Kayak fishing is a way for anglers to get onto the water without a huge investment in equipment. With the skyrocketing popularity of fishing kayaks, manufacturers have pushed the envelope and are designing fishing-specific kayak models with features only dreamed of a few years ago. However, these features come at a cost (literally).

With prices continuing to increase, we decided to come up with a list of kayaks that you can get into for under a grand. All the kayaks on our Top 10 Fishing Kayaks list needed to be from reputable manufacturers, and each fill a specific neigh in the kayak fishing community.

The list runs from lowest to highest manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). With a little research, you might be able to find these kayaks on sale for less.

Emotion Kayaks "Grand Slam Angler"

MSRP: $799.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

ST Performance Hull

Dual tankwell with cargo net

Bow storage hatch

Two flush mount rod holders

Adjustable foot braces

Specs:

Weight: 72 lbs

Length: 14’5"

Width: 30.5”

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

NuCanoe “Classic 12”

MSRP: $799.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Modular Bench Seats

Six Seat Positions

Can be rigged tandem or solo

Sealed hull

Ultra stable

Specs:

Weight: 77 lbs

Length: 12’

Width: 42”

Weight capacity: 525 lbs

Native Watercraft “Ultimate 12 Basic”

MSRP: $899.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Air-Lite Seating System

Tunnel Hull

Stable sitting and standing platform

Specs:

Weight: 50 lbs

Length: 12’1”

Width: 30”

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Jackson “Cruise 12”

MSRP: $949.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Elite Hi-Lo seat

Bow hatch

Stand assist strap

Accessory hatch

Stern bungee storage area

Specs:

Weight: 68 lbs

Length: 12’3”

Width: 31.5”

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Wilderness Systems “Commander 120”

MSRP: $969.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

AirPro Freedom Elite Seat

SlideTrax mounting system

Skid Plate

Extended thigh and knee padding

Stern bungee storage area

Specs:

Weight: 64 lbs

Length: 12’

Width: 30.25”

Weight capacity: 400 lbs

Feelfree “Lure 10”

MSRP: $999.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Gravity multi-level seat

Uni Track mounting system

Front oval hinge hatch

Rear flush mounted rod holders

Center console

Specs:

Weight: 69 lbs

Length: 10’

Width: 36”

Weight capacity: 375 lbs

Ocean Kayak “Trident 11”

MSRP: $999.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Comfort Hybrid seat back

Battery storage bag

Modular Fishing Pod

Rear flush mounted rod holders

Transducer-compatible scupper

Specs:

Weight: 56 lbs

Length: 11’5”

Width: 30.5”

Weight capacity: 400 lbs

Hurricane “Skimmer 116”

MSRP: $999.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Bow storage hatch

Accessory hatch

Cup holder

Adjustable foot braces

AireStream seat

Specs:

Weight: 42 lbs

Length: 11’6”

Width: 30.5”

Weight capacity: 300 lbs

Jackson Kayak “SUPerFISHal”

MSRP: $999.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

Stable standing platform

Adapts for use with cooler as seat

Multiple mounting points

Accessory tray

Multiple included RAM and GoPro accessories

Specs:

Weight: 69 lbs

Length: 11’7”

Width: 35”

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Wilderness Systems “Ride 135”

MSRP: $999.00 - [Read the reviews]

Features:

AirPro Freedom Elite Seat

Recessed, No-Snag deck fittings

Skid Plate

Orbix bow and midship hatches

SlideTrax mounting system

Specs:

Weight: 82 lbs

Length: 13’6”

Width: 31.5”

Weight capacity: 550 lbs

There are many great fishing kayaks that could have been added to this list. Did we miss one you think should have been added? Feel free to leave us a note below in the comments.