Modern kayak fishing was born on the ocean. Malibu surfer Tim Niemier developed the first sit-on-top kayak to paddle past the breakers and target fish in open water. More recently, kayak fishing expanded inland with anglers.
The first time I pushed a kayak through the shorebreak and jumped into the seat, I realized I would need a miracle to face the breakers rolling towards me. I also needed a fishing kayak capable of carrying me through the surf zone. I needed speed and maneuverability. Once I made it through the breakers, I needed razor-sharp tracking and responsive handling to cover miles of wind, waves and current. I didnโt need just a good fishing kayak, I needed to find a kayak built for the ocean.
The best ocean fishing kayaks: Our top picks
- Best overall: Vibe Hydra 130
- Best pedal-powered ocean fishing kayak: Hobie Mirage Outback
- Fastest ocean fishing kayak: Viking Profish Reload
- Best budget ocean fishing kayak: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
- Best motorized ocean fishing kayak: Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+
Wear A Life Jacket
- Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
- Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Best Ocean Fishing Kayak Overall
Vibe Hydra 130
Vibe Hydra 130 Specs
Length: 13’3″
Width: 29″
Weight: 75 lbs
Capacity: 440 lbs
MSRP: $949.00
vibekayaks.com
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Why I Love It
Do you believe in love at first sight? Love between a man and a kayak? When a big truck delivered the Vibe Hydra 130 to my driveway, the kayak was wrapped in layers of plastic and cardboard. As I peeled away the packing, the sexiest kayak I have seen in years emerged. A narrow bow, rockered keel, gentle tumblehome, tight stern, my heart skipped a beat. This is what an ocean fishing kayak should look like.
To safely cross the surf zone, I prefer a paddle kayak with a low-profile seat. The Hydra 130 is designed to quickly slice through the waves on the way out, and the rockered keel keeps the bow from digging into the water while riding a wave back to the beach. If I flip the kayak, the Hydraโs narrow beam makes it easier to right the boat. On the open water, the boatโs long waterline and rockered keel keep the boat paddling straight and rolling with the waves. Sealed and latched hatches in the bow, stern and cockpit provide plenty of below-deck storage. Flushmount rod holders behind the seat are perfect for trolling and drifting while rod holders next to the seat provide a convenient place to stick a rod while Iโm rigging baits and unhooking fish.
Reasons to Buy
- Inexpensive
- Designed for ocean fishing
- Performance paddle kayak
Consider Another Model If
- You need a pedal kayak
- Youโre looking for a kayak with more initial stability
Who Should Buy
Anglers looking for the simplicity of a high-performance paddle kayak appreciate the Vibe Hydra 130. I donโt worry about a motor, battery, pedals and a rudder; I grab my paddle and go fishing. On the water, the high-performance paddle kayak efficiently covers miles of water with the least effort. Chasing, fooling, fighting and landing a trophy fish while it drags me around is the root of kayak fishing. Sure, the slender hull and rounded edges of a performance paddling kayak sacrifice initial stability for speed and seaworthiness. And, the low-profile seat isnโt as comfortable as an elevated frame seat. But the tradeoff is a kayak that paddles well in tough conditions. With an emphasis on paddling performance, the Hydra is a modern kayak for ocean fishing.
Best Pedal-Powered Ocean Fishing Kayak
Hobie Mirage Outback
Hobie Mirage Outback Specs
Length: 12′ 9″
Width: 34″
Weight: 103 lbs
Capacity: 425lbs
MSRP: $3299.00
hobie.com
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Why I Love It
Born in San Diego, California and raised fishing the La Jolla Canyon, Hobie Kayakโs Mirage Outback is a pedal kayak with an ocean-fishing heritage. The light, quick and simple Mirage Outback is the choice of ocean-fishing guides and tournament anglers.
Weighing 103 pounds rigged makes the Outback one of the lightest pedal kayaks. With a 12-foot, nine-inch keel and 34-inch beam, the Outback combines maneuverability and straight-line speed. Hobieโs Mirage Drive is light and compact. Itโs worth noting, adding a pedal drive and a frame seat to an ocean kayak presents a danger if the boat gets caught in the crashing waves. If the surf is rough, I remove the drive and strap it to the deck. Hobieโs lightweight Vantage CTW seat makes it easier to right the boat if it flips upside down.
The topside rigging is simple and versatile. I like the four flush-mount rod holders angled for trolling or drifting. The Outback has a sealed hatch in the cockpit to store tackle and gear below deck. A huge space behind the seat holds a full-size gear crate or live well. The Outback has a space in the hull to accommodate a side-view sonar transducer and a scupper in the center of the cockpit to route the transducer wire to the sonar display. The rigging versatility makes the Outback equally at home in the ocean as in skinny water.
