artback

Mentioned previously, and certainly worth a look, is Native Kayak's Ultimate. It's a hybrid...a cross between a sit in kayak and a canoe. Someone mentioned leaders in innovation and left this brand out. IMO Native belongs right there with Hobie. I can also attest to the comfort of the seat in this kayak: best in the business. The Ultimate 12 weighs about 55 pounds... yet there is a 12' Tegris version (lighter material) that runs about 36 pounds. This is very stable. I own the 14.5, which on a calm lake (or on the flats in the Keys...where I rent them), is fairly easy to stand in for sight fishing or fly casting once you master the technique. One benefit of the design is that it can be paddled upstream more easily than many other kayaks. I use mine in the Kankakee, and find it is just about perfect. It tracks very well and is fast. If you are so inclined, Native offers a Propel drive system for pedaling that significantly outperforms the Hobie and will go in reverse (the Hobie system won't). It is not as good in shallow water or heavy weeds. There the Hobie wins out. I have not used my Ultimate on the Big Lake, however the Native web site shows a few fisherman in Milwaukee with some nice salmon landed from their Ultimates. By the way, the Native Ultimate comes in a 9.5" size for smaller paddlers that weighs 39 pounds, yet I'm not sure of its maximum capacity. The 12" has a capacity of 350 pounds. The 14.5's capacity is 450 pounds (they offer a tandem version that can be converted to a solo), and the 16's capacity is 600 pounds (also a tandem). As this craft is an open hull for pretty much its entire length, it is fairly easy to load multiple rods within it. As a brand, there are only two problems with Native: 1) They do not have any Illinois dealers. The closest to Northern Illinois is in Wisconsin unless you choose an Orvis shop (it's in their catalog). 2) They are not the least expensive option if price is your primary consideration. I hope this helps.

I own one of these from Cabela's and really find it to be comfortable: Cabela's Comfort Mesh Vest - Adult Item:9IS-943049 They are on sale right now. Here's the link: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon&id=0036404943049a&navCount=3&podId=0036404943049&parentId=cat21312&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true The site reviews suggest ordering a size larger than you normally would. Since mine is in my kayak up in the rafters of the garage, I can't take a look for validation.

Here's a late reply. Picked up 4 fish by Noon....all SMB....1 nice 19" on a white spinnerbait, 2 at 12", and 1 at 14". The last three were on wacky-rigged 5" Senkos (white and chartreuse) in slow current casting 90 degrees towards shore and running downstream...occasional twitching to create a scissors motion. I'm okay with any time of day in the Fall except if it interferes with a Bears game. Enjoyed getting out with everyone.

Dress warmly, gentlemen. Low of 45 tonight. See you tomorrow.

Trying to get there...

What gets me is that they were on the edge of being sober enough to gaff a slithering snakelike creature that is about the ugliest thing known to mankind yet just intoxicated enough to impede decision-making. I guess just about everything looks better after a few beers! The real question is to gaff and bring aboard the beast (bad decision), or not to gaff and cut the line (right decision).

I'm in for next Spring. I have a sit in kayak that I can tow behind me with capacity for trash, if needed.

It was good to meet everyone, work with and get to know Bill "William C" (good to hear your grandson's team...like today's Bears...captured a WIN!), and fish with John and company. This organization is living out its mission (as demonstrated by Saturday's turn-out). I look forward to fishing and "giving back" with you guys.

It was good to see 11 ISA members show up for this event. We had great weather for both collecting and fishing. I've attached a photo of the team (less this photographer) and the day's "trash" catch. Extra points are awarded for those who can identify the reclining la-z-boy in this photo. Got lots of light hits yet no takers on Eric's favorite Zara Puppy (need to learn to walk that dog). I was able to pick up 2 smallies (each about 12") and a rock bass in 4 hours...all on a rattlin shad. In the process I either hooked or foul hooked two monster bottom-dwellers. One ran half of my line out until the bait pulled free and all that remained was a scale (all that excitement and only a scale to show for my efforts).

I'll be there Saturday to fish some at sunrise and be at the park by 8. I've never participated in an "official" river clean up. What does one bring? I'm planning on the usual fishing apparel, some gloves and garbage bags. Am I on target?

I've been looking for an opportunity in my schedule to contribute time to ISA, and the wife just gave me clearance. Count me in! If my son were not just off to college, you'd have two more volunteers instead of one.

I'll be watching replies as I have the same question on shuttles. Thanks for your post!

I've got a Native Ultimate 14.5 yet unfortunately I'm not interested in a trade. I can attest to being able to stand and cast....one key benefit of this design. It is not a great open water boat. Rented one in Islamorada Florida last month and a cabin cruiser did a good job of adding water to the cockpit. Once across the channel and onto the flats it sure was fun chasing bonefish. An added bonus is the best seat in the business. Spent 12 hours on Shabbona last summer without a break and didn't even notice the seat.