Sit on top kayak or sit in?

[kickbasskid]

I have two kayaks I could go for and I was wandering which one you guys thought would be better for fishing. I would also like to add a motor mount to which ever one I choose. Here are the choices:

Kayak 1:http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131654&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153.2291570&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153&fbn=Type%3A+Kayaks%7CHard+Shell&f=PAD%2FType%3A+Kayaks%2FHard+Shell&fbc=1&categoryId=2291570&s=A-StorePrice-DSP&parentPage=search&searchId=22979738843

Kayak 2:http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2228183&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153.2291570&parentPage=family

[dman]

i dont know how you guys can fish off of these!  I would get so frustrated from being so limited,  i wouldnt be able to just relax and enjoy the ride which is what i guess its about.....Now-  back on topic,  If i had to, i would get the blue one,  might feel to closterphobic in the other.

[maxke01]

friend of mine has the 2nd one only its longer and a 2 seater. We take that when we want to get in tight areas a boat just cant get. We catch a lot on our outings. My only suggestion to you would be to rig a drop anchor for the front and back because it is very difficult to keep the boat still while reeling in a decent sized fish

[VolFan]

I have a sit in and liked it very much in CO, but haven't used it here (NOVA) yet. The sit-in will keep you and your stuff drier usually, but past that it's probably a wash.  Both of those are going to be really small to fish out of though, mine's a 14 fter.  We also got a 14 ft Mad River canoe from Dicks and that thing is SWEET to fish out of, might be another direction you could go.

[fooman]

I prefer the sit-ins because they keep me and my gear dry..Here in Illinois I can get on the water earlier in the year while the guys with the sit-ons are waiting for warmer water..

Look at an Otter XT,it has a padded seat and foot braces which gives you some leverage while paddling..

On my XT I have 2 Scotty flush mount rod holders mounted on the back to carry spare rods and 1 mounted in front

[Branuss04]

I don't fish in kayaks much, but I have been in both kinds (The sit in and sit on top) .  I personally prefer the sit in, I feel like I have better stability.  I'm a pretty tall guy, so when i'm in the on top ones, my center of gravity is high and I don't feel like i'm balanced.

[Big Al]

If the kayak is going to be mostly used for fishing and you don't mind getting wet, the sit on top wuld be my choice.  I still get plenty wet in my sit in though, so thats not a big issue.  Sit on tops are easier to use because you don't have to reach underneath the deck everytime you need to grab a tackle box or whatever.  They would also be easier to mount rod holders, electronics, gps, etc. to.  You can stretch out easier and you don't get a goofy lookin tan only on your upper body.  And if you absolutely had to have a motor, a sit on top would probably be easier to mount it to.    

A couple good things about the sit ins are that you can keep your gear in them and just slide em in the water and go and that all your stuff doesn't get as wet when in a little chop.  

There's some pretty sweet mods people do to sit on tops that you could probably check out by a quick google.  

[armesjr]

I wouldn't go with either of those, and i would go with a sit-on-top kayak. Check out kayakfishingstuff.com, great site totally dedicated to kayak fishing.  The forums are good, and they have a ton of articles. There are a lot of considerations that you need to take in to consideration, size, weight, storage capability, upgradeability.  I researched what i wanted, and searched the used adds for about 3 months before i made a purchase.   Your best bet is to to look on craigslist and in your local paper.  If i were you I would buy a used one.  You can get much more for your money, going used.  You may have to save up so money, to get a good fishing kayak, but you will be much happier in the long run.  

[Tenka]

You need to look at this one, arguably the best fishing kayak out there.

http://www.cobrakayaks.com/kayaks/cobracat4.html

Also google, malibu and hobie kayaks

Dave

[Ballpark Frank]

Kickbasskid, no offense, but I still wonder if a kayak is for you. Why mount a motor on a kayak. If you are wanting a motorized boat, look into getting a small john or even a canoe. Your room is already limited on a kayak, then you add a trolling motor, marine battery, and all of the components for a steering system.

To answer your question about which boat is difficult with the motor issue. Neither boat would be appropriate for a trolling motor. That's not saying it can't be done.  

Now if you want to paddle a boat, either one would be good. I personally prefer sit ins, but I paddle in a lot of different water conditions. If flat calm water is where you will primarily fish, then the sit on top would work well.

 

One point of warning, if you get a Sit In Kayak, do not use an anchor. Getting out of one can be difficult, especially if it flips in current and is anchored. That is a death-trap.

