I just returned from a trip fishing and camping at Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. It was time for the annual spawning run of striped bass in the Roanoke River. Striped bass are also called rockfish and are anadromous fish meaning that they migrate between fresh and saltwater. Spawning takes place in freshwater. They normally return to their natal river (river where they were born) in order to spawn and then return to saltwater. We hoped to capitalize on the spawning run and at the same time test some of our new Native Watercraft kayaks and accessories. I was particularly interested in testing the new Mariner 12.5 Multisport kayak.

We launched just below the rapids and set up camp in an area that Jerry Fisher, the local striped bass fishing guru, had been kind enough to select for us. He also selected a campsite conveniently located in the area where he had been catching fish and where the fish were holding at the present time. This campsite gave us easy access to productive water. The water level was high and the fish were scattered which required a lot of upstream paddling against a pretty strong flow. The fishing tactics required a lot of drifting through the stretch

All of the people fishing out of powerboats were amazed at the speed and ease that I was able to pedal upriver against the current. Everyone in our group who were using conventional kayak paddles as their only means of propulsion were quick to notice the ease with which the Mariner was pedaling against the current and wanted to try it out. Needless to say, I had a hard time getting it back. The Mariner quickly became the most popular kayak in our fleet under the conditions, the only exception being the new Ultimate 16 Multisport with the Volt Electric Drive (I will write about this kayak at another time). The Mariner also comes equipped with the Volt Electric Drive as another option. I'm thinking that the Mariner Volt Electric Drive would have been "killer" with the fishing conditions that we had on the Roanoke River.

The Mariner has the following features that make it the perfect fishing machine:

• It is a self-bailing sit-on-top with rough water and surf entry capabilities.
• It is more stable than most sit-on-top kayaks because of the tunnel hull design. Most sit on tops are not as stable as sit-insides. In order to be self-bailing, the deck of a sit on top has to be above the water line in order for the water to drain out of the scupper holes. This characteristic raises your center of gravity making them generally less stable than sit-insides.
• The Mariner, with its tunnel hull, helps compensate for the raised center of gravity, increases the stability and provides a stable fishing platform for standing and moving around for other activities.
• Performance, speed, and maneuverability are excellent.
• The Mariner has a bow that is quiet but provides lift in rough seas and gives it a dry ride.
• It has voluminous storage in the bow hatch and space on top of the hatch for our custom-built insulated cooler/storage bag that can be secured with the Plug and Play system. The bag provides easy access storage for frequently used items and it can also be used as a cooler.
• The Mariner is a true Multisport kayak meaning that it can be paddled, poled, pedaled, motored or sailed and it is designed to perform all types of propulsion efficiently and effortlessly.
• The Mariner can be paddled with a kayak paddle because the tunnel hull allows it to have a narrow beam without sacrificing stability. Adding width can make a kayak more stable, but you would have difficulty paddling it with a double bladed kayak paddle.
• You can stand up and pole because the tunnel hull design creates unbeatable stability to stand comfortably and confidently for fishing and other activities.
• The Mariner has a mid-hull drive trunk that allows you to drop in a Propel Pedal Drive system with a 1 to 10 pedal to prop gear ratio that allows you to cover more distance in less time. The drive system allows you to pedal forward and reverse. This allows you to go forward, stop and reverse without the need to use your paddle. The drive unit pivots up and over into the bow and out of the way when you want to paddle or pole all in one easy motion. You can travel quickly to a destination and then paddle or pole if that type of propulsion is more efficient for your activities such as fishing, bird watching, photographing or just relaxing.
• The Mariner can also be purchased with the Volt Electric Drive system, which is a 46 lb. thrust saltwater electric motor designed specifically for the Mariner. It uses the same trunk well as the Propel Pedal Drive so it is easily interchanged with the Propel Pedal Drive system and both can be purchased separately. The Volt Electric Drive has both forward and reverse and can also be pivoted out of the way so you can paddle or pole when necessary.
• The rudder is positioned directly behind the keel which protects the rudder and makes the rudder much more efficient and responsive. The rudder position also eliminates the need to raise or lower the rudder so it is always in position and protected.
• The Mariner has the same First Class Seat as the Ultimate series of kayaks, which can be removed and used as a beach or camp chair, which I just did while camping on the Roanoke River. A person new to kayaking may not realize how important it is to have a comfortable seat. A comfortable seat can make the difference between a great day and a miserable day on the water. These seats are made right in the factory in Greensboro NC.
• The Mariner has Plug and Play outfitting which allows you to "plug" in accessories and remove them with ease and with out drilling any holes. This gives you the ability to customize your kayak for different activities giving you even more versatility. The deck also includes flush areas for mounting fishing rod holders.
• The Mariner has a huge flat rear deck area for storing gear, which is also outfitted with the Plug and Play system. The Plug and Play outfitting will allow installing side rails on the rear deck for securing large amounts of gear or cargo "the pickup truck of the kayak world".
• The Mariner can also be equipped for sailing by installing the MultiSport Kayak Wind Sail System. It features an efficient, lightweight, single sail and a centerboard that drops into the mid-hull drive trunk.