Updated August 29, 2023
When you go kayaking in the ocean there are special intrigues and challenges while you silently explore and enjoy the natural beauty of areas that other modes of transport can’t access. If you’re a fisherman this means you can reach populations of fish that are hard to approach otherwise.
Not every kayak is suitable for the task. You need one with a shape and configuration to handle ocean waves and conditions as well as support your gear, equipment, and associated baggage.
To lend a hand in your selection process, ten top models are introduced below for your consideration. We start with a comparison table of the candidates followed by descriptions, key features, photos, and videos, and finally a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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Ocean Fishing Kayak Reviews
- Ocean Kayaks Prowler 13 Angler
- Perception Pescador Pro 12
- Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
- Ocean Kayaks Trident 11 Angler
- Wilderness Systems Radar 135
- Malibu Kayaks Stealth-14 Ultimate Fishing Kayak
- BKC RA220 11.6′ Single
- BKC PK11 10.6′ Single Propeller Fishing Kayak
- Ocean Kayaks Trident 15 Angler
Ocean Fishing Kayak Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Weight | Length | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Ocean Kayaks Prowler 13 Angler | 56 lbs | 13'4" | 325 lbs | $$ |
  | Perception Pescador Pro 12 | 57 lbs | 12' | 375 lbs | $$ |
  | Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 | 148.5 lbs | 13'8" | 600 lbs | $$$$$ |
  | Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 | 52 lbs | 10' | 275 lbs | $ |
  | Ocean Kayaks Trident 11 Angler | 71 lbs | 11'6" | 305 lbs | $$$ |
  | Wilderness Systems Radar 135 | 90 lbs | 13'6" | 475 lbs | $$$ |
  | Malibu Kayaks Stealth-14 Ultimate Fishing Kayak | 85 lbs | 14'4" | 550 lbs | $$$ |
  | BKC RA220 11.6' Single | 68 lbs | 11'6" | 450 lbs | $$ |
  | BKC PK11 10.6' Single Propeller Fishing Kayak | 60 lbs | 10'6" | 420 lbs | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayaks Trident 15 Angler | 91 lbs | 15'6" | 455 lbs | $$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Ocean Kayaks Prowler 13 Angler
The padded 4-way adjustable seat is comfortable and it is well set up for fishing with 2 rod holders, 2 paddler holders to free up your hands, and lots of options for stowing gear and baggage including a click-seal bow hatch, cam-lock center hatch, large well behind the seat with bungee webbing, and a bungee along the edge of the deck.
In addition, there’s a transducer-compatible scupper for a fish finder, 2 molded cup holders, and a skid plate to protect the hull.
Currently available in brown camo, you’ll need to supply your own paddle, but there is a generous lifetime warranty on the hull.
- Length: 13 feet 4 inches
- Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rugged polyethylene construction
- 17-inch seat well with a comfortable 4-way adjustable seat
- Molded footwells
- Click-seal bow hatch
- Deck bungee
- Large stern storage well with bungee webbing
- 6-inch center cam-lock hatch with a storage bucket
- Paddle-holders on each side
- 2 flush-mounted rod holders & 2 flush-mounted cupholders
- Molded carry handles on each side
- Skid plate to protect the hull
- Screw-in drain plug, & transducer-compatible scupper
- Available in brown camo
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
- Price: $$
It has adjustable 2-level mesh seating with durable roto-molded polyethylene construction that can be positioned for maximum efficiency depending on whether you are paddling or fishing.
There is a lot of storage in the open areas front and rear for a cooler and gear, and with 2 rod holders, a cup holder, and accessory rails to handle the odd bits and pieces.
It also has easy-to-adjust footrests to accommodate different-sized paddlers and a replaceable skid plate to protect the hull.
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 32.5 inches
- Weight: 64 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable one-piece roto-molded high-density polyethylene construction
- Replaceable skid plate
- Removable two-level mesh seat
- Easily adjustable footrests
- Large open storage in front and rear with webbing
- 2 molded rod holders and a cup holder
- Integrated accessory rails for fish finders & accessories
- Rear carry handle and 2 molded side-handles
- Currently available in 3 color schemes (dapper, grasshopper, & salsa)
- Price: $$
This one has the latest 360 Drive technology and an automatic retractable rudder system (activated on impact).
The wide body is ultra-stable for stand-up fishing and the EVA traction pad aids in the grip and noise reduction.
The 600-pound capacity and loads of storage and mounting options provide plenty of room for all your gear, and the 4-way adjustable seat with lumbar support will keep you comfortable on long days on the water.
It comes with a 2-piece paddle and is available in two interesting camo combinations of color.
With this many features, it is probably no surprise that it is quite expensive.
