Kayak Fishing Ultimate Resource

  • Airborne Angler Adventures Yak-Master Classic

    On August 11, 2013, some of the finest kayak anglers in the mid-Atlantic will gather in Swansboro, NC for the Airborne Angler Adventures Yak-Master Classic. The tournament will benefit Heroes on the Water and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the entry fee is a modest $25. Competitors are to receive captain’s bags and shirts, and there will be raffles as well. Read More

  • The New and The Old

    This spring, I decided I would finally head over to the Eastern Shore in search of my first bull red. Unfortunately, my schedule and the weather did not cooperate. I was left reading reports from local legends and wondering if I’d be able to pull off my first trip, let alone hook and land a decent red. Read More

  • The Cooper River Coal Dock

    This morning, my fishing buddy Lewis and I set out on a journey to the Cooper River Coal Docks (by way of Drum Island) in search of redfish and speckled trout for the upcoming Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) Kayak Fishing Tournament in Charleston. Read More

  • First Bass On My Hand Tied Flies

    I recently dusted off my fly rod after a ten-year hiatus. I spent a majority of my formative years chasing largemouth bass and panfish using fly rods and topwater popping bugs. Along with my resurging interest in fly fishing, I began tying my own flies. I am ever searching for challenges and techniques to obsessively plunge myself into. Tying, and throwing, large, baitfish imitation streamers is very much like fishing the large swimbait imitations I use on conventional tackle. Read More

  • 2013 SC Kayak Tournament Trail Results

    Muddy waters, a big cold front, and the potential for some big fish - what else could you ask for? The location for the fourth stop of the 2013 SC Trail was Saluda Lake, a smaller lake than those we had fished thus far, but one known for better than average fish. Read More

  • A Day at the Beach

    It seems like forever since I joined my friends for some beach tarpon. Last summer I was so sick that I had to back out at the last minute, and then I made the decision that it wouldn’t be a good idea for me to venture out in my condition. But since then, I’ve felt much stronger and after a long day on the water Saturday (I paddled roughly seven miles) I made the call to join the boys on the beach. Read More

  • Keeping an open mind

    Many of my close friends and fishing buddies know me for my many “life lesson” slogans that I’ve picked up from some of the most inspirational people throughout my life. As I sit in front of my keyboard and reflect on the past weekend of fishing, one slogan comes to me: "Keep an open mind." Read More

  • Bluegrass Yakmasters’ Green River Lake Tournament 5-18

    The second qualifying event on the Bluegrass Yakmasters tournament trail was in Campbellsville, KY. The beautiful Green River Lake has every fishing opportunity an angler could want. It is known as a quality fishery for crappie, muskie, and hybrid- striped bass, among others, and it has been producing some very quality bass recently. The lake holds healthy populations of largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky spotted bass. Read More

  • Intro to Kayak Flyfishing

    If you've been fishing from a kayak for any period of time, you're familiar with the "You're crazy!" refrain from the public at large when you explain how you spend every free moment on the water. Kayak fly anglers likewise often get this response from other yak fishers when we reveal the long rod as our primary gear of choice. Read More

  • Yielding to Obtain Victory

    “By Yielding, you may obtain victory” – Ovid. All too often, I have missed out on quality fishing trips because I let less important tasks get in the way of potential happiness. I sat at my desk knocking out spreadsheet after spreadsheet and felt inclined to complete something that realistically would not be finished that day, and didn’t have to be. Read More
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Tue, Jun 18, 2013

Recent Reviews

Review Crescent Kayak's Splash II
Review Crescent Kayak's Splash II
 
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"I first met James Derbecker of Crescent Kayaks at the Louisville Boat and RV show in Louisville, KY. He had a nice display set up, and me being a bit of a gear head for all things kayak fishing related, I had to stop in and check things out. We had a decent discussion about his boats and company, and then I returned to my own booth. I couldn't help but notice over the next few days..."
Astral Designs "Ronny" PFD
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KC Kayaks "K12"
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Hobie "Mirage Outback"
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"How I was able to fish out of a Hobie Outback is a great story and can be checked out here. [http://www.yakangler.com/spotlight/item/409-tackle-shack-water-sports] First off a disclaimer… I originally demoed this kayak about a year ago on the Elkhorn creek. I had read all the hype about it and couldn't wait to get it onto the water. Sadly I was unimpressed; the Elkhorn's shallow water didn't allow me to use the Outback and the Mirage Drive to..."
Ocean Kayak "Prowler Trident 13"
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Ocean Kayak "Prowler Trident 11"
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Fishing Kayak Reviews Native Watercraft "Ultimate 12"

