I have been fishing and hunting out of kayaks since 1987 and have had the opportunity to use many kayaks over the years. In my opinion, the best all around hunting and fishing kayak is the Ultimate 14.5 tandem by Native Watercraft. The 14.5 offers a great line for tracking while the tunnel hull offers superb stability. The tandem allows for a passenger if it is ever called for, but with the removable seats, the Ultimate 14.5 tandem can readilly be turned into a one person vessel. It is a low rider with a completely open cockpit which allows for a lot of gear to be carried and accessed easily. Though it does ride low, about 4 inches from the waterline when loaded, it is very stable and keeps the water out very well. Even in fairly rough water. The seats are aluminum framed with cloth/nylon seat and back. They are adjustable to just about any back angle you desire and the seat has a few height/angle adjustments. I see tons of kayaks out there now with rods sticking up in the air out or rod holders and extra rods behind the seats flying like flag poles. Crates or boxes behind the seat with loads of extra gear. That is all fine and well if you are strictly fishing wide open areas. I can carry as much, or more gear than any kayay out there, and it is never in the way because it is stowed in the kayak not on the kayak. If fishing rivers, creeks or brushy shorelines, it is pretty much useless to have your rods in pole holders or extra rods sticking up in the air behind your seat. They are sure to get in the way. I have seen this first hand. With the Ultimate 14.5 tandem by Native Watercraft you can simply lay your extra rod right in the kayak in front of, or behind you. A tackle box or bag, net, cooler, etc, all fit nicely. My kayak is also my tournament bass boat and it is more than adequate. Two guys, four rod/reel combos, two tackle boxes, net,large cooler for live well, pfd for each,and small cooler for refreshments, not a problem, and still very stable.
I would highly reccommend it in the Olive Green color. It is a very neutral color which seems to not spook shallow water fish, and, works great for waterfowling.
Sure there are plenty of good kayaks out there, but speaking from almost 25 years of experience, I have a pretty good idea about what fishing and hunting from a kayak is all about and would highly recommend at least looking into the Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5.
Hope this helps you out a bit and good luck.
Originally Posted by
SoonerBorn74
Howdy Guys,
I'm new to crappie fishing and would love to here from you guys who fish via kayak for crappie. Any thougths on gear and setup for crappie fishing on your kayak would be greatly appreciated.
It is not about the equipment you have to use,
It is about how you use the equipment you have. :D