Minimum length for going into the ocean?

So we were looking at the west marine kayaks and it made me think we might want more or less boat   So I ask the people that are out there fishing for ling cod and other ocean fish what is the minimum length boat that is safe to go out in?
Thanks in advance for your help
Silentstalker

It's not really about length(I know I'll get plenty of creative responses to that one ), but to answer the question, I would say to look for a kayak greater than 10 ft.  I assume you're asking this with stability in mind, correct?  You could do it in a 9 foot kayak, but it would have to be at least ~32" wide to be comfortable. If you're getting into kayaking for fishing, go with a sit-on-top style of kayak.

What you should be looking at are things like weight capacity.  Generally, a kayak that has a higher weight capacity is going to be much more stable than one with a low weight capacity.  Shoot for at least ~350 lbs. for a decently stable kayak.

My solo boat is an older WS Tarpon 120 (12 feet). I'm not the biggest guy in the world - about 5'11" and 170 (solid muscle, I assure you! heh heh) and I definitely wouldn't want any less boat than I've got when I fish the ocean, and I don't even go out in too terrible of conditions compared to some of these guys.

But everyone's experience and abilities are different and at the end of the day what is safe for me may not be safe for you and vice versa. I think rawk's comment is appropriate - it's probably less about the length than other factors such as SOT vs. SinK, stability, weight capacity, etc.

That said my next solo boat will be at least 13 feet. I'm eyeing the Trident 13, Tarpon 140, and Revo 13 for my next solo boat.

If you're looking at West Marine, have you looked at the Abaco?   
I have the 13.5 tandem...550 lb capacity...very stable double...EXTREMELY stable solo IMO...
Have played a little in the surf with it...fished with it...even plowed through/over about a 4' cresting wake running double...
My 3 teenage girls had it in Sunset Bay swimming of it...One daughter stood on the nose and dove off...

...and they don't break the bank either!

Long and narrow, easier to go fast and less initial stability.  Short and wide, slower speed with greater initial stability.  My personal choice is a single seat S.O.T with a minimum length of at least eleven feet and 12' to 14' being ideal.  Why single seat as opposed to tandem?  Fore/Aft balance when paddling solo.  Additionally, yakers in areas with milder sea conditions can get away with shorter boats. Here in the PNW longer boats handle the swells and wind chop seas better. Good luck!       

   2 years ago.. Upnorthtex took 2nd place at ORC in a 9' Hobie Sport. He is not a large guy though.

   SilentStalker-- you've been given some good advise already. Listen well.

Thank you all for your input. I have been offered a Cobra Fish-N-Dive and I think it is a good Boat. If anyone has any input on these boats I wold greatly appreciate the input.
Again I thank everyone for the help you guys on this site rock!!!!!!

The fish and dive will be fine in the ocean .... It will make you a strong paddler.
It is a slow boat with tons of stability. I know guys who used them in Alaska.

Thank you all for your input. I have been offered a Cobra Fish-N-Dive and I think it is a good Boat. If anyone has any input on these boats I wold greatly appreciate the input.
Again I thank everyone for the help you guys on this site rock!!!!!!

That's a solid boat for the ocean.  I agree with what Fungunnin said.

My wife's first trip into the salt was on a fish and dive.  They don't come much more stable than those

Thank you all for your input. I have been offered a Cobra Fish-N-Dive and I think it is a good Boat. If anyone has any input on these boats I wold greatly appreciate the input.
Again I thank everyone for the help you guys on this site rock!!!!!!

That's an aweseome beach launch boat.  One of the few SOT's that can actually surf a wave. Super stable to boot.

-Spot-

I own a Cobra F&D and here are a couple of items to consider. They are not bad but you should be aware of them.  First, the heel wells are narrow.  They may be a little uncomfortable for those with large feet who wear shoes.  They are fine for women and may be ok with water socks or dive booties.  Second, the Cobra is a bit harder to paddle as swiftly as some other designs.  It is very wide, 36", and this may why.  Third is the six-latch hold cover.  It gets a bit tedious opening six levers to get into the center hold, but it is large and you can put lots of gear in there.  Fourth, mine did not have flush mount pole holders installed so I bought a couple at WalMart ($7.00 ea.) and installed them. Lastly, I would suggest getting a 240-250cm paddle, this is due to the width of the boat. Shorter paddles just don't work as well.  Other than those items its a fine craft and will perform well on the ocean, lake, bay, or river. 

Thank you everyone for your advice and help.

Rick,
Thank you for all the insight on the boats. The ones I am looking at do not have rod holders either but I am good with that. Wha I am glad to hear is the stability on these since my children will be in these boats.
Thanks again

Well we got the fish and dives and took them for a maiden voyage this evening on the Willamette. It was a great paddle and my son loved it. Saw two fish role and my son saw one. Cannot wait  to try fishing off thae great boats.

I don't think you will be disappointed with the F&D.
 My buddy stacks crab traps on his and is still able to surf launch/land easily.
 I fish the Ocean from a P13 on most occasions, however on a calm day, I love to take out the small OK Frenzy's for short trips close to shore.
 I think most sot's can handle the ocean on nicer days....it is the motor that counts in most cases.
 enjoy the madness!