The beam above waterline is imporatant for secondary stability - as you lean, a wider beam above waterline means you are forcing more and more boat volume underwater - thus the floatation of the air in the boat creates increasing resistance the more you lean. When you hit the point where you are suddenly trying to force LESS volume into the water, whammo, you are wet.

That is why a design with a flat hull and strong initial stability often has little secondary stability - you hit that point right away.

Also related to stability - a difference of an inch or two in seat height makes a BIG difference in stability. The trick in a SOT is that your seat will be higher - significantly higher than on a standard kayak (probably 3-4 inches minimum), or else you will be sitting in a puddle. That will make an otherwise stable hull quite tippy. 24" may not do it - depends on how stable you want it to be (and other design features).

Consider a solo canoe - excellent choice for fishing. Many are designed to be paddled kayak-style.

: Question?? Why is the max beam of a
: kayak given for the top only ?wouldn't you be concerned with the bottom
: that is what is in the water ?I am sure my ignorance is showing and I
: apologize but i have wondered about that for a while.last question is 24
: inches on the bottom a fairly stable kayak or should I go wider(deadrise
: will be 2 inches)?