Few things in life can beat the relaxing feeling of taking your kayak on the ocean to fish under the sun. Ocean fishing in a kayak is an extremely enjoyable and rewarding activity. But you need to make sure you have a kayak that is up to the job. Here we will review the best saltwater kayaks for fishing.
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Best Saltwater Fishing Kayaks
- Lifetime Muskie Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle
- SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Boss SS Sit-On/Stand On Top Angler Kayak
- Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler One-Person Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110 11 Foot Angler Sit On Top Fishing Kayak with Adjustable Hero Comfort Seat
- BKC UH-RA220 11.5 foot Riptide Angler Sit On Top Fishing Kayak with Paddles and Upright Chair
1. Lifetime Muskie Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle
Product Features
Brand Name: Lifetime
Size: 10 Feet Length x 31 Inch Width
Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
Seat Style: Sit on Top (SOT)
Our top recommendation is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak. This saltwater friendly kayak is extremely well built, and budget-friendly compared to other high-end kayaks. It is constructed from high-density polyethylene that is designed to withstand the sun. It has footrests that can fit a wide variety of different heights, a padded seat, padded backrest, two flush fishing rod holders, one mount fishing rod holder, two 6″ storage compartments, and a paddle keeper. You can buy this kayak with or without a paddle depending on if you have your own or not. The kayak itself weighs 52 lbs.
Overall this is an extremely affordable option for a great fishing kayak. The sit on top style seat is perfect for fishing, and it includes all the rod holders you would need to hold multiple poles.
2. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Boss SS Sit-On/Stand On Top Angler Kayak
Product Features
Brand Name: Sundolphin
Size: 12.3 Feet Length x 33.25 Inch Width
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Seat Style: Sit on Top (SOT)
The second spot on our list goes to the Sundolphin Boss SS Angler Kayak. This kayak features a sit on top style seat that it is a must-have for fishing. The kayak measures approximately 12.3 feet in length, weighs 78lbs and has a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs. It has storage areas in the front and back of the kayak and has a beverage holder. The kayak has one swivel fishing rod holder and four flush mount rod holders making it excellent when you’re bringing a variety of fishing poles out on the water. It also has paddle holders and a three-position adjustable seat.
3. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler One-Person Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak
Product Features
Brand Name: Ocean Kayak
Size: 13.3 Feet Length x 28 Inch Width
Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
Seat Style: Sit on Top (SOT)
The third spot on our list goes to the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Kayak. This kayak is designed to be fast and stable on the water while being able to handle rough or calm waters. The kayak weighs 56 pounds, is 13.3 feet in length and has a max weight capacity of 325 lbs. This is a sit on top kayak with an adjustable seat that features comfortable padding on the bottom and back.
The kayak has a sealed front hatch for internal storage that can fit multiple rods below deck. There is also an open storage area in the back large enough to fit tackle boxes, coolers, and other gear. The kayak also has two cup holders, and two paddle keeps.
Overall this is an excellent ocean fishing kayak. It’s a little more expensive than some of the other models on the list, but it’s very sturdy, glides through water easily, and is great for fishing.
4. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110 11 Foot Angler Sit On Top Fishing Kayak with Adjustable Hero Comfort Seat
Product Features
Brand Name: Vibe Outdoors
Size: 11 Feet Length x 32 Inch Width
Weight Capacity: 425 lbs
Seat Style: Sit on Top (SOT)
The Vibe Outdoors Sea Ghost 110 Kayak is our number four recommendation. This kayak weighs 62lbs, measures 11 feet in length, and has a max weight capacity of 425lbs. This is a sit on top seat kayak with a 2 position adjustable padded comfort seat. It has two flush mount rod holders and four gear tracks for custom rigging.
The kayak features a toe controlled rudder system to help you save energy when paddling all day and in strong weather. There is a large storage area in the back, a 20″ front hatch, and center console.
5. BKC UH-RA220 11.5 foot Riptide Angler Sit On Top Fishing Kayak with Paddles and Upright Chair
Product Features
Brand Name: Brooklyn Kayak Company
Size: 11.5 Feet Length x 34 Inch Width
Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
Seat Style: Sit on Top (SOT)
The final spot on the list is the BKC Single Fishing Kayak. This kayak weighs approximately 68 lbs, measures 11.5 feet in length and has a weight capacity of 450 lbs. It also is the widest kayak on the list measuring 34 in length, which makes it stable enough to fish while standing.
The kayak features a foot-operated rudder system that helps you control the kayak, has two flush mount rod holders, and a sealed waterproof storage chamber. There is also a large storage area in the back, and paddle rests. Overall this is an excellent kayak for fishing seas and oceans. It is wide and stable, has a sit on top seat, and includes a paddle.
Saltwater Fishing Kayak Buying Guide
When shopping for a good saltwater friendly kayak to fish the ocean and seas, there are a few different things you want to consider to help you choose the best one
- Length
- Width
- Seat Style
- Weight Capacity
- Storage
- Stability
- Maneuverability
- Speed
Length
The length of the kayak can be an important part of battling the ocean waves. For ocean fishing, we recommend a kayak anywhere from 10 to 20 feet in length. With too small of kayak you will have difficulties in larger swells.
Width
For fishing kayaks, the width is extremely important compared to other kinds of kayaking. Generally the wider your kayak is, the more storage you will have for fishing gear, and the more stability you will have to maneuver around.
Seat Style
We always recommend sit on top (SOT) style kayak seats for fishing. Sit-in kayaks are generally not comfortable for fishing, but they can still be used if you need to.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is also an important thing to consider. As you reach closer to the maximum weight capacity, the kayak may begin to feel unstable. So if you are a larger person, or if you have a lot of heavy fishing equipment, you need to look for something that can handle the load.
Storage
The amount of storage the kayak has is also important. Most good fishing kayaks will have an area in the back and front of the kayak to store equipment and other gear. They will also have fishing rod holders, which we highly recommend if your intent for the kayak is primarily to fish.
Stability
How stable the kayak is will always be relevant. Some anglers like to stand up on their kayaks when fishing. If you like to stand and fish, you need a kayak that is stable enough to manage this, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Maneuverability
Ocean kayaks need to be longer than traditional kayaks, but they also need to be maneuverable. Some models of kayak have a built-in rudder system that is operated by a foot pedal. This is a nice feature to have on a kayak.
Speed
If your favorite fishing spot is far from shore, speed might be something you really need to consider. You want your kayak to easily be able to glide through the water without much effort. Especially if you want to battle big fish, you don’t want your arms to be tired.
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