Jackson Yak!

[onefinalcast]

I was going to spend a good chunk of money this spring for some new rods, reels, and tackle, and a cheap kayak. But then I stumbled upon a great deal on a barely used Jackson Cuda 12. The price was so good I almost couldn't believe it! So I called the guy up and met up with him. Instantly fell in love with the thing when I saw it and once I sat in it I knew I was sold. Purchased it the next day and brought it home!

 

Anyway, this is my first kayak ever so I am extremely excited. In fact, I've never even sat in/been in a kayak before trying this one out but it just felt so comfortable and right. Also, I think I made a good choice by not skimping out and going with a cheaper (sit-in style) kayak. Came with a lot of stuff that I originally planned to put on the cheaper kayak I was planning to buy anyway like rod holders, ram mounts etc. Hoping to get a fish finder and be on my way to a great season of open water fishing!

 

p.s. Any ideas on what I should consider adding is welcome. Or if there is anything I'm missing that is critical for kayak fishing.

 

 

[Darren.]

Congrats! Great yak!

 

Do what I and others have done. Fish in it for a while before making any major modifications (drilling etc.)

 

You will want to consider an anchor trolley (both sides is helpful), among other options.

 

But the Cuda is rigged really well for fishing to begin with, so you may not add much other than a crate to the back for the time-being.

[bartdude186]

Nice yak for sure. they are made just up the road from me and build some quality products. i would look into a fish/depth finder and an anchor trolly, but like DarrenM said, use it several times to be sure where you want things.

[flyfisher]

very nice!!  I'll just add in to wait to see where yo want stuff before modding it.

 

get a good PFD that you will wear and a decent paddle first

[Rossi]

You already have the best accessory in my opinion, that is the Jackson seat.  

 

I have a big Tuna and like it a lot.   

[fknlo]

Congrats!  I have a Cuda 12 and love it.  The only thing I've done to mine so far is add an anchor trolley.  I have a Raymarine Dragonfly on the way from Amazon right now to throw on it before it warms up.  They're pretty well sorted from the factory which is one of the things that made me buy mine.  

[HeavyDluxe]

Great boat!  Congrats!

 

Before you start mod'ing the boat, spend a little while just fishing it stock.  You'll be surprised how quickly you start thinking of ideas/needs, eliminating things that you know you don't need, and debating back and forth re: placement in your head. The more knowledge/experience you have before you grab the drill, the better.  

 

The one place that I would probably buck my own advice is in the setup of a basic tankwell box for tackle.  Lots of people use milk crates (I do) though there are other solutions out there.  A quick google search on 'fishing kayak milk crate' or 'fishing kayak rigging' will get you more info than you could possibly want.

 

Good luck... I entered the kayak fishing ranks last season.  My only regret is that I didn't get out on the water more!

[onefinalcast]

Thanks for all the input guys. I do plan on using it a few times before doing any drilling or major modifications. However, the previous owner did do a few mods already like putting in an extra ram ball mount on the center console and also has a transducer mounted with goop to the hull. The only thing I plan on adding at this point is a fishfinder and milk crate for tackle boxes like you mentioned.

 

Also, as far as PFD's go, which style do you guys prefer? The traditional style? Or the inflatable ones?

 

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-Paddling-Fishing-Life-Jacket/product/10225851/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Auto/Manual-Inflatable-Life-Vest/product/11090805012133/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

[HeavyDluxe]

I use an inflatable (a Hobie-branded knockoff of the Mustangs).  I like the freedom of motion, the way it keeps me cool, and I fish mainly flatwater.

 

I'm also a Big, Beautiful Angler (BBA) and so I like as little as possible around my girth.

[Tugmaster]

I prefer a traditional PFD. Look at the Chinook by NRS. VERY nice PFD. It has a high back that will clear your seatback.

Todd

[MikeinFresno]

PFD is first, 2nd is practicing self rescue which means to get the yak back over upright and then get yourself back on it after taking a swim. Many videos out there on this. Join a yak forum and read a bunch of stuff on how to rig, etc. I practiced in a pool with PFD on-its harder to get on with a thick PFD with its pockets full of stuff. Tie everything down and in time learn to scale back what you take out with you.

[flyfisher]

As far as PFDs ar concerned you need one that is comfortable enough that you will wear it all the time.  how it works with your seat is also a consideration.  

[MacP]

Jackson's are made about 20 minutes from me.  Awesome!  I love my Hobie, if Jackson made a pedal yak, I'd be all over it.  Their seats and ergonomics are the best.

