So why do you guys like your sit on top kayaks? I have used and fished plenty of kayaks but never tried a sit on top before. I notice there seems to be a good number of sit on tops out there that are set up for fishing or used for fishing.
I have always used and fished regular kayaks, but is a sit on top any better for fishing? If you have a bit of a load on the boat, is your but sitting in water? I really don’t like the idea of that. I was also thinking that it might not be as good colder weather.
But anyway, so why do you guys like your sit top kayaks?
Cause it’s “Better on top!” “No roll club” (old slogans for Ocean Kayak)
Easier to stand up in and fish, usually more stable then sit insides, ability to carry gear on deck easier, easier climbing in and out of in the marsh, I’m sure some of the folks that fish a lot more then I do from a yak have a lot more reasons too. If one dosen’t like the 'wet butt syndrome prevalant in sit on tops some duct tape on the hull over the scupper holes work great for keeping any water out, it does defeat the self bailing tho, but usually not a concern. In the winter time a pair of neoprene waders with a belt works to keep warm and dry.
Russ B. www.joinrfa.org
God is great, Beer is good, People are crazy
Deep water re-entry. Doable in a traditional, but not as easy.
Three positions to fish from (not including standing since my Manta Ray does not facilitate my fat a%$ standing in it)
Stability, stability, stability
Easy access storage - cooler, rods, tackle etc.
Dry butt AND self bailing scupper holes near my feet.
bout covers it… Safety is the biggest plus for me. Liek he said deep water re-entry is a snap and I can also move my legs around more and not get crampy from the SINKs…
I’ve spent a lot of hours in both styles and everyting is a tradeoff
Advantages of SOT’s listed above
There are disadvantages of SOT’s that people don’t talk about. They are heavier and slower than same length sit ins. Leaks in SOTs aren’t ususally noticed until they become a BIG problem. Super stability gives a false sense of security, so people sometimes go places they really shouldn’t.
I spend my time in SOTs lately. I like the stability. Standing in the Tarpon scouting fish is a bonus. Standup fishing and throwing the cast net in the Ride 135 is THE BOMB. Multiple sitting positions makes a day on the water more comfortable. Rigging with easy access to all the crap I carry is better with a SOT.
I’ll be adding a hybrid (Commander 140) to the stable this fall. I’ll let you know how that goes. I like the Commander 120 when it came out last year, I just wanted a bigger version.
“No roll club” (old slogans for Ocean Kayak)
