The Best Ocean Fishing Kayaks – Discover the 11 Top Picks for 2024

Kayak fishing isn’t just all about calm lakes, slow rivers, and still, meandering waterways.

The real thrill and excitement is out there in the ocean.

But that doesn’t mean getting lost at sea.

Bays, coves, beaches, inlets, mangroves and any inland or protected water courses will still be tidal – and you’ll need the right kind of craft to tackle them.

That’s why we’ve put together this review of the best ocean fishing kayaks in 2024.

Let’s go on an adventure.

A Quick Guide to Ocean Fishing Kayaks & Our Top 3 Picks for 2024

Before we get started with the reviews, let’s take a look at some of the factors that are going to be important when choosing the right ocean-going fishing kayak for your needs.

We’ll explore all these factors and more in the buyer’s guide following the reviews, so stay tuned for more info.

Product	Award	Our Rating	Review
Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 Kayak	The Best Inshore Fishing Kayak	4.5/5.0	Read review
Hobie Mirage Pro Angler Kayak	The Best Pedal Fishing Kayak	4.2/5.0	Read review
Jackson Coosa FD Fishing Kayak	Super Stable and Comfortable	4.0/5.0	Read review

For us, the Old Town Sportsman Salty takes the top prize, and just edges out the Hobie Mirage Pro.

That might be because it’s a good couple of grand cheaper, but as an all-around, versatile fishing platform that has been designed with one-eye clearly focused on inshore fishing, the Salty can’t be beat.

An honorable mention should go to the Sportsman Bigwater – which is more suitable for offshore.

A very close second is the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler, which, simply put, is probably the best pedal drive fishing kayak ever made.

It’s the closest a kayak is going to get to an actual boat, and if you’re looking for a super-sturdy fishing platform for comfort and confidence on big water, Hobie most definitely has your back.

Last, but by no means least, in a tight battle, I’ve gone for the new Jackson Kayak Coosa FD.

Another super-stable option, Jackson is known for making uncluttered kayaks that feel roomy and liberating to pilot, and I think that lends itself to kayak fishing on the ocean.

Do you agree with our picks?

Read on for our complete review, and see if you can pick out your favorite.

How We Choose

We spent around 54 hours pouring over some 37 fishing kayaks on the market, exploring the latest and greatest fishing machines, and sorting the wheat from the chaff.

We’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to.

Where possible, we sample the goods ourselves, and get out on as many kayaks as we can.

Failing that, regular visits to local paddle sports stores ensures we can get up close and personal with these fishing machines, sit in them, fiddle with the hatches, and try to break off the hardware.

If we’re not thrown out of the store, we can grill local kayak fishing experts as to what’s currently making waves in the market, and listen to other professional opinions aside from our own.

So, the selection you find here are not just taken from attractive images on a webpage, or the first “fishing kayak” that happens to come up on an Amazon search.

For the best ocean fishing kayaks, we’ve extensively researched what makes a good kayak for inshore and offshore fishing, and all the picks you see here are suitable for this purpose.

TOP 11 Best Kayaks for Ocean Fishing

Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 Fishing Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

I gotta say I love this fishing kayak, and if I didn’t already have a decent set-up, I’d be very tempted to save my dimes for this.

Old Town has been making kayaks for over a century, and the kayaks in their Sportsman range are some of the best money can buy.

The Salty has been specifically designed for inshore fishing, perfectly at home with tides, currents, and moving water; backed by one of the most reliable pedal drives on the market.

It’s also accessory-ready, with plenty of storage space, and a super-stable, rock-solid hull design for those standing casts and reels.

And with that super-comfortable seat with lumbar support, you can stay out there for as long as you like.

Pros

• World-class design and build.
• Easy docking system.
• Two 18-inch accessory tracks.
• Non-slip EVA deck pads.
• Paddle clips.
• Universal transducer mount.
• Huge tank wells.

Cons

• Pricey.

Takeaway

Old Town has knocked it out of the park and over the horizon with this beast, which is probably the best inshore fishing kayak currently available.

Old Town Sportsman Bigwater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

While the Salty is more suitable for inshore excursions, the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater is aptly named for taking on the challenge of offshore fishing.

