How do you like the sit inside yak? I have a SOT, which performs pretty well. Its much better than my inflatable raft. After paddling for awhile, my shoulders are pretty fatigued. I'm still getting used to that aspect. I am starting to consider dropping a trolling motor in the back, like the Ocean Kayak Torque.

So, by the name it appears sturgeon kayaking is finally catching on.

I sat on/in both types of kayaks from Emotion Kayaks which seem to be a budget yak at $399. My immediate preference was the sit IN version for comfort due to less pressure at the hips that allowed myself to sit back and brace my legs against the inside of the hull. I developed sciatica after a motorcycle accident so comfort was most important for me even though I was buying a cheap yak. The fishing version of the similarly priced Oldtown was more expensive and lacked certain features I was interested in. I did prefer the looks of the Heron but hey im fishing here so give me more rod holders and cargo space in dull tan/grey ty.

Anyways, the main differences between sit ON vs sit IN are summed up fairly easy. The hull technology determines tracking/speed so this really doesn't play into the debate. Other than personal comfort preferences the main concern is the weather or climate you fish in. Hot weather you may want the sit ON so you can take a swim and get back on with ease. This also means the sit ON yak is generally more stable and can be re-entered incase of a flip. Cold weather you can keep yourself shielded from the wind and even wear a skirt to keep water out of the hull and retain heat, which can be bad in hot weather.

I think the "Sturgeon" part of the name refers to the cold weather conditions that can be faced on the Columbia and other Sturgeon fisheries, and this being a sit IN version you can stay warmer during the cold months. Some may argue that the sit ON is more stable and better for hauling in big Sturgeon and getting them landed safely.

I bought this same kayak at Cabela's two weeks ago. This is my first kayak and I am very happy with it, seems very stable. I have taken it out on Sixteen Lake, Panther Lake and Shoecraft. So far no fish! Got skunked every time. But I am new to lake fishing...

My friend bought an Emotion sit on kayak at the same time. It was very unstable and it flipped on him minutes after he first put it in the water. Fortunately he was close to a dock and was able to grab the kayak and swim to it. I had to fetch his paddle and hat. He tried taking it out one more time but still found it ridiculously unstable and he returned it to Cabela's.

Hey nice to know you are enjoying the yak! Don't give up on the fish you will get the hang of it. Tie on a small hook and a piece of worm and bobber. Head up to Cassidy and cast near shore or lilies and I promise you will end the skunk fest!! Small fish are still fun and gives you some nice experience.

Interesting that the sit on version of the Emotion Kayaks were not stable. I know most of the expensive fishing yaks are sit on, and very stable! I think my next yak would be a huge price increase to a hobby pedal drive, need my hands for fishing!

Also I have a mini review of the lake I went to today in my own backyard at Silver lake here in Everett. I fished from 1-3 PM pulling a wedding ring+pink egg on one rod and a diving rapala on the other. After catching a few weeds on the rapala, when my rod bent over I figured it was just another vegi catch. Turned out to be a nice trip rainbow, most likely my biggest on the year but a quick release at the boat means no pics or measurements taken this time! A few more missed hits on the rapala (perch color) and the heat started beating me up so I called it a day. Fishing was slow and I didn't technically land the trout so it was a 2 star day.