I just sold my boat Friday and I’m thinking of getting into inshore kayak fishing. I am an experienced fisherman. I fish all seasons except the dead of winter. I love to fish in the fall, especially October and November. I know these sit on top fishing kayaks aren’t dry. Can one fish out of one of those things info late October and November ?
Any info would be appreciated.
Jack, the SOT kayaks are fairly dry in my experience. I bought a Malibu Stealth 12 and the only water I really have to deal with is from the paddle dripping as I alternate sides while paddling. There are several kayaks that actually have elevated seats which I would prefer, but I’m more than happy with my Malibu. I also fish all seasons, I even fish in December and January out of my yak. All I do is wear some warm underclothes, strap on a pair of breathable waders(with a waist belt), some waterproof boots and a jacket. Make sure to always bring a change of clothes in a dry bag in case you do topple over for whatever reason. Hope this helps out some.
2007 Pioneer 17’5 Baysport
2012 Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles”
That’s good info. I appreciate it.
Jack Taylor
There’s never ending debate over SINK (Sit In Kayak) and SOTs (Sit On Top). Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages. With a SINK you sit IN the tube, with a SOT you sit ON TOP of the tube. A SINK can be rigged drier with spray skirt, etc. than a SOT and will be less effected by wind than a SOT.
The two big advantages to SOT are that they are self bailing and easy to get in and out of. These FAR outweigh any paddling advantage of the SINK for coastal fishing in my opinion. With my Ride I can sit on the side with my legs hanging in the water on warm days, stand up and site fish, or step out on an oyster bar, or wade a flat. If I’m going in the cold, I’ll wear light weight wader pants.
There are lots of choices with a SOT in regards to seating arrangement, length, width, and stability. In general, wider means more stability and longer means a better glide for easier paddling distances. IMHO, the biggest mistake people make for open water is to get too short a boat which will make it tougher to paddle efficiently.
If you get a SOT and can find a way to transport it, a longer boat (12-16’) is preferred.
I personally like the option to stand and these days most brands have a model that offer this option, though you’ll pay for it a little in paddlability.
Ideally, wet test some of these options before buying. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
Come out to the next meeting of the Lowcountry Kayak Anglers (LKA) this Sunday at the Charleston Angler in West Ashley @ 3pm. We our in the upstart of the club but a lot of good info can be had and we also do meet & fish gatherings once a month. Come on out we would love to meet you. You can also look the club up on Facebook if you are on there, just search the underlined name above. Tight lines
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
everyone should believe in something; i believe i’ll go fishing
-henry david thoreau
I spent 4 winters fishing in waders with a belt. You improve the dryness if you spend a few bucks on a nice paddling jacket.
Sit in or sit on top is a personal preference. I’ve paddled both in all kinds of conditions. The primary advantage of SOT is for folks who won’t practice their skills. Regardless which style you buy, I’ll beg you like I beg everyone else… get out and practice re-entry. You don’t want your first experience climbing back on your yak to be when you get dumped into 50 degree water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZmvVj7FUeY&list=UUadqXdhMuCxfDl9T20d4KDg
Boat drinks, Waitress I need 2 more boat drinks!
Thanks for all of the info gentlemen. I appreciate it. I’ll let you know what I decide to get.
Jack Taylor
Worth your time to watch all of Too Busy’s videos. That how to throw a cast net sitting down is dang impressive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv-NbhPWnRs&list=UUadqXdhMuCxfDl9T20d4KDg&index=78
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120