Sit on top or sit in kayak

[Vlad Val Yevdash]

So im debating wether to get the sit on top kayak or sit in kayak. I like to stay dry but i like to fish standing up to. Im debating between these 2 kayaks. 

http://t.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3986135

http://t.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11279269

[flyfisher]

You are in a boat that is inches off the water so you will get wet.  Not saying you will get soaked every time out but you will get wet for sure. 

For me, I will take a SOT any day of the week over a SINK.  SOT self drains and are generally more stable.  I also prefer the rigging options and flexibility a SOT can offer.  

I don't have experience with either of those kayaks so i can't speak to them specifically. 

[Darren.]

I would go with a SOT.

If you shop around, you can find a better yak.
Hit your local Craigslist or even look at yak
stores for used models.

austinkayak.com and paddleva.com sell used,
also...

Guy on another forum scored a huge win on
the kayak I use, the Native Ultimate 12. He paid
$250. They usually sell for $1000+ ....

[Vlad Val Yevdash]

1 hour ago, Darren. said:

I would go with a SOT.

If you shop around, you can find a better yak.
Hit your local Craigslist or even look at yak
stores for used models.

austinkayak.com and paddleva.com sell used,
also...

Guy on another forum scored a huge win on
the kayak I use, the Native Ultimate 12. He paid
$250. They usually sell for $1000+ ....

Ive looked on craigslist near me and i havnt found anything good but those 2 field and stream kayaks are going to go on sale in may for around $350 which is why i plan onbuying it.

[Darren.]

6 minutes ago, Vlad Val Yevdash said:

Ive looked on craigslist near me and i havnt found anything good but those 2 field and stream kayaks are going to go on sale in may for around $350 which is why i plan onbuying it.

At that price, it's a good deal.

[J Francho]

I run both a sit on top, and a hybrid.  I actually prefer the hybrid, a Wilderness Systems Commander 140.  I can't say that either is dry - you pretty much get wet when you're that close to the water.

 

[GetBent]

If you turtle in a sink- it's not gonna float lol. I like sot kayaks myself. Easier to get to my gear and move around to handle fish and whatever else needs room to move. Just plan on getting wet in a kayak, you're fooling yourself if you think you can without getting wet. Some kayaks will get you wet more than others. Just be sure to get a good seat so you're not sitting in the water. That can be easily done with a stadium cushion but the higher you are the more unstable you become. That's were the width of your kayak and your body type come into play. Lots of variables just plan on being wet and you'll be much happier. I love my kayak and getting wet doesn't bother me much. 

[paleus]

For fishing, no contest, SOT is better.

[bralexander]

Yeah, there is a reason why so many people use SOT for fishing! I have used both and a SOT has always been nicer for fishing. The only reason I would really consider a sit in is weight. I have seen some nice sit ins that are way lighter than comparable SOT.  I just wish those hybrids were more inexpensive... I would buy one in a second if I could afford it.

Bruce

[Dye99]

Having owned and loved both I would choose a SOT.

I love having my little Old Town Vapor angler for ponds, but a SOT boat is far better for what I do.

[Allen Der]

hybrid kayak FTW

[Turtle135]

I started in a SINK back in 1991 as that was what was available in those days. Two unexpected and annoying issues were:

1. setting your paddle down on the top edge rails of the SINK makes noise and you will frequently have to grab your paddle when a gust of wind tries to sweep your paddle away (in a SOT the paddle sits quietly in your lap and is better anchored there)

2. bumping your spinning reel against the top edge rails of the SINK

I my opinion a SOT is a much better platform for fishing than a traditional SINK.

 

 

[buzzed bait]

i had a sink for a couple years then sold that and bought a sot....  never once looked back nor regretted that move!  if you're worried about getting wet though, it's going to happen, no way to avoid it really.

[Landis Carrier]

SOT without question. And you might get a little wet but it's not like you're going to get soaked. 

[Caliyak]

Go with the Talon sot. But, look at the perception pescador instead. A better boat, in my opinion, that you can get from Dicks. 

[Vlad Val Yevdash]

1 hour ago, Caliyak said:

Go with the Talon sot. But, look at the perception pescador instead. A better boat, in my opinion, that you can get from Dicks. 

Which one specifically would u recommend, and if they have it on sale in may ill get it.

