5 Best Sit In Fishing Kayaks
Sit in fishing kayaks offer a unique blend of comfort and functionality for anglers. These sleek vessels keep you dry and protected from the elements while you’re out on the water. They also provide a lower center of gravity, which can be a real advantage when casting or reeling in a big catch.
Many anglers prefer sit in kayaks for their improved paddling efficiency. The enclosed design helps you cut through the water more smoothly, potentially covering more fishing spots in a day. Plus, the interior space often offers clever storage solutions for your gear.
2024 has brought some impressive sit in fishing kayaks to the market. From budget-friendly options to high-end models packed with features, there’s something for every angler. These kayaks come with smart designs, ample storage, and fishing-specific features that can elevate your time on the water.
Why Choose A Sit In Fishing Kayak
Sit in fishing kayaks offer unique benefits for anglers. They provide better protection from the elements, keeping you drier and warmer during long fishing trips. Their design gives a lower center of gravity, improving stability when casting or reeling in fish.
These kayaks often have better paddling efficiency, helping you reach more fishing spots with less effort. They also typically offer more internal storage options, keeping your gear dry and secure.
Sit in kayaks usually track better in wind and currents, making it easier to maintain your position while fishing. While they may require a bit more skill to enter and exit, many anglers find the trade-off worthwhile for the improved performance and comfort on the water.
Overall, sit in fishing kayaks are a great choice for those who prioritize comfort, efficiency, and performance in their angling adventures.
Top Sit In Fishing Kayaks For 2024
Here are our top picks for best Sit in Fishing Kayaks.
Ascend H12 Sit In Hybrid Kayak ($850)
The Ascend H12 Sit In Hybrid Kayak offers a unique blend of sit-on-top and sit-in designs. At 12 feet long and 32 inches wide, this kayak provides a stable platform for fishing and recreational paddling.
During our tests, we found the H12 to be quite stable. Its hybrid design allows for easy movement and the ability to stand and fish. The wide-open cockpit gives ample room to stretch out or store gear within easy reach.
One standout feature is the frame-style seat. It’s adjustable fore and aft, allowing you to balance the kayak for optimal paddling. However, we noticed the seat sits a bit low in the hull, which might be challenging for shorter paddlers.
The H12 comes well-equipped for fishing. It features gear mount tracks in several locations, perfect for adding rod holders or other accessories. The hard front hatch cover and nylon rear cover provide secure storage options.
With a 450-pound weight capacity, this kayak can handle most anglers and their gear comfortably. It’s a good option for larger individuals or those concerned about stability.
We appreciated the hybrid design’s ability to keep us relatively dry while providing the openness of a sit-on-top kayak. However, be aware that you’ll feel water movement through the hull, which is normal for this design.
Pros | Interior storage bags are poorly positioned |
Stable design | Low seat position |
High weight capacity | Requires longer paddle |
Ample storage options | Interior storage bags poorly positioned |
Gear mount tracks included |
The Ascend H12 Sit In Hybrid Kayak is a versatile option suitable for various fishing scenarios. It’s particularly good for those new to kayak fishing or anglers who prioritize stability. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its overall design and features make it a solid choice for many fishing enthusiasts.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit In Kayak ($190–$410)
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 is a popular entry-level sit-in kayak that offers good value for beginners and casual paddlers. At 10 feet long and 29 inches wide, this kayak provides a nice balance of stability and maneuverability.
During our tests, we found the Aruba 10 to be quite stable on calm waters. Its flat bottom design helps beginners feel secure, making it a great choice for those new to kayaking. However, this stability comes at the cost of speed – don’t expect to win any races with this kayak.
One of the standout features is the large, open cockpit. It’s easy to get in and out of, which is a big plus for newcomers. The adjustable padded seat and foot braces allow for some customization, though we found the padding to be minimal. For longer trips, you might want to add extra cushioning.
Storage options are basic but functional. There’s a small storage compartment behind the seat and shock cord deck rigging for securing additional gear. The 250-pound weight capacity should be sufficient for most paddlers and their essentials.
At 40 pounds, the Aruba 10 is relatively lightweight, making it manageable for one person to carry short distances. The carrying handles at the bow and stern are helpful for transport.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable price point | Basic seat comfort |
Stable and beginner-friendly | Limited speed and tracking |
Easy to enter and exit | Minimal storage options |
Lightweight and portable | Not suitable for rough waters |
Overall, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit In Kayak is a solid choice for beginners or occasional paddlers looking for an affordable, easy-to-use kayak. It’s best suited for calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and seas. While it may lack some of the features and performance of higher-end kayaks, it provides a good platform for those just starting their kayaking journey or looking for a budget-friendly option for casual outings.
Ascend FS10 Sit In Kayak ($500)
The Ascend FS10 Sit In Kayak is a versatile fishing kayak that offers a good balance of features for anglers. At 10 feet long and 30 inches wide, this kayak provides decent stability without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
During our tests, we found the FS10 to be surprisingly stable for its size. The hull design allows for confident casting and reeling, even in slightly choppy conditions. However, it’s not designed for standing, so keep that in mind if you prefer sight fishing.
