Sit In Fishing Kayak In 2021- Review and Buying Guide

A kayak is a highly versatile and functional watercraft with which you can do a lot of different things, but perhaps the best and most fulfilling activity you can do on a kayak is kayak fishing, which is quite different from the traditional boat fishing. For starters, you need a fishing kayak, among other necessary gear.

Now, when it comes to the best sit in fishing kayak, you’ll find that there are plenty of amazing options available. But if you are new to the sport, choosing a good one can be a daunting task, which is why we are here to help.

Take a look at this review and buying guide on the best sit in fishing kayaks in 2021:

Top 7 Sit in Fishing Kayaks

Not all sit in fishing kayaks are the same- some are better than others. So, we compiled a list of the best options on the market. Check our reviews of the best fishing kayak brands below:

Sit in vs Sit on Top Kayak

Choosing the right fishing kayak can be an overwhelming task, but there is a way to make things easier for you. For one thing, you need to base your decision on how you are planning to use your kayak.

That said, sit inside kayaks are typically better than sit on top fishing kayaks for a variety of reasons. For one thing, sit in kayaks have an enclosed cockpit that shelters your lower body from the wind and water, since you can sit inside the kayak’s hull with your legs under the deck.

This design lets you brace your knees off the interior walls of the hull, which greatly helps with stronger and more efficient paddle strokes. And, since your legs are away from the water, this makes the kayak much better for cool seasons and fast flowing, ice cold waters.

Moreover, sit-in kayaks are also easier to control and move much faster due to the lower center of gravity, unlike sit on top kayaks, which are tougher to paddle, move slower, are more burdensome, and are harder to haul and store.

Not only that, sit-inside kayaks also take up less space since the seat is located inside the hull. Because of this, it’s easier to store things inside the kayak, and the kayak itself is also easier to transport on a car.

Advantages of sit inside kayaks

• Comfort: sit inside kayaks are more comfortable than sit on top kayaks in the sense that you are not as exposed to the elements and won’t be battered by constant water splashes. With a sit in kayak, you can stay dry and warm throughout your kayaking trip.
• Speed: since your legs are positioned inside the hull, you can use them to help brace yourself and perform more powerful strokes, which leads to higher speeds as opposed to sit on top kayaks where your arms are the only parts working to move the boat.
• Maneuverability: sit in kayaks are narrower than sit on top kayaks, which makes them easier to maneuver. Remember, while a wide kayak is more stable, it’s also more difficult to move around especially in tight spots.
• Stability: the truth is, a kayak’s stability mainly depends on its design and construction, so a well-made sit-on-top kayak can very well be more stable than a cheap sit in kayak, but sit-inside kayaks do offer a sense of stability and safety since you are better concealed from the water.
• Weight: for some reason, sit-inside kayaks are actually lighter than sit-on-top kayaks. This is beneficial for a number of reasons, but most importantly, it means you can easily transport the kayak with less effort.

How To Find The Best Sit in Fishing Kayak

If you want a sit in fishing kayak, there are many different options available. These kayaks are generally cheap and affordable, easy to operate, easy to transport, and offer lots of storage options, among other benefits. That said, to find the best kayak, you need to consider several factors, namely:

Kayak Type

There are various types of kayaks, from pedal drive kayaks, stand up kayaks, kayaks with motors, fishing kayaks with pedals, and so on. Even with sit-in fishing kayaks, you get the option of hard packed kayaks, folding kayaks, and inflatable kayaks. You need to decide which type is best for your needs based on what each kayak type offers.

For example, folding kayaks are easy to handle and store. They are great for those with limited storage space. Inflatable kayaks are pretty much the same, and they are also surprisingly nifty and robust. In fact, you might even find inflatable kayaks for wavy waters, seas, and oceans.

Kayak Category

When it comes to buying a kayak, there are three main categories to choose from: recreational, day touring, and touring.

Recreational kayaks are affordable, simple to operate, stable, and easy to enter/ exit, making them great for flatwaters and calm rivers. Meanwhile, day touring kayaks not only look sleeker, they also move more efficiently and offer more control in unstill waters. There are also touring kayaks, which are better for long distance trips, since they track well and make use of a tiller to mitigate currents and strong winds.

Kayak Size

You also need to consider the size of the kayak; specifically it’s length and width. Keep in mind that longer and narrower kayaks are faster and more efficient, while shorter and wider kayaks are slower but more stable.

