Pelagic: offshore fishing apparel since 2002

2002: Founded in Southern California
California: Headquarters in Orange County
UPF 50+: Rating of the Aquatek and Vaportek shirts

The story of the brand

Ron Kawaja and offshore fishing since 2002

Pelagic was born in 2002 on the Southern California coast. Its founder, Captain Ron Kawaja, fishes offshore himself. He started the brand to equip fishing boat crews: captains, mates and deckhands. These crews need clothing that lasts through full days at sea.

Pelagic then developed its own fabrics. The Aquatek shirt, made of nylon, was aimed first at captains working in the sun. The lighter Vaportek uses recycled polyester and a PFAS-free water repellent finish. The brand also designs polarized sunglasses, with mineral glass or polycarbonate lenses.

In 2018, Pelagic opened its first flagship store in Newport Beach, near its headquarters. In 2024, Ron Kawaja won the Blue Marlin World Cup with an 845-pound blue marlin. Today the brand dresses offshore anglers with technical apparel, caps, gloves, footwear and sunglasses.

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Key dates

2002 Pelagic is founded in Southern California
2018 First flagship store opens in Newport Beach
2024 Ron Kawaja wins the Blue Marlin World Cup

From the Rodhouse blog

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Pelagic · 5 min Pelagic clothing: the technologies that make the difference on the water

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about the brand

Who founded the Pelagic brand?

Pelagic was founded in 2002 in Southern California by Captain Ron Kawaja. He fishes offshore himself and still leads the brand. He launched Pelagic to equip professional crews: captains, mates and deckhands. In 2024, he won the Blue Marlin World Cup with an 845-pound blue marlin.

What sets the Pelagic Aquatek and Vaportek shirts apart?

Both shirts offer a UPF 50+ rating, a stretch fabric and vent zones. The Aquatek is made of soft nylon and is a little heavier. The Vaportek is the lightest shirt Pelagic makes. It uses recycled polyester and a PFAS-free water repellent finish.

What kind of fishing does Pelagic design its clothing for?

Pelagic designs its clothing for offshore fishing. The brand thinks first of long days at sea, in the sun and the spray. Its shirts cover the arms and, on hooded models, the neck. The brand's style also draws on diving and surf culture.

Pelagic, a brand born for offshore fishing

Pelagic is a fishing apparel brand founded in 2002 in Southern California. It is based in Orange County. The brand designs its range for fishing at sea, far from the coast. It was built first for the captains, mates and deckhands of fishing boats. They spend whole days in the sun, the wind and the spray.

Pelagic makes technical shirts, tees, caps and hats. The brand also designs gloves, footwear and sunglasses. Its prints often show offshore fish, such as tuna or wahoo. Its style comes from fishing, diving and surf culture. The range includes models for men, women and kids.

How Pelagic builds its gear

Pelagic starts from what an angler needs at sea. Sun, heat and salt wear down both the body and the fabric. So the brand created its own lines of UV fishing shirts. Each fabric has a name and a clear job.

Aquatek: a soft nylon shirt with four-way stretch and vents under the arms.
Vaportek: the lightest shirt in the range, made of recycled polyester.
A UPF 50+ rating on most of the shirts.
A water and stain repellent finish, free of PFAS.
Quick drying and vent zones for very hot days.

The hooded models also cover the neck. The caps follow the same ideas: light fabric, quick drying and mesh at the back for airflow. Pelagic keeps a simple line: clothing made for long hours on the water.

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Pelagic: UV fishing shirts, caps and offshore fishing apparel

Ron Kawaja and offshore fishing since 2002

Key dates

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Products

Halco Attractive Essence

Vaportek Hooded - Brush Camo

Vaportek Hooded - Brush Camo

Pelagic Aquatek Goione BFT UV Fishing Shirt UPF 50+

Pelagic Aquatek Goione BFT UV Fishing Shirt UPF 50+

Pelagic Aquatek Wahoo Icon UV Fishing Shirt UPF 50+

Pelagic Aquatek Wahoo Icon UV Fishing Shirt UPF 50+

Vaportek Brush Camo Allover

Vaportek Brush Camo Allover

Delta Flexfit Icon

Delta Flexfit Icon

Pelagic Vaportek Built Ultralight UV Fishing Shirt UPF 50+

Pelagic Vaportek Built Ultralight UV Fishing Shirt UPF 50+

Aquatek Goione Tuna

Aquatek Goione Tuna

Vaportek Worldwide YFT