The 6 Best Ocean Fishing Kayaks for When Out At Sea
Yoho yoho, a pirates life for me! Decided that saltwater fishing is for you, eh? Well, you're in luck because we have your back, we have assembled the best ocean fishing kayaks with a brief buying guide on how to find the ocean fishing kayak that's right for you.
Let's begin!
Different Types of Kayak
Let's break this down into six categories for you. Sit-in, sit-on-top, inflatable, pedals, motorized, and tandem.
Sit-In
A sit-in kayak has an enclosed cockpit that tends to have walls up either side of the passenger's seat. This means you have less chance of getting wet unless you intend on capsizing!
Sit-On-Top
A Sit-on-top kayak has an upright seat on top of the kayak without an enclosed cockpit. This typically means better back support and makes fishing from kayaks easier as you can alternate sides.
Inflatable Kayaks
An inflatable kayak has a reputation for being that silly banana boat, floaty looking toy that one puncture will send you skimming off into the distance when in actual fact, they are very durable options for kayak fishing.
Inflatable fishing kayaks can come as sit-in or sit-on-top models.
Like hardshell kayaks, some have plenty of fishing extras and gear like flush-mounted rod holders, multiple storage options, carry handles or an adjustable seat.
The biggest plus for inflatables is that some kayaks on the market can fold up into a handy backpack to transport them and your gear super easily!
Some of the best and most convenient kayaks are the inflatable type, so well worth considering!
Pedal Kayak
Pedal kayaks are powered using your legs, allowing you to be hands-free when moving forward and backward, providing a more relaxed fishing experience.
However, it does mean that you have to be careful of shallow water and underwater obstacles as the pedals extend below the bottom of the kayak.
Motorized Kayak
A motorized kayak would allow you to conserve energy for kayak fishing and go faster on the water. On the downside, a motor is not an eco-friendly option.
Tandem
A tandem kayak is the best kayak for the extroverts out there. If you want to socialize while you sit in your ocean kayak for fishing, you might want to consider a tandem kayak.
A tandem fishing kayak can accommodate two passengers and some extra fishing gear and is perfect for a trip for two!
Weather Conditions
A primary concern for those looking for an ocean kayak is the weather conditions and particularly the water conditions the boat can accommodate.
Flat Water
Flat water can be anything from lakes to closed coves, these areas don't usually have choppy waves or rough seas but do have tides.
A boat designed for flat water will feature a wider cockpit and a rounded hull. Also, this design will be easily controlled on flat water but more likely to take on water in rougher seas.
Choppy Water
Most coastlines or long stretches of the open sea will feature choppy water. A boat designed for rough seas usually has a V-shaped hull allowing the boat to cut through the sea easily and a smaller cockpit to have less chance of water splashing into the boat.
Sizing Guide
Ocean fishing kayaks come in a range of different sizes. The dimensions are critical when considering a purchase in preparation for transporting the boat and deciding how much kit you can safely fit.
Length
The length can range from recreational yaks at 10 feet long to touring yaks commonly around 12-16ft, and some sea kayaks have been known to go up to 23 feet long! So it's important to consider whether your vehicle is properly equipped for transport to get your boat to the sea, otherwise it could be a long walk!
Width
The width is quite important to consider in regards to your kayaking ability. If you are a beginner kayaker, a wider boat can offer more balance but doesn't go as fast, whereas a thinner kayak is designed for speed.
Weight
The weight of the kayak can be considered in two ways. It can be the weight of the kayak regarding how heavy it is to transport or the weight capacity, with a view as to how much weight the boat can take on in passengers or gear. Weight capacity varies from kayak to kayak, but the main thing to consider is making sure your passenger weight plus your fishing gears weight is below the listed weight capacity.
Buying Guide
There are plenty of features to consider when trying to find the best ocean fishing kayaks to fish successfully. It can be overwhelming being hit with terms like propulsion, rudders, or storage options. This is why we've pulled together this buying guide to help you understand what to look out for.
Propulsion
Propulsion is referring to the kayaks mode of transport, does it use a pedal system, or maybe it uses a motor, or perhaps just the classic tried and tested paddles system. Every method has it's pros and cons, but finding the most suitable option for you is essential when purchasing the best sea fishing kayak on the market.
Storage
The storage options on every kayak vary. Some only have bungee cord storage space, some have storage hatches, but most ocean kayaks will have sealed compartments to protect your gear from choppy waters.
Ocean kayaks tend to have much better storage space than river kayaks. If you are taking any waterproof gear, you will want to look out for sealed hatches, and for extra protection, it might also be worth considering some drybags to keep your valuables in.
As for storing the kayak, some made from cheaper plastics may fade or warp if they are left outdoors, so they tend to be better stored inside. If you intend to purchase an inflatable kayak, then it's also essential to make sure it is stored deflated to prolong its lifespan.