[onefinalcast]

Good tips guys. As for PFD, I am looking at the NRS Chinook or Clearwater. I like the high clearance in the back for where the kayak seat would go. And I would like to get in some practice in deep water re-entry, but don't have access to a pool. Maybe when the water warms up I will go out with a buddy in a small pond or something and dedicate some time to learning those techniques. I may also take some time to just paddle around a few ponds or lakes without doing any fishing, just to get a feel for the kayak.

 

I have been staring at my Cuda everyday before bed and in the morning when I wake up since it's stored in my bedroom. lol can't shake off how excited I am to finally be done with shore fishing!

[MikeinFresno]

start out with one rod and one plastic lure box and get after it

[OperationEagle]

QUOTE" Thanks for all the input guys. I do plan on using it a few times before doing any drilling or major modifications. However, the previous owner did do a few mods already like putting in an extra ram ball mount on the center console and also has a transducer mounted with goop to the hull. The only thing I plan on adding at this point is a fishfinder and milk crate for tackle boxes like you mentioned."

 

Congrats on a beautiful kayak.  I have a Black Widow version of this and love it.  You did great by buying a near flawless used one instead of picking up a "cheap" yak to start.  Your cheap yak would have been wasted money ...esp if you think you are committed to getting out on the water.  Buy once and buy right.  You build memories with your boat so why skimp especially if you can afford it.

 

Some comments and questions:

 

1. What ram mount is in the middle of the hatch?  I use that spot to strap down my portable humminbird 346DI.  It sits on top of a small battery pack dry box.  It is a perfect spot for it.

 

2. goop on the hull....if you plan on using a FF, just know that the plastic does drop the signal strength on the FF.  I had mine in the hull then switched it to a transducer arm over the side and it made a world of difference.  Maybe lowrance is different.

 

3.  I use the NRS Chinook and love it.

 

4. that cockpit is pretty well layed out so fish it a while first and you might not need to add anything.  I do use an anchor but I just clip it to my rod holder strap via a carabiner clip.

 

5.  the seat is awesome...especially in the high setting.  I am never in the low seat setting.  I might get something to add lower back support though as my back aches after 3-4 hrs on the water.

 

Enjoy your boat.  I stare at mine everyday before leaving for work!  That's probably the only downside to having the kayak!!

[onefinalcast]

Congrats on a beautiful kayak.  I have a Black Widow version of this and love it.  You did great by buying a near flawless used one instead of picking up a "cheap" yak to start.  Your cheap yak would have been wasted money ...esp if you think you are committed to getting out on the water.  Buy once and buy right.  You build memories with your boat so why skimp especially if you can afford it.

 

Some comments and questions:

 

1. What ram mount is in the middle of the hatch?  I use that spot to strap down my portable humminbird 346DI.  It sits on top of a small battery pack dry box.  It is a perfect spot for it.

 

2. goop on the hull....if you plan on using a FF, just know that the plastic does drop the signal strength on the FF.  I had mine in the hull then switched it to a transducer arm over the side and it made a world of difference.  Maybe lowrance is different.

 

3.  I use the NRS Chinook and love it.

 

4. that cockpit is pretty well layed out so fish it a while first and you might not need to add anything.  I do use an anchor but I just clip it to my rod holder strap via a carabiner clip.

 

5.  the seat is awesome...especially in the high setting.  I am never in the low seat setting.  I might get something to add lower back support though as my back aches after 3-4 hrs on the water.

 

Enjoy your boat.  I stare at mine everyday before leaving for work!  That's probably the only downside to having the kayak!!

 

 

The ram mount in the center console is just a plain old 1 or 1.5 inch Ram ball. I'm not sure if its the 1 or 1.5" size but it's there. I would need to buy the appropriate adapter plate and mount from RAM for the fishfinder I choose. It also has a little hole above the Ram ball where he routed the wires through from the transducer that is gooped on inside. I may end up removing that transducer/wires since I do not know if it will be compatible with the unit I plan to get. Also, at that point I would probably install the new transducer using the through-scupper-hole method.

 

Also I have found that the high seat position is also much more comfortable for me since I am a bigger guy. They say it makes a stability difference in the water but I am don't feel like it would make a huge difference since I am not that tall so my center of gravity is lower. I'll have to see what works for me, but the high seating is definitely more comfortable.

 

As for the NRS Chinook. It looks like a really sweet PFD. However I want to find one in-store and try it on compared to the Clearwater version first seeing as I don't think I'll need all the extra pockets the Chinook comes with. The Clearwater is a bit cheaper.