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The best ocean fishing kayak will be able to take you places you never thought possible. Fishing offshore in the open water will give you a new perspective on life. The ocean will hold larger and more variety of fish than that of smaller freshwater lakes. The best fishing kayaks for ocean will be comfortable and have features such as ample storage to get you and your gear to your weekend campsite.
The best fishing kayaks are versatile to be functional in surf and flat water. We have done the research so you don’t have to. Here are our top 10 saltwater fishing kayaks.
OUR TOP PICK
Vibe Yellowfin 130T 13 Foot Tandem
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Can fit up to 3 people
- Lifetime warranty
- Customizable foot braces
Length: 13 feet
Weight: 80 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 500 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
EDITORS CHOICE
Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Loads of quality storage
- Lifetime warranty
- Foot controlled rudder system
Length: 13 feet
Weight: 74 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 325 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
BEST VALUE
Malibu Tandem Sit-On-Top
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Three seats
- Skid plate
- Easy to carry handles
Length: 12 feet
Weight: 57 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 425 lbs
Brooklyn Kayak Company Sit On Top Tandem Ocean
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- 450 lb capacity
- Comes with 2 paddles and 2 seats
- Easy to transport
Length: 12.5 feet
Weight: 85 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 450 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
Frenzy Sit-On-Top Ocean
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Replaceable skid plate
- Lots of storage
- Easy to carry handles
Length: 9 feet
Weight: 43 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 325 lbs
Caper Classic Recreational Sit-On-Top Sea
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Comfortable, adjustable seat
- 3 colors to choose from
Length: 9 feet
Weight: 46 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 300 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
Scrambler 11 Sit-On-Top Recreational
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Replaceable skid plate
- 6 inch lock hatch for dry storage
- Overlapping footwells
Length: 11’ 6.5”
Weight: 47 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 350 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Ocean Angler Kayak
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Well designed and comfortable seat
- Loads of storage including a table system
- Sliding foot brace
Length: 11 feet
Weight: 47 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 325 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Internal storage hatch
- Rod holders
- Skid plate
Length: 13’4”
Weight: 56 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 325 lbs
Caper Classic Recreational Sit-On-Top
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Large storage hatch
- Cup holder
- Replaceable skid plate
Length: 11 feet
Weight: 47 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 325 lbs
Materials: Polyethylene
How To Choose An Saltwater Fishing Kayak – Buying Guide
There are a few key things that you will want to pay attention to when looking to buy one of the best fishing kayaks. These can seem small and not important but can become magnified on longer trips.
Width
Paying attention to the width of your kayak will help you to determine how suitable it is for fishing, especially if you are a beginner. Kayaks that are wider tend to offer a more stable ride than thinner models. Thinner kayaks will be more likely to tip but will move faster through the water due to less drag. Be sure to consider other factors that play into stability, such as material, in order to ensure that your model will provide the most stable ride.
You can, however, count on a wider fishing kayak meaning that you will have a more spacious cockpit. This will allow you more room to move around on your kayak and can be a great feature when you are practicing prolonged sitting such as in fishing. This can also add to the amount of storage space you will have on board which is another added benefit to a fisherman.
Weight
The weight of your kayak plays a role in how useful the kayak is to you, but not in the way you may think. While the weight of your kayak doesn’t play a huge role in its performance, it makes a big difference when transporting.
Typically these kayaks way around 60 to 70 pounds. They feature a long and awkward shape. This weight does not include any accessories you add to your kayak such trolling motors, rudder system, mounted storage, etc. Once you begin to add to your kayak, the weight can become quite extensive.
Having to transfer a fishing kayak from your house to your car is hard enough. You will then have to transfer it from your car to the water and back again. You may even have to portage your kayak between different areas. This can become crippling when done repeatedly and plays a big importance in your enjoyment with your kayak. For this reason, having a kayak that features a lighter weight can be incredibly useful.
Price
Since these kayaks are highly specialized they will cost more than the average kayak. Companies take extra time and resources to plan out everything from the shape of the hull to the best kayak fishing accessories. Even a slight modification to the angle of the hull can have detrimental effects when you’re on the water. This is a critical aspect companies need to research and get right in the construction process.
The materials used to manufacture the best ocean fishing kayak can also affect the price. Most kayaks come in a form of plastic, but the accents can add up. The seat needs to be well designed, which can increase the price of the overall kayak. With that being said, you will want the most comfortable/best kayak seat you can get, especially if you’re planning weekend fishing trips.
Maneuverability
Even though the best fishing kayak for the ocean needs to be on the longer side it also has to be maneuverable. This can be done in many ways ranging from the width of the kayaks to the shape of the hull and even rudder systems. Thinner kayaks will have an easier time moving quickly through the water but can be more difficult to turn without tipping.
