Best Fishing Kayak Under $800

5 Gnarjay
As a seasoned angler constantly on the lookout for the next best thing in fishing gear, I must say, I 'm thoroughly impressed with this kayak. From its thoughtful design to its impeccable performance on the water, this vessel is a game- changer for anglers of all levels. First and foremost, let's talk about versatility. Whether you 're just starting your fishing journey or you 're a seasoned pro, this kayak caters to all skill levels. Its array of built- in features, coupled with an adjustable seat for optimal comfort, makes it a dream to navigate, regardless of your experience level. I 've taken it out on a lake and creeks/rivers, and it never fails to deliver. During my testing phase, I put this kayak through its paces in some of Arizona's most challenging water bodies, including a sizable reservoir lake and a winding river. To my delight, it handled every scenario with grace and precision, solidifying its status as my go- to vessel for impromptu fishing excursions. Let's talk about stability. Despite its compact 10- foot frame, the hull design offers remarkable balance, even in the face of choppy waters and passing motorboats. I pushed its limits, navigating through light rapids and sizable wakes, all without the slightest hint of instability. And yes, I even took a dip in the cold waters to test its recovery capabilities – flawlessly executed, might I add. Weighing in at a manageable 52 pounds, this kayak is a breeze to transport. Loading and unloading from my car's roof rack is a cinch, thanks to its manageable weight. Sure, it might gather a few scratches along the way, but its durability is unparalleled, shrugging off bumps and scrapes with ease. Maneuverability is where this kayak truly shines. Turning is a breeze, almost to the point of being effortless. I found myself effortlessly positioning for the perfect cast, occasionally overshooting my target due to its responsiveness. Tracking, while commendable for its size, does require consistent power application on each side. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, you 'll be navigating like a pro. Now, let's talk about the pièce de résistance – the storage hatch. This ingenious feature ensures your gear stays put, with a built- in bag keeping essentials like pliers and scales securely in place. Even after a full day of fishing, not a drop of water found its way into the hull, a testament to its watertight design. In conclusion, this kayak is a game- changer in my world of fishing.

5 kpath
I 've just returned from my first trip in my new Quest Crosswater 100, and I am already impressed. I was given this kayak to review, and was excited to try it out on a local river, despite the cold weather. It tracked well, and was easy to paddle. Overall, I found it comfortable, stable, and well- designed. One of my favorite features is where they put the scupper holes. There are two located in the front of the boat, and there are channels that lead to them, so any water that gets in the boat drains down and out quickly. This is such an improvement over other sit- on- tops that I have paddled. The seat is also adjustable and comfortable. One of the clips that holds the seat strap on the side was hard to reconnect when it came unclipped, but I did get it connected and did n't have any other issues with it. I think this will be a great fishing boat, with lots of room for gear and poles. The Crosswater 100 seems to be made of a heavy duty material, and I expect it to last through many years of paddling.