- Length: 13 feet 8 inches
- Width: 38 inches
- Weight: 148.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable roto-molded polyethylene construction
- Mirage 360 drive technology with automatic ST turbo kick-up fins
- Retractable steering system with a stowable rudder
- EVA traction pad
- Vantage 4-way adjustable seat with Boa lumbar support
- Large front hatch, a rear hatch, a large well with bungee webbing, and under-seat storage
- Guardian retractable transducer shield
- 12-sided Hobie H-rail bars for accessory attachment
- 6 rod holders
- 2-piece paddle with a T-handle included
- Available in amazon green camo and arctic blue camo
- Expensive
- Price: $$$$$
It has a flat bottom with hull channels and chine rails for effective tracking and stability though it is not an especially speedy design.
The padded seating and multiple footrests suit a range of body sizes making for a comfortable day of paddling.
There is adequate storage with two hatches, bungee webbing, a paddle keeper, and 3 rod holders, and front and rear carry handles make moving the kayak’s 51 pounds fairly easy.
The performance and features along with the low price make this a nice option. A 5-year limited warranty makes it even more attractive.
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 51 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Durable blow-molded UV-protected high-density polyethylene construction
- Hull channels good for tracking
- Chine rails to enhance stability
- 2 flush-mounted and 1 top-mount rod holders
- Adjustable padded seat
- Multiple footrests to suit a range of paddlers
- Front and rear T carry handles
- Two 6-inch storage compartments center and rear
- Front and rear bungee storage
- Paddle keeper with shock cords
- 5-year limited warranty
- Low-priced
- Price: $
Ocean Kayaks Trident 11 Angler
The Mod-Pod II center hatch system stands out as a location for handy storage providing quick access to gear and accessories.
Combined with gunnel accessory tracks, 2 flush-mounted rod holders, a bow hatch, and a large rear tank well big enough for a cooler, you can bring along all you need for a day of fishing.
The mesh seating is comfortable and there are adjustable foot braces to get the fit just right. Other features include reflective deck rigging, a skid plate, a paddle holder, and bow, stern, and side-mount carry handles for easy portage.
The Trident 11 will serve you well on inland waters, slow-moving rivers, and moderate ocean swells.
- Length: 11 feet 6 inches
- Width: 30.5 inches
- Weight: 71 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 305 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rugged polyethylene construction
- Comfortable, adjustable quick-drying mesh seat
- Large tank well with bungee webbing
- Click-seal bow hatch
- Mod-Pod II center hatch system with room for rod storage, a cupholder, accessory plate, sliding tackle storage trays, bungee storage, and a magnet
- 2 flush-mounted rod holders
- A paddle holder
- Gunnel accessory tracks
- Accessory plate with transducer-compatible scupper
- Adjustable foot braces
- Bow, stern, and side-mount carry handles
- Reflective deck rigging for visibility
- Skid plate to protect the hull
- Available in ahi, sea glass, and sunrise color designs
- Price: $$$
Great for standup fishing with a stable pontoon-style hull it is still speedy and maneuverable with an extended bow and stern and rocker chine.
Just loaded with storage opportunities all around with hatches, pods, gear pockets, and accessory rails, it also has multi-adjustable seating and padded footrests for a comfortable customizable ride.
If you want to take it to the next level you can add the Helix electric motor drive or Helix pedal drive and a rudder system, though these options are not cheap.
- Length: 13 feet 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Compatible with the Helix motor drive, Helix pedal drive and rudder system sold separately
- Tri-hull, pontoon-style hull for stability
- Rocker chine for maneuverability
- Extended bow and stern for speed
- Removable, adjustable 3-position mesh seat
- Padded adjustable footrests
- Removable center pod for a fish finder, cables, battery, transducer, pedal drive, or motor drive
- Large front hatch, center hatch
- Quick access behind seat storage
- Large tank well in the rear with bungee webbing
- Sidetrack rails for accessories
- Side gear pockets
- Paddle holder
- Front and rear carry handles
- Available in atomic, mesa camo, midnight, solar, and sonar color designs
- Price: $$$
View More From Wilderness Systems
Malibu Kayaks Stealth-14 Ultimate Fishing Kayak
Recent advancements include an updated front gator hatch with bungees, a 12-inch center track for accessories, and a center live bait tank.
It has Malibu Kayaks’ comfortable X-seat system with adjustable footrests to suit a range of body sizes, front, rear, and side grab handles, a paddle holder, 4 rod holders, a large stern tank well with bungee webbing that would be great for a cooler, and a standing platform.
- Length: 14 feet 4 inches
- Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 550 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Bow gator hatch (that can double as a seat) with bungee cords
- Comfortable X-seat system
- Adjustable footrests
- Standing platform
- 12-inch recessed center accessory track
- Large stern well with bungee webbing
- Center live bait tank with drainage plug
- 2 bow rod holders, 2 stern rod holders
- Paddle holder
- Front, rear, and side carry handles
- Available in desert camo, mango, and solar camo color designs
- Price: $$$
You be the judge, but they may just be right. It has durable HDPE construction with a wide stable body and excellent stand-up fishing capability.
A 450-pound capacity, a multitude of storage hatches, large rear well, and rod and paddle holders make it easy for all the gear and accessories to fit handily on board.
Comfortable adjustable seating and footrests suit a range of paddlers and a pedal-controlled rudder system conveniently keeps you on course.
