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Fishing from a kayak is becoming more and more popular as the years go by, and with good reason too. Fishing from a kayak is a great way to get on top of the fish because unlike fishing from the bank you are not restricted to where the land lies. Unlike larger day boats for fishing, you are not restricted by size and motor noise either. Kayaks are nimble, small, and light which allows them to float silently under brash, unnoticed through reed beds, and into shallow bays without bottoming out or stirring up silt.

There are many benefits of fishing from a kayak and it not only takes your fishing to a new level of stealth, but it also takes it to a new level of enjoyment! Whether you are sick of blanking on the bank with a dry net, tired of sticking to the deep water in your day boat, or simply want a better way to get on top of some feeding fish, a kayak is the answer!

So, how do filter through the hundreds of fishing kayaks on the market to find the best? How do you choose between an inflatable kayak, a hard-body kayak, or float tube fishing kayak? And most importantly, how do you find the best inflatable fishing kayak under 800 dollars to keep your wallet, wife, and rods happy? Don’t sweat it…

In this article, we have everything there is to know about these three types of fishing kayak so you can add the right boat to your fishing armory without regret! We will also be reviewing the best hard-body, inflatable, and float tube fishing kayaks under 800 dollars, so you know exactly where to start looking. Enjoy!

What are the Features of a Good Fishing Kayak?

In this section, we will be looking at what the features of a good fishing kayak are. There are many features that make a fishing kayak user friendly, durable, and versatile in a multitude of aquatic environments. Some of these features will be found on any good fishing kayak no matter whether it is inflatable or hard-bodied, whereas some of the features are found only on specific fishing kayak types. For example, an inflatable fishing kayak has the ability to fold up neatly into the boot of a hatchback car however doing this with a hard-body is impossible.

Features of Any Good Fishing Kayak

• Easily transportable/ carried by one person
• Stable in the water
• Durable and hard-wearing
• Comfortable to sit in for long periods of time
• Plenty of storage space for large items
• Plenty of easily accessible storage to keep fishing tackle to hand
• Multiple tie downs to secure fishing tackle and provisions
• Paddle rests that can securely hold paddles out of the way while fishing
• Ability to secure a fish finder, net, and other gear that is needed regularly
• Multiple rod holders to store rods when not in use and trawl while paddling
• Small and light enough to stealthily float into feeding areas

Hard-Body Fishing Kayaks

• Extremely durable and wear-resistant (the best option for rugged landscapes)
• Puncture proof
• Easily drainable
• Space in the back for a mid-sized cooler
• Space for a Kayak trolly for easy towing from vehicle to water
• Extremely stable in the water
• Hold a true trajectory and offer the fastest and stealthiest travel on the water

Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

• Easily transportable in the trunk of even the smallest of cars
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Can be packed away in a small wardrobe or corner of a shed
• Stable and stealthy in the water
• Hull sits on top of the water rather than half under like a hard-body kayak
• Removable seats for easy cleaning and extra passenger/ storage space

Float Tube Fishing Kayaks

• Lightweight and portable
• Packs away small and will fit in the trunk of even the smallest vehicle
• Hands-free paddling. You can fish on the move and reposition without putting the rod down
• Extremely stealthy with no surface splashing from paddles
• Gets you closer to nature and the action!
• Will have a tackle station directly at your fingertips in the form of a lap table

Best Hard Body Fishing Kayak Under 800 Dollars

The Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

Overview:

The Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is the best hard body fishing kayak for under 800 dollars. This one fits the bill perfectly and is well under the 800-dollar mark, so if you are looking for the best value for money and want a reliable hard body kayak for fishing, this is the one for you. It is constructed from UV-resistant high-density polyethylene and is molded to last through the wear and tear that almost any water brings. It has a fully adjustable padded backrest that can be comfortably adjusted to suit all but the largest of anglers and multiple molded footrests to accommodate any paddler!

IT features two flush-mounted rod holders beside the backrest to stow your rods away when not in use or hold them firm if you fancy a bit of trawling for pike, musky, or walleye. This particular model also features a top-mounted rod holder that is situated within an arm’s reach so you can get on the rod as soon as the tip bends round with a bite. A sturdy paddle keeper will hold your paddle (which is included) firm and safe when you are playing a fish or casting out in one spot. It features two 6” storage compartments in the rear and center of the boat that are watertight to keep your valuables safe and sound even if the worst does happen and you capsize! Front and rear bungees will hold all of the tackle and camping gear you will need for even the longest of excursions, you will need some dry bags to keep this kit safe from moisture though.

Two robust T-shape carry handles at the front and rear of the boat make it easy for you and a helpful friend to carry the kayak down to the water. If you are more of the lone wolf you will benefit from a handy Kayak trolley to get your kayak and kit from vehicle to water in one trip, or in my case, from my house to the lake. I can recommend the well-priced ABN Universal Kayak Carrier if you are looking for a trolley, I use this almost every weekend for a 3km walk to the water, it’s not easy but it does the job well!