5 Wetumpkamike
This is a 10 ’ recreation kayak ideal for lakes and rivers and normal flatwater paddling. It is also a well equipped fishing kayak. First the basics from the manufacturer: Length 10 ’ 3 ” Width 31 ” Weight 51. 2 pounds Maximum capacity 275lbs As you can tell from the weight this is a very heavy duty kayak- not some cheap, thin plastic boat that will wear out fast. It has a lot of features that impressed me as they usually have to be added by the paddler later. The toggle carry handles at the front and the rear of the kayak are wide and corded to the outside, not the middle. This is way more comfortable and the plastic handle is grooved to fit your fingers. On both sides of the kayak there are luggage style handles. Not the molded ones that don ’ t really work but the flexible handled kind. Every kayak I have ever owned I have put these on myself as it is absolutely necessary if you load a kayak by yourself upside down on roof racks. Definitely a PLUS! There are six self bailing holes( scupper holes) with two under the seat. A lot of SOT kayaks don ’ t have these located there so you paddle in a puddle of water. The seat was surprisingly comfortable and the back folds down and can be removed easily if required for transport. The adjustable buckles on each side actually have a simple lock. Once you ’ re all comfortable you can lock the adjustment down- another plus. There are two paddle holders with one on each side. The rear deck has a molded indentured the size of a five gallon bucket base to help hold minnows if fishing. Most of the floor is “ diamond plate ” style non slip which I also liked. There are also corded bungees fore and aft to assist in securing items. A removable drain plug, two rear facing rod holders, water bottle groove, graduated footwells( way better than the adjustable ones that seem to always break) and brackets on both sides for those fishing extras. The dry hatch has a permanent lid that has a twist lock for extra security also. I have to say this kayak is well engineered with the kayak paddler in mind who wants to put the kayak in or on their vehicle and head out for a great day on the water! HOW DID IT HANDLE? I launched in a lake with cool temps and mixed winds. Very stable platform where I just literally sat up and in then twisted straight. A quick “ rock the boat ” back and forth and no “ stomach butterflies ”- definitely very stable! A quick readjust to get the seat right and lock the strap down and I was ready. Scupper holes looked really good considering I am 6 ’ 2 ” and 220 pounds. No real wind, so do several paddle strokes then stop- excellent tracking! I paddled a continuous mile and still took photos pretty easily. Some downfall and the kayak responded easily to avoid it. As a sit on top turning and ruddering was sufficient and maneuverability was good. I paddled out with light wind at my back and when I returned it had picked up but the kayak moved along fine even with a headwind. Exiting was very simple and it pulled out of the lake effortlessly even at 50+ pounds! Remove the seats and thanks to the side handles a simple lift and up on the car roof and the end of a great day on the lake! As a recreational kayak it is an excellent investment and the extra fishing equipment make it an extra bonus!

5 Ryan Allen
I recently had the pleasure of testing out the Quest Crosswater 100 Kayak, and I must say, it truly impressed me on multiple fronts. First and foremost, its lightweight design, 10 ’ long and weighing just 52 lbs, makes it incredibly easy to handle both on and off the water. Maneuvering through the lake was a breeze, thanks to its balance of agility and stability, allowing for effortless gliding and enjoyment of the surrounding scenery. Despite its compact size, this kayak offers ample storage options, ensuring you can bring along all your gear and essentials for a day on the water. The side rails are versatile, accommodating various accessories with a track mount base such as rod holders, paddle holders, camera mounts, and more. Additionally, the storage hatch kept my belongings( IE, phone, wallet, keys) dry and secure throughout my entire trip, offering peace of mind. One feature that pleasantly surprised me was the effectiveness of the paddle keepers and built- in rod holders, which allowed for easy access to my gear while keeping my hands free for paddling. The rear well fitting a 5- gallon bucket was a game- changer for storing additional gear, while the molded- in water bottle groove ensured my hydration remained secure and easily accessible. The kayak's hull design provided exceptional stability, even in choppy conditions, giving me the confidence to explore without hesitation. The self- bailing scupper holes ensured that water never pooled inside the kayak, maintaining a dry and comfortable experience throughout. Transporting the kayak was a breeze, thanks to the convenient carry handles, allowing me to easily load and unload it solo on top of my sedan. In conclusion, the 10' Sit- On- Top Kayak is a great choice for anyone seeking comfort, convenience, and reliability on the water. Its combination of lightweight design, ample storage, stability, and convenient features make it a top- notch option for kayaking enthusiasts of all levels. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable and hassle- free kayaking experience.

5 Patrickt146
The Crosswater is a solid rig for getting out! She's sturdy yet lightweight enough to launch easily. The seat and the footwells are very comfortable, even after being out for a while. The water bottle groove was appreciated and should be a must here in Florida!!! Out on the water the Crowsswater handled wonderfully nimble, responsive and tracked well. adjusting the seat was a breeze out on the water, strapped the paddle up and was able to move around and adjust the back with no fear of going for a swim. The built in rod holders are easy to reach and do n't interfere with paddling. The idea of the spot for a bucket molded in is a wonderful addition. The dry hold did its job, I usually go out with my sons, and paddle battles always happen!! All in all my sons and I were all very impressed with the build, performance and value of the crosswater.