Sit-on kayaks are arguably the best of both worlds. They are stable and rigid, but they’re easy to get on and off, and versatile. There are, of course, different types of sit-on-top kayaks, so we’d like to use this page to show you some of the best.
Sit on kayaks are much better than they used to be – with huge improvements in speed, stability, storage capacity and weight-savings. Some consider the sit-in kayak to be more suitable for fishing, due to their convenience for storing kit, but sit-on-top kayaks are definitely gaining ground. New ways of attaching gear makes them more practical than ever, and some anglers relish the ability to jump on and off quickly and easily. You can see our sit-in kayak preferences here, but for sit-on-top kayaks, please read on…
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Top 6 Sit-on-Top Kayaks for Fishing
In our humble opinion, it comes down to these…
Ocean Kayak Banzai Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Banzai Kayak is without doubt one of the best children’s kayaks on the market. It incorporates some very clever features, like the skid plate, which protects the bottom of the kayak in case it comes into contact with the ground. We all know how ‘careful’ our kids can be when they’re exploring! The tag and tow system can also come in handy when your young one inevitably runs out of energy, stops paddling and demands a tow.
Sun Dolphin Journey Fishing Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Journey fishing kayak is a great all-round sit-on-top kayak. It tracks well, is relatively stable, and paddles easily. You can use its neat, somewhat unique, P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) as extra storage, which you can tow behind or even use as a backpack. It has a large, open cockpit, comfortable seat with protective thigh pads, adjustable foot braces and both paddle and rod holders, as standard.
Riot Kayaks Escape Sit-On-Top Flatwater Recreational Kayak
This Riot Kayaks Escape Flatwater is one of our favourites. Yes, it’s pricey compared to some of the other available options, and some say it’s a bit unstable (which is debatable). However, for fishing, diving, swimming or just playing around in the water, it’s a great option. At 12′ x 30″ it’s not small, but it only weighs 55lbs, is very comfortable – thanks to the high seat back – and is specifically designed for fishermen – with two integrated rod holders.
Brooklyn 12.5-Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak
If you’re looking for the perfect, ready-to-go, tandem adventure kayak, then congratuations, you just found it. The Brooklyn 12.5-Foot Tandem Fishing Kayak is about as close to perfection as you’re going to find –
stable, well-built, watertight, and with paddles and accessories included. At first glance it might appear expensive, but considering what you get, it’s actually great value.
Malibu Two Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Malibu Two kayak is popular among anglers and non-anglers alike. Not too dissimilar to the Riot Kayaks Escape (above), this is a great all-rounder. Also 12 feet in length, although 4 pounds heavier, at 59lbs, it’s a kayak you can move, load and launch alone. It has some nice features, including patented overlapping foot wells, and it gives a nice paddle.
Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak
The Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak is a market leader among tandem sit-on kayaks. It’s the tank of the kayak world – easily capable of supporting three people. It’s a little slow, but nothing else comes close stability-wise. It also includes useful fishing features, like four rod holders, as standard.
