Best_Sit_On_Top_Fishing_Kayaks

There are many ways to be a fisherman – you can fish from a river bank, a beach, or a boat out at sea. However, one of the most comfortable and effective ways is fishing from a sit on top kayak. This type of boat is convenient to transport, stable on the water, and comes with an open deck that you can rig with any fishing accessory you want.

With such a large number of great kayaks available, choosing the ideal one for your fishing style might require some research. To help you pick, we’ve selected the best sit on top fishing kayaks currently on the market and presented them with all their pros and cons. In addition, the article will also take a look at the most important features so you’ll know how to recognize a good kayak.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Perception Pescador Pro 12 Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

Perception Pescador Pro 12 Sit On Top Fishing Kayak


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Summary

Spacious, stable, and equipped with awesome features, the Perception Pescador Pro 12 is the best sit on top angler kayak for both pros and recreational fishermen. While it’s great on any type of water, it really shines if you use it in calmer conditions like lakes, ponds, and slow rivers.

Equipped with a comfy lawn chair style mesh seat, the Pescador Pro 12 Pro is great for longer sessions on the water. As a bonus, the chair allows you to adjust the height (high and low) for an optimal position both when fishing and when paddling.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Adjustable foot braces provide comfortable leg position
  • Lawn chair mesh seat with 2-level height adjustment
  • Exceptional performance on calm water (lakes and ponds)
  • Gear tracks for mounting additional accessories
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Pro Anglers
Paddlers: 1
Length: 12 feet
Width: 32.5 inches
Weight: 30.5 pounds
Material: Rotomolded HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 375 pounds

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Sit On Top Fishing Kayak


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Summary

For those of you who are looking for comfort while paddling, the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 offers the smoothest ride in our sit on top fishing kayak reviews. Its Comfort Plus seat feels fantastic even after several hours, while the V-shaped hull easily cuts through the water and makes paddling incredibly enjoyable.

When talking about fishing features, the Prowler 13 comes with two flush-mount rod holders behind the seat. We should also point out that it has both an extra-large tankwell and a Click Seal dry hatch for packing and organizing your fishing gear.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Comfort Plus seat feels great on long adventures
  • Click Seal bow hatch keeps your gear protected
  • Extra-large tankwell with strong bungee cords
  • V-shaped hull ensures smooth and easy paddling
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Speed and Tracking
Paddlers: 1
Length: 13 feet 4 inches
Width: 28 inches
Weight: 56 pounds
Material: Single-layer Polyethylene
Maximum Capacity: 325 pounds

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3

BEST VALUE

Sun Dolphin Bali SS Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali SS Sit On Top Fishing Kayak


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Summary

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS is a fantastic option for anglers who are after well-made but cheap sit on top fishing kayaks. Despite being on the lower end of the price range, the quality and performance of the Bali SS can be compared with any other kayak we’ve presented.

A feature we particularly like about this model is its Portable Accessory Carrier that keeps the gear dry and protected. If you need additional storage, you can tow the PAC behind the kayak and open up a spacious tankwell in the back.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Portable Accessory Carrier (PAC) provides dry storage
  • PAC is waterproof and safe for towing behind the kayak
  • Thigh pads improve leg comfort and make steering easier
  • Excellent stability and maneuverability on the water
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Recreational Fishing
Paddlers: 1
Length: 10 feet
Width: 29.5 inches
Weight: 44 pounds
Material: HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 250 pounds

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4

BKC TK181 Tandem Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

BKC TK181 Tandem Sit On Top Fishing Kayak


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Summary

If you enjoy fishing with a buddy, the BKC TK181 is the best SOT fishing kayak you can get. It’s incredibly spacious, so both paddlers will have more than enough legroom. In addition, the tandem kayak features two dry storage hatches and a bungee-corded tankwell so packing gear won’t be an issue. 

One of the things that we particularly like about this 12 foot fishing kayak is that it comes with a total of 7 fishing rod holders. Thanks to this, both you and your fishing buddy can maximize your catch.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Spacious and stable for two anglers and their gear
  • Seven built-in rod holders (3 swivel + 4 flush mount)
  • Molded-in footwells provide good leg comfort
  • Plenty of storage for both kayakers in waterproof hatches
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Tandem Fishing
Paddlers: 2
Length: 12 feet 8 inches
Width: 34 inches
Weight: 68 pounds
Material: HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 440 pounds

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5

BKC UH-FK184 Single Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

BKC UH-FK184 Single Sit On Top Fishing Kayak


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Summary

Compact and lightweight, the BKC UH-FK184 is an ideal option for anglers who like to travel a lot in search of new fishing spots. At 9 feet long, it’s among the shortest models in our sit on top angler kayak reviews so it's very easy to transport. However, the deck is very spacious and offers plenty of room even for taller paddlers.

Equipped with a total of five rod holders, the UH-FK184 kayak is designed to provide a lot of options when catching fish. While waiting for them to bite, the memory foam-padded seat will give you all the comfort you need.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Two watertight hatches for keeping gear dry
  • Five rod holders make sit on top kayak fishing convenient
  • Memory foam seat with an adjustable backrest
  • Eight scupper holes eliminate water from the deck
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Portability and Transportation
Paddlers: 1
Length: 9 feet
Width: 32 inches
Weight: 44 pounds
Material: Rotomolded HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 330 pounds

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6

Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100 Tandem Fishing Kayak

Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler 100 Tandem Fishing Kayak


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Summary

Simple and incredibly stable, the Lifetime Sport Fisher 100 is an excellent option for family fishing adventures. While it’s only a 10 ft sit on top fishing kayak, the deck is large and offers plenty of room. It comes with two padded adjustable backrests, as well as a molded surface in the middle where a child can sit.