Replacing the highly rated Old Town Predator series, the Bigwater makes a significant improvement on the seating system, size and stability of the craft, and on-board storage options and features.

Capable of up to 500 pounds in weight capacity, you can bring a load of gear for longer fishing trips, while the longer hull design with pronounced bow and rocker can easily handle choppier conditions and waves.

Like the Salty, the pedal drive is low-maintenance, reliable, and easy to dock; so you can get in and get out with minimum fuss.

Pros

• EVA non-slip deck pads.
• Custom tackle box included.
• Accessory gear tracks.
• Choice of attractive colors.
• Universal transducer mount.
• Dry storage hatch.
• Large stern tank well.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Very heavy.

Takeaway

If you prefer to venture further afield into deeper waters, then you need a kayak that’s going to be up to the task. The Old Town Bigwater is a great example, with a hull designed especially for tackling the kind of conditions you’ll find offshore.

Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Fishing Kayak

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Another premium kayaking company, it was only a matter of time before Wilderness Systems entered the fray.

Famed for their world-class kayaks that truly inspire adventure, this is a sit-on-top fishing version that hears the ocean’s call.

Compatible with a pedal drive system (not included), it provides a versatile and powerful kayak that can tackle just about anything.

With a stable, stand-on deck, you can have total freedom-of-movement and improved casting range, while the AirPro Max seat is super comfortable when you’re ready to take the weight off.

And you can go here for a more in-depth review of the Wilderness Systems Radar 135.

Pros

• Tri-powered options.
• Accessory railings.
• Front paddle park.
• Plenty of storage options.
• Padded footrests.
• Removable seat.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Not the most portable fishing kayak out there.

Takeaway

I would expect nothing less than top-quality from Wilderness Systems, and this ocean-going fishing kayak does not disappoint. Just make sure to wear some decent kayak fishing shoes if you’re going to be standing on deck – they’ll help you stay out of the drink.

Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Inflatable Kayak

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Sea Eagle design and manufacture some of the best inflatable fishing kayaks on the market – and you can follow that link for more.

Of those, the 385fta FastTrack is their flagship, an outstanding creation that is arguably the best inflatable fishing kayak ever made.

More buoyant than a hardshell, and with a super-high weight capacity, this is at home on all bodies of water, and you can take as much gear as you can possibly pack in with you.

It’s also rated to class II whitewater, and that 360-degree swivel seat gives it the edge over other inflatables when it comes to on-board comfort for day-long fishing trips.

Pros

• Super durable construction.
• Drop-stitch high-pressure floor.
• Fast inflation time.
• Tool rack in spray skirts.
• Fish ruler.
• D-ring lashing points.
• Removable swivel chair system.

Cons

• Pricey for an inflatable.

Takeaway

When it comes to inflatable boats, Sea Eagle is a household name, and the 385fta FastTrack is one of the finest creations. So much so that we covered it in a special in-depth review. Follow that link to see how it matches up to other fishing kayaks.

Perception Pescador Pro 10 Fishing Kayak

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Perception is another top-drawer kayak company manufacturing yaks that are designed to go places and enjoy epic adventures.

The Pescador Pro is a popular and affordable sit-on-top fishing model that features a fully adjustable lawn chair seat for maximum comfort on the waves.

Ideal for beginners or anyone just dipping their toes into ocean kayak fishing for the first time, the leak-proof construction has a built-in aid for added buoyancy, and is relatively compact and lightweight for its class.

Large storage sections to the front and rear can hold all your equipment, and it features integrated accessory rails on each gunwale for fish finders, rod holders and other accessories.

Pros

• Ideal for inshore fishing.
• Breathable mesh seating.
• Bow and stern bungee cords.
• Hull skid plate.
• Affordable price.

Cons

• Limited storage.

Takeaway

One of the best fishing kayaks for beginners, this is a great option from Perception – and it won’t cost as much as other craft in this class. Still, remember that you should have a good level of experience with kayaking before venturing out on the ocean – no matter what you’re piloting.

