Some links on this page are affiliate links, which do not impact our impartiality. We recommend the best product and then find out if it is available through one of our partners.
If you’re an avid sea fisherman or a budding saltwater angler you may be considering purchasing a sea fishing kayak. And you’d be right too! It can completely revolutionise your sea fishing experience as it allows you to navigate shallow waters or deeper pockets that are otherwise inaccessible by both boat and foot.
In this article, we’ve summed up everything you need to know about the sort of sea fishing kayak you should go for and the best kayaks on the market based on customer reviews, expert opinions and – of course – our own experience. We’ve included a detailed breakdown of each kayak’s features, technical specifications and primary pros and cons to help both beginner and intermediate sea kayakers pick their next vessel.
Our top to for sea fishing in a kayak is to invest in one of the best pedal-powered fishing kayaks. And if it’s a few more kayak fishing tips and tricks you’re after and some sea fishing tackle essentials, we’ve got you covered too.
A Guide to Buying a Fishing Kayak
Table of contents
How do I choose a sea kayak?
When choosing a kayak to use in the sea, there are a number of key considerations;
- Length and width: Longer kayaks are faster and more efficient, whereas shorter kayaks are easier to manoeuvre. Wider kayaks are substantially more stable, but the trade-off again is speed and efficiency.
- Shape: Round or v-shaped kayaks are designed with stability in mind, whereas kayaks with a flatter or harder chine are faster and less stable thanks to their streamlined setup. So choose a wide-based kayak with a softer chine.
- Weight capacity: If you’re planning on carrying a substantial amount of equipment with you, or weigh more than the average person, make sure you choose a kayak with a suitable load-bearing capacity as they do vary substantially.
- Legroom and setup: Choose a kayak with a sitting position that’s going to suit your body type, with ample legroom to boot.
- Storage and gear accommodation: Sea fishing in a kayak requires ample storage space and rod holders, so pick one that suits you.
- Durability: You’ll need to ensure you purchase a kayak made from durable materials – such as polyethylene – to withstand the rougher conditions you’ll need to sea fishing
A kayak’s chine refers to the point where the bottom and side of the kayak join. Kayaks with a hard chine tend to be for more experienced kayakers as they’re faster and less stable. Soft chines are much more stable and are more suited to beginners and fishing in rougher conditions.
What is the best sea fishing kayak?
The best overall sea fishing kayak is the Cambridge Kayaks Barracuda Fishing Kayak. We based this on value, quality, comfort and stability – all absolute essentials when going sea fishing in a kayak. You can find more kayak fishing essentials here.
Made from ultra-durable LLDPE plastic with the best storage-to-weight ratio on the market, it’s incredibly stable, and sturdy and is comparatively easy to transport at just 33kg. It doesn’t have the same bells and whistles as the Feelfree 3 Waters Big Fish 108 Fishing Kayak – which in itself is an incredible vessel. But it is sold at a much more accessible price point.
The 7 Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks in 2023
At a glance
The 8 Best Sea Fishing Kayaks in the UK
Cambridge Kayaks Barracuda Fishing KayakBest all-around sea fishing kayak
Amazon.co.uk
eBay
Decathlon UK
- Single person, rigid hull sit-on-top kayak
- 33kg weight with a 200kg load capacity
- Made with ultra-durable, UV resistant LLDPE plastic
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull, sit-on-top Kayak |
| Length | 11’5″ |
| Weight | 33kg |
| Load Capacity | 200kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 5 (1 rotating) |
| Rudder Control | No |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Cambridge Kayaks Barracuda is an excellent intermediate sea fishing kayak. Tremendous value at just over £600, with a comfortable, good quality seat, ample storage, a fantastic weight-to-load bearing capacity ratio and enough width to combat pretty rough seas. Any rougher and we’d heartily recommend not going kayaking. With eight scuppers around the boat if you do take on water, bailing it out is a breeze.
The aluminium fishing chair sits slightly above the surface of the kayak’s body, which prevents you from getting wet if (or when) you take on water. The dropdown skeg is a really useful feature that helps you keep straight in rougher conditions, improving your ability to fish considerably. Its retractable nature is excellent for going over shallow ground or when the weather is calm enough to avoid using it.
A scupper is a purpose-built hole in the side of a ship designed to drain water. A skeg is a movable fin on a kayak designed to improve directional stability, adjusting the boat’s centre line to keep it on course.
