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The Rise of Sit-on-Top Kayaks in Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to sit-on-top (SOT) style kayaks for their fishing needs. These kayaks are highly sought after due to their versatility and user-friendly design.
A Closer Look at Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayaks
Sit-on-top fishing kayaks offer several advantages that make them a popular choice among anglers:
- Ideal for warm weather: With a sit-on-top kayak, anglers can paddle without worrying about water accumulating inside the kayak.
- Self-bailing feature: Thanks to scupper holes, sit-on-top kayaks can easily drain water off the deck, ensuring a self-bailing capability.
- Quick learning curve: Learning to safely operate a sit-on-top kayak is easier and faster compared to other kayak types.
- Easy entry and exit: Sit-on-top kayaks outshine sit-in kayaks in terms of accessibility. They are perfect for anglers who want to take a quick dip, maneuver around obstacles, or even wade fish.
- Enhanced stability: Many fishing sit-on-top kayaks are designed with a wider and more stable base, providing peace of mind to anglers.
- Stand-up fishing option: Some sit-on-top fishing kayaks offer enough width for anglers to stand while fishing, although wider kayaks may sacrifice speed.
- Wide variety of options: The market for sit-on-top kayaks is driven by consumer demand, offering anglers a vast range of choices.
- Ample storage space: Sit-on-top fishing kayaks typically provide plenty of storage for gear, electronics, and other essentials, ensuring easy access for anglers.
- Budget-friendly: Many sit-on-top fishing kayaks come equipped with fishing gear, saving anglers money compared to purchasing accessories separately.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, a fishing sit-on-top kayak is an excellent investment for your next fishing adventure. It offers ease of use, versatility, stability, and ample storage space – everything a fishing enthusiast needs.
Considerations for Sit-On-Top Kayaks
However, before making a purchase, it is essential to consider some downsides associated with sit-on-top kayaks.
Firstly, sit-on-top kayaks are known for their wet rides. While being wet is not a significant issue in warm weather, it can become dangerous and potentially lead to hypothermia in colder conditions. In such cases, investing in a dry suit is advisable to stay warm and safe.
Another aspect to bear in mind is that sit-on-top kayaks expose paddlers to weather conditions and water temperatures more than sit-in kayaks. When faced with cold air or water temperatures, wearing a dry suit becomes crucial to trap heat and maintain warmth. Additionally, windy conditions can pose challenges for steering sit-on-top kayaks, making it wise to bring an anchor or anchor stake to assist in such conditions.
Furthermore, the center of balance in sit-on-top kayaks is higher compared to sit-in kayaks of the same width, making them more prone to flipping. However, wider sit-on-top kayaks can compensate for this balance difference, albeit at the expense of increased weight. Keep in mind that sit-on-top kayaks are generally heavier than sit-in ones, so using a kayak cart from Sea to Summit might be necessary for transporting the kayak overland for long distances.
Other Kayak Types to Consider
Sit-In Fishing Kayaks
While sit-on-top kayaks reign supreme in the fishing world, sit-in kayaks also have their merits.
