The 5 Truly Best Ocean Fishing Kayaks In 2023 Tested and Reviewed
With the increasing popularity of kayaking, the market for kayaks became heavily saturated. There’s a lot to choose from with different specs and price ranges.
In this guide, you’ll find out more about the best ocean fishing kayaks that you can get to improve your skills and spend endless hours going through the ocean waves.
Table of Contents
List of the Best Ocean Fishing Kayak:
- Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler – Best Speed Ocean Kayak
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame – Best Weight Capacity
- Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Best for Beginners
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing – Best Affordable Ocean Kayak
- Oru Foldable Coast XT – Best Portability Ocean Kayak
Comparison Table:
Kayak | Type | Dimensions | Weight | Material | Maximum Capacity | Personal Capacity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler | Hardshell – Sit-on-top | 156 x 28 x 13-in. | 56 lbs. | UV-resistant High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | 325 lbs. | 1 person |
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible | Inflatable-Sit-in | 35 x 21 x 12-in. (packed) | 52 lbs. | PVC-coated triple-layer polyester with aluminum ribs | 550 lbs. | 2 people |
Perception Pescador Pro 12 | Hardshell – Sit-on-top | 144 x 32.5 x 14.5-in. | 57 lbs. | Polyethylene | 375 lbs. | 1 person |
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 | Hardshell – Sit-on-top | 120 x 31 x 14-in. | 51 lbs. | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | 275 lbs. | 1 person |
Oru Foldable Kayak Coast XT | Foldable -Sit-in | 33 x 12 x 29-in. (folded) | 34 lbs. | UV-resistant High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | 400 lbs. | 1 person |
The 5 Best Ocean Fishing Kayaks in 2021
1. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler – Best Speed Ocean Kayak
Right here we have one of the most interesting ocean fishing kayaks that’s a couple of steps ahead of the rest of the kayaks on the list. Usually, any angler who is looking for stability has to compromise speed. However, Ocean Kayak turned the table with this model.
The Prowler 23 Angler will offer you high stability without sacrificing any mobility. The narrow hull will allow you to quickly glide across the ocean to reach your favorite spot in a jiff.
With the sturdy construction and comfortable molded-in seat with a padded seat back, you can spend the entire day fishing. Also, it features a round hatch with bucket storage that you can use to hold your beverage of choice and stay hydrated all the time.
There are multiple storage options including a large hatch at the rear that is watertight and comes with a click-lock to keep your valuables or even electronics away from the water and avoid any damage.
The kayak weighs around 56 pounds and offers a maximum capacity of 325 pounds. Pretty decent!
With all that being said, you will get the best of speed and performance with this kayak. What more would an angler ask for?
Pros:
- Unique design
- Comfortable seating
- Tons of storage space
- Amazing performance
- No compromises when it comes to speed
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
Cons:
- No gear rails
Bottom Line
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 makes quite an impressive ocean fishing kayak. You won’t be making any compromises, on the contrary, it’s more than what you would ask for.
2. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible – Best Weight Capacity
Advanced Element offers an inflatable 2-person kayak that’s excellent for ocean fishing. Being an inflatable kayak, it’s lightweight and easy to transport as well as store.
Once inflated, the kayak becomes wide and sturdy. There’s plenty of room for the two adults to keep all their gears.
In respect of design, the triple-layer polyester construction of the AdvancedFrame kayak makes it highly resistant to tears and puncture. Moreover, the hull is reinforced with aluminum ribs that add more to its strength and significantly improve tracking.
Of course, the seats are adjustable to guarantee comfort in several positions. One thing that a lot of anglers will find convenient is that the cockpit can be reconfigured to allow solo paddling. This is great news for those who would like to go fishing on their own every now and then without having a paddling buddy.
It features a zippered storage area for stashing your gear. The kayak weighs 52 pounds and offers a maximum weight capacity of 550 pounds.
Pros:
- A robust body with aluminum ribs reinforcement
- Adjustable seats
- Can be changed from a tandem fishing kayaks to a solo kayak
- Easy to set up and inflate
- Resistant to tears and puncture
- Plenty of storage space
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Doesn’t come with any accessories
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a lightweight, convenient kayak that offers you plenty of space, then this kayak is perfect for you. It sits lower than other kayaks in the water, which makes it better for tracking in the ocean and less susceptible to deviate with the wind.
3. Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Best for Beginners
Perception is one of the trusted Kayak manufacturers. They focus their efforts on producing well-constructed canoes that are hand-assembled and molded. They also like to add professional touches that will offer every angler a better fishing experience.
