Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - View Single Post - yak time

Sweetwater · 05-28-2007, 07:25 PM

I also prefer a SOT (sit on top) vs. the sit in type. As mentioned before, easier self-rescue, no need to pump, etc. Also, much easier to shift your body around to get good casting angles. You can even sit sideways (like on a bench) with your feet in the water and drift. In a sit in, your body is more or less locked into a straight-forward position. Also, SOTs offer better areas to keep fish and store gear (on top and not inside the yak). Many mounting surfaces for extra rod holders, fishfinder/GPS, etc. I think most SOTs tend to be a bit heavier though.

SOTs are not as dry for the paddler, even if you use scupper plugs, compared to a sit-in with a spray skirt. However, dressed appropriately (I wear a farmer-john style wet suit, booties, and a Simms drytop) I fish comfortably in as low as 55 degree water (prime striper season) as long as there's some sunshine.

I have an Ocean Kayak 15 Prowler and it's a great boat. Tracks very straight even when paddling hard (i.e., no side to side bow shift). I probably could have gotten away with a 13 Prowler (I weigh about 185-190). But heavier guys like the 15. If you're going to do rivers, you may want to consider a shorter boat (easier to turn) or a rudder, but it won't be as fast or as stable in choppy waters.

Ocean Kayak and Wilderness Systems both make great boats.

Good luck!

05-28-2007, 07:25 PM	#3
Sweetwater Ruled only by the tide iTrader: (0) Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Truro Posts: 801	I also prefer a SOT (sit on top) vs. the sit in type. As mentioned before, easier self-rescue, no need to pump, etc. Also, much easier to shift your body around to get good casting angles. You can even sit sideways (like on a bench) with your feet in the water and drift. In a sit in, your body is more or less locked into a straight-forward position. Also, SOTs offer better areas to keep fish and store gear (on top and not inside the yak). Many mounting surfaces for extra rod holders, fishfinder/GPS, etc. I think most SOTs tend to be a bit heavier though. SOTs are not as dry for the paddler, even if you use scupper plugs, compared to a sit-in with a spray skirt. However, dressed appropriately (I wear a farmer-john style wet suit, booties, and a Simms drytop) I fish comfortably in as low as 55 degree water (prime striper season) as long as there's some sunshine. I have an Ocean Kayak 15 Prowler and it's a great boat. Tracks very straight even when paddling hard (i.e., no side to side bow shift). I probably could have gotten away with a 13 Prowler (I weigh about 185-190). But heavier guys like the 15. If you're going to do rivers, you may want to consider a shorter boat (easier to turn) or a rudder, but it won't be as fast or as stable in choppy waters. Ocean Kayak and Wilderness Systems both make great boats. Good luck!
	Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.