Seating and Comfort
The seating system in a kayak is usually pretty adjustable. You can remove, replace, adjust forwards, or push the seat back, and sometimes the seat can provide extra back support, which is particularly helpful for any long term anglers.
Some seats are also padded or designed with comfort in mind, and many kayaks have adjustable footrests so as not to discriminate against any length of legs.
Not all seats are as adjustable, though, and can sit in a fixed position inside the cockpit, therefore, if you intend to have the most comfortable fishing trip possible, then seating is an essential consideration.
Check out our guide to the best fishing kayak seats.
Boat Design
The speed of a kayak will depend on aspects such as the propulsion and the amount of water surface contact. Without stating the obvious, a motorized kayak will go faster than a pedal kayak, but what you might not know is the amount the width of the kayak or the shape of the hull can affect the speed.
A flat bottomed wide kayak is going to be more stable but much slower than a thin kayak with a v-shaped hull. This is why the flat bottomed wide kayak is perfect for white water kayaking, where the whitewater will propel you. The wide stability will keep you in the boat, and it doesn't matter so much getting water in the boat. Whereas the thinner v-shaped hull is better for speed and cutting through the water, making it better for fluctuating levels of waves on the sea.
It can also be challenging to create good stability on an ocean fishing kayak. The narrow hull can make the thin boat unstable. Generally, ocean kayaks designed for flat water tend to be more stable and may have the option of standing to cast a line. In contrast, choppy water kayaks are unsuitable for standing and have an enclosed deck.
Skeg
What is a skeg? It sounds like some sort of brewery implement or some sort of wasp straight from the Harry Potter books. A skeg is actually a fixed rudder, that is there to aid the kayak in tracking straight.
Materials
The materials used to make an ocean fishing kayak will affect the overall weight. Most sea kayaks are made with polyethylene because of its durability and how light it proves to be.
Other products might be made with fiberglass as it's even more lightweight but unfortunately not as durable and more susceptible to scratches and dents. However, some like it because it is so easy to repair.
The best ocean kayaks for fishing will usually be sporting a Kevlar or carbon material. They are super light and crazy durable, which makes them an excellent option for those who can afford it!
Safety
Only experienced paddlers should be taking a sit-in kayak out to sea. The sit-on-top kayak, if capsized, will not fill up with water and can easily be flipped back over and the kayaker to climb back in. However, the sit-in will fill up with water, and you will have to swim to shore to empty it out. Ideally, you need to be experienced enough to control the boat so as not to allow it to capsize or, realize that you need to stay close to shore on unpredictable days. Safety is always first!
Color
You can never be too safe around the ocean, that is why you should consider the color of your boat, and although you might want a blue boat to match your buoyancy aid, it may not be the safest option. Blue boats can be difficult to see from a distance in an emergency when sitting on the deep blue sea and, red kayaks can disappear in low light conditions. The safest colors with regards to visibility are solid bright colors such as orange, yellow, or luminous green as they stand out against the sea and horizon even in low light.
Portability
Some ocean kayaks on the market can be 13ft plus long and, therefore, cumbersome and challenging to transport. If you've decided that the best kayak for ocean fishing is 13 feet or longer, you'll need to look at a trolley or car rack to ease moving it on your own.
Extra Fishing Features
The best kayak for ocean fishing has got to have fishing features, right?! Kayaks for ocean fishing will most likely have additional features involved in their design. Here are a few.
Fishing Rod Holders
Allows the angler to be hands-free when casting a line
Fishfinder Ready
Gives the kayaker the option of adding a fishfinder GPS to the kayak.
Adjustable Seats and Footrests
Enables the paddler to be comfortable and aids visibility.
Each kayak differs in fishing features, but it's up to you to find the extras you simply must have!
Our Top Picks
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best fishing kayak for ocean kayaking!
1. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 Ocean Fishing Kayak
This brand has done it again with the sea ghost 130 model. It is fully souped-up with plenty of features to make your fishing experience a relaxed one.
It has been painstakingly designed so that every feature is finely tuned towards a target fishing audience. The seats are adjustable, allowing you to switch positions on the go even if you're already out on the open water.
It also sports two flush mount rod holders and a built-in rudder system you can control with your feet, enabling a relaxing, hands-free experience. The sea ghost ensures excellent tracking even when the seas are choppy, and the wind is blowing a gale.
If you bring a load of fishing gear with you, this vessel is one of the best for storage options. This boat has so much storage you will be spoilt for choice on where to put everything. There's a large center storage compartment you can keep all the essential items in your kit and also a large 20-inch watertight storage hatch for all your water sensitive gear.
This is an excellent choice for any fishing fanatic!
Length 13 feet
Weight 74 lbs
Weight Capacity 550 lbs
The prowler 13 is a popular choice for anglers as well as touring sea kayakers. The hull enables a speedy yet stable paddle. It is versatile and performs well in both still and rough water and also has a comfortable seat, which is useful for long trips.
