space both forward and aft

What we didn’t like

  • Keeper footrest difficult to adjust whilst seated
  • No solid colour options available
  • No standing deck pads as standard
Pelican Sport The Catch 120 NXT Kayak - fade Venom/light gray

Pelican Sport The Catch 120 NXT Kayak – fade Venom/light grayPrice: Out of stock

Pelican Catch 120 NXT Fishing Kayak

What we Say

The Catch NXT Fishing Kayak is in our opinion one of the best looking fishing kayaks. It is an update from the popular Catch 120. The NXT is a really well-equipped fishing platform full of features. The ergo cast dual position seating system provides both high and low seating positions to put you in the optimum position. The Catch 120 NXT has ample storage options and standing space with the addition of a stand assist strap. The rigging tracks are well positioned to support a wide range of Scotty rod mount holders.

Overall a really stable platform for all of your adventures.

Manufacturers Information

The Pelican Premium CATCH 120NXT* is the exciting evolution of the great CATCH 120. Built on a tunnel hull platform, it is very stable and manoeuvrable, and provides excellent tracking. This sit-on-top fishing kayak features adjustable footrests, an ERGO CAST dual position seating system allowing you to adjust the seat to a high or low seating position, an anti-slip carpet, a stand assist strap, bow and stern quick lock hatches, and a tank well with bungees to store your fishing gear, flush mount rod holders, rigging tracks and accessory eyelets, paddle and rod tie-downs and an angler ruler. Made of RAM-X™ PREMIUM, a multi-layer polyethylene with an advanced resin providing significantly more rigidity than standard polyethylene, it is lighter, stiffer and stronger. Built to last, the CATCH 120 NXT will co-star in your many fishing adventures and help you create memorable stories worth sharing with everyone.

Specifications

Pelican Catch 120 NXT Fishing Kayak
Specifications
Length11”8
Width34”
Weight69 lbs
Max Capacity400 lbs

What we liked

  • Rigging Tracks are well positioned throughout the kayak
  • Ram-X material is strong, stiff and lightweight
  • Angler ruler well position on interior of the boat

What we didn’t like

  • Single colour option
  • No options for additional drive units
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak, Brown Camo

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak, Brown CamoPrice: $1,034.00

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Fishing Kayak

What We Say

The Ocean Kayaks Prowler managed to slide into our best-rated kayaks having been a firm favourite for a number of years the proven design is built to last. Over the years the design has had some subtle updates but has kept the same hull and characteristics throughout. The Prowler is at home on the sea as it is on a lake at 13 feet long the boat carries its speed and handles waves with ease. At only 28” wide the boat is narrower than some of the newer designs. The seat is an adjustable foam seat pad and backrest which is set low to the boat. The Prowler is fitted with 2 flush mounted rod holders just behind the seat.

The Prowler is a proven classic. Having passed the test of time and still catching the Prowler is a great choice.

Manufacturers Information

One of the most popular angler kayaks on the market, the Prowler 13 combines performance with features. A large bow hatch, an oversized tank well and several places to mount fishing gear, the Prowler 13 was designed to produce results.

Specifications

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Fishing Kayak
Specifications
Length13”4
Width28”
Weight56 lbs
Max Capacity325 lbs

What we liked

  • Proven design
  • Narrow beam is fast and easy to paddle
  • Large rear tank well

What we didn’t like

  • No front mounted rod holders
  • No standing space
  • No option for motor or pedal drive systems

Products from Amazon.com

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Fishing Kayak

What We Say

The Tarpon series is really a classic, for many years now Tarpons have graced local lakes and waterways. The Tarpon series has been one of the most popular models having been redefined over the past few years to provide extra comfort and functionality.

The biggest changes over the years has been the seat system with subtle tweaks to offer increased comfort. The Slide tracks system fits with a wide range of accessories and extras designed to enhance your fishing experience. The storage space is large and the front hatch is easy to use even with cold hands.

The Tarpon Angler is fitted with 2 rear flush mounted rod holders with the addition of a Scotty Rod holder to position along the Slide track rails in front for a fully customized experience.

The Tarpon is designed as a boat to be paddled and as such has no standing area or options to add different drive units.

But don’t let this put you off, the Tarpon 120 is an absolute classic and the perfect kayak for someone looking to explore coastlines and fish all day long.

The Standard Tarpon is the ideal boat to get going set at a cheaper price but with the option to then add the pieces you really need to the slide track system makes it quick and easily upgradable.

Manufacturers Information

The world asked for a shorter Tarpon with a tank well. Ta-da. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak has enough volume for the “huskiest” paddler and their stuff. This one comes rigged up for fishing with just about all you need to do just about anything you want, fishing or paddling!

Known for offering excellent glide and manoeuvrability and great versatility for its trim size.

Specifications

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler
Specifications
Length12”3
Width30”
Weight63 lbs
Max Capacity350 lbs

What we liked

  • Classic design has stood the test of time
  • Large storage compartments
  • Easily accessible hatches
  • Wilderness Systems brand delivers confidence and quality

What we didn’t like

  • No option for pedal or drive units as with other Wilderness Systems models
  • No Standing option