Choosing a Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

Can you believe kayaks have been around for over 4,000 years? The very first models were designed with survival in mind. Over the years, though, their purpose has transformed. The kayaks of today exist for fun and recreation. And when it comes to having a good time, there’s nothing better than a sit-on-top fishing kayak.

As the purpose of kayaks has evolved, so has the design. While the original kayaks featured a sit-inside design, many models sold today are sit-on-top kayaks. The very first sit-on-top kayak was designed by Tim Niemier in the late 1960s. He started selling them to friends and locals, eventually establishing the very first Ocean Kayak factory in 1978 and then selling to Johnson Outdoors in the ‘90s. 

Today, you’d be hard pressed to find a kayak manufacturer who doesn’t have at least one SOT kayak in their lineup. It’s the perfect mode of transportation for anglers all over the world. But how do you know which model is right for you?  

Advantages of a Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak 

If you plan on wetting a line from the comfort of your kayak, there’s no better choice than a sit-on-top model. Here are some of the things that make sit-on-top kayaks perfect for fishing. 

• They’re easy to get in and out of. Because you’re seated on top of the kayak instead of inside, SOT kayaks make entering and exiting the cockpit a breeze. That means you can easily re-enter the kayak if you flip.. It’s also nice in warm and tropical climates—you’ll always be ready to hop in for a swim! 
• They offer more stability. Sit-on-top fishing kayaks have a higher center of gravity since you’re seated slightly above water level. To offset this, these kayaks are built with wider hulls. Standing on top of your SOT kayak while fishing is easy thanks to this design. 
• They’re comfortable. This is especially true for anglers with longer legs, or just anyone who isn’t a fan of feeling closed in. Since you’re sitting on top of the kayak instead of inside, many people like the comfort and mobility a sit-on-top kayak provides.  
• The cockpit is self-bailing. Sit-on-top kayaks have scupper holes that allow water to escape from the cockpit. This means any water that washes up and into the kayak will drain right out.  
• They offer lots of storage space. The open well space in a sit-on-top kayak leaves plenty of room to keep your tackle box, cooler, and other gear. 

The Best Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak

To say there are tons of sit-on-top kayak designs on the market would be an understatement. What works best for one angler, type of water, or fishing technique, might not be an ideal match for another. 

There are plenty of options out there, but don't get overwhelmed. The sheer number of options is precisely what makes sit-on-top kayaks so great for fishing. With so many versatile designs to pick from, there really is a SOT fishing kayak for every angler. 

What to Consider When Looking at Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayaks

What makes one kayak different from the next? There are plenty of characteristics to consider when choosing a fishing kayak, each one depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Let’s break down some of these factors to make your buying journey a little easier. 

Size

Kayaks come in several different lengths, ranging from 6 feet to 16 feet long. Longer kayaks offer more storage space, so if you plan on traveling with a large tackle box or extra fishing poles, you may want to invest in a bigger kayak.

Shorter kayaks, on the other hand, are easier to store and transport. If you have a small vehicle or limited space in your garage, we suggest looking at shorter fishing kayaks. The length of your kayak is also related to the type of water you fish in, but we’ll talk more about that in a bit. 

Price

There are several factors that influence the cost of a sit-on-top fishing kayak. The greatest factor in the price of a sit on top fishing kayak is usually the type of propulsion. Paddle kayaks are typically priced lower, while pedal and motorized kayaks cost a little more due to the advanced technology and components involved.

Larger kayaks can also cost more than smaller ones because they require more material to make. But the features and components will also impact how much you pay. 

Added perks like extra cup holders, ample storage, and rudder systems will cost you a bit more, but are often worth it in the long run.

Maneuverability

Long and narrow kayaks tend to be faster and track straight, but they’re more difficult to turn. 

Kayaks that are on the short and wide end of the spectrum are much easier to maneuver, which comes at the cost of speed. This is something to keep in mind when determining what type of fishing kayak is best for you. 

Short kayaks, like our Sportsman 106, are great for beginners who are still getting comfortable paddling. Longer models, like the Sportsman Bigwater PDL 132, are better suited to experienced kayak fishers. 

Weight Capacity 

All kayaks have weight capacities, but sit-on-top fishing kayaks can handle higher weights. While most kayaks can hold up to 250–300 pounds, sit-on-top kayaks can go up to 350–400 pounds. This allows for more variety of kayaker types, as well as high capacity when kayaking with more than one person. 

Type of Water

If you mostly fish in small bodies of water where speed isn’t a necessity, a smaller kayak is usually the way to go. 

Shorter kayaks can be easier to maneuver,  which makes them a great choice in rivers and creeks, where you may experience a few twists and turns.

Fishing in the ocean, on the other hand, is another story. If you need to cover a lot of ground (or water) to get to your favorite fishing spot, we suggest going for a longer kayak with a PDL drive system. Longer kayaks are built for speed and bigger water, and the pedals will get you where you need to go with less effort. 

Type of Fishing

In addition to thinking about the type of water you’ll be paddling (or pedaling) through, it’s also helpful to consider which type, or types, of fishing you will being doing most often.. 

If you’re a fly angler, or just someone who likes to stand when casting, a wide kayak is the way to go. This design will offer the most stability, making it easy to go from sitting to standing and vice-versa. 

If you’ll be fishing further away from shore in bigger water, though, a longer and speedier SOT fishing kayak might be just what you need.

Customization

Finding the perfect sit-on-top kayak is an adventure, but customizing it to suit your lifestyle takes things to a whole new level. From rod holders and backrests to fish finders and lights, equipping your new rig with high-quality kayak accessories will completely overhaul the way you fish. 

Fishing Will Never Be the Same!

Kayak fishing is one of the most engaging and fun ways to fish. Not only are you closer to the water than ever before, you have fewer distractions and less noise detracting from the experience. And with major advances in kayak design, propulsion, and accessories, you’ll be more comfortable and successful than ever before.

Keep yourself from getting bogged down in the possibilities by checking out our fishing kayak selector. We’ve made it easy to find the perfect kayak for your needs so you can avoid the stress. After all, fishing from a kayak is all about relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors. So have fun with it!