The kayak comes with rod holders for fishing convenience and a large front storage hatch and external storage made possible with the bungee cords attached. It comes with two paddles, two cup holders and has a high weight capacity. It's also pretty durable and includes a skid plate underneath the boat to protect the hull from skidding marks and scrapes when offshore.
This boat is simple and effective.
Length 13 foot 4 inches
Weight 56 lbs
Weight Capacity 325 lbs
Are you looking for the best ocean fishing kayak for two passengers? We may have found the perfect boat! It enables you to paddle with one or two passengers with ease as the rear seat is positioned enough in the center of the kayak to be balanced when kayaking solo.
Both seats have a watertight storage hatch for all your essential items and non-water friendly things like cameras or wallets.
It also has a whopping 7 rod holders! This allows you to lay back in your comfortable seat and have more than one line cast increasing many fold your chances of the prizewinning fish!
Both seats also have paddle rests to allow the angler to relax and store the paddles while fishing.
Tandem ocean fishing has never been more comfortable!
Length 12 ft 6 inches
Weight 85 lbs
Weight Capacity 450 lbs
This kayak is an excellent choice for ocean kayak fishing! Its hull allows it to be stable in the choppy water, and comfort is assured by an accommodating back support with its Phase 3 AirPro seat.
It's a sit-in kayak which might make you wonder whether it has enough legroom, well, it sure does. This kayak has a slide lock XL foot brace system, enabling the paddler to adjust the foot braces on the go!
This kayak doesn't skimp on storage option either with bungee cord lashings, under deck hatches, and also a convenient hatch behind the seat for small essentials.
This boat has you covered!
Length 11 feet
Weight 47 lbs
Weight Capacity 325 lbs
Finally, an ocean fishing kayak with foot pedals! Allow yourself to relax and concentrate, using your arms to cast the lines and maneuver using only your legs.
Pedal fishing kayaks can be a little clunkier but can go faster thus more convenient for an angler.
This fishing kayak balances quality, efficiency, and price to create a solid all-around pedal drive kayak.
Not unlike a bicycle, these pedals have gears, and with a top speed of 5.5mph, the gear ratio remains 10.3:1, which is used to determine how easy it will be to pedal the fishing kayak.
You can adjust the rudder and the padded seat, with storage at the bow and stern using bungee cords. It's a great choice from a range of pedal drive fishing kayaks.
Length 12 ft
Weight 100 lbs
Weight Capacity 450 lbs
This boat is built explicitly for fishing comfort and with features to match some of the best fishing kayaks!
It has not one rod holder, not two, but six rod holders, and the most comfortable elevated Vantage ST seat, which is adjustable for back support and in height.
It's packed with a pivoting tackle management system, and a pre-rigged transducer mount with built-in through-hull cable plugs, some gear rails, and the cherry on the kayak cake a cup holder. It's wide enough to give you the right amount of stability to be able to stand up and cast a line.
The mirage drive is a pedal drive system that allows you to move around without having to put down your fishing pole.
The only downside to this boat is that all of the fishing gear comes with a price. It is both expensive and super heavy; it weighs a tonne. Ok, not literally, but it will take a lot of consideration when planning to transport, perhaps needing a trolley to get it in and out of the sea. It has an excellent ability to tackle flat coastal waters but not suited to more rough waters.
Length 13 ft 8 inches
Weight 144 lbs
Weight Capacity 600 lbs
Questions & Answers
1. Where in the kayak should I store the fish I catch from the ocean?
The minute a fish dies, it starts to deteriorate, this is why you must keep it fresh. You have to consider storage, there are plenty of options to store the fish, whether it be a cooler or insulated fish bag, but once you decide on where you're going to cool the fish, ideally you will need some sort of ice to keep the fish fresh.
2. Is fishing on an ocean easy or difficult?
It can depend on the weather conditions and how experienced a kayaker you are. Waves are inevitable and can make the boat unstable and capsize, but small waves are easier to negotiate. I can become more difficult when you start to face larger breaking waves. Luckily sea kayaks are equipped to try and make it easier and more stable.
3. What is the most stable fishing kayak?
Stable fishing kayak is equipped for the water it is put on and hosting an experienced passenger. The length and width come into play when considering stability. It comes down to the amount of water surface the kayak is in contact with. The more surface contact, the more stable it is.
4. Are sit-on-top fishing kayaks good for the ocean?
Yes, they are. Sit-on-top kayaks can be an excellent option, especially if you are a beginner, they are safer if the boat capsizes as you can flip it back over and climb in rather than bring it to shore and empty it out.
Conclusion
So, what is the best ocean fishing kayak on the market? We have speculated, and after many reviews, our choice is...
Weighing in at 74 pounds and with a capacity of over 500 lbs, the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 Ocean Fishing Kayak takes the top spot.
With its many fishing features like fishing rod holders, storage compartments for all your gear, and adjustable seating and footrests, this kayak is ready to get out on the saltwater expanse and catch some fish.
A brilliant kayak and worth the high price tag.