Summer time and the liven’ is easy, hot, muggy, and rainy. Well it’s not that bad. This time of the year things slow down a bit on the island in Southwest Florida. But, this year, it’s a little different. We had an oil spill up north and it seemed to me that the vacationers are heading south and taking advantage of our oil-free beaches and waterways. I think we may even be a little busier than in past years.

Sure it’s still hot, but if you can get yourself out of bed a little earlier you could still have a great half day on the water. The sun has not yet had a chance to heat things up and the water is calm like a sheet of glass.

We have been having a few tours a week and we have been leaving early, so as to beat the afternoon rains. The wildlife are still up and moving around before their afternoon siesta. You may still want to think about a light rain suit or poncho to bring along just in case you should encounter a light shower. I tell my clients that many times some of our best tours have been in a light rain.

It’s so quiet and peaceful after a summer shower in the mangrove forest. You still want to also remember to bring as much water for your group as you can. Also, don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink, try to sip water through the trip. If you wait until you’re thirsty it’s too late.

As I have said in the past, there are many kinds of kayaking you could get into, white water, lazy river, lake, cowboy, squirts, backbay fishing, ocean, and the new one on the scene (if you want to call it kayaking) stand up paddle board.

I think I am to old and fat to give it a try but, it sure looks like fun. The closest I have been able to get to it is standing up and poling in my new yak. Yeah, I said stand up and pole. You can also stand up and paddle which is great for sight-fishing reds and snook.

My new toy this year after working hard for eight months is an olive 12-foot Ultimate Angler by Native Water Craft. This is one sweet little kayak.

I like the Ultimate 12 because it is small, light, and handles and tracks well.

The seat, which weights about seven pounds, comes out and makes it lighter when throwing it on top of the car. This seat in itself is a reason to buy this kayak. Without a doubt, this is the most well thought out and comfortable seat I have encountered in a kayak. Being a full figure kind of guy and a larger version of a man I need comfort. Some of these sit-on-tops and sit-ins are just too small for me. When you paddle as much as I do, some times two to three tours a day, you need a good seat. This seat is so good that when we land on a beachfront I take it out and use it as a beach chair. It comes out and sets up in seconds. It has three positions up under the legs and straps so you can adjust the tension in the backrest from firm to soft. Oh, and one other thing I found out about this seat you may like.

Ever been out deep in the mangroves and come across a branch or limb you just can’t seam to get around, or under it? Check this out, the back of the seat rocks back flat so you can lay down and just pull limbo-style under the tree. (Neat) no more leaning over too far and falling out of the yak. As I said, I bought the olive Angler and am very satisfied with the Scotty flush mount rod holders, of which there are three — one in the right front and two on the left and right rear. It also comes with an anchor trolley on the side which is great for deep water anchoring. You can position the yak anywhere you want it in the current and stay put. I also purchased a stickpin, which works well for shallow water. It’s a bar with a T-bar like handle and a point on the other end that you put in the anchor ring and push it down into the sand. This works well when trying not to make noise and you can sneak up on the fish.

I also like the foot pegs that are shaped like the sole of a shoe. If you paddle barefoot, as I sometimes do, it is a lot more comfortable than a peg sticking in the arch of your foot. It also has a neat set up for adjusting them– they run on a track with a rod you can reach from the seat. Just pull or push and they are set just the way you like, a welcome thing to do when your legs get cramped on a long paddle.

One of the first things you will notice about this boat is the bottom doesn’t look like a standard kayak bottom. It looks more like a catamaran with two channels running down each side of the center of the boat. Don’t let this scare you. This baby sure tracks well and is very stable.

You can stand up with your feet in the tunnels that are three inches below the water line and pole, paddle or fish. Warning, if you are a gadget freak (like I am) there are many accessories you can buy for the Adapt-a-Track system that is on the yak. Adapt-a -Track is a neat idea they had which is a rail with a slot in it that runs down both sides of the boat. You can slide in it all you toys, like a cup holder, pole holders, stick pin holder skirts for front, and back, black and camo. In addition, don’t forget the hand-held or battery operated fish finder and gps.

There are some good quality bags, for the bow and stern dry and wet. In addition, there is a cooler bag that fits just right. Then if you don’t have a tackle box they even have one of those with rod holders on it, and if you are real lazy you can get a model with foot peddles or a electric motor mount. So you see they have everything you need or don’t for this little vessel. However, it all looks good on the boat. They have a block you can get to raise up the seat if you like being up high. One more thing was a slick pole for paddling on one end then a point for poling on the other. Let’s not forget our four-legged friends — they even have a doggie pad bed for him.

I like to get the best deal on what I buy so I shop around; I work too hard to just give it away to some high priced fancy kayak shop. So you may say were could I see one of these kayaks. Well try the Native Watercraft website or go over to our good friends place Florida Paddle Sports 941-621-2502 on Harborside Blvd (off Burnt Store Road) in Punta Gorda) ask to talk to Jory Pearson.

This guy knows his stuff, they have kayaks for $250 to $5,000 and just about anything as far as accessories you may need for your yak.

He also rents and he will deliver free. Therefore, you could try out a kayak before you buy. They also have expert pro fishing guides available. He can put together a package you can afford. In addition, if you are the adventures type Jorey does an intro to stand up paddleboard class.

When you call please tell them you read about the Ultimate 12 Water Craft that Mel the Guide has and they will be able to show one to you. Take it from me, you will like this yak.

Well, till next time or when we see you on the water, thanks for paddling with Mel The Guide were its always a great day in MAT-LA-SHA.

Gulf Coast Kayak is in Matlacha giving tours and rentals daily 239-283 1125 or Mel 941-661-8229.