[Caliyak]

10 hours ago, Vlad Val Yevdash said:

Which one specifically would u recommend, and if they have it on sale in may ill get it.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=62619606

This is the 10 footer but they have the 12. There is the angler version which is more. The perception pescadors are the same as the Wilderness System Tarpons. Perception also has the Ride version which is called Striker. Not the same but similar. I believe you can stand on the Striker. 

[Choporoz]

2 minutes ago, Caliyak said:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=62619606

This is the 10 footer but they have the 12. There is the angler version which is more. The perception pescadors are the same as the Wilderness System Tarpons.

I have a Wilderness Tarpon 100.  It is, I believe, a 2014 model.  However, it is decidedly NOT the same as the yak pictured.  My Tarpon has:

-sliding, adjustable foot pegs, as opposed to molded foot slots

-slide tracks (4) - port and stbd; fwd and aft

-dry hatch right in front of the seat

-my seat has more adjustments - for back and bottom of thighs

-webbed 'tool pockets' on either side of seat

Not trying to be combative...just suggesting that the differences aren't slight

[bralexander]

13 minutes ago, Caliyak said:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=62619606

This is the 10 footer but they have the 12. There is the angler version which is more. The perception pescadors are the same as the Wilderness System Tarpons. Perception also has the Ride version which is called Striker. Not the same but similar. I believe you can stand on the Striker. 

I had this Pescador  10' a couple years ago. It is indeed a good quality boat, plenty stable and easy to maneuver. It is not as fast as some others but if you are not covering mega miles than it is no problem. I bought mine as a package, with a life vest and paddle, I think at Gander Mountain, on sale. This is one of the kayaks that I had for a little while and then wanted to try something else, and ended up selling on craigslist. The resale was very slightly below what I paid and I kept the paddle and vest to use on my next boat. These hold their value if you can find one on sale. I see it as I basically rented a kayak for 6 months for about $20. There was nothing wrong with the yak I just am crazy!

Bruce

 

 

As a side note- I very seriously considered the Striker, at the time when I bought the Pescador, but it has a unique seating area. Make sure you can see the Striker in person before purchase.

10 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I have a Wilderness Tarpon 100.  It is, I believe, a 2014 model.  However, it is decidedly NOT the same as the yak pictured.  My Tarpon has:

-sliding, adjustable foot pegs, as opposed to molded foot slots

-slide tracks (4) - port and stbd; fwd and aft

-dry hatch right in front of the seat

-my seat has more adjustments - for back and bottom of thighs

-webbed 'tool pockets' on either side of seat

Not trying to be combative...just suggesting that the differences aren't slight

Hey the Pescador is the older Tarpon. The new Tarpons are very different, but the old style is a well known and liked kayak. 

Bruce

Edited April 22, 2016 by bralexander
Forgot

[bralexander]

Hopefully this helps. Top is older Tarpon 100, bottom is Pescador 100

Bruce

[Allen Der]

the new pescador pro's look really nice, although the price is higher than the regular and close to tarpon range

 

[Vlad Val Yevdash]

6 hours ago, Caliyak said:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=62619606

This is the 10 footer but they have the 12. There is the angler version which is more. The perception pescadors are the same as the Wilderness System Tarpons. Perception also has the Ride version which is called Striker. Not the same but similar. I believe you can stand on the Striker. 

Im thinking about getting the striker its a little bit longer and faster and you can stand on it.

[GLK]

I bought the Striker 11.5 and really like it so far 

[Caliyak]

20 hours ago, Vlad Val Yevdash said:

Im thinking about getting the striker its a little bit longer and faster and you can stand on it.

If the striker does not have the trax system, a great investment. You can add fish finder and rod holders to the trax. Limit the number of holes on the yak. Congrats and have fun. 

[the reel ess]

On 4/22/2016 at 1:47 PM, Choporoz said:

I have a Wilderness Tarpon 100.  It is, I believe, a 2014 model.  However, it is decidedly NOT the same as the yak pictured.  My Tarpon has:

-sliding, adjustable foot pegs, as opposed to molded foot slots

-slide tracks (4) - port and stbd; fwd and aft

-dry hatch right in front of the seat

-my seat has more adjustments - for back and bottom of thighs

-webbed 'tool pockets' on either side of seat

Not trying to be combative...just suggesting that the differences aren't slight

Perception Pescador was an older WS Tarpon. They bought the old mold. But Pescador was just redesigned.

I have the older model Pescador 12. It's a great little SOT for the $$$. But you won't be standing in it. I'm clumsy so I just fish sitting.

BTW, get a SOT.