[Cory20]

If I had the loot I would be in a Hobie Mirage, or whatever their foot powered kayak is.  Those things are nice!

[the old fishing pond]

I like on top, but my sit in kayak is a touring boat so you dont just hop out.

[Chode2235]

If I had the loot I would be in a Hobie Mirage, or whatever their foot powered kayak is.  Those things are nice!

Exactly!  I have been saving my money for a hobie outback for a couple years now.  There are so many metro lakes around here that never get fished that are non motorized.

They are also incredibly sea worthy, and provide the hands free fishing.

[Blackdog]

My vote is for the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12/14/16 series. It's a sit in kayak/canoe hybrid. It's 55 lbs, cartops easily, stable, fast, easily paddled, poly, excellent seat that is adjustable and removable, and adjustable footrests. At about $700 for the small 12 foot one, it is suitable for all weather (including winter!) because you stay dry.

It's for fairly quiet water and large boat wakes may slosh in. I looked at kayaks of all sorts at a boat show outdoors and for a person not interested in getting wet in cold weather and who wants the maximum amount of storage inside and a place to attach rod holders, etc. as well as spash skirts, it's superior. nativewatercraft.com  

[Yakangler]

Hey kickbass..don't buy either one of those.  You won't enjoy fishing from those, they're not built for fishing.  Kayaks are like anything else, you get what you pay for.   Spend just a little more money, and get a longer craft (say 11 or 14 footer) and you will gain much more stability and comfort, not to mention peace of mind.  Just another 100 bucks or so.

I fish from an Islander, marketed for angling (sit-in).  Has built in rod holders, and several mods I've done to it to make it more fishable.  I absolutely love this style of fishing, if your expectations aren't too high.  

Don't know that I would try to mount a motor onto a kayak, though I've heard guys do.  What I would try to accessorize it with is some sort of anchor.  There's nothing more frustrating than locating fish just to have the current drift you downstream, only to have to paddle back to that location.  Just be careful with the anchor, always have a way to break it loose, just in case of tangles/water conditions/etc.

Good Luck!!

[fooman]

It all depends on where he plans on using it.. I use my Otter XT on  small shallow rivers and ponds/pits and its great. Keeps me dry and allows me to take the tackle I need for the day.. I dont think it would be the best choice on bigger open water but thats why I have a boat also.

Check out http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/ and look over the reviews

[Yakfish]

If you're well outfitted/prepared and get the right boat, fishing from a kayak is not limiting at all. Easy to get on the water, cheap, stealthy...lots of pros. I'm 6'2" and fish from a 16' Old Town Dirigo (sit in). X2 to whoever said that you get what you pay for so if you're serious about using it regularly I would shy away from those two that you're looking at from Dick's.

Definitely check out '>http://kayakfishingstuff.com/

and feel free to PM me if I can give you any more than my brief .02

Good luck!

[tntitans21399]

I prefer the sit in one, that way you can put fishing gear down between your legs and not have to worry about it falling out into the water.

I have one just like the one sit in one pictured.

[GitRDoneIke23]

Kayak #1 gets my vote!! I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. I LOVE it!!! I'd look into that if you have the $$$$.

[kickbasskid]

Listen I am 5'0" and am 13 years of age. I really don't need or can afford anything more than what the choices I listed were.

[kickbasskid]

I realize I need to give you guys a better idea of what I am looking for. Here is a list:

1. It needs to be small and light.

2. I will use an SUV to transport the kayak.

3. I will use it on ponds and small lakes.

4. I will use artificial bait and a spinning combo.

5. I will practice catch and release unless I am in a tournament.

6. I would like it to be accessory friendly.

7. I would like it to be under 300$

[fooman]

Right now dont be in a hurry,in the spring Dicks,Cabelas,Bass Pro and Gander will have their kayaks on sale and you might be able to get a better kayak for your $$$

Also dont be afraid to look at a blemished yak(scratched,crooked decal,etc) a couple of guys I know bought some Wilderness System yaks that were blems at a decent price

[kickbasskid]

Thanks I will look into it. My parents are looking into getting me one for my birthday so thats where the money comes from.

[kickbasskid]

I have chosen a third choice to be in the running. Here it is:http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2674496&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153.2291570&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153&fbn=Type%3A+Kayaks%7CHard+Shell&f=PAD%2FType%3A+Kayaks%2FHard+Shell&fbc=1&categoryId=2291570&s=A-StorePrice-DSP&parentPage=search&searchId=24213747194