Native Kayaks Ultimate 16 Tandem

Native Kayaks Ultimate 16

Taking a look at my long career based in California, many people think that if a kayak doesn’t crash through 6 foot surf to get us to the fishing spot, you probably won’t see it here. That’s not the case by a longshot and the fact is that while kayak fishing was born on the coasts of North America, the greater participation is in the skinny water, bays, lakes and rivers everywhere. Beyond my addiction to the mystery of the catch at sea, I’m just as dependent on trout, bass, crappie, redfish, walleye and anything that could bite wherever I might be. Like fisher-philosopher Jimbo Meador said, “Fishing out of a kayak is not only a more productive way of fishing but it is quiet, peaceful and environmentally friendly. You can get away from the crowds and even if the fishing is off you can have a healthy, stress-free day enjoying nature.”

The Ultimate 16 isn’t your average fishing kayak. Not quite a sit on top with no resemblance to a sit inside, the Ultimates are kind of a hybrid of the SOT, canoe and pirogues. Performing well on open water, it can reach hard-to-access skinny water spots where some of those other styles are stopped short. The seating is unique, not the molded soft seats universally thrown on most fishing models. The hull has a patented “tunnel” design that tracks straight and fast. Both the seating and hull designs are integrated to compliment each other. One benefit is that your feet are positioned lower than your hips and this adds hours of fishing comfort to the day. “Of course, you can always stand up and take a stretch....or just sight, pole and cast on the fish while standing to keep limber.” That’s a statement I never thought I’d be able to make let alone lend my endorsement to but the Ultimate series is truly a kayak you can stand on. In trails with a passenger (and dog) in the forward seat, the kayak was totally navigable by one paddler in the aft seat with light wind and chop. This model has benefitted from aftermarket R&D with padded arm cushions and other modifications. This model has range, especially for 2 paddlers. The Ultimate 16 is proving be a great boat for overnight fishing/camping trips since it will hold some gear. While historically, trying to fish tandems has probably led to more matrimonial disharmony than successful fishing partnerships, the Ultimate 16 has evolved as a tandem fishing kayak that can be fished easily and effectively by 2 people. It can also be used by one paddler for short range fishing and is my current “top pick” for a fishing tandem...My previous “top pick” for a tandem was 2 solo kayaks!.