One standout feature is the adjustable seating system. The padded seat is comfortable for extended periods on the water, and the adjustable foot braces help you find the right position for efficient paddling. We appreciated the thigh pads in the cockpit, which provide additional comfort and control.
For anglers, the FS10 comes well-equipped. It features two flush-mounted rod holders behind the seat and one swivel rod holder, giving you options for different fishing styles. The large, open cockpit design allows for easy access to gear and provides ample room for movement.
Storage options are plentiful. There’s a sealed bow hatch for keeping gear dry, an open stern well for larger items, and bungee deck rigging for quick access to essentials. With a 325-pound weight capacity, this kayak can handle most anglers and their gear comfortably.
At 50 pounds, the FS10 is manageable for one person to car-top or carry short distances. The molded-in handles at the bow and stern make transportation easier.
Pros | Cons |
Good stability for fishing | Not suitable for standing |
Comfortable, adjustable seat | Heavier than some competitors |
Ample storage options | Limited speed in open water |
Well-equipped for fishing |
The Ascend FS10 Sit In Kayak is a solid choice for anglers looking for a dedicated fishing kayak with sit-in comfort. It’s particularly well-suited for lakes, slow-moving rivers, and protected coastal areas. While it may not have the speed of some touring kayaks or the stand-up capability of larger fishing kayaks, its combination of stability, comfort, and fishing-specific features make it a compelling option for many kayak anglers.
Lifetime Ridgeline 98 Sit-In Kayak ($199)
The Lifetime Ridgeline 98 sit-in-kayak is a compact and versatile sit-in kayak that offers a good balance of features for beginners and casual paddlers. This kayak is 9 feet 8 inches long and 29 inches wide and provides decent stability while maintaining maneuverability.
During our tests, we found the Ridgeline 98 to be quite stable for its size. The slight V-shaped hull design helps with tracking and provides a smooth ride in calm waters. However, it’s not designed for rough conditions or open water.
One standout feature is the Comfort Rest System (CRS) with an UltraLite seat. The padded seat and backrest offer reasonable comfort for shorter trips. We appreciated the adjustable foot braces, which allow paddlers of different heights to find a comfortable position.
For storage, the Ridgeline 98 comes equipped with bow and stern shock cords to secure gear. While not extensive, these provide enough space for essentials on day trips. The 275-pound weight capacity should accommodate most paddlers and their basic gear.
At just 37 pounds, this kayak is impressively lightweight, making it easy for one person to carry and load onto a car. The front and rear toggle handles further aid in transportation.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and easy to transport | Limited storage options |
Good stability for beginners | Not suitable for rough waters |
Comfortable seating system | Minimal onboard accessories |
Includes a paddle | May feel cramped for larger paddlers |
The Lifetime Ridgeline 98 Sit-In Kayak is a solid choice for beginners or casual paddlers looking for an affordable, easy-to-use kayak. It’s best suited for calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and protected coastal areas. While it may lack some of the features of higher-end kayaks, its combination of stability, comfort, and portability make it a great option for those just starting their kayaking journey or looking for a hassle-free recreational kayak.
Pelican Rise 100X Fade Sit-In Kayak ($280)
The Pelican Rise 100X Fade is a lightweight and versatile sit-in kayak designed for recreational paddling. At 10 feet long and 28 inches wide, this kayak offers a good balance of stability and maneuverability for beginners and casual paddlers.
During our tests, we found the Rise 100X to be surprisingly stable for its compact size. The twin-arched multi-chine hull design provides good initial and secondary stability, making it feel secure in calm waters. However, it’s not designed for rough conditions or open water adventures.
One standout feature is the Ergoform™ adjustable backrest cushion. We appreciated the comfort it provided, especially on longer paddling sessions. The molded seat is spacious, accommodating a range of body types comfortably.
Storage options are decent for a kayak of this size. There’s a rear tank well with bungee cords for securing gear, a dual-position bottle holder, and a bow storage area. While not extensive, these provide enough space for essentials on day trips.
At just 36 pounds, the Rise 100X is impressively lightweight, making it easy for one person to carry and load onto a car. The patented Ram-X™ material contributes to its light weight while still providing durability.
Pros | Cons |
Extremely lightweight | Limited storage capacity |
Comfortable seating system | Not suitable for rough waters |
Good stability for beginners | May feel cramped for larger paddlers |
Durable Ram-X™ material | Limited speed in open water |
The Pelican Rise 100X Fade Sit-In Kayak is an excellent choice for beginners or casual paddlers looking for an easy-to-use and transport kayak. It’s best suited for calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and protected coastal areas. While it may lack some of the features of higher-end kayaks, its combination of comfort, stability, and portability make it a great option for those seeking a hassle-free recreational kayaking experience.