I'm 6'5" 265 lbs and other Kayaks just aren't comfortable. I demo'd a few before I purchased, and the store that I bought from only had the (I guess its the angler model of the native 12) in blue. I didn't care to get the (angler model) at the time of purchase, I figured just more features for me to break/have to maintain, but I did want a blue native 12, and the (angler model) was all they had in that color, so I said screw it and made the purchse.

I'm glad I did,,, the keel that pops down in the back surprised me by making a big difference in keeping the kayak straight. This is especially handy when I take off my shirt, and recline the chair back to doze off as I float along the river. The other reviews are spot on when it comes to stability and exceptional comfort of this craft.

Perfect kayak fishing craft. Holds loads of gear, remarkably stable and comfortable. Have used to float hole to hole for steelhead on Michigan streams. Making hairpin turns and dodging deadfall is a breeze on Pere Marquette and Little Manistee Rivers. Easy to get in and out even in full wading gear and clothing layered for 35 degrees! Don't bother with the "angler" model. Learn what you need and rig it up yourself. A joy on small lakes and ponds -- buy the accessory paddle clips to store paddle while fishing. They got this boat right!!

This is a great kayak. I have done exhaustive research, gone on numerous kayak demo days and tried out about as many different kayaks that you can possibly try. I love to fish so a great fishing kayak was my goal. Initially I thought I would want a sit on top....that's what many, maybe most anglers down here in Florida use...well once I got into the Native Ultimate I knew this was the kayak for me. Tons of space for gear and storage, well made, great in the water, easy to rig as you see fit to meet your fishing and kayaking needs. I could not be happier with my Native Ultimate 12 purchase. PLUS as an added bonus Backcountry.com was awesome in processing my order, making sure I understood what I had to do to receive my shipment of the kayak. backcountry.com packed the kayak very well and made the whole process easy and stress free. Great job to backcounty and if you are in the market for a great fishing kayak you can't go wrong with the Native Ultimate.

FishfulThinking

A fantastic craft for saltwater fly fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. So steady you can stand up and cast your fly rod. Plenty of room for all your gear and room to spare to spread out and get comfortable. Five fly fisher ladies all have one and regulary take fishing outings.