If you are looking for reliability and the best experience on the water, then personally I do not think you can beat a hard body fishing kayak. You are definitely restricted in terms of transport but if your vehicle can accommodate the Tamarack either inside or on the roof, then you can’t go wrong. If you are looking for something a little more lightweight and easier to store and transport, then perhaps an inflatable fishing kayak is your best option… Read on for more…

Pros:

• Extremely robust and hardwearing
• Plenty of dry storage and space for external baggage
• Two flush-mounted rod holder and one top-mounted rod holder
• Comfortable and adjustable to accommodate any angler
• Included paddle
• Awesome stealthy looks
• Great price

Cons:

• If you don’t have a means of transport for a hard body kayak, then you are pretty stuffed

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak Under 800 Dollars

The Sevylor Colorado Fishing Kayak 

Overview:

The Sevylor Colorado Fishing Kayak is one of the most popular inflatable fishing kayaks on the market and there is good reason for its popularity. It is built from 18-gauge PVC and is NMMA certified, which makes this inflatable extremely rugged indeed. Most people worry about the durability of inflatable fishing kayaks (myself included) and although I cannot give my first-hand point of view on this particular kayak, I can say that I have many friends who swear by them and say that they are almost as hardwearing as a hard body! The main factor that makes this kayak so resistant to puncture is the 1000D tarpaulin bottom and the 840D nylon cover that provide outstanding protection from the rocks below and sharp objects above (hooks, scissors, and rigging equipment).

The Sevylor Colorado uses multiple air chambers to ensure that if by chance one chamber is punctured the rest will stay inflated so you don’t sink to the murky depths! The airtight system is guaranteed to hold pressure and not leak a drop of air even over multi-day trips, so you can rely and have faith in its design to take you to wherever the fish may be.

This inflatable fishing kayak comes with everything you would expect in a hardbody kayak with Berkley Quick Set adjustable Rod holders, paddle keepers, and plenty of storage space. The backrests are fully adjustable and although you do lose space from the inflated sides there is a surprising amount of room for all your tackle as well. This is a two-person kayak, but it is compact and light enough to control as a solo angler and the other seat can be collapsed to reveal extra storage space for those more ambitious excursions. The Sevylor Trolling Motor (sold separately) can also be added to this kayak to expand your fishing capabilities and cruise around silently and effort-free.

If you are looking for the best inflatable fishing kayak for under 800 dollars and need something you can rely on almost as much as a traditional hard body kayak, then the Sevylor Colorado is your best option. It packs away small enough to fit in the back of even the smallest city car and once inflated, is robust and buoyant enough to take you and all your gear to the same places as a hard body would.

Pros:

• Extremely hard-wearing and robust
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Excellent rod holders
• Plenty of storage
• The option to be used as a 1 or 2 person kayak
• Looks fantastic, especially for an inflatable

Cons:

• Will take you a bit longer to set up considering inflation times
• Doesn’t come with paddles

Best Inflatable Fishing Float Tube Under 800 Dollars

YILI Inflatable Fishing Float Tube 

Overview:

The YILI Inflatable Fishing Float Tube comes with everything (except rods and tackle) that you need to step into the world of float tube fishing. In the package you will find 2 EVA foam panels for storing fishing hooks and lures to hand, a spreader bar sleeve that acts as a table and fish measure, 1 rod rack, 1 rod holder, 1 oar, a hand pump, tackle storage bags, and a pair of fully adjustable flippers. That is a lot of kit for money by any means and surprisingly all of this can be claimed for under the 200-dollar mark!

The YILI Float Tube can hold up to 286-pound and is made from 600D oxford fabric which ensures durability, reliability, and puncture protection. It is designed well and offers excellent tracking even for a bulky float tube rig which means you can navigate the lake safely with ease. There is plentiful storage onboard and within its compact design you will find room for everything you need for a day’s fishing rods and net included. Everything has its place in this float tube and the storage is well thought out, so the angler has everything to hand without wobbling the rig and risking capsize.

Inflation time is minimal with the YILI Float Tube and being so compact, you can inflate the rig at the car and carry the tube on your back like a backpack with the built-in backstraps, so you are ready to go at the water’s edge. Once you are in the water the adjustable seat and safety buckle ensures that you stay safe and comfortable all-day and as long as you don’t need to head ashore if nature calls, you have no reason to get out. Everything feels perfectly planned out with this float tube and if this style of fishing is your thing or you would like to give it a try, this is the perfect place to start!

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight
• Easy to assemble and inflate
• Comes with everything you need minus the rods and tackle
• Comfortable to sit in all-day
• Perfectly designed

Cons:

• If you don’t want to get your feet and legs wet, then this isn’t for you
• Not to every angler’s taste in terms of watercraft

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