Looking For Reviews On The Jackson Cuda 12 Kayak

[MaxDrown]

I'm considering buying a Jackson Cuda 12 kayak. Brian Sloss turned me on to the Jackson products. I will be using it on the Eleven Point River, farm ponds in and around Columbia Missouri, the Maries, the Gasconad, the Current, etc. and other types of water from time to time. Does anyone have one or has anyone tried one and care to give a review?

[rps]

I have a Native, but if Brian says it is good, take it to the bank.

[Justin Spencer]

I'm sure you've done your research, and I have no personal experience with the cuda, but all the info says the cuda is a flat water boat, and the coosa is a river boat. Unless you are really going to be paddling big lakes it looks like you will stay drier and have more stability in the coosa.

[Ham]

A Coosa will be my next Yak. Still loving my Tarpon 120.

[Guest]

Can you stand up and set the hook?

or does that take some getting used to?

I don't want to flip that rig in 10 FOW.

[Justin Spencer]

Flipped my coosa going under Patrick bridge yesterday, thought I could just lean forward and slip through, my back got hung up under bridge and over I went, very cold, I recommend a drft boat!

[BasserDrew]

Hey guys, I don't post here a lot but did noticed you guys were discussing a boat I worked with Jackson to design, so figured I would give my recommendation. First off, watch this video to help you better understand what the Jackson boats (Coosa, Cuda 14, Cuda 12 and Big Tuna) are all for

I'd recommend you go with the Cuda 12 or the Coosa and here is how I would recommend you make the final call. Are the rivers you fish fast flowing with lots of rapids in the class II and III range? If yes, go with the Coosa. Or, if you fish rivers 70 or 80% of the time, go with the Coosa. However, if you fish 50/50 rivers vs flat water AND/OR the rivers you do fish do not have a lot of class II or III rapids then go with the Cuda 12.

Whichever way you go I don't think you can't go wrong with those two boats. Either can handle the situations you describe but you just want to be in the most precise boat for your needs. Hope this helps!

Drew Gregory

PS, if you have any "private" questions I wouldn't PM me on this forum because I just don't get on here often enough. Try my facebook page. I'll still try to follow this thread of course and best of luck!

[MaxDrown]

Drew, thanks for the reply! I saw your video and a few other on youtube which is why I started seriously looking at the Cuda 12. I have one on order with The Alpine Shop in Columbia, MO. I'll be 50/50 small lakes/ponds and easier rivers and will rarely, if ever, be around any exciting rapids. The smaller boat appeals to me because it will be easier for me to load and unload with assistance.

FYI, Brian Sloss of Eleven Point Canoe Rental in Alton, MO first pointed me to Jackson Kayaks.

[BasserDrew]

Cool deal Gizzard Shad! Big thanks to Brian for getting people on the right track to be in some comfortable boats to help them enjoy their time on the water better. I think everyone appreciates advice like that!

[MaxDrown]

I bought a Jackson Cuda 12. It's an amazing water craft. I love it! On one of my first few trips with my new boat I was able to land this pig with a 5-weight fly rod, on 8lbs test, and a surface popper.