Its not a Cuda or a Coosa its a Cruise. Known as Jackson Kayaks budget friendly fishing kayak the Cruise now has a cousin. Jackson Kayak Unveils Cruise FD at Icast 2017. The Cruise FD with both a face lift and the new Flex Drive (FD). The peddle Flex Drive allows the kayaker to propel the kayak using his or her feet instead of a traditional double bladed kayak paddle. The idea is to allow the kayak angler the ability to fish hands free. Although you need at least one hand to steer it is as hands free as a human propelled craft can get.

The Flex Drive

The new innovative Flex Drive from Jackson Kayak is unique in the entire industry. Its dagger board recessing lower unit is great for use in shallow bodies of water. Also in waters with obstructions below the water line such as rocky rivers, submerged timber, and even surf landing on the beach. All of the main gearing is located above the water line in the pedal drive. This was done for the feeling that no worries of water infiltration into the gear box. The kayak is molded with an access panel for the prop to recess into and the ability to clean if fowled with debris.

The Cruise FD

In appearance the new Cruise FD has a Cuda HD feel. With the new HD style hatches and molded in gear tracks it resembles the HD. Seems like it will be the best pedal drive setup for river running and fishing in areas with many obsticals. It features a high low seat that is adjustable sliding front to back.  Recessed Gear Tracks and the HD rod tip protectors. The steering is a push pull type if system instead of turning a handle.

The Cruise is  a recreational style pedaling kayak. At this point there isn’t an angler edition. Although before angler specific kayaks there was a solution. Install a rod holder!

Pretty impressive. I cant wait to get out on the water with the demo.

Specs:

11′-10″ L

30″ Wide

Cruise FD

At Outdoor Retailer an invite only trade show for Manufacturers , Dealers, and press Jackson Kayak unveils their latest to its extensive line of fishing kayaks. The “Liska” geared at replacing the Cuda 12 series of fishing kayaks is geared up with all of the accessories which both seasoned and new kayak anglers are looking for.

Whats in the Name?

Jan Liska unfortunately died 2 years ago in a avalanche while skiing in the French Alps. He was the European Jackson Kayak fishing team manager. His passion of kayak fishing and the sport was tremendous. He is greatly missed.

Liska Features:

An excellent top featureof the Liska is the Elite Ergo high low seat system which is adjustable forward and aft like the Coosa & Cuda HD. The modified hinged center hatch is large enough to store a ton of gear and a fish finder battery without taking up much standing room. Molded in gear tracks alongside the seat and tank well and on the center hatch for additional mounting areas.  Standard with behind seat flush mounted rod holders. It also comes with some accessories that are standard from JK such as the RAM 2007 rod holder with screw ball track ount, the long load safety flag, and the stand-up assist strap. The standing pad is also included on the deck for non slip comfortable standing. Unlike the original Cuda line this kayak has a transducer scupper! Will it have a GoPro mount?

Differences from the Cuda 12:

The entry level aspect comes from the loss of rod stagers and the rudder ready ability. Also this kayak at this stage is not power pole ready.  Take off the RAM 2008 tube rod holders and well you still have a fishing machine. The kayak comes in at 12′-11″ long and 34″ wide which increases the stability compared to the Cuda 12. Its total weight capacity is still high coming in at 435 pounds. The overall weight of the boat is 79 pounds without the seat.

This kayak is a suggested retail MSRP of $1,349. Will be available early 2018!

Liska

One of the most unique places in the United States is Assateague Island. Located in both Maryland & Virginia the barrier island is home to hundreds of feral horses. It all began in January 2017 when in a conversation with Joe Hosler about doing a Kayak Fishing Excursion there. Not knowing the area it was tough to pick a date but we picked what worked out best for the two of us. I then figured it would be nice to extend it to fellow kayak anglers. A post on facebook and an enormous amount of interest followed. The date was set for June 9 – 12 as still in the spring the hope was for a less buggy experience.

Assateague is said to have the second highest mosquito populations just under the Everglades in Florida. Insect repellent with deet is highly recommended. The camp is set up for tenting camper or RV but has no hookups. It’s amenities include an out house with cold showers but its a  great trade off for the outdoor beauty the park provides.

Assateague Island National Seashore Park Kayak Fishing Camp

This was the first run while personally never visiting the park had no idea what to expect. For this reason the car camping was our best bet. There are many factors while wilderness camping that can make it a good trip or a tough one weather conditions being a main one. Rain can be one of the worst. Even in the summer things will not dry in humid places making the adventure cold and risky. “Backcountry Camping” at Assateague the closest camp in Maryland varies from 2 1/2 to 13 miles away from the ranger station.  No fresh water is available at the back-country sites so paddling in water would be a must.

Car camping as opposed to wilderness camping is much easier while weather is still a factor it can be overcome easily. The amount of gear you have with you is not limited to what you can take in your kayak. So for those reasons car camping was the way to go on the first run at Assateague. Campsite reservations fill up quickly at the park so planning out dates happened well in advance. I booked 2 sites in January which can hold up to 6 campers 2 tents and 2 cars.

