The paddler sits on a comfortable seat mounted close to the bottom for maximum stability. The cockpit can be sealed with a waterproof spray skirt that fits tightly around the paddler's chest to keep out water in heavy chop. I regularly cast directly from my drifting kayak when fishing for species of 5 pounds or less. I want to avoid, or I get out to wade and cast. My worries were unfounded.
Fishing kayaks are relatively broad abeam and flat-bottomed.
Moreover, your weight is centered at water level, which equates to remarkable stability. Safe kayaking does require some special equipment and training. Because of their covered decks and low center of gravity, however, kayaks are comfortable in waves, wind, and turbulence that would be intimidating in any other kind of light open boat, including canoes. Sea kayaks or touring kayaks are best suited for fishing. Walden Sports, Dept.