Native Watercraft "Ultimate 12" Hot

http://www.yakangler.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/315x315s/92/24/a2/native-watercraft-ultimate-basic-12-14-1366670130.jpg
November 29, 2009    
 
3.2
 
3.6 (1)
9241   0   2   0   0
The Ultimate 12

Kayak Make & Model

Manufacturer:
Native Watercraft
Model:
Ultimate
MSRP ($):
999.00
Length (ft):
12

The Native Watercraft "Ultimate 12 Basic" The Native Watercraft “Ultimate 12” Basic offers the unique Ultimate Tunnel Hull, known for its stability and open design, with the Air-Lite seat and basic foot braces. This is the perfect vessel for anyone looking for simple comfort, or for someone who wants to dress out a boat from the water up and make it completely their own. Performance Promise, stable ride sitting or standing, comfortable support for rear end and lower back, ideal for flat water and up to Class II rivers, and tons of available accessories.

Features:
  • Air-Lite seat
  • Foot braces
  • Tunnel Hull

Specs:

  • Width: 30" 76 cm
  • Weight: 50 lbs 23 kg
  • Depth @ Beam: 12" 30 cm
  • Capacity: 350 lbs 159 kg

Editor review

I didn't plan on demoing a Native Ultimate when we headed over to Canoe KY, but thankfully Nathan convinced me to give it a try. My first thoughts when looking at this boat was canoe. Big, heavy, hard to paddle, and nothing like a kayak but it did have a neat looking lawn chair for a seat!

I took the Native Ultimate 12 behind the shop onto Elkhorn Creek and hopped in. When I say I hopped in I really did jump into the hybrid kayak. First thought after jumping in was “wow is this a 12ft yak”. The openness of the kayak makes if feel huge, and gives you unlimited possibilities when storing gear. I was amazed how stable the Ultimate felt, the water was low maybe 4 to 6 inches in some spots and I had no issues with draft I weigh 230lb’s.

Paddling upstream gave me a chance to notice how easily it paddled. I didn’t feel like I was paddling a huge canoe but more like paddling a normal kayak with some nice glide. What I find remarkable, is the awesome maneuverability of such a stable craft. A leaning turn with paddle or peddle is easy and effective. This is true both with and against a stiff wind. Standing was a breeze in this kayak. This was the easiest, most stable kayak I’ve ever stood in besides ones with outriggers. The seat, is a dream, I felt no discomfort in either legs or back. I could paddle this yak all day long without the usual shifting from one cheek to another to stop numbness!

From never giving this “canoe” a thought earlier that day, I left our demo trip wanting to buy the larger Native Ultimate 14.5!
Overall rating 
 
3.2
Speed 
 
3.0
Stability 
 
4.0
Durability 
 
3.0
Features 
 
2.0
Value 
 
4.0
YakSushi Reviewed by YakSushi May 03, 2013
Last updated: June 18, 2013
Top 10 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (7)

Never thought I'd like want one!

I didn't plan on demoing a Native Ultimate when we headed over to Canoe KY, but thankfully Nathan convinced me to give it a try. My first thoughts when looking at this boat was canoe. Big, heavy, hard to paddle, and nothing like a kayak but it did have a neat looking lawn chair for a seat!

I took the Native Ultimate 12 behind the shop onto Elkhorn Creek and hopped in. When I say I hopped in I really did jump into the hybrid kayak. First thought after jumping in was “wow is this a 12ft yak”. The openness of the kayak makes if feel huge, and gives you unlimited possibilities when storing gear. I was amazed how stable the Ultimate felt, the water was low maybe 4 to 6 inches in some spots and I had no issues with draft I weigh 230lb’s.

