» Join the Native Slayer Propel Max 12.5 Giveaway Contest

As a former kayak instructor who has been paddling (and nowadays, pedaling) since 2010, I’ve sat in many a kayak seat. None were more comfortable than the seat of the Native Slayer Propel Max 12.5. But, in any kayak, my comfort level is not entirely dependent on a sturdy seat with lower back support. Being comfortable in the seat of a kayak is less about the seat, and more about confidence in the boat’s maneuverability, stability, and speed, steering, and tracking capabilities.

Over the years, I’ve kayaked all around the States, from the whitewater rapids of Washington’s Salmon River to Alaska’s Prince William Sound. A whitewater kayak is rather wobbly and almost too easy to maneuver (or flip), and a sea kayak takes some long, powerful sweeps of the paddle to assist the rudder in making a smooth turn. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from those experiences, it’s that I enjoy something in between the two. I like a stable, easy-to-maneuver kayak that tracks well in sloppy conditions, and the Native Slayer Propel Max 12.5 checks those boxes. The best part of all: the Slayer Propel Max 12.5 allows me to fish hands-free so I can focus on the action and cadence of my lure as it swims back to the kayak for another cast.

Balance and Stability

I’ve had many kayaks, each one more angler-friendly than the next, but the buck stops with the Slayer Propel Max 12.5. As a big guy who frequently targets striped bass in open water, I need a boat that is balanced and sturdy, because more often than not, striped bass feed most aggressively in unfavorable weather and sea conditions. At 12.5 feet long and 34 inches wide, it’s a truly versatile fishing platform that allows the angler to seamlessly transition from fishing glass-calm backwaters to the ocean. The boat’s rounded edges and flat bottom make it a safe platform to stand and cast for sight fishing purposes or improved casting accuracy, even in slightly choppy seas.

Speed, Steering and Tracking

Equally as important as balance is the ability to make quick, safe adjustments in speed and direction. On the Slayer Propel Max 12.5, the new and improved Springblade rudder system keeps the rudder sitting flush to the stern when the kayak is not in use, and the rudder can be easily deployed right from the raised seat of the cockpit once in the water. Plus, a convenient steering handle is situated next to the seat, which is conducive to making easy turns to dodge a cresting wave or a submerged obstruction. And while strong, reliable steering is important to me, so is speed. The Propel Pedal Drive 701 Series is a smooth and durable drive system that allows me to cruise between spots with ease, which is imperative to chasing down blitzing fish during the spring and fall migrations of striped bass.

On such a wide kayak, tracking through large, short-period swells should be a concern, but the bow is pointed with a sloped nose which improves its ability to cut and glide through heavy chop so I can be more concerned with fishing and not flipping.

Storage and Bonus Features

And of course, the difference between any old kayak and a true fishing kayak like the Slayer Propel Max 12.5 are the bonus features designed to make your angling experience as organized and safe as can be.

For starters, the Slayer Propel Max 12.5 has dual horizontal rod storage as well as three molded in rod holders, so I always keep a minimum of 2 pre-rigged rods with different offerings in the rear molded holders. The third rod holder is molded directly next to the seat which makes it easy to land and unhook sizable fish like stripers, bluefish, and even the occasional XL false albacore. Plus, if you don’t have a pliers holster on your person, the under seat tackle storage drawer provides ample space for a tackle tray or two, as well as any essential handheld tools that need to remain in reach.

To the front of the kayak is a rotomolded bow hatch cover with battery storage and transducer access, which is conveniently located within arms reach of the port and starboard groove tracks for mounting of accessories like a GPS or Fishfinder.

Behind the seat, in the stern of the kayak, there are two bungee-chord latches on either side of the boat for split paddle storage. Even on a pedal kayak, carrying a paddle is essential. Not only does it help with launching and landing, when the pedal drive needs to be lifted from the water, but in the event of an emergency or damage to the drive system, a paddle can be a true life saver. Between the split paddle storage is a spacious rear deck that is fitted with fixed bungees for securing a large tackle crate or a cooler to carry hydration, food, and/or bled-out fish.

To win a fishing kayak so decked out with features is sure to change your approach to fishing, whether you splash it in the local pond or straight into the ocean surf. And if, for some reason, the Slayer Propel Max 12.5 isn’t a good fit for you, or doesn’t have enough fishing-friendly features, meet the all new TitanX. The Slayer is a great choice for the dynamic fisherman, but the TitanX Propel is Native Watercraft’s most feature-rich kayak to date, for the uber-technical fisherman who requires cutting-edge electronic integration, extra storage and endless rigging capabilities.

The TitanX Propel boasts many of the same features as the Slayer Max, including Sidekick Wheel System compatibility, an under-seat tackle management drawer, no-slip deck padding, three flush mount rod holders and the same Springblade rudder system and Propel Pedal Drive 701 Series.

However, the TitanX also contains its own unique features like PivotPro Swivel Seating, which provides a greater range of motion, as well as a Power-Pole Micro Anchor Mount, a stern motor mount, additional bow hatch storage, and through-hull transducer wiring in the bow hatch for rigging of electronics on the groove tracks.

The TitanX 12.5 is jam-packed with 2 times the features of the Slayer in the same size package. And although the TitanX may be the same width and length as the Slayer Propel Max, it pushes the boundaries of what we can do from the seat of a kayak, and allows anglers to step further out of their comfort zones in pursuit of bigger and better fish.

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