Reasons to Buy
- Versatile rigging for ocean to inshore and freshwater
- Light and maneuverable
- Compact Mirage Drive and Vantage CTW Seat
Consider Another Model If
- You prefer propeller pedals
- The Hobie Outback is too expensive
- You need below-deck rod storage
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a premium kayak capable of fishing skinny water and the open ocean should consider the Hobie Mirage Outback. Hobieโs original pedal kayak design was updated a few years ago to add more storage and modern features with the same versatility and utility. The hull is sporty for dodging breakers and stable for standup fishing. With the testimony of pro anglers, the Outback is a reliable fishing platform for any type of kayak fishing.
Dress For Immersion, Not Air Temperature
- Your body loses heat much faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry.
- Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. If the water is very cold (60ยฐ fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit.
Best Budget Ocean Fishing Kayak
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Specs
Length: 12’3″
Width: 31″
Weight: 64.5 lbs
Capacity: 350 lbs
MSRP: $1099.00
wildernesssytems.com
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WILDERNESS SYSTEMS ECO FISHING SHOP
Why I Love It
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is one of the original ocean fishing kayaks with a few modern updates. In the early days of kayak fishing, sit-on-top kayaks were inspired by long, lean and fast sit-inside touring kayaks. The Tarpon 120 is an old-school kayak with unbeatable performance. The topside of the kayak has a few fishing features, including gear tracks and a large tankwell. The bow hatch has two latches to seal out water, and a sealed security hatch near the seat holds small items. Wilderness Systemโs Air-Pro seat combines foam and quick-dry fabric with an elevated seat and low-back to stay dry and provide the right support for a long day paddling. Overall, the Tarpon 120 offers Wilderness Systems’ premium materials, construction and design in a pure paddling kayak that can be modified into a fishing platform.
Reasons to Buy
- Speedy performance
- Comfortable seat
- Inexpensive
Consider Another Model If
- You need a fish finder
- You donโt want to install rod holders
- You need a rudder
Who Should Buy
Anglers on a budget looking for a pure-paddling sit-on-top will be happy with the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. The speedy hull and comfortable seat make the boat ready for all-day paddling. The Tarpon 120 doesnโt have rod holders or rigging for electronics, but creative anglers can add these accessories. The versatile boat is designed to fish from offshore to skinny backwater. Sometimes I leave the fishing rods at home and take the Tarpon 120 purely for a paddling outing. Unlike other bargain kayaks, the Tarpon 120 takes advantage of Wilderness Systemsโ premium construction and design for a great kayak at a great price.
Fastest Ocean Fishing Kayak
Viking Profish Reload
Viking Profish Reload Specs
Length: 14’9″
Width: 30″
Weight: 68 lbs
Capacity: 440 lbs
vikingkayaksusa.com
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Why I Love It
People do things differently on the other side of the world. Vikingโs Profish Reload is designed and built in New Zealand, where they have a different take on the classic ocean-fishing kayak.
Designed for fishing the Pacific Ocean and facing huge swells, the Profish Reload is focused on speed and seaworthiness. The long 14-foot, nine-inch waterline and narrow 30-inch beam combine with a rounded hull and significant rocker to allow the Profish to slice through the water and roll with the waves.
While the hull is classic performance, the topside is uniquely New Zealand. New Zealand anglers often fish with live bait, so the Profish has small bait wells next to each flushmount rod holder. The boat also has a huge removable cockpit storage compartment with a cutting board on top. The removable compartment is convenient for installing my fish finder, battery and transducer. Instead of a traditional bow hatch, the Profish has a small opening close to the cockpit to access the bow space. I can still store fish and gear in the bow, but the smaller hatch reduces the risk of opening if the boat flips over in the surf zone. Every detail of the Viking Profish Reload is focused on hardcore fishing and paddling performance. If the Profish is good enough for New Zealand, it is more than enough for any ocean on earth.
Reasons to Buy
- The need for speed
- Smart fishing features
- Live bait ready
Consider Another Model If
- You prioritize maneuverability
- You have limited boat storage space
- You need a large bow hatch
Who Should Buy
A pure ocean-fishing angler facing big seas and long distances is a perfect fit for the Viking Profish Reload. The long and narrow hull provides the speed to zip through the surfzone and cover rough water and relentless wind. On the way in, the ample rocker and speed combine to ride waves and bounce through the whitewater. While the boatโs length is welcome on open water, the long waterline reduces maneuverability and stability for inshore fishing. Ocean anglers canโt afford to sacrifice boat performance and function, and the boat is designed to meet the demands of the harshest ocean conditions.
