60hertz

i've only kayak fished from a Hobie w/ Mirage Drive system, so I have no other Kayaking experience. I enjoy the stealthiness of a kayak and the ease of launching it and especially the maintenance (as compared to my Key West 17' skiff).

But, I HATE having to really go "light" when Kayak fishing. I hate having to re-rig my lures in the kayak and twisting around to reach stuff behind me is less than desirable.

I have also thought of a canoe, but like everyone has said - they are not stable and they can not handle sloppy conditions very well. But, it would be nice to have "something" that was the best of both worlds.

I'm currently thinking about building one of these: http://www.unclejohns.com/boat/. The cajuns have used them for duck hunting and fishing in the shallow swamps for years. I've been thinking of one of these for just launching and hitting docks or paddling VERY near shore (in the sound or bay). These might be aviable option. Plus, I'd enjoy building one just for the sake of doing it.

If it is sloppy or windy thenI'd rather be in the boat anyway.

FLSalomon

Ernie, I just checked the Native site and they are coming out with an Ultimate with a trolling motor designed to fit where the pedal drive goes - really cool. The pedal drive looks sweet and it goes backwards... Go to Pensacola Kayak & Sail, they are the local dealer. They have all of the Native models to try out.

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/ult_14_propel.cfm

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GCKFA #1
www.gulfcoastkayakfishing.com

biehnfishin

This is my first post, and I was motivated to reply because I have a Native Ultimate 12. I have a serious obsession with flyfishing and wanted something stable enough to stand in, but not so bulky that it would be a pain in the butt to maneuver. Most of my fishing is done in the bay around Big Lagoon chasing anything that swims and in the fresh/brackish water ponds around the Perdido Key area chasing Large Mouth Bass.

Positives: Very good primary stability (I stand in it more than I sit); outstanding seating system; hauls all your gear; can fit smaller children both fore and aft; good maneuverability even though it's more of a canoe/kayak hybrid; it comes with a retractable skeg that allows for better tracking; the seating system can be set up on the gunwales giving you a higher perspective of the surrounding water; tons of great accessories available.

Negaitves: My skeg only worked for a few times out. The guy at P-cola Kayak and Sail said that that is a common problem. I haven't motivated myslef enough yet to tinker with it. I can still mannually deploy the skeg before getting in the water...so it's not a big deal; Sit on top kayaks typically have sculper holes that allow for watter drainage, the Ultimate does not. If water comes in over the sides, or drips in from your paddle, the water stays in the watercraft until you sponge it out or bail it out with a cup; obviously, it's not as fast as other kayks, but it's certainly not a lug in the water.

Before I finally decided on the Ultimate, I test paddled the Tarpon 120, Tarpon 140, Redfish 14 and a few Ocean Kayaks. I almost purchased the Redfish but the Ultimate really impressed me.

Tight lines.

Jb