Paddling upstream gave me a chance to notice how easily it paddled. I didn’t feel like I was paddling a huge canoe but more like paddling a normal kayak with some nice glide. What I find remarkable, is the awesome maneuverability of such a stable craft. A leaning turn with paddle or peddle is easy and effective. This is true both with and against a stiff wind. Standing was a breeze in this kayak. This was the easiest, most stable kayak I’ve ever stood in besides ones with outriggers. The seat, is a dream, I felt no discomfort in either legs or back. I could paddle this yak all day long without the usual shifting from one cheek to another to stop numbness!

From never giving this “canoe” a thought earlier that day, I left our demo trip wanting to buy the larger Native Ultimate 14.5!

Pros & Cons

Pros:
Comfortable seat, stable, clean open design
Cons:
No scupper holes, curved standing area hurts feet after a while
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User reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)

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Overall rating 
 
3.6
Speed 
 
3.0  (1)
Stability 
 
4.0  (1)
Durability 
 
4.0  (1)
Features 
 
3.0  (1)
Value 
 
4.0  (1)
My experience with the Ultimate 12 has been great. I started 8 or 9 years ago with a SINK then went to a SOT. I've test paddled the Slayer 12 & 14.5, the Cuda 12 & 14, the Coosa, Hobie Pro Angler, and a Hobie Outback. After having test paddled all those I can say with confidence that the Ultimate suits me the best for the kind of fishing I do.

Generally speaking the Ultimate is a great blend of everything I need in a yak.

Its only 30inches wide so it will paddle upstream fairly quickly. (80% of my fishing is paddle upstream and fish my way back)

Its open from bow to stern so you can put your stuff anywhere you like. If you've owned a SOT you know there HAS to be a specific place for everything or your stuff can easily end up in the water.

You can stand and fish very easily because your feet are below the water line. SOTs can only accomplish this same stability through extra width which means less speed which results in a more difficult paddle upstream.
Getting to the standing position is very easy because of the gunwales on either side of you giving you a firm place to push up from with your arms.

It may not be apparent at first but after a few trips the general ease of carrying this kayak becomes quickly apparent. Being a hybrid this kayak has gunwales, giving you the ability to lift and rest it on your shoulder as you carry it. Another notable feature of this kayak is its weight. As most kayaks seem to be getting heavier and heavier, mine (Ultimate 12 Basic) weighs in at 55lbs with the seat in, 50lbs without. That is at least 15lbs lighter than any of the kayaks I listed above.

In my opinion a hybrid kayak like the Ultimate is the way to go unless you absolutely have to have scuppers.
Overall rating 
 
3.6
Speed 
 
3.0
Stability 
 
4.0
Durability 
 
4.0
Features 
 
3.0
Value 
 
4.0
inrll Reviewed by inrll May 21, 2013
Top 50 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (1)

Never selling this boat.

My experience with the Ultimate 12 has been great. I started 8 or 9 years ago with a SINK then went to a SOT. I've test paddled the Slayer 12 & 14.5, the Cuda 12 & 14, the Coosa, Hobie Pro Angler, and a Hobie Outback. After having test paddled all those I can say with confidence that the Ultimate suits me the best for the kind of fishing I do.

Generally speaking the Ultimate is a great blend of everything I need in a yak.

Its only 30inches wide so it will paddle upstream fairly quickly. (80% of my fishing is paddle upstream and fish my way back)

Its open from bow to stern so you can put your stuff anywhere you like. If you've owned a SOT you know there HAS to be a specific place for everything or your stuff can easily end up in the water.

You can stand and fish very easily because your feet are below the water line. SOTs can only accomplish this same stability through extra width which means less speed which results in a more difficult paddle upstream.
Getting to the standing position is very easy because of the gunwales on either side of you giving you a firm place to push up from with your arms.

It may not be apparent at first but after a few trips the general ease of carrying this kayak becomes quickly apparent. Being a hybrid this kayak has gunwales, giving you the ability to lift and rest it on your shoulder as you carry it. Another notable feature of this kayak is its weight. As most kayaks seem to be getting heavier and heavier, mine (Ultimate 12 Basic) weighs in at 55lbs with the seat in, 50lbs without. That is at least 15lbs lighter than any of the kayaks I listed above.

In my opinion a hybrid kayak like the Ultimate is the way to go unless you absolutely have to have scuppers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
Tell us what you think the pros of this kayak are.
Cons:
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