The Best Entry-Level+ Fishing Kayaks [2025 Edition]
7-minute read
There are so many quality fishing kayaks on the market that it can be hard to nail down which is right for you, especially if you’re on a budget. We’ve collected some of the most popular of 2025 on one list as a great place for you to start.
Each of these is designed for fishing and is a sit-on-top model, the most popular style for kayak fishing, by far.
We’ll list them in order of price, from low to high. A few comments before we begin:
- You may be able to find a used boat for a great price, too, either one of these or another quality model. A well-made fishing kayak will last for years with proper care, so buying used is always an option.
- The weight provided is the “hull” weight. Each boat will be slightly heavier with the seat and other included accessories.
- When you buy new from the manufacturer, many of these kayaks are available bundled with additional accessories for a discount.
- These are all paddle-driven kayaks (not pedal).
- All prices are in US dollars.
Let’s begin…
Entry-Level Fishing Kayaks Under $1,000
While you can find kayaks cheaper than these, definitely, these are from well-respected manufacturers in the paddlesports world, not no-name brands from big box stores.
They all are designed for fishing:
Pelican Catch Classic 100 • 2025 MSRP $599.99
Considered one of the best entry-level values in kayak fishing, the Catch Classic 100 by Pelican (a Canadian brand) is a great choice for smaller anglers and anyone on a limited budget. At 10 feet long and 34 inches wide, it’s slower than other boats, but very stable. It weighs 57 pounds and has a 350-pound maximum capacity.
This little kayak doesn’t compromise comfort, with its Ergocast dual-position seat system. Not only can you use both high and low positions, you can adjust the support. It also features gear rails and two flush-mount rod holders.
(Photo courtesy of Open Road Visuals)
Ascend 12T Sit-On • 2025 MSRP $750
While the Ascend 12T Sit-On has a much plainer look than the others on this list, its low price will tempt many who are looking for a budget model. The Ascend is billed as a hybrid, is 12 feet long, weighs 77 pounds (with the seat) and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. It has a removable and 3-position adjustable seat.
At 31 inches wide, it’s a bit narrower than most on our list, but is still stable enough to stand on, thanks to its hull design. It features a couple of built-in rod holders, gear tracks and bow/aft storage areas. If you’re also a duck hunter, this kayak is designed to work perfectly with the RedHead® waterfowl blind.
Feelfree Moken 10 V2 • 2025 MSRP $799
The Moken 10 is one of Feelfree’s most popular kayaks. Just ten feet long yet fully capable for all your fish chasing adventures. This little boat comes with a comfortable and adjustable seat, rail tracks, bow and stern bungee storage, dual paddle keepers, built-in rod holders with leash and Feelfree’s patented “wheel in the keel” for easy transport to the launch.
For its small size of just ten feet and 69 pounds, it has a maximum weight capacity of a whopping 440 pounds. Not bad!
(Photo courtesy of Bad Ash Outdoors)
Old Town Sportsman 106 • 2025 MSRP $899
Old Town is one of the oldest names in paddlesports, and they offer a line of fine fishing kayaks. The Sportsman 106 is a 10.5-foot boat that weighs 77 pounds (including the seat) with a weight capacity of 363 pounds. Its comfortable and adjustable seat is removable.
It features gear tracks, three rod holders, cup holders and is ready to rig with a fish finder, lights and other accessories.
For just $100 more, Old Town offers the Sportsman 120. The extra length means a little extra speed when covering more water, as well as a higher weight capacity of 415 pounds. Its assembled weight is 85 pounds.
Native Watercraft Falcon 11 • 2025 MSRP $999
Native’s Falcon 11 comes in at just under $1K. This 11-foot boat is narrower than others, which makes it a bit faster on the water but still stable enough to stand when fishing if that’s your preference. It weighs 60 pounds and has a 325-pound max weight capacity.
The Falcon 11 has many built-in features like dual rod holders, gear tracks, a bow hatch and stern storage area, and a height-adjustable frame seat. It’s ready to customize for transducers and more, and even has a side-mounted paddle clip.
Bonafide RS117 • 2025 MSRP $999
A member of Bonafide’s RISE series, the RS117 is their entry-level model that has many of the features of its more expensive cousins, like a very standable platform that still offers paddling performance. It also features a lightweight and easy-to-adjust seat with two height options, YakAttack rail tracks, paddle storage handle, and plenty of open and watertight storage.
The RS117 is 11-feet-7-inches long, weighs 65 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of a generous 425 pounds.
(Photo courtesy of Drew Gregory)
Vibe Sea Ghost 110 • 2025 MSRP $999.99
The Sea Ghost 110 by Vibe sneaks in at just under $1K. It’s 11.5 feet long, weighs 62 pounds and has a maximum 425-pound weight capacity. Users like its excellent stability, even on bigger water coastlines. They also say it’s very comfortable.
The Sea Ghost has an ergonomic mesh seat, a rear tank well, two sealed hatches and integrated tackle tray storage. It also has a toe-controlled rudder system for easier maneuvering.
Entry-Level-Plus Fishing Kayaks Just Over $1,000
We thought we’d toss in a handful of kayaks running at a hundred or two over $1,000 to let you see what you can get at this slightly higher price point:
Jackson Bite Angler • 2025 MSRP $1,099
Jackson is one of the most highly respected names in kayak fishing. Their entry-level boat is the Bite Angler—11.5 feet long, 72 pounds and with a 400-pound max weight capacity. Its removable seat is padded with an ergonomic backrest.
Other features include gear tracks, rod holders within easy access, bungeed bow and stern storage areas, and even a cup holder next to the seat. It’s also designed to be accessory-ready for anything you may want to add.
Perception Pescador Pro 12 • 2025 MSRP $1,099
The Pescador Pro 12 by Perception is one of the most recommended fishing kayaks by kayak anglers. This 12-foot boat weighs 64 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds. The mesh seat is adjustable with two height options and is removable, so you can also use it on-shore if desired.
It features large storage areas in front and behind the seat with bungee lashings, as well as gear tracks, two molded rod holders and a fish finder console. Its fans say it’s stable, efficient and versatile for different water environments.
(Photo courtesy of HSGO Paddle Dallas)
Crescent Kayaks LiteTackle II • 2025 MSRP $1,199
Crescent is another well-respected kayak fishing brand and the LiteTackle II is the second generation of its flagship model. This 12-foot-4-inch kayak weighs 79 pounds and has a max weight capacity of a generous 450 pounds. Its patented hull design can take on some rough water while remaining stable, fast and maneuverable.
Other features include a secure hatch system, flush-mounted gear tracks, side bungees for your paddle, stash trays and plenty of room to store tackle and other gear. The padded seat has high/low positions with easy adjustment.
Don’t Forget Your Paddle
While you’re shopping for your fishing kayak, don’t forget to leave 20-30% of your budget for your paddle. You’ll never be sorry that you bought a better paddle than the cheap, clunky models sold at rock-bottom prices.
Better paddles don’t have to break the bank—and they’re made of higher-quality, lighter materials that make paddling a joy instead of a chore. Add an efficient design in the blades, a tape measure right on the shaft, and maybe even an adjustable-length ferrule system, and you’ll look forward to the paddling portions of your fishing days.
(Photo courtesy of Doskophoto)
For more on choosing the right kayak fishing paddle, see Kayak Fishing Paddles 101.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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