Need is a strong word. But between pedaling instead of paddling and being able to stand and move about - been a game changer for my kayak fishing. I like to stand and use the paddle as a push pole to just inch along the weed beds and lilly pads and sight fish or work the thick cover for bass. Or if anchored, standing to just stretch and cast to rising trout 360 degrees is so nice. With my oldest kayak, I could barely get out of after more than 2 hours - seated so low on the floor. My next one had a seat that was much higher. Very nice. Could stand to stretch for a second or reach something, but not really stand to fish. But the pedal drive OT is just a fishing machine and does everything from puget sound, banks lake, to my local bass ponds and trout spots. Plan to float the Skykomish in the summer.I suppose you could, but I don't stand up in any of my kayaks...don't need to. I can cast at least 180 degrees sitting down, and standing up just makes you act like a sail in wind.