Kayaking on the ocean or big lakes introduces variables that not all fishing kayaks are built for. If you are a kayak angler looking to get offshore or on large lakes with open water, safety is the first priority. So, what are the best kayaks for big water?
Before we get into fishing kayaks for offshore fishing, it's more important to talk about the attributes you should look for in a kayak and some of the non-negotiable safety tips for kayaking offshore. After we talk to basics, we'll share some of our choices for the best fishing kayaks for ocean fishing. Attributes you should consider:
- Kayak length
- Kayak width
- Hull shape
- Weight capacity
- Two types of propulsion
Primary & Secondary Stability Defined
Primary Stability
This refers to how stable a kayak feels when you're sitting flat on calm water. A kayak with good primary stability will feel steady and balanced, making it easier to get in and out of and to paddle in a straight line. Think of it as the initial stability of the kayak when you're just sitting still.
Secondary Stability
Secondary stability comes into play when the kayak is tilted or leaned to one side. It's about how stable the kayak feels when it's leaned over, such as when you're making a turn or dealing with choppy water. A kayak with good secondary stability will resist tipping over even when it's tilted at a significant angle.
In a fishing kayak, both primary and secondary stability are crucial. Good primary stability provides a stable platform for activities like casting, reeling in fish, or standing up to get a better view. Meanwhile, good secondary stability ensures that the kayak remains stable and won't suddenly tip over if you lean to the side while fighting a fish or navigating rough waters. Balancing these two types of stability is key to choosing a kayak that suits your fishing needs and preferences.
Two Main Hull Shapes for Fishing Kayaks
V-shape Hull
Like its name, a V-shaped hull comes to a deep V from the sides of the kayak to the hull point. The defining characteristic of V-shape hull kayaks is straight line speed. Due to the V shape, these kayaks ‘knife’ and ‘cut’ their way through the water with minimal drag. When taking on rougher water, this kayak hull shape performs well by knifing its way through choppy water. Paddlers looking to reach higher speeds with less effort and excellent tracking will like kayaks with this hull shape.
What these hulls offer in speed and efficiency they sacrifice in stability in calmer water. If you are new to kayaks, you may find that v-shape kayaks feel ‘tippy’ when you first sit in them. Much like riding a bike, these types of kayaks feel more stable as you gain more speed. If you will be fishing water that is typically calm or has very little chop, a V-shaped hull may not be for you. V-shape kayaks are also more difficult to turn.
![V Shape Hull]()
Pros:
- Moves through rougher water more easily
- Fast and easier to paddle
- Tracks and maintains its line very well
- Great for longer trips that require lots of paddling
Cons:
- Less stable when at rest and in calm water
- Difficult to stand and fish
Poontoon-style Hull
As you probably gathered, the pontoon-style hull mimics that of a pontoon boat. Pontoon hulls are sometimes also known as ‘tunnel’ hulls because underneath they have two channels for the water to move through. Pontoon hulls are popular on fishing kayaks because, much like a pontoon boat, they offer incredible stability. Many anglers prefer to stand and cast from their fishing kayak. With a pontoon-style hull and more stability, anglers can stand with more confidence.
To obtain that level of stability, however, pontoon-style hulls sacrifice speed and precise maneuverability. Like a pontoon boat, pontoon-style kayaks take an extra paddle stroke or longer pedal stroke to turn.
Pontoon-style hulls are good all-around fishing kayaks that provide stability in multiple water conditions such as rivers, lakes and open water. They can handle bigger waves, but they sacrifice speed and do not ‘knife’ through rough water as well as a V-shaped hull.
Pros:
- Extremely stable
- Great for dropping anchor or casting in one spot
- Can stand and fish in most pontoon-style kayaks
- Great for calm rivers, lakes, streams and protected coastal bays
Cons:
- Not known for top speeds
- Moderate tracking, but not as good as V-shape hulls
- Handles waves when still, but doesn't 'knife' through rough water like V-shapes
- Requires more effort to paddle when relocating, especially in current or choppy waters
Kayak Attributes to Consider for Ocean & Big Water Fishing
Kayak Length
Kayak length does not always equal stability. The reason we mention length is primarily for taller anglers. A longer kayak may provide more cockpit space for those of you who have longer legs and torsos.
When kayak length does play a role in stabilty is when taking on waves or wakes. Longer kayaks typically cut through waves and wakes a bit better than shorter kayaks. This is also when kayak hull shape comes back into play. The longer V-shaped kayaks will knife through current and waves far better than pontoon-style kayaks.
Longer kayaks do not always equal more cockpit space either. For example, the cockpit space of an Old Town Sportsman 106 vs. 120 is not that different. The extra length gives more bow & stern storage space. Talk with a dealer to learn if longer versions offer more space for your legs or not.
Kayak Width
Kayak width plays a bigger role in primary stability than kayak length does. When at rest, a wider kayak will feel more spacious and more stable. Wider kayaks are typically easier to stand and fish in than skinnier kayaks. As mentioned above, a narrower kayak with a V-shape hull will feel far more stable when in current or while moving.
A wider kayak will also offer more room to stretch out and more room for gear without the angler feeling as cramped.
Weight Capacity
This is straight-forward. If you are a larger angler, one of the most important attributes to look at is the weight capacity of kayak. One of the biggest reasons a kayak can feel unstable is because the weight capacity has either been exceeded or is being pushed far too close to the max. Exceeding the weight capacity alters the primary and secondary stability of a kayak.
An angler must consider more than what a kayak's max capacity is rated at. There is a general rule of thumb that says you should take what the listed max capacity is and times it by 70% to get your usable capacity. The 70% rule is not a definitive rule, but can help keep you in the desired weight range to maintain your stability and maneuverability. For example, if a kayak's weight capacity is 500lbs, you'd want to try and keep your total weight (angler and gear) in the 350-375lb range.
Considering the 70% "rule," you'll want to keep your own weight as well as your gear weight in mind when searching for the right fishing kayak for you.
Hull Shape
As we discussed above, your hull shape is going to play a huge role in how well you move through water and how safely you are able to navigate through current and rolling waves. When you are looking to kayak on the ocean or large lakes, you will want to focus on longer kayaks that have some sort of v-shaped fishing kayak. Longer kayaks will help get on top of waves as well as cut through waves better. These are essential attributes for kayak fishing offshore.
If you plan to exclusively fish on open water, turn your focus to kayaks with length, a v-shaped bow and fishing kayaks with the capability of adding secondary propulsions.
Two types of propulsion
All kayaks should have a paddle. Thinking of your hull shape, a longer kayak with a v-shape is going to track and paddle more efficiently which is essential over long distances. But, when it comes to fishing offshore, we advise our anglers to have two types of propulsion. Look for kayaks that have built-in pedal drives or the capability of adding a motor. Always plan for the worst and prepare yourself with two types of propulsion for any scenario that may arise like a dead battery, fatigues muscles or weather changes.
Fishing Kayaks for Big Water & the Ocean
