sit in or sit on

I have noticed that most fishing kayaks are sit on. Why is this? I also see pictures of people standing on kayaks (without stabilizers or outriggers). Is it that hard, or would I just provide some humor for the surrounding individuals?

I want to get one and get rid or my big boat.

You are correct that most people use SOT instead of SInK. SOT have more primary stability, meaning they feel more stable on the water when compared to SInK. Tankwells on SOT allow you to keep your gear more handy. Also, the open cockpit is much cooler in the Texas heat than being enclosed.

I know it's a bit of a drive from Stamford, but if you ccan make it to this EVENT you'll have the opportunity to paddle several kayaks.

Get a sit-on. I like to hang me feet out on both sides when pulling in fish. This makes me more stable and gives me working room. Also you can turn and sit sideways with both feet off same side to get gear out of your crate. Just keep your weight centered. The waves are no problem with this yak. It is very stable.

A main reason most yak fishermen paddle SOTs is the ability to self rescue after you turtle. If you turtle in an SOT, you just flip your yak right side up and flop back on. You can do this in deep water. However, if you turtle in a SINK, the boat fills with water and you're in a predicament. Now you have to decide if you can swim your boat to the nearest shore or spend 30 minutes bailing it out while floating in whatever direction the current is going.

Also, it's more difficult to keep gear accessible in a SINK because everything is below deck. A SOT has much better accessibility. Plus, a SOT is much cooler in the summer, but do wear some sunscreen or pants.

I have a sit in (pungo 140)and love it, it's MCUH faster then a sit on's but they both have there ups and downs. Most of my kayaking is done during the winter & spring months and the sit in keeps me dry. However it is a little harder getting to my gear. I've gone fishing with guys with sit on kayaks and they have a hard time keeping up with me. I think it's all up to what kind of fishing you do. A sit on kayak is more versatile for instance i would NEVER use my kayak in the ocean or in waves over 4 foot high.

Sit on it. More opportunity to rotate all directions for fishing, allows you to sit side saddle. More room for gear. and most improtantly, if you are on a river and portaging a lot (in and out of hte yak) then a SOT is by far superior. Sit on IT!

Great picture Smalling.Love the dog.I would not ever concider a sit inside for fishing.I have sot and love it.

Wow lots of negative comments on the sit in's i see. I have a sit in and have zero problems with anything. Getting in and out is not a big deal. Although there is more room for gear on a sit on versus a sit in most of the time you wont be using that much gear anyways. I have no problems reaching for things in my crate that is behind me. Like someone else said they both have their advantages and disadvantages. I also dont have to deal with a wet butt all day in my sit in! To each his own I guess.

faster and dryer

That sounds pretty good.

Some of the fishing model sit in's have tank wells like a sit on top and a long wide open area to sit with your knees pretty much exposed which would make them easier to get in and out of.

The advantage is the dryer ride and slightly elevated seat which can be more comfortable for fishing even though you can't hang your feet over the side.

I've given a sink some thought and this is the one I seem to prefer.

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-trade-A10-Sit-In-Kayak/product/10213817/-1669178

Anyone looking at this model. I think its nice for flat water.
http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-Sit-In-Angler-Kayak/product/10213821/-1669547