So I see that Dicks is having a summer boat sale and they have two kayaks (Field & Stream Eagle Series) that I've been eyeing and are now $200 off the original price. This will be my first kayak and will be just doing some fishing out of it on the weekends on the lakes around Fort Worth and will just be using one rod. I'm having a hard time deciding if I should go for the Sit on Top or Sit In. I've read the pros and cons between the two types and still can't decide. Which one would be best for fishing out of?

I have a pair of SINKS and have paddled some SOTS. I'm very happy with my kayaks for fishing, but think if you plan to do a lot of modifications and additions of stuff, the SOT is more versatile or flexible.

Don't really plan on doing modifications like fish finders or anything. I think the most i would do is hang some LED lights or glowsticks around the kayak if I ever do night fishing on the lake. I just want something to take out to the lake to enjoy and not have to fish off the dock. Only thing I would take with me is a single rod, tackle box, and camel pack with essential stuff in it like first aid and sun screen.

I'm leaning more towards the sit in's since they're more stable.

Sit on tops is the way to go. You will be more comfortable and the resell value is much better than a sit inside. Also if you do flip on a sit on top it is much easier to get back in than a sit in kayak.

Sit on Top is the way to go for fishing.

I prefer a sit on top, its easier to get in and out, especially in the water. Ultimately, I would try to paddle both before pulling the trigger

If you don't plan on going off shore or across Lake Tex O ma and you get the right SINK you should be happy.
It will be very stable, have a ton of storage space and mods are a lot easier as you can get to the back of most areas.
Best advice is try before you buy!

The decision revolves around sitting height verses stability. The more stable a SOT is, the wider it is likely to be and the trade-off is in the paddling effort it takes to move that kayak. The right SINK is more stable because of the lower profile on the water and can be a much faster paddle depending on haul design, width, length and weight.

Also check out the hybrids, like the Ascend H12, the Native Ultimates, and the Jackson Kilroy/Tripper 12.

I have a Tripper 12 and it is the Answer for me.

This would be one of my biggest concerns. A sit in kayak with an open deck could be like a canoe if it flipped - filled with water and hard to get back upright. I saw an Ultimate FX Propel flip and the weight of the propel drive in a kayak full of water made a bad situation worse and the person (and kayak) had to be rescued.

For small ponds and fishing within casting distance of the shore, I would be okay with a sit in kayak but I wouldn't feel safe in bigger lakes or far out from shore.

If you are referring to the 120 series, both look like a stable platform. The one thing you have to ask yourself.... What if I really like fishing and exploring on my kayak? Then you WILL want to take more than 1 rod, you will want to make modifications. Why? Because that is just the fun thing to do. Strongly suggest you try before you buy.

Yeah I'm starting to reconsider getting that series and maybe spending a bit more because I know if I get it I'll have to spend money on upgrading it especially the seat unless most of the other kayaks have crappy seats to begin with.

In Texas, SOT is the way to go - I fish out of mine all but the coldest months. Now if you lived in Minnesota a SINK would make sense. You should check out Craigslist. Sometimes folks buy a really nice yak then decide it is not for them - sometimes you can get a good, relatively new kayak for a really good price.

For fishing around here, I'd go with the SOT. I started out with a sit-in, and a year later sold it and got a SOT.