Although this kayak is designed for beginners, experts tend to pick it as well. To begin with, it’s comfortable and easy to paddle. Furthermore, it’s one of the most stable ocean fishing kayaks that you can currently find.
In terms of design, Perception made sure that this kayak would be ideal for any condition. It comes with a removable and adjustable mesh-style seat that will provide extra comfort while you are tackling a fish. You can also adjust the footrests to suit your position.
Additionally, it features an ample storage space for you to keep your valuables; one is at the front of the kayak and the other at the rear. Another thing that makes it stand out is the built-in buoyancy that’s incorporated to ensure safety.
Perception Pescador Pro 12 is 57 pounds. Meanwhile, it has a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds.
The overall design and performance of the kayak make it on the top of the list of kayaks for beginners that are willing to go ocean fishing.
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Extra comfortable with adjustable seat and footrests
- Ample storage
- Decent performance
- Built-in buoyancy to ensure safety
Cons:
- The delivery isn’t the best an ocean fishing kayak can offer
Bottom Line
Perception Pescador Pro 12 is one of the best ocean fishing kayaks for several reasons. It’s comfortable, safe, and offers great stability. It might not offer the highest quality, but considering its price range, you’ll be getting more than you bargained for.
4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 – Best Affordable Ocean Fishing Kayak
Lifetime is a well-established kayak manufacturer, and this specific model is top-notch.
The key to why this model is too popular among anglers is its stability, which makes it suitable for Ocean bays.
The Tamarack Angler 100 is made of high-density polyethylene that’s UV-resistant. This means that the parts won’t be damaged with time, and the kayak will still look as good as new for a prolonged time.
The design of the model is as simple as it can be. Lifetime wanted to offer a secure and sturdy kayak that will withstand some choppiness. The hull is constructed with deep tracking channels.
The adjustable seat back and footrests make it possible for many anglers to spend hours out on the ocean without having any comfortability issues.
Regarding storage, you will get a sufficient space to keep all your necessities away from the water. Also, you will get shock cord straps that you can use in case of an emergency.
At 51 pounds, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 offers a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds. Quite a deal!
Pros:
- Simple yet strong design
- High stability
- Adjustable seat and footrests
- Affordable
- Good storage space
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Stability comes at the expense of speed
- Not suitable for rough water
Bottom Line
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is an incredible ocean fishing kayak that offers a lot more than its actual price. It’s robust, stable, and offers good storage space. Not to mention, with the 5-year warranty, Lifetime must be sure about the quality of their kayak.
5. Oru Foldable Kayak Coast XL – Best Portable Ocean Kayak
Oru makes compact and lightweight ocean kayaks. It weighs only 34 pounds, and it can fit into your standard backpack. Being a foldable kayak makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability. In fact, Oru claims that the model is designed to handle 20,000 folds in a lifetime. Also, it comes with a storing case.
When it comes to the design, it won’t fail to impress you. For starters, the set up would only take from 5 to 10 minutes, but you can take down to three once you get the hang of it. Besides, it’s made of high-quality polypropylene that’s UV-protected, which guarantees durability. Not to mention, it’s resistant to puncture and abrasion, so it won’t need any maintenance for a long time.
The kayak has a white cockpit opening, which makes it easy for anyone to get in and out.
The seat is adjustable, comfortable, and constructed to withstand bumps and scrapes. Last but not least, this kayak has substantial storage possibilities with a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
The Oru Foldable Kayak is fast and performs well in different environmental conditions. It is easy to maneuver and allows you to do some advanced edging.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable seats
- Amazing storage space
- Resistant to UV rays, puncture, and abrasion
Cons:
- Might leak near the hull
Bottom Line
Oru offers simple kayaks. This model is great for ocean fishing thanks to the compact design and the easy maneuverability. You’ll get a 1-year warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, it’s unlikely that you’d return such an outstanding kayak.
What to Look for When Buying an Ocean Fishing Kayak
Unfortunately, your lake kayak won’t be suitable for ocean fishing. To get the best of your ocean fishing experience, your kayak should have specific features. Knowing what features to look for won’t only optimize the use of the kayak, but it’ll also help you decide which kayak to buy.
1. Length to Width Ratio
This is one of the features many anglers overlook. However, it’s one of the most crucial factors to determine whether a kayak is suited for ocean fishing or not.
An ocean kayak should be longer than that intended for other recreational purposes. This extra length adds to the stability and makes it easier for the angle to paddle. Moreover, it will help you battle the ocean currents.
