kayak fishing, whats better ?

[samnpatty]

Whats better for kayak fishing , a sit on top model or a sit in model ?
Are there many folks out there Kayak fishing ?

 

[Dustin]

My brother lived in Florida for a while and fished from a sit-on. He suggested that I get one. He just thinks that they are better and possibly safer. Hope that helps.

 

[Fastwin]

Sit ON. Think about sitting in that thing during the summer... Hot hot hot! Sit on is also easier to jump in the water and cool off, then crawl back on.

 

[JaSkynyrd]

I've got a sit in fishing kayak, when I bought it I was certain that a sit in was the best way to go for me. However, after fishing out of it for about a year I think I would rather have a sit on top. The only positive for me so far with the sit in is warmth, and when you need that it is real nice to have.

But for the other 90% of the time a sit on top would be better I think. Easier to get in and out of, don't have to bail water after rapids because the scupper holes drain automatically, you sit up a bit higher on the water with a sit on top; I can fish no problem in the sit in but it would be a nice to have the extra 6+ inches or so of height for easier casting. and there is definitely more options to look at if you go the sit on top route, there are sit ins but only a few to choose from.

Lastly and most importantly, I would join riverbassin.com and lurk around there a bit and message people on there for the pros and cons; most of them use the sit on tops. I will be buying a sit on top at some point, I have dissapointed myself with my purchase because my kayak is great for what it is but I think a sit on top would work alot better for me.

 

[fishmedic]

I use a sit on top. I fish mostly in the Gulf of Mexico in near shore waters. The sit on top models are much easier to get back on when you get swamped and you have drainage through the scupper holes when waves crash over you. They have models made for fishing or you can get any model and modify it easily. I would look at spending the extra money for a foot pedal type, esp if you plan on fishing alot. I wish I had gone that route.

 

[Liveliner]

I have two sit on top 'Yaks I use in Florida. I like the freedom to stretch your legs on the sit on top. Don't skimp on Quality ... You will not be sorry for buying a stable true tracking model. I have a 10' one seat Nomad and a 12' two seat Gemini Yak Made by Feelfree. If you want to try them out you are welcome.</p>

http://www.feelfreekayak.com/home/</p>

 

[RiverCanyonBass]

I have a sit in fishing model I use to fish a shallow cove near my house. After a couple of hours it gets really uncomfortable being in the same position. I once tried to sit on top of it when I needed to stretch, big mistake, it flipped over instantly without warning and I lost one of my fishing rods out of the rod holder.

A friend of mine just got a very nice stable fishing model. It is both. You sit on top to fish, then the seat lowers down for paddeling. It also has some sort of chain drag anchoring system. I don't recall the name of it.

 

[Fishheadspin]

SOT is the only way to go for fishing. you can stand up in most of them. Most all manufacturers now make a model for fishing that are very stable.

 

[samnpatty]

Thanks For all the info folks, i like that website for feelfreekayaks i guess this makes my decision a little easier .

 

[digitalcb]

I like. my SOT. 13 ft two seater. Kayak paddles for solo but canoe paddles when tandem. The adjustable neoprene back rests are a must.</p>

SOT = WET warm weather or wet suits
</p>

Install plenty of Velcro attachments for your gear
</p>

This may sound dumb but stand up a lot. I've run hundreds of Class II and III rapids standing up in an open canoe. You get a much better feel for your craft and acquire much more flexibility to move around and maneuver.</p>

You will also learn the importance of knowing how to upright and empty a swamped open canoe in open water. (I'll teach anyone who wants to know).
</p>

 

[1nova]

samnpatty - 4/15/2011 11:16 PM

Whats better for kayak fishing , a sit on top model or a sit in model ?
Are there many folks out there Kayak fishing ?

it depends what you are trying to do and where you fish.
for speed or to have storage for overnight trips look more at sit ins.
for ease of getting in and out and for having gear close at hand, sot are generally better. Obviously some designs crossover, so try before you buy. Also don't rule out a solo canoe, especially if you use a double bladed kayak paddle, they are nothing like the clunker tandem rental canoes that most people think of.

Mohawk/class V is a local canoe maker.
Jackson kayak has both daytripper sit in and Coosa sit on top kayaks also made locally.

The coosa is awesome, great for small slews and rivers, I can actually stand and fish from it (240 lb). Very comfortable seat and the boat has some well thought out features. And is drier than most all other sit ins and sot

For open water fish (say harrison bay), you will want a boat that's longer to handle the wind better.

Always try before you buy, wear a pad, and get a good paddle.