Last updated on May 4th, 2024 at 07:55 pm
I’ve been using kayaks from the beach for surf fishing, offshore fishing, and dropping shark baits for 30+ years. They can be a great addition to your surfing and ocean fishing arsenal. But not all kayaks are the same in fact, some can be downright dangerous in the surf. So how do you find a kayak for ocean fishing?
QUICK LOOK: My Top 5 Kayaks for Ocean or Surf Fishing
- Vibe Sea Ghost 130 – The Vibe Sea Ghost 130 is an exceptional multi-use kayak that can fish lakes and streams while still having the length and stability to handle the breaking waves of the surf zone.
- Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 – The Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 has the length and stability for handling surf and waves with ample storage, and a comfortable chair for those long days offshore.
- Wilderness Systems Radar 135 – The Radar 135 is a flexible fishing kayak that you can stand and fish or sit, paddle or pedal, and carry a ton of gear.
- Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 – comes packed with features including six horizontal rod lockers to keep your rods safe while navigating the surf, and enough tackle compartments to store all your rigs and lures.
- Perception Kayaks Pescador Pro 12.0 – Fast, stable, and designed to track straight in variable conditions such as wind, strong currents, and big waves, this kayak is lightweight, and easy to transport, with the size and stability to handle the surf and waves.
Keep reading and we’ll take a look at the features to look for in a Kayak for ocean fishing or surf fishing, and some of my top recommended models as well. Now, the mere mention of ‘surf fishing from a kayak’ might make you think of battling both fish and surf, but modern advancements in kayaks have greatly improved your odds – not only making it more accessible but much safer as well.
For surf anglers, the appeal of kayaking becomes apparent when you see fish feeding just offshore but out of your casting reach. Or, when you want to deploy shark baits far offshore again beyond your casting range.
The latest fishing kayaks are engineered and tailored to ocean and surf anglers, merging the best of technology and design. They offer creative storage solutions for gear, enhanced stability to weather unpredictable waves and weather conditions, and the kind of comfort that can help keep you on the water from dawn until dusk.
On a practical note, kayaks are a cinch to transport, They are lightweight and can be carried in the back of your truck, on top of your vehicle, or a carrying rack or lightweight kayak trailer.
Features to Look for in a Kayak for Ocean Fishing
So, what makes a good kayak for ocean fishing? I mean there are hundreds of models and numerous manufacturers to choose from. Where do you start? First of all, you need to ask yourself what you will be using the kayak for.
Choosing a Kayak for Ocean Fishing
Will you be paddling offshore to fish the open ocean? Will you be launching in the surf and fishing the bars and guts along the beach, or paddling out past the breakers chasing feeding fish under diving birds?
There are several features that you should consider when choosing a kayak for ocean fishing or surf fishing. First, look for kayaks with good stability for those choppy surf conditions and potentially rough seas.
For those who like to venture further offshore, a longer, sleeker model with a rudder system is key for better navigation. You will also need a kayak with sufficient storage for gear like rods, a tackle box, a cooler, and a fish bag. And, you’ll want one with comfortable seating for those long days of paddling and fishing.
For Ocean Kayak fishing accessories like extra storage, available accessories, and optional pedal or motorized power can be great options. If you will be launching in the surf however those extra options can be difficult to manage when battling the breaking waves.
Choosing a Kayak for Surf Fishing
If you will be primarily running the surf to drop baits and return to shore and wait for a hookup, you can forgo many of the bells and whistles as you will want a clean simple kayak without too many accessories to get in the way of your baits and rigs.
Understand which features really matter out in the surf. It will need to be stable enough to manage the surf while remaining maneuverable for those times you need to make quick course corrections to avoid being swamped.
Other features like casting platform, durability, ease of transport, available additional accessories like rod holders and GPS mounts, and of course, your budget are all legitimate considerations.
However, it’s important to remember that personal needs and preferences vary. One angler may prefer a lighter kayak for easy transport despite its minimalistic design, while another might prioritize a more durable construction over additional amenities. This is where your personal fishing style and intended use really dictate the best choice.
The following kayaks are my top recommendations for 2024 for either ocean or surf fishing. They offer a blend of performance, comfort, and reliability with a range of prices to fit almost any budget. Each model has been paddled through the swells and put to the test casting lines, and catching fish to ensure their evaluations are based on genuine real-world experiences from anglers.
My Top Recommended Kayaks for Ocean or Surf Fishing
Stability Meets Function in The Vibe Sea Ghost 130
When choosing kayaks for surf fishing, stability tops the list of priorities. Stability is crucial for maintaining your balance while casting and battling fish, especially with unpredictable surf. The Vibe Sea Ghost 130 is an exceptional multi-use kayak that can fish lakes and streams while still having the length and stability to handle the breaking waves of the surf zone.
At 13 ft, it is one of the most stable and spacious kayaks available. And, if long-distance open ocean adventures are your thing, the Sea Ghost 130 provides you with comfort from its quick-dry, super-plush Hero Seat along with ample space for all your tackle and gear.
With a carrying capacity of 550 lbs, it can haul a ton of fishing or camping gear with ease and still maintain its maneuverability to slice through surf and waves. The Vibe Sea Ghost 130 also comes with a built-in rudder that saves energy on long paddles, on windy days, or in strong currents.
Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132
Old Town Canoe Company was incorporated in 1903 so they know a little about canoes and kayaks from their over a century of innovation and experience. The Old Town Sportsman BigWater 132 has the length and stability for handling surf and waves with ample storage, and a comfortable chair for those long days offshore.
This kayak is engineered above and below the waterline to be the perfect platform for fishing. At just over 13 feet, their performance tri-hull design provides for easy paddling, exceptional maneuverability, and the stability to stand and fish from the kayak.
