Fishing from Sea kayaks

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have fished from my kayak, an Eddyline Fathom 16' x 22" with skeg, for the better part of one year.

I notice the majority of people fish in SOT kayaks, Hobie Mirages seem the best. Fishing from sea kayaks is quite challenging but offers some advantages over SOTs.

Stability in sea kayaks comes from the paddler as much as the hull, and that can be improved with proper training in paddling, bracing and rolling techniques etc. 22" is plenty wide to pull in big lingcod, my main target.

The small day hatch does limit the amount of fish I can shove in my boat but thats ok with me.

A little trick I came up with in terms of a quick rod "holder" is to simply wedge the rod between the PFD and your chest. Some rods and PFD's may not work right but it seems safes when moving to a different fishing spot or trying to dislodge a stuck jig. This is not a method for trolling as big fish could potentially rip out the rod and injure you.

I should note that I have used Hobie Mirage kayaks before and if I could afford it, I would buy a Hobie Adventure right now and trick it out for kayak fishing.

Pictures coming when I get a new digicam but I was wondering if anyone else fishes from a narrow sea kayak too?

Stability in sea kayaks comes from the paddler as much as the hull, and that can be improved with proper training in paddling, bracing and rolling techniques etc. 22" is plenty wide to pull in big lingcod, my main target.

The biggest downside is that while you are fishing, you are holding your fishing rod in your hands, and NOT your paddle.  So "paddling, bracing, and rolling techniques" don't apply when actively fishing.

-Allen

You can still control your hips while actively fishing and do a hip snap without any hands.

Depending on the water and style of fishing I can see where a sleek Sea-SINK could have its advantages.  Personally, I am neither coordinated enough nor do have deep enough pockets to even consider doing it.  I love being able to beat the hell out of my kayak    To that end, I'd take a brawny SUV over an elegant sports car 90% of the time. 

I've known/seen a few guys fishing from SINKS and I'm always amazed at how they manage.  If you are comfortable doing it then more power to you.  I don't care what you fish from you are always welcome to join me...

I have fished from both, but I prefer the SOT.  I like to dangle my legs in the water and change seating positions when I am at it for a long time.  I do prefer my SINK when I have to load it on the car though.  It is about half the weight.

You can still control your hips while actively fishing and do a hip snap without any hands.

Sure you can.  But let me ask, would you purposefully go out in a mixed 2-3' chop and NOT use your paddle?  In those conditions, you could use hipsnaps to keep your balance in a SINK, but you'd likely be doing so constantly.  In a SOT I don't even have to think about it.  Now add a fish pulling at the end of your rod.  I think 10 pounds of drag translates to 30-40 pounds of rotational force at your body.  Are you used to doing hipsnaps with that added force.  I might add the force can also change randomly to come from any direction as the fish swims around.  Yes, it is still doable, but it is certainly more difficult than a SOT.

-Allen

There are many challenges, admittedly. I suppose the proof is in the puddin', as I do catch fish from a sea kayak. I will get a new digicam soon and post pictures of my catch(es) and my rig.

Like I said in my original post, I wish to get a Hobie Adventure and dedicate it to fishing. I just wish I could afford one =(

And I can't wait to see your vids micahgee!!!  Go gettem!!!

-Allen