Native Watercraft Manta Ray 12 Angler Native Watercraft Manta Ray 12 Angler

I was introduced to kayaking in 2009. My husband had just purchased a Hobie so decided to try it out at friends on Lake Michigan. After using a loaner kayak from my friend (so we could all go out at once), I was hooked! The following spring (2010) my husband decided it was time for me to have my own SOT so we went shopping for an early Mother’s Day present. I went with the idea that I wanted an Ocean Kayak. After looking over 3 different ones (the Ocean Kayak and Manta Ray being two of them), I decided on the Manta Ray 12. I have absolutely no regrets in my choice. Pros – 1. deep, cushy, comfortable seat-you can sit in it all day! I have the deluxe DVC seat. 2. The rail system (aka “the groove”, “T channel”)-we made homemade plates w/toilet bowl bolts for holding rod holders, etc. I found inexpensive plastic cutting boards (same color as my yak) to cut for whatever plate size I want! So nice to be able to pull stuff off easily when transporting on top of the car. 3. Foot braces are comfortable and easy to adjust. I’m 5’6”, my hubby is 6’4” and he’s found that he can easily adjust the foot braces to fit his legs! I have to watch him ‘cuz I think he likes my yak better than his now!! 4. Stability – I live on a lake that often sports pontoons, bass boats and jet skis (yuck). I’ve had no problems with my yak staying stable in a motorized boat’s wake. 5. Other small but convenient things-the paddle clip is sturdy and located in a handy place for me. Easy to snap it into place when you have a fish on. I haven’t had any leaking problems. The yak is very easy for me to handle by myself (I’m 54 yrs. young and enjoy going out by myself in the early morning or at dusk). I like the bungees used across the top of the hatch covers-nice and snug and good for clipping caribiners to! Cons- can’t think of any!
I have added a trolley system and am in the process of mounting my fishfinder, (a portable Humminbird PirahnaMax that I set between my legs last summer but it covers my console area and hatch), triple Scotty rod holder with gear head mount extender, drink holder and a yak attack visicarbon pro light. Even though the area behind my seat is large enough for a crate I’ve decided that my tackle box alone can sit there for now. I have not used any of my hatch areas yet except to hold a sponge but I know those areas are there for future plans! When I see the Native Manta Rays in the stores sitting next to other brands, I still feel extremely satisfied that I chose the Native Manta Ray 12!

I purchased the Manta Ray 12 after looking at a number of different models for sea fishing in the UK. After comparison with the Ocean Prowler 13 and Tarpon 12 I chose the Manta because of it's high quality build and nice deep seat and footwells. Also I felt that it would be easy to customise to my requirements. After 11 months of fishing with it on river, lake and sea and after having tried several other makes and models I have no regrets about my choice. It is a quality kayak, easy to lift on the roofrack of my car, an excellent stable fishing platform, hatch covers fit well & do not leak. It paddles well and has coped with surf landings and launches as well as sea states to force 4/5. It tracks quite well, though does weather-cock a bit in a cross wind. Fittings are good. However I moved the centre rod-holder nearer to me, and retro-fitted a fishfinder on the centre console. I also discarded the 0.75kg anchor in favour of a 1.5kg model fitted on a trolley system utilising the existing bow D ring and the un-used rudder bolt fittings at the stern.

Criticisms? Only one being that in the UK, fixtures and fittings for the rails are difficult to obtain and some of the prototype fixtures advertised by Native have never gone into production. But despite that disappointment i would still thoroughly recommend this craft....

This is my first yak but I have to tell you I love it there is nothing like kayak fishing it is addictive I have always loved fishing but this takes it to a new level. I bought mine used its a 2009 I felt safe in it the first time out, the seat is the first thing you notice, very comfortable and has great support I spent 5 hrs in it first time out. I have been in a few other yak's since I bought mine and would not trade it yet it moves through the water with little effort and has great glide to it. Tracks really nice for not having a rudder on it. storage is good and forward hatch does not leak at all the well is big enough for a milk crate and small cooler all you need. the only thing I wish I had was a bigger access hatch between my legs to store a tackle tray or anything else would be great like the ones you see on a hobie. the flat surfaces are great for mounting scotty rod holders or flush mount rod holders. there are no scuppers in the seat area but have not noticed allot of water in the seat area either this yak has plenty of scupper holes to drain any water that may come in. I have taken plenty of water over the bow out striper fishing at night in the chesapeake bay. If your looking for a new yak do yourself a favor and at least try one out before you buy!
Tight Lines
Snookhunter

Excellent boat for fishing. Mine is the 2010 so it has the rail system and newer seat. Never gets me wet in the seat area. And I love the rail system. I have made my own rod holder platforms and mounted to the to the rail system. No drilling holes in this yak yet. I have been across wakes and been side swiped by wakes while fishing and did not get wet or swamped. Paddles straight and true. Handles very well. Easy to get into and out of. I am 5ft.10 in. and weight 240lbs. This little yak is perfect for me. Easy to load into the back of my truck and unload. Do not have to roof load it due to its lenght. I love the 4 carry handles and the place to store the paddle when not in use. It has great carry capacity, although I have not tried them all out yet. There is plenty of room in the front of the yak to toss your catches and keep fishing. Plenty of storage room around yourself. All in all, I really like this kayak!!!