In terms of angler features, the Sport Fisher comes with three rod holders on the sides so you can have your arms free while waiting. One more thing worth mentioning is the 10-foot hull uses a tunnel design which gives the Sport Fisher exceptional stability.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Tunnel hull design improves tracking and stability
  • Plenty of room for two adults and a child in the middle
  • Three bottle holders and three rod holders on the deck
  • Tough HDPE construction with excellent damage-resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Fishing with Kids
Paddlers: 2
Length: 10 feet
Width: 36 inches
Weight: 60 pounds
Material: Blow-molded HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 500 pounds

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7

BKC UH-RA220 Riptide Fishing Kayak

BKC UH-RA220 Riptide Fishing Kayak


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Summary

If you enjoy standing when casting and reeling in, the BKC UH-RA220 is the sit on top kayak for fishing to choose. In addition to providing great primary stability, the hull of this kayak can also hold a lot of weight. With a 550-pound capacity, the UH-RA220 allows you to pack everything you need for a multi-day trip.

In addition to the kayak itself, the package also includes a high-quality aluminum paddle that will make moving around easy. Last but not least, the kayak comes with gear tracks on the sides so you can mount a fish finder or other accessories.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Integrated foot-controlled rudder for tracking and steering
  • Hull design allows standing up when casting and reeling
  • One-person kayak with an impressive weight capacity
  • Single-piece HDPE hull with additional UV protection
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Stand-Up Fishing
Paddlers: 1
Length: 11 feet 6 inches
Width: 34 inches
Weight: 68 pounds
Material: Rotomolded HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 550 pounds

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8

Sun Dolphin Journey 12-Foot Fishing Kayak

Sun Dolphin Journey 12-Foot Fishing Kayak


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Summary

As its name suggests, the Sun Dolphin Journey is one of the best kayaks for going on longer adventures. At 12 feet long, it’s probably the fastest fishing sit on kayak we’ve featured, allowing you to cover large distances. At the same time, the kayak has excellent stability and withstands loads of up to 395 pounds.

Much like the other Sun Dolphin kayak we’ve featured, the Journey comes with a Portable Accessory Carrier. In addition, this kayak sit on top fishing also features thigh pads, a padded seat, and sliding foot braces for leg comfort.

  • What Makes This Fishing Kayak Stand Out
  • Portable Accessory Carrier (PAC) keeps the gear dry
  • Two flush mounted and one swivel rod holder
  • Sliding foot braces and thigh pads for leg comfort
  • Comfy padded seat with an adjustable backrest
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Fishing Comfort
Paddlers: 1
Length: 12 feet
Width: 30.75 inches
Weight: 48 pounds
Material: Fortiflex HDPE
Maximum Capacity: 395 pounds

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How To Choose A Sit On Top Fishing Kayak – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_A__Sit_On_Top_Fishing_Kayak

Hull Material

The number one material for sit on top kayaks for fishing is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It’s incredibly sturdy and won’t get scratched or punctured easily. Of course, there are other options available but they often cost more too

Length and Width

For fishing purposes, the kayak should be between 9 and 12 feet long and have a width of over 30 inches. This will ensure that the kayak is stable enough when you move around and that you can easily maneuver it around grass and rocks.

Stability

Nobody enjoys fishing in a kayak that is rocking constantly. If you want an extra-stable kayak that you can stand on, go for a model that is wide at the beam and comes with a flat hull that has stability chines.

Seat

Fishing is a waiting game, so the excellent sit on top fishing kayak needs to have a comfortable seat. We would advise that you get a model with a breathable mesh seat that will make sure you have a pleasant day on the water. It’s even better if it offers height adjustments too.

Storage

Storage is one of the most important aspects when choosing fishing kayaks sit on top models, as you’ll have to pack all the gear you need on the water – tackle boxes, several rods, milk carts, and waterproof duffel bags. In light of this, the best fishing kayaks have both an open storage tank well and dry storage compartments.

Possibly our: 

Best Stand Up Fishing Kayaks,  Best Kayak Paddles For Fishing

would be of interest to you.

FAQs

What_Is_A_Sit_On_Top_Kayak

Q: What Is A Sit-On-Top Kayak?

A: 

A sit on top kayak is a type of kayak that features a large and open deck. Compared to a sit-in kayak, it offers more storage space and a higher comfort level which makes the fishing experience better.

Q: How To Care For Your Sit-On-Top Kayak?

A: 

Taking care of your kayak is relatively easy and does not require much work. The first thing you need to do is rinse the kayak off so dirt and debris don’t stick to it. Secondly, we advise that you store the fishing sit on top kayak away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures so the materials don’t get damaged.

Q: What Kind Of Accessories Do I Need To Buy For My Kayak?

A: 

It depends on what you need as an angler. Many of the models we’ve featured come with rod holders which will be enough for most fishermen. However, you can also add gear tracks, fish finders, and a trolling motor to your sit on fishing kayak.

Q: Is A Sit On Top Kayak Better For Fishing?

A: 

Yes, it is. Not only is it more comfortable, but it also provides a higher degree of stability compared to most sit inside kayaks. In addition, it’s also a lot easier to customize with gear.

Globo surf overview

Fishing from a kayak gives you a whole new perspective when you go out on the water. A sit on top fishing kayak will be perfectly suited for fishing and have more than enough room for rods , tackles, and YETI coolers. We hope that our reviews of the 10 best sit on top fishing kayaks helped you decide so you can start enjoying fishing even more.

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