Feelfree 3 Waters Big Fish 108 Fishing KayakBest sea fishing kayak for big fish
- 3 Waters Kayak is designed for fishermen targeting serious fish
- Efficient pedal propulsion technology with sitting and standing options
- Stand-up casting option
- One of the most stable sea fishing kayak on the market
- Serious storage at over 200kg
- Supremely comfortable both sitting and standing
- A heavy kayak that can make transporting a challenge
- No additional high-end accessories E.g. a fish finder
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull, sit-on-top Kayak |
| Length | 11” |
| Weight | 61kg (without seat and drive) |
| Load Capacity | 204kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 2 (with additional rod holders) |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Feel Free Kayaks 3 Water Big Fish 108 is the best kayak for targeting big fish. Its ultra-wide base and seating/standing configuration make casting and landing big fish with heavier gear so much simpler. It’s capacity to stand up to rougher conditions is made all the more effective thanks to the Beavertail Rudder System and eight-ball steering handle.
The pedal power is essential in rougher waters or when targeting bigger fish as it provides much greater control than a paddle. In a fishing sense, it frees up your arms to fish with – something you could argue is essential when fishing with a rod. The additional feature we really like is the reinforced standing pad, as it provides extra grip and a completely flat surface for casting.
A beavertail rudder has a triangular (or beaver tail) shape with a wider end at the bottom. It’s primarily used in racing boats as it provides greater control and stability than a traditional rudder. You can turn more effectively as it generates lift.
The 8 Best Fish Finders For Kayaks in 2023 Editor’s choice
Cambridge Kayaks OrcaBest two-person sea fishing kayak
- Sit on top, rigid hull fishing kayak designed for two people
- 37kg total weight with a load capacity of 300kg
- 370cm x 86cm x 40cm
Cambridge Kayaks Orca Double Sit On Fishing Kayak is one of the best value fishing kayaks around. With two seats, paddles, plentiful storage and a max load of 300kg, this fishing kayak is designed for longer trips and expeditions into the wild. Made with LLDPE Exon Mobile, the impact resistance, durability and UV resistance makes for a seriously sturdy fishing kayak. Particularly at this price.
Relatively lightweight at just 37kg (particularly when you consider this is a tandem kayak), it’s fairly easy to transport and has plenty of storage.
The 6 Best Kayak Fishing Rods in the UK Editor’s choice
Cambridge Kayaks MANTABest entry-level sea fishing kayak
- Single person, rigid hull sit-on-top kayak
- 24kg weight with a 130kg load capacity
- Made with ultra-durable, UV resistant LLDPE plastic
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Sit On Top Kayak |
| Length | 9′ |
| Weight | 24kg |
| Load Capacity | 130kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 3 (1 rotating) |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Cambridge Kayak’s MANTA is an excellent value sit-on-top fishing kayak with stability and comfort ideally suited to sea fishing. Relatively lightweight at 24kg and with a very reasonable load capacity of 130kg, it’s well-equipped for adventurous fishing trips. Like with all Cambridge Kayaks, it looks fantastic too with excellent storage options and onboard drainage.
It is key to note that there’s one fishing rod holder that sits in front of your seat as opposed to on the side. This is quite a nice development in our opinion, as the side-holder rods can be awkwardly positioned and make hooking a fish trickier than it needs to be. This really helps the MANTA stand out as the rotating rod holder is – in our opinion – more conveniently positioned.
A cup holder for your booze too!
Cambridge Kayaks Sailfish Sea Fishing KayakBest auto-drive sea fishing kayak
- Single person, rigid hull sit-on-top kayak
- 55kg weight with a 200kg load capacity
- Complete with Pro Pedal Drive System
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Rigid Hull Kayak |
| Length | 12’1″ |
| Weight | 55kg |
| Load Capacity | 200kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 4 |
| Rudder Control | Yes |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Cambridge Kayaks Sailfish Sea Fishing Kayak is arguably the best kayak on the list for serious sea fishermen. Sleek-looking and powerful it’s an absolutely brilliant sea fishing kayak. If you’ve fished in choppier waters in a kayak you’ll know how challenging it can be to stay on an even keel without being buffeted around by winds and currents. If you’re having to paddle to stay in position, the actual fishing element of your kayaking suffers tremendously.
