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

Eric Jackson unveils the new Jackson Kayak Blue Sky Boat Works at Outdoor Retailer 2017. This “Boat” has just about everything a kayak angler could dream of but its a boat! A catamaran style hull with a flat open deck. Included with tons of gear track, built in wheels,  a dual rudder system, a “back porch” for cooler or crate. Power pole ready.

But here is where its at. The angler 360 seat. Rotates 360 so you can fish off the side the rear and the front. Fully adjustable and looks really comfortable too!. Also built in is the Jackson Kayak Flex Drive!

Its the “Fast Stable Fishing Machine”

These types of boats may even change the way we fish again. Personally I’m hoping for a modified craft that can take the rough water out in bays in the future.

Check out Eric Jackosn’s walk through! Also check out http://www.blueskyboatworks.com/ for additional information. Available by summer of 2018!

Spring 2017 What??

Well The Spring of 2017 flew by just like the wind. Yes it was incredibly WINDY!! From March to May it seemed every day was gale force winds or more. Fishing from a kayak this is never fun or even doable most of the time. I can count on both hands the amount of times I was out fishing from the kayak. Although there were a few days the wind wasn’t so bad and most of them were when I was working.

Was able to get out with good friend Joe Hosler of the Delaware Paddlesports Hobie Team. We fished mainly back creeks and rivers to get out of the wind. He fished the Chesapeake a bit and did well. Unfortunately i didst make it over to that side.  When the big blues came in we fished Cape Henlopen at the pier and inner wall. Due to many Gopro issues I unfortunately was unable to capture some good fish pictures. Got out on the Indian River Bay on a few occasions in search of bass blues and flounder but had none.

Delaware Paddlesports Crew @ Cape Henlopen

A major highlight of the past spring was fishing from the Jackson Kayak Kilroy LT Realtree Camo Edition. As many of you that follow my blog know it is my new kayak for 2017! Since its first run out on the Indian River Bay it has been my main kayak. It is an excellent standing platform as well as swift paddling craft. Teamed up with the Torqeedo Ultralight 403 it is the Ultimate single person shallow water fishing craft! Check back for new videos and the extended use review shortly!!!

Always fun searching for the local fish. I hope to explore the spring more in the future. All I can say is please less wind next year!

So its hello summer and enjoying the long days for now. Flounder are in now and soon the Croakers will be too!