Needing input on Jackson Kayaks

[blauvelt3]

Hi everyone. 

I have a Jackson Coosa and Jackson big rig. I am always in my big rig and my wife uses the Coosa. She doesn't really fish and more so just floats while I fish.  I've lately been contemplating trading in the two for a Coosa HD for me then buying her a cheaper ascend or something along those lines just to float in. Not sure she would even know the difference for what she does. Looking for one kayak that handles both rivers and lakes equally. I love the big rig on lakes but is a tank in the streams. Love the Coosa on streams but not so much on open water. Anyone had much experience with the HD? Looking for input for someone to agree with me or tell me I'm crazy and talk me out of it. Thank you in advance! 

[Ham]

The sales guy was pushing the HD because you can move t he seat forward and back either gaining keel for lake fishing or reducing keel for river situations.

You wife will miss the seat, but a Perception Pescador 12 foot boat is still pretty comfortable and would paddle faster.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I tend to want to hang onto stuff forever. I wouldn't sell the Coosa, but might sell the Big Rig and put that towards an HD

[Plastic_worm]

I have a cuda 12 and think it handles lakes and rivers well.  It turns well enough and tracks well enough for every thing I do....I'm in it a lot and in a lot of water types.  I agree with Ham, not sure you need a Coosa HD.  I'd look at getting her a cruise (if you want to stay with JK) or other rec kayak...native has some good ones with nice seats.  I attached the links to my blog and FB page, they might be helpful in helping you make a decision...nothing for sale...I just fish!  

 

http://looknfishy.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/looknfishy?ref=hl

 

[hoglaw]

My wife has a cruise and loves it. Great boat for just floating down the river. It's my guest boat too. Slightly shorter and wider than the coosa. I'd use it but I'm already above max weight on my coosa. 

Isn't the cuda supposed to be the bigger water boat?  I thought it's market was lakes and salt water. If so,  and if worm likes it enough to fly fish out of on rivers, maybe that's the boat you need instead of the big rig?

[Ham]

The Cuda is basically JK's Tarpon 120

[jackdizo]

I have a cuda 12 and a coosa. Both are great boats. I use the coosa for real skinny water creeks that I get into when the water is up. But the Cuda can also handle these creeks just fine. I would recommend getting a Cuda. It tracks great on bigger water, lakes and larger rivers,  and handles tight turns on the skinny creeks with ease, in my opinion its the best of both worlds. Down the road if you want a bigger kayak for bigger water, take the jump and get the Hobie Mirage with the pedal drive system. ; )

[Plastic_worm]

Not pushing a brand...I don't work for any kayak manufacturer...I just fish.

The cuda 12 is the "all-around" fits most water types kayak from JK...at least that's how it's marketed.  I agree and use it as such (marsh, lakes, rivers, swamps, I've island hoped on lake Ouachita, etc).  It's a tough kayak.  Stays on my truck 100% of the time, in all weather conditions and where ever I drive...MN - SELA this year and in between.  I fly fish from it all the time...I wish it were more...but my wife would put a hole in it or maybe me, if I did.

The cuda 14 is the bigger water boat.  

 

https://www.facebook.com/looknfishy

http://looknfishy.blogspot.com/

 

 

  

 

[Gavin]

The Coosa is pretty nice...my wife loves it and its a lot nicer than any Ascend...Would keep the Coosa and Sell the Big Rig, and get another boat for yourself. Replace your wife's boat with something she does not like, and your in a pickle.

 

[Moswimb8slinger]

Tyy (fish4fun) has an HD, loaded it is also a tank (i helped put in the water, once...) but you should ask him for his opinion on it.

[Ham]

Several of the JK boats are tough to tote around by yourself. The Coosa HD was a little too expensive and too heavy for me to consider.