BKC TK181 Tandem Fishing Kayak

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Based out of New Jersey, the founders of the Brooklyn Kayak Company cut their teeth on fishing and exploring the waterways of New York.

As such, they build super-sturdy, affordable craft that can go just about anywhere. And this is a great example of one, a tandem, sit-on-top fishing kayak with no less than seven rod holders located in convenient positions around the craft.

Absolutely jam-packed with features to keep anglers happy and with two paddles included, for the price, this could well be one of the best deals out there when it comes to ocean fishing kayaks.

Pros

• Great price for what you get.
• Rod holders galore.
• Ample storage options.
• Ergonomic seating.
• High weight capacity.

Cons

• Not the best kayak for more choppy waters.

Takeaway

Not a bad effort at all from the BKC, especially considering the price point. For more of the best tandem fishing kayaks, follow that link, and if you can agree on which one to buy – you should be fine to pilot a boat together.

Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

Check Price on Amazon.com

Now, this might not be the first kayak that springs to mind when you think of ocean-going vessels, but here us out.

The hugely popular Tamarack Angler fishing kayak from Lifetime is perfectly suitable for inshore fishing, especially if you’re on a budget.

Made from a high density polyethylene, this kayak can take a beating and then some, as well as being fully UV protected for when you’re out exposed to the sun.

With two flush mounted and one top mounted fishing rod holder, two six-inch storage compartments, and bungee webbing at the bow and stern, there’s plenty of on-board fishing-friendly features.

Multiple footrests accommodate anglers of all sizes, and front and rear T-handles assist with transport and storage.

Pros

• Great price.
• Simple, effective design.
• Adjustable seating.
• Water bottle holders.
• Paddle park.

Cons

• As basic as they come.
• Not the most comfortable seat.
• Low maximum weight capacity.

Takeaway

If you’re looking for the most affordable ocean fishing kayak, then the Lifetime Tamarack might well be it. While it’s not going to light up the community with the design, it is a great budget-friendly craft to get you out on those calmer waters with minimum fuss.

How to Choose the Best Kayak for Ocean Fishing

It’s not easy choosing the right fishing kayak, let alone one that’s right for fishing in the ocean.

Below, you’ll find a handy guide to help you navigate the jargon, and select the best craft for your needs.

Kayak Type

We like to keep things simple at Bonfire Bob, and so we’ve broken down the six main factors when it comes to assessing types of kayak.

They are:

After that, you can choose from several more variants, including touring kayaks, fishing kayaks, whitewater kayaks, recreational kayaks, and so on.

Obviously, for this article, we’re exploring the fishing variety, and as you can probably tell from the reviews above, you’re best suited to a sit-on-top version when you’re out in the ocean.

That said, sit-inside fishing kayaks do offer more of a challenge, and they can be more suitable for navigating rough water.

You also need to make the choice between an inflatable or a hardshell – which would take up a whole article itself just to explore.

So, check out this piece on hardshells vs inflatable kayaks, and find out which one is right for you. For the ocean, hardshells are overwhelmingly the more popular choice, but a good inflatable still has its place.

Finally, it’s up to you to decide if you want a single or tandem craft – depending on if you like piloting a craft solo, or feel you would enjoy having a buddy around/there’s safety in numbers.

Hull Design

What makes a kayak good for fishing in the ocean?

Your first port of call should be in the hull design.

You might think that the wider and flatter a kayak’s hull, the more stable it is? Well, that’s only true in calmer waters.

That’s known as primary stability – how stable the kayak is when you first step into it.

Secondary stability is how “tippy” the kayak is in rougher waters. This is where a more V-shaped hull is actually more stable.

However, V-shaped hulls aren’t usually the best for fishing – as it would be tricky to reel in a fish without capsizing.

A sort of compromise has to be reached – a hybrid, if you will.

When it comes to fishing kayaks, most of them are designed with a flat hull, so finding a good hybrid for fishing in potentially choppier waters – aka the ocean – can be a bit more challenging.

Most of the kayaks in this review are versatile for multiple conditions, and I’ve tried to include craft that have been specifically designed for fishing coastal waters, and are capable of handling a bit of chop.

Look for kayaks with a distinctive, prominent bow, which will help cut through the waves.

