Best kayak for under $500

[bunsack27]

I am searching for a good kayak big enough to stand in. I was looking at the sun dolphin sportsman. I know it isnt a kayak but i just need a small vessel to get me on the water.

let me know any good brands/models

[JigMaster4]

If you can go up in price a little, the ascend fs12t is a good kayak and you can stand in it.

[Caliyak]

Perception kayaks and Ascend 

[the reel ess]

Perception Pescador 12. Not the latest PRO upgrade, but the original. It's the  Tarpon from a decade ago.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/perception-pescador-10-sit-on-top-kayak#repChildCatid=1376725

Here's the 10'. I don't know if they still sell the original 12', but that's what I have. Even better would probably be a used higher quality boat with a stadium seat.

[BrianSnat]

You may be best off looking for a used kayak. You can get a lot more bang for the buck.  Sun Dolpin is garbage. Pelican too. They are made of cheap plastic. I lived in a lake community where a lot kayaks and canoes were stored on the shore. You could pick out the Sun Dolphins and Pelicans from a distance because of the terribly warped hulls. It only takes a couple of seasons for that to happen.

Also consider that if you buy a cheap kayak new, you can add couple of hundred bucks to the cost after buying a paddle, PFD and outfitting it with rod holders and other fishing friendly anemities. A good used boat will usually come with all that included in the price and you are getting a better boat for slightly more than you will pay for a cheap kayak.

[J Francho]

17 minutes ago, briansnat said:

You may be best off looking for a used kayak. You can get a lot more bang for the buck.

This is probably your best bet.  You can also probably find a package deal with a serviceable paddle, and a good PFD, along with other accessories.

[Turtle135]

I think the the lowest priced kayaks that are made for standing and fishing would be the "Shadow Caster" series and the Ascend FS12T from Bass Pro Shops. Make sure to read the reviews that can be found online about these kayaks before you purchase. You may find you want to increase your budget to get into a kayak that you would enjoy fishing out of more.

p.s. - if you are on Facebook check out the "Kayak Bass Fishing" forum and pose your question there, lots of kayak fishing experience on that forum

https://www.facebook.com/groups/KayakBassFishing/