Loaded with features like six accessory tracks, a cup holder, center console for tackle and gear, with plenty of dry storage to keep your gear high and dry. Along with built-in rod holders and a 425lb weight capacity, the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 is a great kayak for ocean fishing or surf fishing.
The Bigwater 132 is also available in a pedal-powered model for hands-free fishing and maneuvering.
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS Radar 135 Fishing Kayak
Founded in 1986, Wilderness Systems kayaks are some of my personal favorites. One because I have experience with both the Tarpon 120 and the newer Radar 135 fishing kayaks. I have been fishing out of my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 for over 20 years.
The Radar 135 is a flexible fishing kayak that you can stand and fish or sit, paddle or pedal, and carry a ton of gear. It features their S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that combines Stability, Maneuverability, Acceleration, Responsiveness, and Tracking throughout for ultimate performance in multiple water environments. Including ocean and surf fishing.
The Radar 135 has the length necessary for riding the waves and the wider footprint for added stability in ocean swells. In addition, the Radar boasts accessory rails, many storage areas, and rudder steering for those windy days.
With the included Flexpod providing easy access to mount fish finders and other accessories and the optional Helix PD™ Pedal Drive* the Wilderness Systems Radar 135 is easily one of the best kayaks for ocean fishing and kayak fishing. It is also very much at home in the bays and inshore waters.
Hobie MIRAGE PRO ANGLER 14
Hobie kayaks have been around since 1950 and by many accounts the Cadillac of kayaks. Always at the forefront of the latest innovations, Hobie produces some of the best fishing kayaks in the world.
The legendary Hobie Pro Angler 14 fishing kayak comes packed with features including six horizontal rod lockers to keep your rods safe while navigating the surf, and enough tackle compartments to store all your rigs and lures.
Add to that the one and only, forward and reversing MirageDrive 180 with Kick-Up Turbo Fins and you have a very stable and easy-to-maneuver fishing platform. The Hobie Mirage comes with an ultra-comfortable, elevated, breathable, and fully adjustable Vantage Seating system.
The Hobie seating system comes complete with lumbar support with the option to raise the seat an additional five inches for optimal Vantage position. The Hobie Mirage is a heavier and wider kayak than the other models we’ve looked at so far.
It makes it incredibly stable and you can easily stand and fish from this kayak. The added weight however can be an issue when attempting to paddle out through the breaking waves of the surf. In short, a great kayak for ocean fishing or bay fishing, but not so much for surf fishing.
Now, if your budget is a bit more constrained or you’re just starting out, you might consider a mid-range option. These kayaks offer a middle ground between high performance and affordability, mid-range kayaks can be a practical solution for many anglers.
These models often combine essential features with some of the perks found in high-end kayaks, all while keeping costs relatively in check. Yet, they might lack some of the top-tier materials and specialized elements of their pricier counterparts. The Perception Kayak Pescador Pro 12.0 is one of the best examples of a mid-range kayak for ocean fishing.
Balancing Performance and Price with Perception Kayaks Pescador Pro 12.0
Founded in the early 1970s in a garage by engineer Bill Masters, Perception Kayaks has probably introduced more people to the sport of kayaking than any other manufacturer. The Perception Pescador Pro series of sit-on-top fishing kayaks are outfitted with the features and performance serious anglers need.
Fast, stable, and designed to track straight in variable conditions such as wind, strong currents, and big waves, this kayak is lightweight, and easy to transport, with the size and stability to handle the surf and waves.
The Pescador Pro has generous storage and accessory mount options that make it easy to outfit and customize the boat for your particular fishing scenario. The removable and adjustable fishing chair is the most comfortable seat I’ve found on any fishing kayak.
The longer length of the Perception Kayaks Pescador Pro 12.0 model gives you the stability to cut through the breaking waves of the surf as well as a great platform for an all-day offshore fishing adventure.
Proudly designed, molded, and hand-assembled in the USA, the Pescador Pro kayak is backed by a 5-year Warranty. And, at a budget-friendly price point making it a great value for your hard-earned money.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Kayak for Ocean Fishing
It’s important to acknowledge that even the best kayak won’t catch the fish for you. But it can get you to where the fish are biting, and do so in a way that adds pleasure, not problems, to your fishing experience. Armed with the information shared in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make a choice that’s true to your needs.
Remember, no two anglers are the same, which means the kayak that feels like a dream to someone else might not suit your individual needs. Weigh the pros and cons of each model and consider how they match your fishing style and the conditions you frequently face.
Feedback from the kayak fishing community can be invaluable. Surf anglers who have gone before you often share their wisdom through reviews and forums. Get insights from anglers who are using the kayaks you’re interested in.
The wide range in kayak designs means there’s something out there for everyone, whether it’s stability you’re after, storage for long trips, or agility for navigating those breaking waves in the surf.
Whatever your priority, safety should always come first. Ensure your kayak is equipped for the ocean’s unpredictability and always wear a life vest.
The Kayaks we reviewed here today are by no means all that are available. Many other Ocean and surf fishing kayak options are waiting to be discovered. I encourage you to test different models whenever possible.
Visit your local kayak dealer and ask lots of questions. They may even have demo models that you can take out and try on the water to see if they fit you and your fishing style. Hands-on experience can reveal a lot about how a kayak handles and how comfortable it is during those hours on the water.
As technology advances, so too will the features and capabilities of fishing kayaks. Keep an eye out for emerging trends, innovations, and improvements that could enhance your surf fishing experience. And if you’re still in doubt, remember: the best kayak is the one that gets you out on the water safely, comfortably, and effectively so you can focus on catching fish.
As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you ASAP. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.
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A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.
