A Sit on Top fishing kayak is one of the most fun and easiest ways of dipping your body into the exciting world of kayaking. In recent years, these fishing kayaks have been extremely popular among enthusiasts. When the sun is shining bright, it seems like you’ll be unable to drive down a standard motorway in the land without seeing numerous Sit on Top kayaks strapped to roof racks or heading for a nearby water body. If you happen to see an empty roof , well an inflatable kayak would be packed in their trunk :). These kayaks are very easy to use and simple, while being more versatile. You can use them in a lot of different padding environments.
A Sit on Top fishing kayak is perfect for playing in the waves, relaxing around the beach, exploring gentle rivers and cruising on calm lakes. Since these kayaks are very stable, many kayak fishermen give priority to choosing these kayaks. Most importantly, these kayaks are available in a lot of different designs, colors and sizes. Therefore, they’re able to suit your specific needs and requirements.
Regardless of how you want to spend your time in water, like fishing, long distance paddles or family fun, these fishing kayaks will be your best choice. While buying a Sit on Top kayak, you need to make an informed choice. We know that choosing out of so many kayaks on your own can take quite some time. So we have listed down for you our choice of Top 3 best kayaks for fishing.
In this post, we’ve discussed some basic information which will help you choose the best Sit on Top fishing kayak in the market.
Top Rated Sit on Top Fishing Kayaks
We have tried to keep out those models which are discontinued by manufacturer. Also knowingly have not included the extremely pricier models as we want to give you the best fishing kayak for money.
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| Perception Sport Pescador 12 Angler Kayak | Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests | Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak with Paddles and Backrests (Yellow, 10-Feet) |
| Reviews:27 | Reviews :43 | Reviews :46 |
| Weight : 64 pounds | Weight:60 pounds | Weight:66 pounds |
| Dimensions : 102 x 36 inches | Dimensions: 102 x 36 x 19 inches | Dimensions: 120 x 36 inches |
| Capacity : 350 pounds | Capacity : 500 pounds Upto 3 people | Capacity : 500 pounds Upto 3 people |
| Free Shipping | Free Shipping | Free Shipping |
| 1 year Warranty | 1 year Warranty | 1 year Warranty |
| Our Detailed Review | Our Detailed Review | Our Detailed Review |
| Amazon Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars | Amazon Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars | Amazon Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars |
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Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak
This sit on top kayak is suitable for people of all skill levels. You can explore lakes, oceans or best of all go fishing.It has Comfortable balanced seating, with backrests for solo, tandem or family fun. Its contour design is quite comfortable for the spine. You can easily do hours of paddling easily. It comes with a UV protected body work hence the color won’t fade in the sunlight.
Where you are above 6 ft tall or below 6 ft, the lifetime manta kayak has multiple foot positioning. So you can adjust your legs accordingly. It comes fitted with Ditty trays , a bottle holder and most importantly fishing rod holder. Like most good kayaks, it also has scupper holes. wide platform and tunnel hold design account for its extreme stability and safety. The paddles have a push button which allows for 90 degree blade angle and 2-position feather adjustments.
Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak
Well Another Lifetime kayak, yep that’s right. This particular kayak has been listed on our home page also under the top 3 best fishing kayak. Click here to read more about it. If you want to look at the detailed review go here.
Perception Sport Pescador 12 Angler Kayak
The Pescador 12 Angler Kayak comes with an improved design and advanced features. It is ergonomically designed to help you maintain speed and efficiency. It’s technically designed hull makes it easily maneuverable which is most important while fishing. It provides excellent stability in turbulent waters. The comfortable seating system with broad enough spacing is specially designed for long hours of sitting.
It has carry handles to help mobility for storage. Once you have launched it in water, it gives a great fishing experience. For anglers, it includes Scotty Baitcaser Rod Holder and flush mount rod holder as well. The Tankwell with bungee cord is already takes care of your storage issues. Main thing is that those who have bought it are happy and have provided excellent feedback.
Sit on Top Fishing Kayaks – Key benefits
According to experts, Sit on Top kayaks have some benefits when compared to Sit Inside kayaks.
Comfort & Safety : The most important benefit is comfort. Paddlers with long legs, limited flexibility or large body types feel less confined while paddling a Sit on Top. These kayaks also allow you to perform self-rescues. When you’re paddling a Sit on Top kayak, you don’t need to practice wet exits or Eskimo rolls. This becomes one of the key benefits for new paddlers, and even people who don’t want to take kayaks on expeditions.
You won’t be trapped: Since Sit on Top fishing kayaks have an open deck, there is reduced risk of being trapped in your kayak if it tips over for any reason.
Take your dog along: There is enough space for a medium size dog. Plus your dog can easily jump on the open cockpit and not fall into the water.
What Should You Consider?
While buying a Sit on Top kayak, you need to consider how you’re going to use it.
- If you plan to go fishing, it is important to look for angler models with spaces for rod and cup holders.
- Similarly, kayaks for scuba diving need to have a big external well for the tank. Moreover, the best kayaks are shorter, and easily maneuverable.
- In case you’re planning to take a Sit on Top kayak on long journeys, you need to buy a touring kayak. These kayaks are longer and thinner than conventional options.
Your kayak also needs to have good storage space. You can even buy a tandem kayak. Some of these allow you to bring a pet or child in addition to two separate paddlers.Last but not the least, you need to consider the stability of the kayak. According to experts, a V-shaped hull always offers more initial stability and reduces the tipping motion. However, a U-shaped hull is better for final stability. It is less likely to capsize.
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistake most buyers make is just focusing on the stability of the kayak. While it is important that the kayak is not very tippy, you should not focus only on initial stability. When you practice and learn, initial stability won’t be a major problem. Also, as you literally sit on the top of the kayak, you are exposed more to water and cold weather elements but taking extra precautions can prevent that. On the contrary, its great for warm weather.
Where to Buy?
These days, you can easily purchase Sit on Top kayaks from outdoor recreational stores. However, these stores don’t offer a lot of good options. You can buy high quality kayaks online at affordable prices. You can even buy these kayaks from a local dealer. It is always better to conduct an extensive research and compare some options before you make a choice. The best place is still amazon as its the most trusted marketplace, plus you can get amazing offers on fishing kayaks.
Average Cost
Sit on Top kayaks can range from $300 for an entry level Sit on Top to several thousand dollars for more advanced options. Most companies offer 2-3 year warranties. As mentioned earlier, you will have to pay extra for additional features and accessories. You will need a floatation device, paddles and other accessories. These will cost around $70-$100. Check out the accessories on Amazon