A fishing kayak with a “rocker” – the curve from bow to stern – will be more suitable for handling choppy conditions.

Remember though, unless you’re “rocking” a professional, ocean-going kayak, you shouldn’t be fishing in really rough conditions, or going further out to sea than is comfortable.

Either way, regardless what type of craft you’re using, you should always be wearing an approved fishing PFD. Follow that link for more information.

And if you’re interested, check out the video below for a visual guide to how kayak hulls perform in rough conditions.

Seating

A very important part of your kayak is the seating. Again, this is where sit-on-top kayaks come into their own for fishing purposes.

Most fishing kayaks worth their (sea)salt will have fully adjustable comfort seating, but the quality can vary.

Some seats will be simple padding with backrest mesh, while others will have practically taken a lawn chair and put it on board.

The seating position of a sit-on-top kayak will also give you a better field of view of the surrounding water – especially if you’re in an elevated position.

You get what you pay for, and this is especially true with fishing kayak seating. A lot of money goes into this part of the craft, because it’s important you get the most comfortable and practical fishing experience possible.

But what makes for a good seating system for ocean kayak fishing?

While there are no “ocean specific” seating designs (yet), you should still be looking for a seat that’s super-comfortable, secure, quick-to-dry, and breathable.

Storage

On-board storage is another important consideration – especially when it comes to ocean fishing kayaks. It’s likely that you’ll be carrying a lot of gear and equipment – so you’ll need somewhere to put it.

This is particularly true when venturing further offshore, as you’re not going to have the chance to nip back for something you might have forgotten!

Look for kayaks with storage tank wells. They can be at the bow or stern, and often come with bungee cord webbing to hold their contents in place.

Water-tight hatches are very useful, particularly if you want somewhere to stash valuables, or anything you don’t want getting wet.

Inshore and offshore water can get choppy, and having dry storage options is a very good idea.

Storage areas with bungee tie-downs are also highly recommended to keep your gear and equipment safe and secure if the waves get a little rough.

And if you’re not practicing catch and release, you’ll also need somewhere to store your catch, so check out this review of the best kayak fishing coolers for a place to keep your quarry on ice.

Fishing Accessories

Good fishing kayaks are going to come with an abundance of “fishing-friendly features” – practical touches that set the craft apart from recreational kayaks.

Look for kayaks that feature some or all of the following features:

And for some expert advice on how to set up for offshore kayak fishing, check out the video, below.

Propulsion and Rudder

How a kayak is powered is key – especially if you’re in the ocean.

While owning a good quality paddle is essential, for ocean-going kayaks, you could do with a bit more ‘oomph’ under the hood.

Having a kayak that offers pedal power is highly recommended when you’re in open bodies of water, or anywhere you’re likely to experience stronger currents than you would on a lake or lazy river.

Aside from giving your arms a rest and allowing hands-free fishing, a pedal drive and rudder system can be a life-saver if your paddle somehow happens to float off.

Rudders are not common in kayaks, but they can be extremely useful for anyone venturing out in tidal or choppy waters with stronger currents.

The best pedal kayaks for ocean fishing will also help you track fish, cover distances faster, and get you out of tight spots if required.

Because we’ve all seen those kayak versus shark encounter videos on YouTube…

Safety Features

Is kayak fishing dangerous?

It certainly can be – and you can follow that link to find out more.

And while you can still drown in a puddle of water, fishing in the ocean presents some additional challenges to that of still lakes and rivers.

It’s a good idea for your craft to have some extra safety features as standard.

Look for kayaks with good carrying handle options – or with grab points along the edges of the boat. Apart from helping you with transportation, they can be life-saving to cling on to should you tip over.

Don’t completely dismiss the color of a kayak either. Apart from looking cool, bright colors can aid location in low-light or poor visibility conditions.

If a kayak doesn’t have a particular safety feature, you could always add it yourself at a later date.

Either way, regardless what type of craft you’re using or where, you should always be wearing an approved fishing PFD. Follow that link for more information.

Also, if you are choosing a kayak with pedal drive (or even if you’re not) be fully aware of your own physical limitations. You need to be in pretty decent shape to use these craft in anything more than calm waters.

