If you're wanting to get into kayak fishing but don't know where to start, you couldn't have picked a better place. In this article we will teach to understand the differences between the major types of kayaks and how to pick the best kayak for you.
There are many types of kayaks, but today we will be talking about two different types specifically, to get you started.
The Sit on Top Kayak for New Kayakers
Our first choice for beginners is a sit-on-top kayak or, affectionately known as, the SOT kayak. This kayak is ideal for beginners because of its stability and comfort.
If you capsize while riding a sit-on-top kayak you won't have nearly as much trouble getting out of the water and back on your boat as you would in a traditional sit-in kayak as there is no cockpit to fill with water and no need to carry a bilge pump to get your kayak floating again.
This type of kayak would be great for novice kayakers if you haven't had time to practice those wet enters just yet.
The Sit In Kayak for Beginners
The second choice of kayak is a more-traditional sit-in kayak, or SINK. These kayaks have been used for centuries for fishing, whaling, and transportation. They are reliable, they keep you warmer compared to SOT kayaks, and you can find some good-quality ones that are fairly inexpensive.
SINKs are generally more narrow than SOTs, and aren't typically designed for fishing. They generally require more modification, and more skill to use effectively for our purposes.
Kayak Construction Materials
These two groups of kayaks can be further divided up based upon the materials they are made out of.
Most kayaks today are made from polyethylene, a plastic. These kayaks are cheap, reliable, and can take a beating. If you decided kayaking isn't really for you, you won't be out as much money if you choose to go with an inexpensive plastic kayak as your first boat.
Fiberglass kayaks are generally more expensive than polyethylene, but are substantially lighter. They are also easier to damage, and as such are recommended mainly for deep water kayaking where rough encounters with rocks aren't as likely. Fiberglass kayaks typically will last longer than plastic kayaks because they are less susceptible to sun-rot. Being lighter, Fiberglass kayaks will typically be easier to paddle and easier to get moving than their heavier plastic counterparts.
Sit-On-Top Kayak
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Generally safer for an inexperienced kayaker
- Good for fishing.
Cons:
- Heavier
- Entirely exposed to elements.
Sit-In Kayak:
Pros:
- Generally cheaper
- Less exposed to elements
- Keeps you dry and warm.
Cons:
- Require more rigging
- Generally has fewer storage options.
But you should understand that whichever type of kayak you choose to buy, you can always rig it to suit your individual needs.
Richard Silvers - My wife and I are practitioners of a paleolithic diet. Much of my writing covers the topics of health, nutrition, fitness, and weight ...
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