Because your center of gravity is lowered, you are more stable and can use your body to twist and maneuver the kayak. SIK are more stable than SOT, and they will be faster. Many ocean fishermen prefer SIK because they stay more dry in the ocean spray. This protects your legs from spray, and an additional skirt can be added to make it completely waterproof. Sit inside kayaks contain a seat down within a hull. This can improve your vantage point to see fish and with more space to cast. Sit on top kayaks might also have the space to stand up while you fish. SOT kayaks will usually have more storage space and the capability to attach accessories such as rod holders or fish finders. Sit on top kayaks tend to have more space to move on the surface and you can even rest your foot over the side to balance when wrestling a big fish. Most SOT kayaks are a single piece of molded polyethylene and would easily turn back to upright if you roll without the need to bail. If you roll a SIK, the hull will fill with water while a SOT will not. They tend to be safer because they have a sealed hull. Sit on top kayaks are used most often in fishing. Each type of seating arrangement can be advantageous to different situations. Kayaks are designed to sit on top (SOT) or sit inside (SIK). Once you answer your fishing goals, then you can narrow down the field to find the best fishing kayak. Other fishing kayaks are not suited for rough water or powerful currents. What kind of environment do you plan to fish? Some fishing kayaks are designed specifically for open ocean fishing, rivers and streams, in addition to small lakes. Do you want your kayak decked out in as much fishing gear as possible to portage to a distant wilderness lake? Or do you also want to use a kayak for recreational paddling when the fish aren’t biting? The baseline critical decision is knowing what you want to use your kayak for. We’ll take each option and review the factors that may influence your decision - hang in there! 1. Do you prefer inflatable or hard shell? What about peddle vs paddle? There is much to consider when buying a fishing kayak. Things to Consider When Buying a Fishing Kayak Your big boat and its motor are loud and every fish on the lake will hide when they hear you coming, but with a kayak, you can be stealthy. Why go fishing in a kayak instead of your fast bass boat or old reliable Jon boat? Because a kayak offers the versatility to maneuver closer to your favorite fishing hole and target the fish tucked inside the weeds of a hidden cove. Fishing kayaks come in many styles and designs.
Fishing kayak free#
A kayak with pedal propulsion will be faster and free up your hands for fishing, but it also tends to be a heavier option for transport and storage.įishing kayaks are small floating vessels designed to bring a fisherman closer to the water with all of his/her gear within grasp.
They are less expensive and designed for fun on flat or calm waters.
Sit inside kayaks are more stable and tend to keep you more dry. Sit on top kayaks ride higher and are the most common choice for a fishing kayak.