Does a Sit In have no place being out on the salt water ?

I am about to take the plunge and buy a Kayak or two for fishing.   I am juggling between getting a SOT or Sit In style.
Much of the time I will be out on Lake Tapps which I live next to, but the call of the salt water keeps me watching the great photo's and videos I see of you guys hitting the kelp beds and fishing the sound.
I don't know why, but I think I would be very comfortable in a Sit In fishing model but not certain if they would be useless for use on salt water.   I understand why SOT models are the norm to allow deep water re-entries.
Would a Sit In only be asking for trouble ?
I know I would want to utilize a spray skirt and be well practiced at being able to upright myself.   I have even wondered about the pontoon accessories I see out there and wonder if they compensate making it almost impossible to tip if used.

I am looking at picking up a used Synergy 12 which is like a deep SOT but has no drain holes, so guessing it may be limited to lake use.  http://www.madrivercanoe.com/product/index/products/discontinued_models/synergy_series/synergy_12

For a second Kayak,  would I only be regretting not getting a conventional SOT if I have any interest in dealing with waves and what ever the salt water might throw at me

Thanks

We do have members who use SinKs on mostly all waters. Hopefully they will chime in. Don't sell yourself short by denying a chance to test one. I know Islandson and family have two Vapors they use on the Sound quite regualary and have little problem staying dry, upright and paddling.

Sure space is limited compared to a SOT, but you can do quite well with a sit in...

Also hoping Kallitype chimes in... talk about past grand master of kayak fishing, he's your guy.

If you are getting a kayak to specifically fish most the time , i have no idea why you would even consider a sink....

If you are gonna tour mostly and fish occasionally, then i guess a sink would be ok..

If you already owned a sink and didn't really have dough to ger a SOT, then you make due with what you got of course.

And yes you will regret not getting a Hob..err, I mean a SOT..

Not trying to offend...JMNSHI

If you are getting a kayak to specifically fish most the time , i have no idea why you would even consider a sink....

I am about to take the plunge and buy a Kayak or two for fishing.   I am juggling between getting a SOT or Sit In style.
Much of the time I will be out on Lake Tapps which I live next to, but the call of the salt water keeps me watching the great photo's and videos I see of you guys hitting the kelp beds and fishing the sound.
I don't know why, but I think I would be very comfortable in a Sit In fishing model but not certain if they would be useless for use on salt water.   I understand why SOT models are the norm to allow deep water re-entries.
Would a Sit In only be asking for trouble ?
I know I would want to utilize a spray skirt and be well practiced at being able to upright myself.   I have even wondered about the pontoon accessories I see out there and wonder if they compensate making it almost impossible to tip if used.

I am looking at picking up a used Synergy 12 which is like a deep SOT but has no drain holes, so guessing it may be limited to lake use.  http://www.madrivercanoe.com/product/index/products/discontinued_models/synergy_series/synergy_12

For a second Kayak,  would I only be regretting not getting a conventional SOT if I have any interest in dealing with waves and what ever the salt water might throw at me

Thanks

Welcome to the forum.

I'm assuming you are beginner to kayaking so I'd suggest a SOT kayak 11-13 feet long such as the Ocean Kayak Trident series. Simple, stable, no need for a spray skirt as they are self-draining. Sit-inside-kayaks do not drain themselves which can be catastrophic in the surf and rough conditions unless you have mastered the "eskimo roll" and are an extremely skilled paddler.

If you are tackling the salt especially the coast, a wet/dry suit and a PFD are critical safety items even in the summer.

Thank you for the replies.   Yes I am a complete newbie to Kayaks and can't say I have ever picked up a paddle other than to go backwards while floating rivers.    Now that I am only looking at SOT design, my question is regarding those with rudders.   If I don't get one with a rudder already,  should I at least make certain it can accommodate one in the future ?
I am glad you pointed out needing a wet / dry suit as I had not considered that in the budget.   Is it best to look at those designed for kayak / rafting use? 
Thanks Again

If you get a dry suit, definitely get a kayak/rafting one.  Here is a link to this discussion from the "For Safety's Sake" section of the forum http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,3276.0.html

If you already own a good set of waders, you can match them up with a dry top. 