This is where a rudder system comes into play. These systems give you the most control over your kayaks. Not only do they keep you pointed in a straight line even in choppy and windy conditions, but they can also help with steering the boat. Most will have hands free ways of controlling them as well – making it a great option for people looking to fish on the ocean in their kayak.
You may also be interested in:
Best River / Fly Fishing Kayaks, Best Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks
Design
The layout of the fishing kayak will be a key factor in making your time on the water more enjoyable. Ocean fishing kayaks are on the bigger side which allows them to have loads of storage options. This can include dry hatches, bungee systems and even behind the seat nets.
Most sit inside options will have knee braces such as ski knee braces which are essentially padding and support for your legs. All ocean fishing kayaks will have adjustable areas that allow your legs to extend fully and move around freely. This is a great feature to have especially on longer fishing trips.
Easy Entry and Exit
There are many factors that can affect how easy a kayak is to get in and out of the water. One of the biggest aspects is the weight of the kayak. It stands to reason that heavier kayaks will not only be harder to transport on your vehicle but also to get into the water. Look for a kayak that you are able to lift over your head without assistance. If you aren’t able to do this you won’t be able to load and unload your kayak meaning you won’t use it.
Handles are another key aspect of getting your kayak into the water. Most companies strategically place their built in handles. They can usually be found on either side of the seats and in the front and rear of the kayak. This can allow heavier kayaks to be pulled behind kayak carts making them easier to get into the water from your vehicle.
Speed
Ocean fishing kayaks are some of the fastest in the water. They have a long sleek shell which allows them to cut through the water with much less resistance than a traditional boat. When this is coupled with a more narrow width kayaks designed for the ocean will outpace nearly every other type.
Speed becomes vastly important when you’re traveling long distances for your fishing spot. Being able to turn up your speed and get back to shore will allow you to not only travel farther to fish but also get back to the shore before darkness falls. If you are fishing around dusk or dawn be sure to bring along a light so that you can warn other boaters of your location.
Single Or Tandem
If you are planning on paddling with a buddy regularly a tandem is the best option for you. But if this doesn’t sound like you a single seat ocean kayak is the best option. If you are a single person in a tandem kayak it can cause some issues. One is the open cockpit. Without a spray guard, it can cause the kayak to fill with water, something you want to avoid.
It can also be hard to handle since they are longer than single options. Tandem kayaks are meant to be ridden by two people. The seats have been spaced out so that nobody is in the direct middle, where you want to be when it’s just you paddling.
Stability
This is where kayaks designed for the ocean differ from nearly every other type of kayak. These kayaks need to have enough stability to combat extreme surf and wave conditions that the ocean brings. This can be hard to come by since kayaks for the ocean also need to be narrower. But this is where secondary stability comes into play.
A more narrow ocean angler kayak will be easier to tip over than a wider one. Companies have figured this out and come up with a way of combating it. Primary stability is when you’re simply sitting in the water. The amount your kayak tips is not that much in a traditional boat. But you will in ocean kayaks. What makes up for it is secondary stability. This is what stops you from completely tipping over. It will be a weird sensation, but your kayak will catch itself when you least expect it to.
Related Post: Saltwater Kayak Fishing
There is an easy way to tell if the best ocean fishing kayak has good secondary stability. It’s done by looking at the shape of its hull. A more rounded or sharp hull will be the ones to look at. The hull is the shape of the curve at the bottom of your kayak. It is one of the most important aspects of your kayak that will dictate not only how fast your kayak will travel but also its overall stability.
Another style you should look for is pontoon or tunnel hulls. This is when the bottom most point is actually inverted. These don’t favor primary over secondary stability and actually offer the best balance of any hull type. This increase in stability makes some kayaks stable enough to actually stand when fishing.
Storage
As with any kayak that you look to buy, you will want to pay attention to the amount of storage that your kayaks have. This is especially important in kayaks designed for the ocean as you will likely be looking to pack a lot of extra gear along with you on your trip. This is largely due to the unpredictable nature of paddling on the ocean. With the currents and tides, you will want to ensure that you come fully prepared and therefore will require a lot of gear.
This becomes even truer when you are fishing. While bungee cords are nice, you will want to ensure your kayak offers dry storage as well. Ideally, the best fishing kayak for the ocean should have both bow and stern storage compartments as well as bungee cord systems on top. When fishing, it is ideal to store your gear and best kayak tackle boxes in the back and reserving the front of your kayak for fish storage.
