LIP GRIPPER [S P LAS H] FISH SLAYER
NATIVE’S NEWEST PROPEL MOTORS AHEAD AND BACK BY RIC BURNLEY
Native Slayer Propel FISH-FRIENDLY FEATURES
I
usually try to sneak away from the launch and head to my favorite fishing spot without drawing any attention. No chance of that in Native’s new Slayer Propel. The guys at Appomattox River Company (
www.paddleva. com) let me borrow a Slayer the day the boat arrived. As soon as I got out of my truck, I was fielding questions from a crowd of curious anglers about the bright orange, pedal-powered kayak.
After breaking free of the crowd, I pushed off the beach at Lynnhaven Inlet in Virginia Beach and pedaled towards my favorite speckled trout and puppy drum hole. Native first hit the water with the Propel in 2008. They’ve since continued to improve the design of the pedal-powered, prop-driven propulsion system. The latest incarnation of the Propel system includes a tougher, lighter unit and longer cranks for easier pedaling. When I entered Pleasure House Creek, the outgoing tide put the Propel system to the test. With minimal effort, the twin-blade, five-inch propeller pushed the Propel into the ripping current. Since the pedals are turning a prop, the kayak moves steadily forward without surging. In sheltered water with no current, I was able to cruise at almost four
• Adjustable high/ low seat
• Electronics console
• Super seal scupper plugs
• Open bow hatch with scuppers and optional hatch cover
• Propel pedal system • Groove track system
miles per hour. Turning up the rpms, I pushed the kayak to almost six miles per hour. To cross shallow oyster bars and skinny flats, I simply kicked up the lower unit and turned the propellers to hold the Propel up on the deck. The Slayer Propel really shines on the fishing grounds. The boat’s wide beam, flat bottom, broad deck and intelligent layout make it a perfect flat- water boat. My favorite feature is the open bow box; I found myself throw- ing my extra jacket, dry bag and drinks in the deep bow well, freeing up the stern well to hold my tackle crate and fishing rods.
44…KAYAK ANGLER
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