A small kayak is also easier to transport, but can only fit a petite paddler, whereas a bigger 12ft fishing kayak will likely accommodate two or more paddlers, or even allow you to kayak with your dog. The best kayaks for kids are also typically on the small side, no bigger than a 10ft fishing kayak.

Weight Capacity

Another important consideration is the kayak’s weight capacity, or the maximum load it can carry, which not only includes the paddler, but also all the gear and accessories being carried on board. Keep in mind that overloading a kayak not only negatively impacts its tracking efficiency, it also increases the risk of capsizing and kayak damage.

Material and Durability

When it comes to building material, you need to think about not just durability, but also weight. One thing you need to understand is that a kayak’s weight is dependent on what material it’s made of, and this weight also impacts the kayak’s weight capacity. Meaning, a lighter kayak will be easier to transport and will allow you to carry more gear.

That said, the lightest kayaks are typically pricier than heavier alternatives. Kayak materials include polyethylene plastic, composites, or ABS plastic, and among these, composites like carbon fiber and fiberglass are the lightest and best performing but also the most expensive, whereas polyethylene plastic is the heaviest and degrades fastest.

Maneuverability

A kayak’s maneuverability is one of its most important features, and it doesn’t only entail the watercraft’s maneuverability on the water, but also outside of it. A kayak that’s easy to operate on land is a more user-friendly kayak.

What this means is that the kayak should be lightweight, not exceedingly bulky, have built-in carry handles, and so on. It should also be versatile so that you can use the kayak on both small and large bodies of water, which is important if you want to go kayak fishing.

Stability

Not only should a kayak be easily maneuverable, it should also be stable. As said earlier, the kayak’s stability is largely dependent on its depth and width. Basically, wider kayaks are more stable, while deeper kayaks are more easily influenced by winds and currents.

Transportability

One thing you need to keep in mind about transportability is that while a kayak with lots of convenient features may be more pleasant to use, all these added features also make the kayak heavier, so you will likely need transport solutions like kayak racks or trailers.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, the primary factor is the kayak seat, which should be comfortable and adjustable. It should feature an ergonomic design, come with lots of padding, and be flexible. Ideally, it should also have high back support or an adjustable backrest. Aside from the seat, other comfort factors include the footrests and the spaciousness of the kayak itself.

Ease of use

For beginner kayakers, an easy to use kayak is always a must, and this means looking for safety and comfort features that allow you to learn how to use the kayak, get accustomed to its operational techniques, and get comfortable while enjoying the experience.

Maintenance

Maintaining a kayak can entail anything from draining water from the hull, to making repairs, augmenting the kayak’s durability features, and so on. How easily you can maintain a kayak also depends on the brand of the kayak.

That’s because kayaks from the “best” brands often come with protective features like UV resistant coatings, spray protectants, scratch resistant surfaces, corrosion resistant construction materials, and so on.

Other Things To Consider

When buying a sit-in fishing kayak, remember to take into account your paddling style, height, and the kayak’s width. These will help you figure out the best kayak size for you. An adequate cockpit size will also offer more safety and control in harsh conditions, and make getting in and out of the kayak easier.

Aside from the cockpit size, the storage space of the kayak is also important, especially when it comes to fishing, where you’ll need to bring lots of gear and accessories.

Even the color of the kayak is an important consideration not just for style, but also for safety. Brightly colored kayaks are more visible than dark or muted ones, especially on open waters and at night.

Other considerations include kayak accessories like drop down fins and rudders that help keep you on course and mitigate any effect of harsh currents.

How To Fish in a Sit in Kayak

Learning to fish on a kayak can be difficult even for seasoned fishermen, since it’s different from fishing on a traditional boat, primarily due to the closeness to the water and the reduced stability. Even so, it’s not impossible. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy the fun sport.

1. Practice casting with one hand. You will need to use baitcasting, as well as gear up with lighter combos.
2. Practice paddling with one hand. This way, you can fish with one hand and move the watercraft forward with the other. Alternatively, consider a pedal kayak that uses your legs instead of your arms.
3. Consider using an anchor. An anchor can be beneficial in adverse conditions so you can stay in one area while catching fish.
4. Don’t go far from the shoreline. This will help you stay safe and avoid strong winds and currents.

Final thoughts

When it comes to looking for the best sit in fishing kayak, it’s always best to buy a kayak that suits your specific needs and requirements, instead of buying the cheapest or most popular option you come across. This, along with buying from a reputable brand, will ensure that you find a great, well-performing, and durable kayak that you can enjoy for a long time.