One of the biggest advantages that kayaks offer to anglers are also one of their biggest obstacles to overcome, a low profile. The low profile that kayaks present on the water makes them stealthy, maneuverable and allows them to access waters most other water craft can not. The low profile also forces the anger to be low on the water, reducing their comfort, their ability to sight fish, lowers their potential casting distance and reduces overall control while fishing. On many kayaks, these disadvantages can be mitigated by having a seat the sits high off the kayak and/or the ability to fish while standing.
Standing
Many kayaks that are purpose built for fishing are stable enough for anglers with good balance to stand while they are fishing. There are even some kayaks (like the ProAngler 14) that anglers with out great balance can stand on because they are that stable.
High Seat
For kayaks that are not stable enough to stand on (or even ones that are) the next best option is a seat that sits as high as possible. Many kayak come with seats built for this, there are some available as aftermarket purchases, and some handy kayak anglers even fashion their own out of beach chairs!
Comfort
One of the most common complaints from new kayak anglers is that after a few quick hours they become uncomfortable. This is normal because they are using a stock seat that sits very low, in an unnatural position. A high seat and/or the ability to stand on a kayak will help greatly with angler comfort. Just the simple act of standing up and stretching can allow an angler to stay on the water for a few extra hours to catch that one last fish.
Sight Fishing
Sight fishing is one of the most exciting and productive methods of fishing in shallow waters. The ability to see the fish, stalk them, and see the fish attack the lure/bait is very difficult if sitting very close to the water. Higher seats and the ability to stand give the ability to see both deeper into the water as well as fish at a farther distance.
Casting Distance
One often overlooked advantage of being higher off the water is casting distance. When sitting close to the water, not only is the amount of force that can be applied to the rod lowered but the angle in which the lure/bait is cast is reduced. If casting while standing, be sure that the kayak is stable enough to withstand the motion created by casting and active fishing.
Overall Ease of Fishing
Sitting higher or standing makes fishing from a kayak easy in multiple ways. It increases the ability to sight fish, increases comfort , allows for longer casts, and in general makes fishing easier! There are many products available on the market, ranging from higher seats, out riggers and even stand up kayaks that allow kayak anglers to get a better perspective while fishing! Now get out there and get to fishing!
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