Bob Riggins
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You must be confusing something else with the Native you speak about–The Native Ultimate 12 weighs in at 55lbs while the Tarpon 120 is 60lbs. Additionally, the Native Ultimate hull profile is essentially unique in the kayak industry and nothing like that of the Tarpon, OKs or other SOTs.
I have to agree with you here Mike. The Tarpons are the heaviest of the three. My OK Prowler 15 is 3 feet longer than the Tarpon 120, but weights 56 pounds, or 4 pounds less. Wilderness Systems has recently released a Tarpon 120 Ultralite, that is lighter. The only Wilderness System hull that is anything close to the Native is the WS Ride. The Tarpons are not even close.
90% of my fishing is out of a kayak. They are great for saltwater flats and inshore fishing, as well as, lakes and slow moving rivers.
In the warmer climates, the Sit on Top (SOT) is far superior to the sit in kayak (SIK). The SOT’s are easier to get into and out of, give better access to equipment and are more open. My preference is for longer kayaks, as they are faster and track better. I have two OK Prowler 15’s.
The most common fishing kayaks are The OK Prowler 13 and 15 (currently being replaced with OK Tridents); the Wilderness System Tarpon 120, 140 and 160; the Heritage Redfisher/Marquesa. All are rotomold plasic. Other models include the Hobie Outback (peddle boat), Huricanne Phoenix 120, 140 and 160 and the Malibu Stealth and Extremes. The Native Ultimates are sort of a cross between a kayak and a canoe, but make excellent fishing platforms.
I personally can’t stand up in any of them, however, I know people who do regularly in all of them. The best for standing are probably the Malibu Extreme, Heritage Redfisher and Native Ultimates. Some people use outriggers, but they are generally considered sissies with training wheels.
The main features are an open tankwell in the back, a comfortable strap in seat, paddle holder, and a front hatch for dry storage. Mine are rigged with rod holders, both flush mount and Scotty, an anchor trolley, a stake out pole and scupper plugs. I personally do not use a rudder, but this is a common option.
Kayaks offer a lot of advantages.
1. No Gas!
2. Minimal Maintenance.
3. Launchable anywhere you can get to the water.
4. Stealth.
5. Easy storage.
6. Easy Transport.The only disadvantage I can see is limited range. But I generally cover about 5 miles per trip. The limited range also makes you concentrate on fully covering your fishing area rather than zipping from place to place.
Here is a picture of one of mine
Here is how I store them.
The single prop is an interesting idea. I really like the simple complexity of it. It has sort of an oriental feel.
I originally liked the second of the original pictures, however, the more I thought about it and looked at them, the first picture is far better. It isolates the fly and the prop, which is exactly what you are trying to do. The second photo, while very nice, does not have the same impact.
I also like Chad’s idea of offsetting the fly to the left a little. I think it would convey the concept of motion a little better.
All of my casts approach the speed of light anyway, so it really doesn’t matter whether its in a vacuum or not.
I wish you guys would quit sending your cold air down here. It is supposed to get down to the low 40’s tonight. I had to cancel my fishing tomorrow morning.
As Jerod indicated, you should be able to get a deal on a Radius (or a Velocity for that matter). I’ve seen both heavily discounted. I also recommend Madison River Fishing Company, which has both on sale.
