Eskimo rolling while fishing is a PIPE DREAM!!!!!!!!

[wave97]

The choice of kayak fishing platform whether it be sit-in or sit-on-top should be determined by what range of sea conditions you'll be fishing in. Rough ocean seas require a stable sit-on-top with waterproof pants and booties.
I love these self proclaimed "experts" who wax on about wonderful utility of sit-ins while *every* photo posted by these "experts" are taken in flat-water conditions.
Last September I had to come to the aid of an experienced yak fisherman. He was hanging on to his swamped Pungo in a high frequency three foot chop. He was able to drag his Pungo across my sit-on-top (as white caps crashed over both of us), in order to sufficiently drain his boat. Once his boat was drained he paddled in at a high rate of speed. I continued fishing.
It seems to me that many sales people at kayak shops have a condescending attitude toward sit-on-tops. These people are kayak purists who view sit-on-tops as nothing but glamorized surf boards that require no more skill to paddle than a raft. They no doubt have a point that sit-in kayaks are superior paddling kayaks; however, they’re not superior fishing kayaks.
I guess my point boils down to this:
There is nothing that prevents access to fishing flats and tidal areas for either a sit-in or a sit-on-top; however, there are restrictions for the conditions fishable for a sit-in in rough ocean seas. The dryness issue is a canard, for an open console sit-in you’re going to get wet in rough conditions. Waterproof pants and booties will keep you dry in either a Sit-in or SOT. My 2 cents……

[ekg]

Personally I fish from a sit in. When the finances conspire to make things possible I will be getting a nice long SOT. I love the Loon I fish from now, but it is not an optimum boat for anything much more than a foot of chop. Now before anyone accuses me of being a taitor to the cause I paddle tthe boat in chop but it is less than fun. EKG

[SamRiley]

Originally posted by wave97
I love these self proclaimed "experts" who wax on about wonderful utility of sit-ins while *every* photo posted by these "experts" are taken in flat-water conditions.

Now dems fightin words ;)

Not sure that I've seen any posts from self proclaimed experts here but I have seen plenty of very strong and confident opinions stated on both sides of the fence on a variety of issues, including SOT vs. SINK. As for the lack of photo documentation to support the claims of rough water experience, nobody needs to prove themselves here. We take people at their word. In defense though, usually if the conditions are rough it is not the best idea to drop your paddle, open up a dry bag and risk soaking camera over. But if you need a photo here was one Shaun took once through the 4' surf. Not the roughest stuff I've been in but pretty challenging to get through without dunking.
http://reel-time.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=41384

Fantastic news on the rescue. Righting and draining a kayak can be tough and this is one of the advantages SOTs have over SINKs. If the guy was just hanging on to the swamped yak and not trying to self rescue, it would appear that he was in conditions beyond his skills. Did you notice if he had float bags in the bow?

[wave97]

I do know that he had tried pumping but the waves continued to swamp his yak.

[adson]

it seems you have predetermined that all sit in kayaks have the rough water usability of a pungo ?

I have launched along side of many pungo owners.. and I never thought to ask about the floatation issue.

if any one is launching any kayak without bulkheads or float bags in your kayaks you need to rethink your safety issues.

I agree that it looks liek the shape of the pungo doesn't lend itself to any solo re-entry in the open water, especially without any floatation.

but don't start a flame war here because you saw one guy get into trouble with a pungo...

many kayaks can be rolled but I would not include the pungo in that group. and many kayaks can be re-entered in rough water without rolling.

[SamRiley]

Definitely sounds like he didn't know how to self rescue. The proper method includes flipping the yak, tipping the bow up to drain the water, flipping it back and climbing in. The float bags not only provide buoyancy but displace much of the water that you would normally have to clear if swamped.

Said it before and I'll keep on saying it. On a warm and windy day, leave the fishing gear at home and head into the rough stuff for some practice.

[ruge13]

I agree 100% with the title of the thread...
I agree 100% with Adson with Riley...
As a person who usually posts pics with reports, I usually only take pictures of scenes I want to remember or to illustrate an observation I tend to post about later. Most of those memorable conditions are in dead calm waters with a sunset behind them or something like that...not when conditions are rough. This isn't because I am never in the water when it gets rough but I tend not to take pictures because there is nothing I care to remember. If there was, I would shoot it. To get those flat calm days you have to pay your dues in some snot and there is no doubt in my mind that your so called experts have seen plenty of snot but probably just didn't care to document it...

[Wes]

Bottom line is the Pungo guy was in conditions beyond what he and his boat could handle. Glad you could do a successful rescue. Everyone with the idea to grab a yak and fish should be aware that there's a lot more to paddling a SINK safely in tough conditions than carrying a pump. Some people take the time to develop the skills and practise them. I agree with your comments as they relate to recreational SINKs in broad terms but kindly do not lump my boat in with Pungos. I usually paddle an SOT but I still take the the SINK out to fish, particularly in snot. No doubt I'll dump it sooner or later but it'll be at a time and place of my choosing.

Don't make the mistake of believing you are invincible paddling an SOT. Deep water re-entry is a big safety issue in favor of SOTs but there are still many ways to screw up.

[bunker]

I have to agree with the above. Pungo man was in over is head, PUN INTENDED. There have been many a day when I arrived at the launch point and decided to shore fish. I have been in slop and have gotten wet. I don't mind it if I'm not in grave danger of rolling. A little risk is acceptable if you know how to get out of it.
To be honest I haven't done a great deal of practice on self rescue and I should. Getting comfortable,i.e. not panicky, with going over and getting back in the boat on my own should be a higher priority. Also I think practicing in all temp ranges would be better than just a warm day, warm water scenario. Just make sure you have help available if needed. You will react differently in cold water than in warm.
One more soap box comment. SOT or SINK get comfortable with them and know your abilities. The fish will be there.

Tight Lines,

Bunker

[RJ]

I hunt from a Pungo with a full cockpit cover that has a zip up neoprene body hole in November and December. I've been in some funky stuff in the Hudson River with 3 and 4 foot waves and 25 knot winds pushing against a rising tide. The Pungo got me home. Would I want to do it everyday? Not this fella!
SOT or SIT doesn't matter. One is as good as another! Experience, especially small craft experience is what it is all about. Condeming all Pungos for a single incident observed lacks anything near a scientific view of the product.

I would guess the paddler was a rookie and had no bidness being out on a day like that. Betcha' he wasn't blaming it on his Pungo! Just his lack of experience or common sense. I bet he learned a lesson and will alway check the wind/weather conditions before he decides to go to the water.

Suffice it to say, Lots of us like the Pungo for its stability and sturdiness. IMHO there isn't anything wrong with the design for normal to slightly hairy water conditions. Beyond that, I want a "USGG 44 Boat" if I'm going to do the "pucker factor" water bob and weave in the ocean! If I need testostrone enhancement exercises, I'll go skydiving!

Fishing the cape with a yak is the "Best!" If the wind is onshore on one side the other side of the Cape is in the lee. Special spots like Barnstable Haaba and Pleasant Bay are almost always fishy and each has lees for launching somewhere on their shorelines.

Yak fishing is supposed to be a healthy way to get a better shot at our favorite inshore species.

:-% May we all be safe in the coming season and look out for each other always! Your health! :-%

Sammy, This is the year the SKUNK DIES! --125-3

[JonS]

Within each genre there's quite a variety, however as a fishing vessel SOTs are more versatile and easier to use. There's also less involved with getting back on and accessing gear, etc. Both types catch fish and that's what its about. Having fun and catching fish.