I'd get it with the rudder. Consider the time/effort to fit one. Also if you do it, you may need to cut a hole to access it and cover it with and inspection plate. Having said that Ocean kayak , or wilderness systems sell rudder kits, and ,iirc they have online demonstration to supplement the instructions.

I just started fishing from a SOT a couple of months ago, but I fished out of a SINK (OT Angler XT) for 2 years. I only fished in the Puget Sound with it until a few months ago when I actually fished a lake for the first time. But, I've never been on the ocean with it and probably never will. But, I've gone crabbing with 2 pots on it and I've caught salmon from it last year and caught my first Ling Cod at Deception Pass with it.

vm62
 Welcome and if you want to save yourself frustration get a SOT. A sit in is not well suited for fishing. Can you do it? Sure but why would you want to. From an ergonomic perspective a SOT is better at least you will have somewere to place all your fishing stuff with in reach. A touring Yak will not be as stable as a SOT by virtue that a touring yak is made for long distance travel and storing lots of gear. You will need more boat and paddling skill with the sit in. I came from whitewater kayaking and moved to kayak touring in a Seaward Chilco and now am going to buy a Hobie Outback. I sold my other boats. I have the paddling skills but like the stability and ease of use that a SOT provides. If your going to fish most of the time get a SOT otherwise you will be wishing you had. Imho
Paul

Welcome CraigVM62

Avoid disappointment if you can afford it.  Get a mirage drive SOT.   

With the Mirage drive SOT it will allow you to fight your fish while maneuvering the yak at the same time.   

Take your time and test drive different SOT models before taking the plunge.   

I have no doubt I would love something as nice as a Marage Drive SOT.  I don't want to to invest too much at first until I have a good amount of time on the water and know it is something I can and will stick with.   I am thinking that a entry level purchase now can be a second kayak to have on hand for friends should I invest in a really nice model later.

I think I have decided to pick up a Perception Sport Pescador 12 which, if West Marine has in stock,  I can get for around $550.  If not Sports Authority has them in stock for just $50 more.  It looks to have the essentials and can accommodate a rudder kit if desired down the road.    I understand it is very similar to the older Wilderness Tarpon 120's 



When considering a Sit In type,  I was only looking at those designed specific for fishing as I understand that long sea kayaks are great if constantly moving in a straight line.
 
I have several sets of waders but they are all the loose fitting breathable type.   Would they work or would I become a big bobber with the air they would have trapped in them when sealed around the waist by a dry top    

I am anxious to get everything perhaps in time to go try for pinks next weekend in the calmer parts of the sound.

I have several sets of waders but they are all the loose fitting breathable type.   Would they work or would I become a big bobber with the air they would have trapped in them when sealed around the waist by a dry top    

Breathable waders and a splash top is a great combo for going cheap.  Splash tops can be found for ~$50 or less.  Make sure you layer underneath with synthetic materials like fleece.  It's important to be prepared for cold water even in the summer.  If you get too hot you can always dangle your legs over the side of your yak to cool off.

I think I have decided to pick up a Perception Sport Pescador 12 which, if West Marine has in stock,  I can get for around $550.  If not Sports Authority has them in stock for just $50 more.  It looks to have the essentials and can accommodate a rudder kit if desired down the road. 

Others may disagree, but if you are a newbie to paddling and want to be effectively fishing and paddling from the start, get the rudder now.

Also learn the basics of paddling which is more of a back and legs thing than an arm thing. 

- http://paddling.about.com/od/paddling101/u/Kayak_Paddling_Basics.htm
- http://www.kayakpaddling.net/txt/html/index_text.php

Welcome!

I only have seen it once but you can see a perception pescadore 12 in action in one of my videos.  I picked up SOT kayak for a person who had only been in a kayak once prior in her life and had never caught a king before.  She handled it just fine. 

This was the first day the pescadore was in the water.  I don't think she has had issues with it so far.  It's Video Part II

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,6199.0.html

I will say that I had the same mind set as you did.  Bought a mini-x from craigslist for $400.  I've had for nearly three years now but I only started really kayak fishing this year.  Within the first two months I had upgrade to the Hobie outback.  I will say my friend's perception 12 is MUCH faster than my mini-x.