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Fishing Kayaks

When looking at kayaks for the purpose of fishing, it all comes down to basically two forms of fishing kayaks. There's the “sit in” and the “sit on top.” But what's the difference (besides the obvious), and what are the advantages?

The “sit in” version of the kayak is what one normally thinks of when one thinks of kayaking, and it makes up the vast majority of kayaks that are bought, in North America and worldwide. You sit inside the kayak, and the area you sit in is sealed off so that no water can get inside. The “sit on” kayak, on the other hand, has you on top of the fishing kayak, which has a layout that allows the water to drain off the kayak.

Fishing kayaks of both types are available, but in general, the “sit on” version is considered to be superior. While some still insist that the “sit in” version allows for greater protection from the elements (technically true), this alone does not make it better. The sit on version allow for greater maneuverability, access to equipment, and so forth.

Fishing kayaks also allow you access to better fishing spots, since some of the best fishing in the world happens in harder to reach places that normal boats can't get to, but kayaks can. Large shallow water areas are far more accessible, and smaller inlets or hard to reach sections of more difficult rivers can all be accessed by fishing kayaks more easily than other methods.