Bungee systems on your kayak allow you to attach additional gear to your kayaks which becomes ideal when planning to enjoy overnight camping. Every single inch of storage becomes necessary when you are planning long weekend fishing trips. You will have to pack in and out all of your gear including tents, sleeping pads for camping and even your food, not to mention your fishing rods and other gear.
Comfort
The seat of your kayak is one of the most important aspects when it comes to fishing. We all know that fishing takes time and patience. But if your seat isn’t comfortable both of these things will seem secondary to your discomfort. Be sure to ensure your kayak comes with a seat as some don’t. On top of this, ensure it is comfortable. You can do this by making sure it is completely adjustable and has extra padding.
Being able to change positions and adjust it on the go may seem insignificant, but can add another dimension to your fishing. Sitting in one position can cause you significant discomfort through your back and legs. Shifting your seat into a more reclined position can reduce this discomfort and make you able to sit for hours longer.
Companies have also learned the strategic areas to add padding. Some even use specialized materials that make padding more firm or softer depending on which part of the body it’s against.
Kayaks have many uses and designs. What makes the best ocean kayak will differ from the best recreational or sit on top kayak.
Length
The vastness of the ocean will undoubtedly make you feel very small especially sitting in a one person kayak. Swells become massive without the cover of an inlet or bay. The length of your kayak will do its best to combat both of these. Look for an ocean kayak that fits in the 15 to 20 foot range. This will make ascending large swells easier and not feel as small in the ocean.
Storage
Since you will more than likely be traveling longer distances than in fresh water ample storage is necessary. Dry storage is that which keeps your items free from water, even if you overturn your kayak. Bungee systems are also a key feature that will ensure you have quick access to your most needed items such as water and snacks.
Cockpit
Comfort is the most important thing to consider when purchasing an ocean kayak. Traveling long distances in a cockpit you feel claustrophobic will not translate into a fun trip. Try to find a kayak where you can sit comfortably and move your feet around easily. Being able to travel with blankets around your legs will make the early morning or end of season trips that much more enjoyable.
Materials
Most kayaks are made out of a polyethylene material. This is a lightweight, durable plastic that does a good job resisting dings and dents caused by the shore. It can be warped if left in the sun for a prolonged time so we suggest storing this type of kayak undercover.
High-end fiberglass is another common building material. It is more lightweight than its plastic counterpart but is more susceptible to damage. That being said, fiberglass is exceptionally easy to repair which gives it a lifespan of up to a decade.
Kevlar and carbon are the highest end materials you can get for kayaks. They are ultralight and super durable. Expect to pay for this type as the material used is vastly more expensive than that of fiberglass and plastic.
More single Fishing Kayak Review:
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak Review
- Kayak Crabbing Guide – Everything You Need To Know
- Elkton Outdoors Cormorant Inflatable 2 Person Fishing Kayak Review
FAQs
Q: Where Do I Keep My Catch?
The ocean is full of fish so with any luck you can expect to be bringing home a fair amount of catch. You will need somewhere safe to hold your catch while you are kayak fishing. Due to the currents and the waves, having somewhere secure to put your fish will allow you to paddle safely without worrying too much about your catch.
Where fishermen put their catch varies greatly. Some fishermen bring along milk crates or other buckets that they secure to their kayak. With the help of bungee cables these fishermen harness the bucket to their kayak which allows them a safe place to store their catch.
While this is useful, there are other options. A lot of fishermen use their internal storage to house their catch. Lining the front storage hole with a black bag and then using this area to put your fish is also quite common. This allows you to seal up your catch while you are braving the currents back to shore.
If you are in an area where there aren’t lots of sharks around, you may want to store your kayak in the most convenient place of all: the ocean. You can do this by slipping a line through the gill and mouth of your fish and then stringing them to your kayak. You then can let them drift behind you in the water as you continue your day. The downside of this is you risk losing your catch more so this way than with any other on the list.
Q: Is it Okay To Buy A Cheap Fishing Kayak For The Ocean?
Ocean fishing kayaks require a lot more technology than average kayaks. A kayak intended for large bodies of moving water, such as the ocean, will require far more advanced features than kayaks meant for calm small lakes. Typically this will be in the form of a longer design that cuts through the water with ease. You will also need your kayak to be properly outfitted for your desired use: fishing.
Due to this advanced technology, you will require a higher quality boat. While we do understand the reality of budgets and appreciate their importance, we don’t recommend getting the cheapest kayak on the market. Instead, opting for a kayak that is in the mid range mark will make it so that your money ends up going farther. Realistically, this has everything to do with your safety and with the durability of your kayaks. You will not want to get a kayak that is only going to last you for a season or two.
Q: How Much Storage Space Should I Have?
