Fishing is one of the world’s most well liked past times, kayaking is a great sport, promoting a physical work out, in the open air, for increased fitness. Now by combining these 2 great pastimes can bring benefit to both.

Fishing as a past-time can be enjoyed quite cost effectively a rod and simple extra tackle, or you can spend a tasty sum on all of the fanciest kit and a dear ship to take you out to all the best fishing spots. But with a comparatively inexpensive sit on top kayak you can paddle out to pieces of water that may be hard to reach from the harbour, a kayak will also allow you to explore the coast a find new fishing grounds and beaches that you’ll never have known about.

The latest designs of sit on top kayaks for fishing have moved away from the old shorter surf ski kayaks and have some features incorporated particularly for the fishing fans. Features to look for include rod holder brackets for obvious reasons, but also look for useful storage; ideally a bait box or a lock between your legs is nice for keeping the all important close to hand. A storage platform or locker for a tackle box is convenient too. Another significant feature for fishing is a paddle grab or a place to hold the paddle when not in use.

From a kayak design viewpoint, look for a good water line length with a deep V at the front and a good keel, these will allow the kayak paddles well over long distance. Kayak Width is also a consideration, wider is more steady, enabling the user to move around a little more than a normal kayaker could need to. A general general size is about 3m (10′) long and about 0.75m (2′6″) for the width.

Sit on top kayaks are safe with integral buoyancy but always wear a floatation device or bouncy aid. Also think about a cheap safety leach for your paddle and fishing rods, you don’t want you lose either of these. Most important, check the weather, get out on the water, have a good time a hook an enormous one!

Charlie Horner is a seasoned paddler and regularly uses his sit on top kayak for fishing and for recreation, the sit on top kayak is his favourite way to get on the water.