Wrap Up 5th Annual CBKA Tournament September 10th 2016

Another Chesapeake Bay Fishing Tournament in the books. For me it was great to be out on the water with my kayak after two and a half months due to relocating and my truck having mechanical issues. Living now in South Eastern Delaware it was a pleasure to have half the driving distance to the venue on Kent Island Maryland. This was my third year to be present at this beautiful venue.

Preparation:

It was the first kayak haul for my new 2016 F150. I took the Friday off from work which worked out as I was able to get my new truck bed cap installed at the ARE Dealer, Trick Trucks in Millsboro DE. Previously had removed the Thule rack in anticipation of installing it on the new cap asap. It took me around an hour to drill and bolt on the rack to my new cap. It was now pretty set for kayak hauling. I loaded up and let around 3:50 PM to arrive at the venue around 6:00 PM.

Arrival:

Upon my arrival meeting up with Joe Hostler. Checked in and received my captains bag stocked with goodies. Then awaited the captains meeting. After sitting trough that went to the field to set up my tent. The day was a scorcher at 95 degrees and high humidity. As the sun set during the potluck dinner which I provided some tuna mac with crab salad. All of the potluck food brought by others was excellent as always. Joe’s mac salad was amazing along with various other items such as jalapeno poppers, chicken wings, and a crab mac & cheese dish.

As the evening set in the temperature leveled at about 86 degrees as the humidity shot through the roof. The conditions were not the best to be camping but made the best of it. Sat in the truck air conditioning for a bit. Finally going to the tent around 12:00 am. Some of the guys were still up hanging out and apparently were until around 3 am.

Tournament Day:

The morning came fast. Sounds of alarms and others waking from camp. It was still dark but not for long. I went over and met Joe at his cabin grabbed some coffee and rigged up a few rods. We were probably the last to launch but it worked out because driving to the drop in was simple. Rather than loading up the kayaks and walking then there on kayak carts. Hitting the water we immediately started fishing for bait. In these areas Spot are an excellent source of bass bait. Spot can be gathered using a small 1/0 Octopus hook a small bit of weight and a fish bite or small piece of blood worm.

After about a dozen or so spot and catching small white perch at the same time we trolled over to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in search of solid fish marks on the chart plotter. By this time the wind had kicked up from the southeast and it was rocking and rolling out there. Live lining for bass was non eventful after a few hours. The stripers just didn’t seem to cooperate on the live bait.

Attempted trolling for hours catching one small striper around 17″. We went back at catching perch with an attempt to place in that category but could only manage fish up to 8″. We fished the entire time and missed the weigh in but were sure we had nothing that qualified for placing in the tournament anyway. It was a great day to be out on the water doing what I love the most.

The awards ceremony commenced and as always is very well put together. A representative from the make a wish foundation was present and spoke a little bit about the charity followed by a tear jerking video of a boys wish to take a trip on a US aircraft carrier. They really do amazing things for these kids whom unfortunately endure a lot of pain and suffering. This is what we do it for!

If you have never attended the Chesapeake Bay Kayak Anglers tournament come next year and check it out. Hang with a bunch of friendly kayak anglers.

Jackson Kayak Unveils the new Flex Drive @ Outdoor Retailer

Jackson Kayak has unveiled its brand new fishing pedal boat prototype which will add to the new line of kayaks unveiled at ICast 2016 last month. The new Coosa FD or “Flex Drive” integrates a propeller pedal driven propulsion system into the kayak. Like other competitors have in the past and present creating a more hands free approach to small platform human powered fishing. Jackson like wilderness has converted their paddling hull to accept the pedal drive thus maintaining the paddle ability of the kayak hull. This design allows the angler to pedal and still have the ability to paddle the kayak normally.

2017 Coosa FD – image from JacksonKayak.com

As always Jackson Kayak has gone all out with innovation designing the drive as a 2 piece system. The pedal upper portion which are removable for car topping and in the future will have an electric motor capabilities. The lower unit of the drive has the ability to trim up and down. This allows the angler ease of landing on beaches due to the ability to leave the drive in the kayak. No lifting heavy drives out of the hull. No worries of loosing your drive overboard. The ability to trim up and access the propeller from the cockpit of the kayak allows for removing weeds from the prop with ease. The design also allows for the lower unit to retract when it hits against an obstacle underwater to shield it from becoming damaged.

The FD also incorporates new design features to address common issues of pedal drive systems with more solutions such as articulating prop blades for speed control. A trim UP/DN lever locking design. A 12:1 Ratio on a Tri bladed propeller. The future option to attach an electric motor drive that will replace the pedal drive for the ride home!

Check out the Flex Drive Teaser Video!

Whats New at Jackson Kayak ICast 2016

ICast 2016 Jackson Kayak revealed two new kayak designs. The Cuda HD and the May Fly.

The Jackson Kayak Cuda 14 was the companies second fishing specific kayak off the product line. An excellent addition for anglers whom fish larger bodys of water such as large lakes bays and even fishing the ocean by means of surf launching. It was the first functional sit on top kayak with high low seating positions in the lawn chair style seat. The kayak with its many innovative features made fishing for anglers easier from the small platform. With rod stagers and massive gear storage the Cuda was an all day long fishing machine. About 2 years later the Cuda 12 was born. This kayak lighter and more maneuverable but keeping excellent tracking quickly became the kayak anglers #1 choice for freshwater and back bay fishing.

Behold the Cuda 12 got a makeover. Announced at ICast the Cuda HD will be available for 2017. The kayaks dimensions are 32″ wide and 12′-10″ long for more stability without sacrificing tracking. New features will include a newly redesigned hinged front hatch with paddle holder. New molded in tubular rod tip protectors. Long awaited the addition of gear tracks on the gunnels. A brand new elite seat system. Gear tracks for tying down the new Orion Cooler seat. The addition of Flush mount rod holders in the rear along with the RAM 2008 rod holders. And last but not least the kayak is Micro Power Pole ready and also has a molded in transducer scupper. Jackson Kayak also announced the Sealine seat back system will come paired with the platypus hydration system.

Check out Drew Gregory’s walk through of the Cuda HD

Jackson kayak also announced a second new model for 2017 the May Fly a fly fishing specific kayak. Designed from the base hull of the Coosa HD this new kayak was well thought out for the fly fishing anglers. A wide open deck and snag free compartments make the kayak a real fly fishing platform. The new single solid foot brace eliminates snagging line on traditional pad style foot braces. Fully adjustable and the hardware has neoprene covers to eliminate snag points. Like the Cuda HD the May Fly features the new hinged and locking hatches along with the adjustable Elite Seat system. Ther is also molded in pockets for stowing your fly rod with the reel to protect it. Power Pole Micro anchor ready and also has a tranducer scupper like the Coosa HD.

Check out Damon Bungard’s walk through of the Cuda HD

For availability on these new models contact your local Jackson Kayak Dealer.