The Sailfish is an incredibly stable, pedal-powered kayak that lets you stay in the same spot without using the paddle. Freeing up both of your arms for casting and – hopefully – catching. Of course, you can use the kayak with just the paddle, but having both options is superb for fishing.
Cambridge Kayaks Big Catch Pedal Fishing KayakBest sea fishing kayak for all conditions
- Rigid hull, single-person kayak with a Pro Pedal Drive System
- 45kg hull weight with a load capacity of 250kg
- 320cm x 92cm x 39cm
Cambridge Kayaks Big Catch Pedal Fishing Kayak is one of the best kayaks around for targeting big fish. The wide, supremely-stable nature of the kayak and its large weight capacity (250kg) creates a fantastic platform for landing big fish and for maintaining balance in rough conditions. Just by looking at it, you can see why the wide, flat base of the kayak and its general bulk offers such a good platform for casting, stability and landing big fish.
One of the key considerations you must attend to when trying to target big fish in a kayak is how you will maintain your position once you have hooked into said fish. The best way to do this is by having a pedal-drive and rudder system that frees up your hands to land your target, using your feet to keep you out of danger.
Sea Eagle 350fx Fishing Explorer KayakBest inflatable sea fishing kayak
- Single-person, inflatable Touring Kayak
- 23kg weight and a load capacity of 261kg
- 2000 Deniers reinforced, puncture-resistant fabric
Sea Eagle’s 350fx is the best inflatable fishing kayak on the market and we really don’t see any argument to the contrary. The combination of outstanding stability, power through the water, ability to combat virtually any conditions and whopping 261kg of carrying capacity is unmatched.
With a 2000 Denier strength fabric hull ripping it would be an extraordinary feat of incompetence. That’s just one of the reasons it’s one of the best inflatable fishing kayaks on the market.
Included with the kayak are six-rod holders and convenient accessory storage your fishing needs are more than met. A personal favourite feature is the in-built self-bailing system. If you’re out on long-tour or fishing expeditions you cannot do better than this kayak. At 23kg packed away, it isn’t the lightest on the market, but it’s well worth the extra weight.
Oru Kayak Bay STBest lightweight kayak
- Oru Kayak is the lightest quality kayak on the market
- The Bay ST version is suitable for relatively choppy waters
- A sports performance type kayak that is built for a wide variety of water types and conditions
- The lightest weight kayak on the market
- Still exceptionally durable, with a 5mm polypropylene exterior with a 10-year UV treatment coating
- Can be carried around in a hand luggage-sized bag
- Will require some DIY fishing setup
| Technical Information | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Kayak Type | Folding Kayak |
| Length | 12’3″ |
| Weight | 11.8kg |
| Load Capacity | 136kg |
| Fishing Rod Holder Locations | 0 |
| Rudder Control | No |
| Number of Persons | 1 |
Whilst Oru Bay ST Kayak is not a fishing-specific kayak hear us out. The sea-ready kayak weighs just 11.8kg or 25lb in freedom units. That’s it. It packs away into a bag and only requires 10 minutes of setup time. You can even buy lighter, more flexible kayaks that take a couple of minutes to set up. It’s a simply incredible kayak that could not be better for travelling with.
Sure you will have to do a little extra setup when it comes to rod holders and gear setup, but it is absolutely worth it. You can compare the rest of the Oru Kayak options here. There are more serious ‘ adventure’ and tandem options you can choose that are even more stable in rough conditions.
If you’re still unsure about which kayak you should purchase, we’d recommend renting a kayak or two on a coastal trip and testing out a few designs to see which one is the most comfortable for you. Comfort and a sitting position are really important, so make sure you purchase one you like.
Best of the rest
Cambridge Kayaks Marlin Pedal Pro Fishing Kayak
Cambridge Kayak’s Marlin Pedal Pro Fishing Kayak is like the Sailfish light. Both literally and figuratively. Weighing in at just 60% of the Sailfish (33kg compared to 55kg) it’s a much more portaging and transport-friendly option. Particularly as the kayak is 18 inches shorter – 10’5 compared to 12’1″.
However, when a kayak is that much shorter and lighter, you will have to compromise somewhere. In this case, that compromise comes in the form of storage, load capacity (25% less), stability and speed. All of these are not ideal for sea fishing which is why it doesn’t quite make the cut. Still an excellent pedal-powered fishing kayak, but just not quite as seaworthy as the Sailfish.
Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Kayak
| Price history for Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak – One-Person Angler Blow Up Kayak, Includes Paddle, Seat, Hard Mounting Points, Bungee Storage, Rigid Dropstitch Floor and Spray Guard | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Fishing Kayak (say that five times fast) is a really good inflatable fishing kayak. With self-bailing floor drains and enough stability to allow you to stand up and cast – it’s remarkably stable for an inflatable model. We really like the removable skeg feature(s) as it gives you stability and direction in rougher conditions, without being ever-present. It’s just not quite as good as the Sea Eagle 350fx Fishing Explorer Kayak.
Made with 1000D reinforced PVC it’s built for fishing on the high seas and in pretty rough waters. Particularly if your trip is going to involve camping, portaging and general draining admin. The pack comes complete with a travel pack and pump so if you’re planning on staying overnight, the packing and re-inflating are relatively straightforward.
Sea Eagle 385fta Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Much like its superb cousin, Sea Eagle’s 385fta is just – and we mean just – second to the ever-robust 350fx. In terms of specs, it’s much the same. Powerful through the water with an outstanding load capacity to weight ratio and is loaded with fishing accessories. It’s better for two people than the fx version and – whilst it has the same weight capacity – is not as sturdy or as rip-resistant. Ultimately we just don’t think it’s quite as good as the 350fx or the Orca.
The hook, lure and fishing tool-specific storage and accessories are a really great addition. And like with the 350fx there’s a motor mount attachment for the serious fishermen. Particularly if you’re someone who likes a bit of company.
Conwy Kayak Menai
The Conwy Menai Single Person Kayak is a great option for beginner sea-fisher and intermediate kayakers looking for a short, easy-to-manoeuvre everyday kayak. At 9′ long and 24kg in weight it’s pretty easy to carry and portage if the opportunity or requirement arises. An almost 3′ width gives the Menai an incredibly stable base and whilst you won’t be breaking any water-based speed records, you’ll be secure in mid-choppy waters.
With five fishing rod holders, you’ll be substantially over-subscribed when it comes to a rod-to-hand ratio. But useful if anything goes wrong with one or two. Albeit that seems unlikely. Storage wise a 115kg capacity is reasonable, albeit limited for the larger gent. Ultimately it just isn’t quite cheap enough to kick out any of the Cambridge Kayaks more budget-friendly options as the specs aren’t quite as good.
FAQs
What type of kayak is best for ocean fishing?
Touring kayaks with a sit-on-top mechanism are the best ocean fishing kayaks as they have an open deck design and stable base that provides a comfortable, sturdy sea fishing option.
The open deck design allows for easy movement when casting and landing a fish and has a stable enough base that can handle choppy conditions.
What is the best length for a sea fishing kayak?
Typically the best length for a sea fishing kayak is around the 12′ – 14′ mark. However, it does depend on the type of fishing you’re doing. Longer trips where you’re storing more equipment may mean a longer kayak is more suitable.
Longer kayaks have better speed and efficiency of movement but are inherently less stable, which is less suitable for sea fishing. Shorter kayaks are more manoeuvrable and stable, but don’t tend to have the same storage or weight capacity.
How much should you spend on a sea fishing kayak?
Lower-cost sea fishing kayak models tend to start at around the £400 mark, whereas performance fishing kayaks can set you back well in excess of £3,000. As a beginner, we’d suggest finding a kayak around the £1,000 mark that has a rudder, rod holders and ample storage. Obviously the more you spend, the better your kayak fishing experience will be and the sea is a cruel mistress.
What is the best sea fishing kayak for a beginner?
As a beginner, the best sea fishing kayak for you will have a wide base (that prioritises stability and manoeuvrability), a comfortable seat, ample storage and be ultra-durable.
What makes a kayak sea worthy?
For a kayak to be sea-worthy it must be;
- Made from durable material like polyethene
- Shorter than standard kayaks to prioritise stability
- Watertight with secure hatch covers and self-draining scuppers
- Equipped with the optimal safety features including bilge pumps, a life jacket and a signalling device
- Suitable for the prevailing ocean conditions you fish in
Remember, the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic offer an entirely different experience.
