Elevated Perspectives

A few years deep into the kayak fishing culture embracing the lawn chair systems and I am curious if folks are enjoying the option.

The advantages of the chairs alone are easy to appreciate. The all day comfort and lumbar support, the dry/ventilated ride, and the camping chair bonus is fantastic, but I was hoping to focus this thread toward the elevated position that some of the platforms offer.
Companies like Wilderness Systems, Jackson, Old Town, Diablo, and Native have recognized that some anglers are finding value in this higher position.
My personal experience in the big chair is almost completely in the Jackson Coosa with some river trips,  a lot of various lake conditions, and 1 eventful salt experience on the Cuda that helped me realize what might be possible.




I also spent a full day on the WS ride with last years elevated chair that is clearly inferior to what they have now. And another full day testing the Predator chair on the MX and REALLY enjoyed that experience.
Great boat with a great chair. I want one.

The advantages are easiest to appreciate from the anglers perspective,especially if you enjoy sight fishing.
The transition from a sitting to a standing position is far easier, as well as sitting again.
My casting range and accuracy is increased.
I am able to visualize many more fish from the higher position and I enjoy color earlier.
And equally important, is the higher angle on the photo op for my friends.


I believe there are only a few disadvantages when fishing. A big fish can put you in challenging positions


and I have to really reach down and out to grab those bigger and often uncooperative fish (It could sign me up for swimming lessons) and documentation on a hog trough can be tough so far from your reach.



Unfortunately I have found that the disadvantages that impact paddling are more substantial.
The forward stroke has a limited power phase because the catch phase does not start beyond my feet.
I can't reach that far. The blade is almost at my hip by the time I am able to fully engage my core and I find myself extending the forward stroke beyond the usual and efficient limits.
The position also limits  me to high angles only, with sweeps and low braces now more difficult.
Minor to moderate river hydrology can swing me around to the point of getting slung off.
I need to get better, but these chairs are kind of slippery
The solution to some of these issues is a longer paddle. I currently use a 240 but tested a 250 and it felt perfect and a 260+ is not out of the question. Having to purchase another paddle for a specific boat can be frustrating.
And then the biggest and most challenging, WIND. Yes, any sort of kayaking in the wind sucks, but this is another level. And, these chairs are kind of slippery.
There is one clear advantage that I think really works well from the paddlers perspective. When river fishing, the elevated chair lowers horizon lines and can be a huge help when those fish or paddle decisions need to be made.
These are just a few of my observations and I am sure that the more experienced guys have more information and advice than I can offer.
Is it advisable/practical to attempt surf launch and landing?
Should leg straps be used?
Is the higher chair even helpful when fishing the pacific?
I don't really know yet.
What is possible ?

I recuse myself from the vote as I have never used one.
The thing I like the most about kayak fishing is being right on the water. I can sit above it on a boat; I choose not to.
I also like the low COG of my kayak. No doubt it makes me more stable and I have no worries when the sea gets big.
I also like to hang my legs over the sides of my kayak with my feet in the water, or sit side saddle on my kayak, or face the rear tank well of my kayak with little to no effort.
The lawn chair is something I have no desire to even try.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Big fish won't pull you over.



However, the higher COG does make it more sketch in sloppy water.

The few times I tried an elevated seat in rough conditions, it made me feel a little sea-sicker than normal. Results are hardly conclusive though, as I haven't tried it enough times to be certain. It sure is comfy. And I like the ability to see farther.

I also like to hang my legs over the sides of my kayak with my feet in the water

I enjoy this stabilizing practice too. Another issue with the high positioned chair.

Big fish won't pull you over.

Amazing fish/photo.

As far as fighting big fish with the high COG goes,
I can't be quite as confident as ATD and I am not positive that chair is in the higher setting in that picture.
(Might be the camera angle)
During my big fish experience, there were multiple times that I questioned my decision have the chair elevated in that particular environment. There were some very close calls and fatigue became a factor early in the fight because of the required core focus.



Even with success, I doubt that I will put myself in that position again.
This photo is a good example of how much higher I am riding than Sean is in a traditional seated position.



Other than hunting big species and ugly weather and surf, I am going to try and keep the chair in the higher position. Even with the obvious challenges, I find it very enjoyable and Ill continue to work to get better at it. Unfortunately I will have buy a longer paddle.

I was thinking about the companies that chose to offer this and those who choose not too.
Maybe some are still waiting to see if this will have a strong enough market?
Of the boats that do not offer the elevating chairs, it was the Santa Cruz Raptor that I thought might be a strong platform that could support this type of chair. I have no time on these boats, so I could be wrong, but there is some potential there.
http://www.santacruzkayaks.com/raptor-sit-on-top.html

the only time i have put the cuda seat in the high position, has been on fresh water, still would never feel comfortable in the high position in the salt, for me it is way to out of my comfort zone, just dont feel i have the fastest response to a mix swell, sneaker etc, but throwing the flyrods on fresh water, i love the high position, it makes stripping line so much easier, but yeah the landing of fish can really get challenging when you forget what position you are in, and go for a deep grab , but a good hip check and all is good.

I've used my Predator in high position only once, and honestly didn't see any benefit over low position. It's more stable, just as comfortable, easier to reach stuff, and I can stand in it no problem.

I don't have much experience in the high seat, or in a kayak, but I briefly paddled the MX on a recent trip to Almanor. Nice boat and I liked the high seat perspective.  The seat was very comfortable, and the boat stable.  While it spun like a top, (even dragging a huge rainbow on the stringer) I don't care for the feel of the forward stroke.  It was a bit awkward as you alluded to in your post, but with some changes in my stroke I could see it being very do-able.  I still need to paddle your Coosa one day, one windless day that is.

See you soon.
Aaron

 While I find the Coosa is a completely different feel than the MX, you still can enjoy all of the pleasures and challenges of riding higher. Unfortunately I don't think that the Jackson chair is nearly as comfortable as the Old Town but that is another topic. Ill have it off the racks when you get here. I remember that you also wanted to try the Disco. We will be ready to document.

At this point, 15 voters is about what I had expected for the number of NCKA folks that might be using taller chairs and I guess a 3rd of those not finding enough value is understandable too.

Now I am kind of curious if other regions are widely using the option. Maybe folks fishing the flats?
I do get exposed to some media marketing SUPs for that water but haven't noticed the chairs yet.
River trips hunting smallmouth might be perfect for this style or any sort of site fishing or fly fishing.
With a solid group of the primary manufacturers focusing on the chair and the option, someone must be be using them and a greater percentage than in northern calif.
Even without local interest, I hope that maybe someone who is looking to purchase a new boat might find this thread helpful if they are considering a platform that offers a higher vantage.
 

I have found that it is a lot more popular on the flats, backwater bassin' areas, and in the East in general. Their fishing is different than out here for the most part.

I use the high position while sight fishing for LMB.  This is from my Kilroy.  That being said, I've used the high position in my Cuda 14 once.  I've found I just prefer the lower position on the Cuda.  It's easier to reach my FF and the stuff in the center hatch.  I do love the all day comfort of the seat though.