And don’t forget about sun damage when you’re out exposed under those harmful UV rays. You could always try installing a kayak canopy, but a good-quality fishing hat will do just as well – and for a fraction of the cost.

Regardless of the safety features a kayak may or may not have, it’s vitally important you adhere to safe kayak fishing practice before and during your adventure – no matter where you’re fishing.

Check out our complete guide to kayak fishing safety at that link for more information.

Cost

Unfortunately, fishing kayaks aren’t cheap – and ocean-going fishing kayaks will push the price point up that little bit higher.

Especially when you start to factor in hybrid hull designs, advanced seating, and pedal power drives.

You’re not going to be getting much change out of 1-3K.

There are two things you should consider here.

Personal budget is the first – you should always buy the best you can afford without breaking the bank or getting into a row with your other half.

But, perhaps more important, is suiting the craft to your own skill level, relative to how often you’re going to take it out in the first place.

It’s unwise to throw thousands of dollars at something you’ve never tried, you’re not ready for, and/or you’re only going to use it once in a blue moon.

You should have at least a modicum of experience before purchasing the best offshore fishing kayaks in the first place.

FAQs

What is the best kayak for ocean fishing?

It might be a subjective question, but if I were backed into a corner and had to give my honest answer, I would say the Old Town Sportsman Salty, the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler, and the Jackson Kayak Coosa.

The Old Town Bigwater is also a great option if you like to go further offshore.

Which, coincidentally, happens to be the first three yaks in this review! There’s an honorary mention to all the others listed here, too.

Joking aside, the best kayaks for ocean fishing are going to be stable, sit-on-top boats with comfortable seating and a hybrid hull shape.

Are sit on top kayaks good for the ocean?

For fishing kayaks, yes. However, if you’re looking to travel and explore, then sit-in kayaks are much better for venturing out onto the ocean.

For staying closer to shore, in calmer waters, then sit-on-top fishing kayaks are the best option. Check out the video below for a comparison between sit-on and sit-on-top kayaks.

Can you stand up in an ocean fishing kayak?

Most ocean fishing kayaks are designed to allow for standing casts and reels, but check with the individual product to make sure.

Look for fishing kayaks that have a special deck/foot section for standing. EVA padding on the deck and/or a standing strap are sure signs that the kayak is suitable for getting to your feet.

When in doubt, ask the manufacturer directly, or read reviews where successful standing casts have been made. I certainly don’t want to be responsible for you falling in.

Aside from that, you can always try a good stand up paddle board for fishing – which by their nature are designed for just that purpose.

Just be cautious when taking them out on the ocean, as they’re certainly not designed to handle rough waters and big swells.

What size kayak for ocean fishing?

A good size for an ocean fishing kayak is 12-15 feet. Anything shorter than that, and you might get into difficulty with tracking and attempting to get anywhere.

Longer kayaks are designed for touring, not turning. As with most fishing kayaks, having a happy medium is the way to go when it comes to their overall length.

Do you need a special kayak for the ocean?

It’s highly advisable, yes. You need a kayak that is going to handle the waves – which means something that has a more V-shaped hull, with a pronounced bow, and an evident rocker (the curve from bow to stern).

As mentioned, when it comes to fishing kayaks, V-shaped hulls aren’t that common. A hybrid design is preferable.

Of course, if you’re not fishing, and you just want to get out there and explore, then a sit-in touring sea kayak would be more suitable.

Are pedal kayaks worth it?

Yes. Pedal kayaks give you a huge advantage when it comes to power and control, but aside from that, you don’t have to constantly be picking up and putting your paddle down, and you can enjoy hands-free fishing.

Sure, they might cost a bit more, but trust me – it’s so worth it. Especially if you’re fishing larger bodies of water, where fatigue can set in quickly.

Summary

There you have it, fellow fishers – the best ocean fishing kayaks in 2024. I hope this article has helped point you in the right direction for choosing a craft suitable for your needs.

Let me know in the comments which model you’ve gone for and why, or if I missed your favorite.

Stay safe out there, tight lines, and happy kayak fishing!