Best Motorized Ocean Kayak
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 Specs
Length: 13’2″
Width: 36″
Weight: 143 lbs
Capacity: 357 lbs
MSRP: $5,499.99
oldtownwatercraft.com
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OLD TOWN ECO FISHING SHOP AMAZON BASS PRO
Why I Love It
Not every ocean fishing adventure requires a surf launch. Motorized kayaks have the range and speed to enter the ocean through an inlet. To fish the ocean under motor power, the Old Town Sportsman ePDL+ is a powerful and reliable package.
The first advantage is that the ePDL system combines pedal and motor power. I can motor to the fishing grounds and then save battery power by pedaling while Iโm fishing. The ePDL system sits in the center of the kayak with the battery stored beneath the seat to increase stability and balance. The Old Town Sportsman BigWater is a full-size, full-feature fishing kayak with huge capacity. The hull features an aggressive flared bow to cut through the water with a wide hull for stability and a narrow stern to smoothly release water. Combined with the ePDL motor, the BigWater is a capable ocean fishing kayak powered by a compact and capable motor system.
Reasons to Buy
- Reliable and compact motor
- Seaworthy hull loaded with fishing features
- Economical power consumption
Consider Another Model If
- You are on a budget
- You prefer a DIY motor system
Who Should Buy
Anglers who want to go ocean fishing and need a motorized kayak will not find a better option than the Old Town BigWater ePDL. The ePDL system combines pedal power with motor power to give the angler more options for controlling the boat and reserve battery power for long trips between fishing spots. Like the name says, the BigWater is designed for big water. The seaworthy hull design and full-feature cockpit offer versatile rigging options. The boat is ready to fish off the shelf, or ready to rig with electronics, storage and fishing accessories. The biggest drawback is the price. At over $5,500, the BigWater costs big bucks. But the convenience and reliability of the matching motor, battery and hull pay off with easy ownership and operation.
Education: Get Some!
- Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
- Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadronsยฎ or your own stateโs boating agency.
- Take on-the-water skills training.
Ocean fishing kayak buying advice
Itโs been almost two decades since I first launched a fishing kayak through the surf. Living in Virginia Beach and obsessed with saltwater fishing, I started kayak fishing to target king mackerel, cobia, striped bass and red drum in the open ocean. After being tossed about in the surf and punished by waves and wind in the open water, Iโve identified several key features of an ideal kayak for near and offshore water.
Ocean fishing kayaks are special. Taking the wrong kayak out on the seas can have disastrous consequences. Crossing the surf zone and playing in the big water calls for performance and safety over fishing features.
Paddle kayaks
For safety reasons, I prefer a paddle kayak in the surf. A paddle kayak is lighter, quicker and more maneuverable than pedals or kayak motors, making it a better choice for paddling through breaking waves.
The harsh fishing conditions require a speedy hull. To scoot through the surf and cover miles of open water, the boat needs to be long and narrow to reduce water resistance and increase straight-line tracking.
In addition to speed, the boat needs maneuverability. A kayak hull with a gentle bend from bow to stern, called rocker, lifts the bow out of the water to allow the boat to ride over waves and turn quickly. This is helpful for zig-zagging out through the breakers and surfing a wave to the beach.
An ocean fishing kayak favors performance over stability. On the open water, the boat should roll with the waves to maintain momentum and reduce splashing and spray. The seat should be low to the water to improve stability. A low seat also increases paddling power by reducing the length of the paddle shaft.
The choices for paddle-powered ocean-fishing kayaks have been limited. However, the release of the Vibe Hydra 130 and re-boot of the Viking Profish are offering serious ocean anglers serious open-water kayaks.
Pedal kayaks
For a pedal-powered ocean kayak, I look for a compact and reliable pedal system. A smaller, lighter pedal system is easier to store when crossing rough surf.
Motorized kayaks
Motorized kayaks are too heavy and awkward for crossing the surf zone. With access through a sheltered inlet or sea wall, an ocean-fishing motorized kayak prioritizes speed and seaworthiness over stability or cockpit space. Balancing the extra weight of a motor and battery is critical in heavy seas.
Why trust us
As an ocean-fishing kayak angler, I donโt take ocean-fishing kayaks lightly. Iโve been flipped in the surf, blown miles off course and caught far offshore with dark clouds moving onto the horizon. I know the consequences of having the wrong boat in the ocean. The boats in this review carry my approval for big-game, open-water fishing.
