Ultimate Kayak Fishing

The most common question when you are looking into fishing from a kayak is what kind of kayak, how long, “SIK” (Sit Inside Kayak) or “SOT” (Sit on Top kayak”).

This is the subject for this FAQ and I’ll try to answer it to the best of my knowledge. Just keep in mind that this is my opinion and not necessary the only opinion on this matter.

So what is the difference between a SIK and a SOT? The SIK you sit inside, you are protected from the weather. On a SOT you are sitting on top of the kayak and should dress for the weather.

There are 2 styles of SIK, the recreational that has a large open cockpit and the ocean style / Eskimo style with a narrow cockpit. They can be made out of rotomolded plastic, fiberglass, or even kevlar or wood. The recreational kayaks are normally very stable. As for ocean kayaks, it is strongly recommended to take a class to learn how to "wet enter" the kayak. You can get a skirt for both styles but the skirt for a recreational kayak is more to keep water from splashing on you than as a measure to keep it out of the kayak in case of a capsize.

The SOT is as the name describes: A kayak with a seat located on top of the kayak. Most SOT's are made from rotomolded plastic. You are more exposed to the weather using a SOT so you should dress accordingly. Skirts are not made for SOT kayaks, but you can add knee straps for more control. SOT kayaks are easier to reenter in case you capsize or tip the kayak. With a SOT you oftentimes have a choice between a kayak with or without a rudder. I would recommend getting the rudder if your budget will allow. If you are starting out with a rudder, make sure that you have the option to add one at a later time.

Rigging a kayak is another topic all together. Rigging a SOT can be a lot easier than the SIK, but both can be rigged for fishing.

Length of kayak will determine how easy it is to turn or how fast the kayak will travel. If you are fishing salt ponds or freshwater, you can certainly get away with using a smaller kayak. If you have a lot of distance before you get to the fishing grounds, I would recommend a longer, faster kayak.

If your modus operandi is fishing the ocean and you plan to carry extra rods and fishing gear (i.e., milk crate, bait well), I would recommend a SOT of at least 14 feet long if you weigh 190lb or less and are 5’9” or shorter. For larger persons or for those who need to carry extra gear and require extra carrying capacity, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a kayak of 16 feet. There are kayaks capable of carrying up to 600lbs, but keep in mind that you will sacrifice paddling speed. If you are already kayaking and feel secure in an ocean/Eskimo style kayak and you don’t plan on bringing a ton of fishing gear, you can fish from this kayak after some thought-out rigging. To use a recreational style SIK kayak you should plan on fishing sheltered areas like bays and harbors where you are not so exposed to waves.

For fishing in freshwater, lakes, streams, ponds and salt ponds, you can use either style of kayak. Base it on your comfort level and how much gear you carry with you.

After taking into consideration all of this information, you can sit down and figure out what kind of kayak to get based on the variable previously mentioned in this article.

What I’m using is a Tarpon T160 SOT from Wilderness Systems. I’m 6’4” and weigh 200lb. I have a Tarpon T140 and a Tarpon T120 that I use in small freshwater ponds and salt ponds. My kids use the T120 and T140 when they fish with me. The other kayak I ownis a Cobra tandem and it’s rigged with rod holders so I can bring someone along who’s not secure in his or her paddling abilities.

I have access to and use several other styles of kayaks for fishing. So contact me if you have any further questions regarding your next kayak purchase.