The package also includes a 2-piece 86-inch paddle to top it off.
- Length: 11 feet 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 68 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- 1 paddler
- UV-protected roto-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction
- Pedal-operated rudder control
- Bungee paddle rests
- 2-piece 86” paddle included
- 3 watertight storage hatches in the bow and center
- Large stern well with bungee webbing
- Adjustable back support seat with an aluminum frame
- Adjustable footrests
- Standing platform
- 2 flush-mount rod holders
- Multiple drain ports
- Front and side carry handles
- Price: $$
BKC PK11 10.6′ Single Propeller Fishing Kayak
It also has 3 convenient flush-mounted rod holders, watertight storage fore, and amidships, along with a large rear well with bungee webbing to store all you need for a day of fishing.
What sets it apart is the pedal-driven propeller system which frees your hands for fishing along with a hand-operated rudder system to keep you on track.
A great stable platform for fishing, it is lightweight, and front, rear, and side carry handles make onshore portage easy.
- Length: 10 feet 6 inches
- Width: 33.6 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 420 pounds
- 1 paddler
- UV-protected roto-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction
- Removable pedal-driven propeller system with instant reverse
- Hand-operated rudder system
- 3 flush-mounted rod holders
- Large bow watertight storage hatch with a dry bag insert
- Smaller watertight storage hatch behind the seat with a dry bag insert
- Large stern well with bungee webbing
- Adjustable back support seat with aluminum frame
- Multiple drain ports
- Front, rear, and side carry handles
- Price: $$$
Ocean Kayaks Trident 15 Angler
While sacrificing little to nothing in stability, it is much speedier even with an added 150 pounds of capacity.
It also has the same great array of storage options including the Mod-Pod II center console but adds a rear sealed stern hatch for a bit more dry storage.
Rod holders, comfortable adjustable seating, a paddle holder, a skid plate, and carry handles all around are all there.
For this increased size and performance, the pricing is only slightly higher than that of the Trident 11.
- Length: 15 feet 6 inches
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 91 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 455 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rugged polyethylene construction
- Comfortable, adjustable quick-drying mesh seat
- Large tank well with bungee webbing
- Click-seal bow and stern hatches
- Large Mod-Pod II center console system with room for rods and tackle, a cupholder, accessory plate, sliding tackle storage trays, bungee storage, and a magnet
- 2 flush-mounted rod holders
- A paddle holder
- Gunnel accessory tracks
- Accessory plate with transducer-compatible scupper
- Adjustable foot braces
- Bow, stern, and side-mount carry handles
- Reflective deck rigging for visibility
- Skid plate to protect the hull
- Available in ahi, sea glass, and sunrise color designs
- Price: $$$
Ocean Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
Kayak Type
Generally speaking, sit-on-top kayaks are much preferred for ocean fishing when compared to sit-in kayaks. Sit-in kayaks infringe on the mobility of movement for the paddler when casting and dealing with gear. In addition storage space is often low or there is not easy access to it. Stability is especially important for ocean kayaking. It is not nearly as optimized as on most sit-on-top versions, and if you do capsize, escape and survivability are more challenging.
Length
For dealing with ocean waves and conditions, a longer kayak is more effective. Kayaks of less than 10 feet are not your best choice. With increased length, a kayak is also speedier but maneuverability is decreased.
Width
Wider kayaks are more stable and can offer more storage options for positioning fishing gear and accessories. They will also be slower but most ocean kayak fishermen, especially the less experienced, will value stability over speed.
Stability
When fishing you are often required to twist, turn, or stand up to deal with gear or battle a fish. To operate in this way stability is key. A certain amount of length, and even more so the width of the kayak aid stability. In addition, the hull design is a major factor. Flat or rounded hulls will be more stable on calm flat water. Ocean conditions are often choppier where a V-shaped design will be more stable.
Weight Capacity
You need to consider paddler body weight as well as the weight of all your gear and baggage. As you approach the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, stability can be impacted, so make sure you stay safely below it.
Storage
Storage is a major consideration when fishing. The best-equipped ocean fishing kayaks will have sealed storage hatches and means to place or position gear, accessories, bait, and coolers for food, beverages, and hopefully the fish you catch. Rod holders, accessory rails, and attachment points for specific pieces are all useful.
Speed
If you are fishing a significant distance offshore, the speed of the kayak can be an important factor. You would like to save time and energy for battling fish.
Propulsion
In the theme of energy preservation, alternatives to paddle propulsion are available. Pedal drive kayaks allow you to power through the use of your legs thereby freeing your arms and hands for fishing and dealing with gear. An electric motor is another option. Some kayaks have specific options available within the kayak model’s package. Otherwise, there are electric motors designed that can be added to a range of kayaks.
Maneuverability
Longer kayaks are less maneuverable so being equipped with a rudder can be quite useful for tracking and steering through choppy waves and conditions. There are versions with hand or foot controls. Short of having a rudder, a kayak with a skeg can also provide meaningful assistance in tracking.
11 Essential Saltwater Kayak Fishing Tips For Newbies
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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