In Today’s Newsletter: Happy World Oceans Day. 🌊 From offshore kayak fishing tactics and safety essentials to epic catches, gear picks and saltwater maintenance tips, this week’s stories celebrate the adventure, mystery and power of the sea.
Offshore Kayak Fishing Safety Gear Essentials
The equipment every offshore kayak angler should carry before heading beyond the breakers.
✨ Post-Landing Maintenance Tip
Freshwater Rinse: After any adventure on the salt, it's an especially good idea to rinse your kayak, especially those with pedals or motors, in freshwater to reduce opportunities for corrosion. In addition to rinsing salt away, this will help remove sand from moving parts. Target areas such as the rudder, rudder control, PDL drives, or motors. Also, any battery connection should be checked periodically for corrosion or sand and cleaned and lubricated with dielectric grease.
Best Ocean Fishing Kayaks For 2026
To go offshore fishing, you'll need a boat that was made to tackle open-water conditions. Find the boat that can handle surf, currents, swells and the constant stream of fish you're sure to be reeling in.
Our top picks:
Best overall: Vibe Hydra 130
Best pedal-powered: Hobie Mirage Outback
Fastest: Viking Profish Reload
Best budget kayak: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Best motorized: Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+
Best Saltwater Spinning Reels For 2026
A saltwater reel needs to be built to combat the harshest conditions and the biggest fish in the sea. Here are our top picks.
DIY Saltwater Reel Repair And Maintenance
Keep your tackle in tip-top shape for frustration-free fishing.
Offshore Angler Snags Freaky Sea Cucumber
The ocean depths are a strange and mysterious place, as this angler shows by reeling in an odd-looking sea cucumber while bottom fishing.
Bucket List: Bluefin Tuna In A Kayak
For years, Howie Strech dreamed of catching a bluefin tuna from a kayak. When the fish, weather and schedule lined up, Strech loaded his kayak. Read the play-by-play story behind Strech's fantastic fish tale that's almost too good to be true.
How To Catch The Most Popular Saltwater Gamefish
From the backwaters to the beach, anglers target trophy saltwater fish with light tackle
4 Expert Anglers Share Their Ocean Fishing Tactics
Take on the denizens of the deep blue sea with these expert tips.
How To Catch Sailfish
Wake Baits Go Saltwater Fishing
Lobster Rolling Through Maine
Saltwater Kayak Fishing World Championship Makes Waves
Beginner’s Guide To Offshore Fishing
The best kayak for offshore fishing is maneuverable to weave through the surf zone. Once outside the breaking waves, the boat should be fast and efficient to cover miles of open water. “I like a stable kayak with a dry seat,” he adds.
McDonald uses a pedal kayak for speed and distance on open water. Motorized kayaks, with a heavy battery, extensive wiring and expensive outboard motor are too risky to wreck in the surf zone.
McDonald keeps accessories and electronics to a minimum. “I think less is more,” he explains; less gear results in more space for fishing. Storage for gear and tackle, a few rod holders and a five-inch fish finder and GPS display. “I don’t want my cockpit cluttered,” he says. Offshore anglers need the area for landing big fish and a ton of gear is a liability in the surf…
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