It’s ideal for ocean kayaks to be over 13 feet. Yet, you will find that some minority ocean kayaks are slightly shorter. The shorter kayaks are usually a little extra wide. This increase in width is to make up for short lengths and retain some stability. Nevertheless, you need to keep in mind that a narrow kayak is better when it comes to handling rough water currents.
It’s a matter of ratio between these two factors that aim at maximizing the stability of the kayak, but, as mentioned earlier, the more stable a kayak is, the slower you should expect it to be.
You can learn why about the advantages of longer kayaks here.
2. Rudder vs. Skeg
Oceans have inconsistent conditions. The main challenge that anglers face is steering despite these conditions. There are two ways to steer an ocean kayak.
The first is to use a rudder. It’s a metal piece at the bottom of the kayak that connects to the foot pedal found inside. The rudder will allow you to direct the kayak left and right.
A rudder is only useful in conditions where you need to change the direction quickly. However, most of the ocean kayaks come with a skeg.
Unlike a rudder, a skeg won’t help you change direction, but it will help you increase the speed.
By now, you already know that speed is a major obstacle when it comes to ocean kayaks. This is why most anglers prefer to use a skeg and balance things out.
The skeg is found in a compartment on the bottom of the kayak, and it moves up and down to improve how the boat handles the waves and the wind coming from different directions.
3. Cockpit
Anglers always lean more towards wide cockpits. They give you enough space to experiment and move freely. And while that’s true, you might want to reconsider if you’ll go fishing in the ocean.
A small cockpit serves to limit the amount of water spilling into your kayaks when you’re crashing through the waves. On the other hand, a wider cockpit will accumulate inside the kayak, which will negatively impact your fishing experience.
You can find the right balance, keeping in mind that a smaller cockpit isn’t a bad idea after all.
4. Center of Gravity
Among the many essential features to be considered when buying an ocean fishing kayak is the low center of gravity. To make things simple, let’s say that the lower the bodyweight is in the water, the less vulnerable to waves and wind the kayak is.
Also, this will ensure that your kayak is stable and capable of handling the changing conditions through your trip so you can make it back to the shore safely despite the crosswinds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Ocean Kayaks Different from Sea Kayaks?
Yes. And sadly, they can’t replace each other. Ocean kayaks are generally much more stable, easier to get into and out of, and much safer with a smaller cockpit that doesn’t fill up water easily.
Which is Better for Ocean Fishing Sit-on-Top or Sit-in Kayaks?
There’s no one right answer to this question. It all depends on the conditions you fish in and the specific time of the year.
If you’re going fishing in calmer ocean bays where things are never really rough, then a sit-on-top- kayak will be much better.
Alternatively, a sit-in kayak is much safer when it comes to strong currents and uneven water waves.
Final Thoughts
With this list, I’ve covered pretty much everything an angler would look for in an ocean fishing kayak.
The only thing left for you to do right now is to set your priorities. What are you looking for? All the kayaks on our list are highly stable.
In my humble opinion, the Ocean Kayak Prowler Pro 13 is the best kayak for ocean fishing for most anglers. It’ll offer you something that the other kayaks can’t, which is speed. It’s ideal for the changing ocean conditions, performs well, and it’s reasonably priced.
On the other hand, the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 fishing kayak is a fantastic yet affordable option. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak is also another great alternative.
At the end of the day, you decide which of these is the best fishing kayak for you. I’m sure you wouldn’t regret any of these kayaks anyways!
Kayak your way to Freedom
- On a budget? Check out the best fishing kayaks under $500 here and the best Fishing Kayaks under $1,000 here. Or Check the best Cheap Kayaks here.
- Going fishing? Here are the best Ocean fishing kayaks, and here are the best River Fishing Kayaks.
- You can also find the best Fly Fishing Kayaks here and the best Bass Fishing Boats here.
- A bit experienced? Check out the best modular kayaks here and the best tandem fishing kayaks here.
- Looking for something special? Check out my favorite Ducky kayaks here.
- Navigate your way with these awesome and beginner-friendly Kayak compasses.
- Going Hunting? These Duck hunting kayaks will give you an unfair advantage!
- Have a need for speed? These motorized kayaks will get you moving.
- Protect yourself from the sun with these Kayak shades, and make your kayak more comfortable with these Kayak seats.
- Keep your feet dry and warm with these superb Kayaking shoes.
- Going Kayaking in cold water? Stay warm with these Kayaking gloves.
- Paddle Less, Fish More with the Best Kayak Motors
- Looking to get a trolling motor on your kayak? Check out the best kayak trolling motor mounts here.