When heading out to kayak fishing in the ocean, you can bank on having a lot of gear with you. Fishing requires a fair amount of gear on its own but when you are on the water you will need to bring along even more. For this reason, we recommend placing significant importance on storage when looking to purchase the best sea fishing kayak.
As a general rule you can accept that the more storage the boat has, the better it will be. Some fisherman even chooses to opt for tandem kayaks that can be paddled by a solo kayaker in order to get additional storage. While this will deliver significantly more room it is typically not needed.
When looking for your boat you will want to ensure that it offers both bow and stern internal storage. Open the lids and check to see how much space is inside the compartments. Next, you will want to ensure that your kayaks offer significant bungee systems on deck. Will you be able to easily attach a lot of gear on top of your boat as well?
Lastly, consider how much space is in the cockpit with you. Are you able to store any other gear in the cockpit alongside of you as well? If your fishing kayak features additional storage, such as small compartments to place personal gear such as cell phones, that is an added bonus.
While it is easy to say that more is better, the truth is it comes down to personal preference. If you are known to pack light, you may not need as much space as another fisherman. If you go for shorter trips you will require less space than someone planning to go out for the whole day, or for overnight trips. The type of fishing you plan to do should also factor into the equation of how much space you will need.
Q: Is It Easy To Fish On An Ocean Kayak?
Saltwater fishing kayaks are built to be stable. The water in the ocean is known to be choppy which is why ocean kayaks harbor special technology to help keep your kayaks from capsizing in the water. The stability makes fishing on these kayaks much easier. Sea kayaks are also generally much longer in length which allows them to pack even more gear which is very useful for fishing. Throwing casts on a kayak isn’t much different than on the shore.
Q: How Can I Know If I Can Use A Kayak In The Ocean For Fishing?
Most kayaks that have been designed for fishing in the ocean will have a wide body and be on the longer end of the spectrum. An increased width will give the kayak additional secondary stability. This means the fishing kayak will be able to tip in the water without fully falling over. Large ocean swells will make this a requirement for the kayaks to be seaworthy.
Secondary stability will also give you extra confidence when it comes to throwing your casts. You won’t have to worry too much about bracing yourself when preparing to cast or reel in your catch. This is great for a more relaxing time on the water.
Most kayaks that are designed for use in the say will advertise this in the name. If it isn’t that straight forward, you will still find some visible cues that will allow you to identify it. These kayaks typically have a flared bow. This feature allows you to easily glide overtop of larger waves rather than cutting through them.
In addition to this feature, you will want to look for personal suitability for fishing. Do the kayaks you are looking to offer adequate space in the cockpit? Are you able to spread out and move around comfortably for the long term use that fishing requires? How about the space for the storage. Do the kayaks you are looking to provide a good amount of storage that will allow you to bring along all of your gear? Is it equipped for fishing in terms of rod holders and paddle clips? Answering these questions is a great way to consider whether the kayaks you are looking at will be a suitable option for your next fishing adventure.
Q: Should I Go For Sit-In Or Sit-On-Top?
Each of these types has their pros and cons. A sit inside style is great for things like rivers and white water. These will allow you to also go in high surf conditions without getting wet (with an addition of a spray guard). Most of these kayaks have some dry storage for your sensitive electronics or extra gear. They may not have a bungee system which can leave them lacking in the storage department. This style is also ideal for beginners as they allow you to have a lower center of gravity and therefore a more stable ride.
A sit on top type fishing kayak will have a more open deck. In fact, your legs will be completely exposed. This can give you more open storage in the way of bungees and deck space. But it may lack dry storage like hatches.
Globo Surf Overview
Using one of the best ocean fishing kayaks will allow you to paddle for prolonged periods of time in comfort. Lots of space, a comfortable cockpit and a durable frame are key aspects that you should factor into your decision. The best ocean fishing kayaks can maneuver through the unpredictable surf of the ocean as well as being reliable for a straight ride through the lake.
More Fishing Kayak’s Reviews:
- Fishing Kayaks
- Tandem Fishing Kayaks
- Fishing Float Tube
- Stand Up Fishing Kayaks
- Kayak Paddles For Fishing
- Pedal Fishing Kayaks
- Kayak Fishing Rods
- Kayak Fishing Nets
- Modular Fishing Kayaks
- Kayak Fish Finders
- Kayak Tackle Boxes
- Kayak Knives
More Fishing Kayak’s Guides:
- How To Set Up Your Kayak For Fishing
- Tips For Using Your Fishing Float Tube
- Saltwater Kayak Fishing Tips
New to kayak fishing or have a kayak on our list? Let us know how you like it in the comment section below.