Friday:

Assateague Island National Park is located in Maryland about an hour south of my home. Ricky took the drive from Philly and crashed at my place the night before. I was waiting on a special delivery from Torqeedo of a Sunshade 50 solar panel for charging the Torqeedo battery. It was amazing as it arrived at the moment we are hitting the road!

The Road to Camp:

Fortunately the camp is only an hour from my house so we were there in no time. We stopped at Buckys bait and tackle shop for bait and also got a flounder sandwich for lunch.  Ed and Noriel were already there and set up by the time Ricky and I arrived. Dee and Kelly were also already there so we set up our camp. We needed firewood as the park states you cannot bring firewood from out of state.

Its pretty neat as the Assateague road in there are about 20 different places that sell firewood both honor boxes and salesman. After loading up on wood we and then hit the water. In search of flounder and set up with crapping handlines we fished and crabbed until the evening. Suddenly Ricky had a fish on. It was a small striper. Who knew. Some time went by and I started catching them on the buck tail and gulp.

One after another 14 in all which was followed by an amazing sunset.

Right after the sun past the horizon horses crossed the water from sod banks which they were grazing on the salty grass during the day. The full moon raised above the trees at that exact time.

We did a bit of grilling back at camp. Some sausages that Noriel brought. It was late due to the long days and no one really felt like cooking. We then all went and crashed out only to be awoken at 2:30 am by other campers setting up and being very inconsiderate. Ricky said something to them and they didn’t care. We figured in the morning since they packed up quite early that they were not supposed to be camping there to begin with.

Saturday:

Waking up around 5:30 to await Jeff Little’s arrival and to cook up some breakfast.  The mosquitoes that were caught between the screen dome and the rain fly of my tent were still trying to eat me alive. The dash to unzip the door and run to the concrete or become breakfast to the blood suckers. Well I made it. The other guys were just getting up also. I started cooking bacon and eggs for everyone. Jeff arrived and ate with us. We filmed a short video on the Torqeedo Sunfold 50 Solar Charging Panel.

Convoyed up we drove off the island to South Point which lies on the west side of Sinepuxent Bay. Launching at a boat ramp we learned the water was colder than that closer to the island. It was funny because it probrably took us about 20 minutes to drive to the boat ramp while it was only 1.8 miles from the Assateague Island Drop in.  Water was deeper in this are a reason we went there but couldn’t find a fish the whole day. Resorted to crabbing and caught mainly females which is illegal to keep for dinner in Maryland.

Jeff was able to get in a bunch of footage for the Torqeedo video. I covered how to use the Torqeedo motor while flounder fishing. Making new drifts wind tide etc. It does save from a lot of paddling throughout the day. Then went onto hand lining from a kayak for crabs. Technique bait, and how to anchor. All great information which I will post up on my blog when I get around to it! Everyone ended up giving up around 2 PM and headed back to camp for dinner. Becky, Ricky’s wife had prepared  chicken and veggies for grilling! Good thing I brought the Camp Chef cook op and grill top.

We did manage to get out again in the evening for the bass again. Wasn’t as productive as the evening prior but did catch a few.

Sunday:

The attempt to sleep in was impossible due to the fact the sun was beating on my tent. The heat was becoming intense. Ricky was leaving soon and so were Kelly and Dee. Jay Sav had to leave Saturday unfortunately due to a family emergency. Ed Noriel and myself decided to fish where we did the evening before and try some crabbing there also.  Crabbing was very slow and almost uneventful. Only a strange thing happened. I had a small bunker on one of my crab stringers. Suddenly it was pulled really hard and the bait was gone. What could have that been…

Couldnt say anything for the fishing. Didn’t even have a hit but next time i will throw a bunker on and let it sit on the bottom. We all were bored and decided to head back to camp around 1 PM. I was able to set up the Torqeedo Sunfold 50 to get a gauge on how much battery it would charge in a certain time. Realistically its 50 watts of charging so it will charge a full battery over the time of 2 full days of sunlight.

We had leftover chicken sandwiches for lunch and I cooked the steak for dinner. We were all sort of beat and didn’t go out fishing on the last evening. A heard of horses came through camp in the late afternoon.  They just walked through feeding on the tall grass not minding ours or other campers presence. Then they rummaged through a neighboring campers trash. Its bad to leave trash or food out at the camp. Horses are not built to consume human or other animals food. They eat grass.

I went down to the beach for a clear sunset. We had our last campfire and the wind in that campsite again saved us from the mosquitoes.

Monday:

Well it was an early wake up again. This time to pack up and head home. This was a very enjoyable few days of doing what we love best. Camping, Fishing, and hanging out with good friends. This will most likely become an annual trip for us. All are welcome to join. Please do! Hope to see you all next year.