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.

Lowrance Elite 5 TI TotalScan Kayak Install for Jackson Kayak Big Rig

Luckily the Jackson Kayak Big Rig has factory molded scuppers that accept large transducers like the Raymarine Dragonfly. Although the Lowrance Elite 5 TI TotalScan transducer is over 10″ long it mounts in pretty flush on the Jackson Kayak Big Rig with some modifications.

TotalScan Kayak Scupper Transducer Install & Mods:

I had to flip the mounting bracket upside down then mount the transducer to bracket. This allowed an extra 1/4″ of space so the transducer mounted closer to the hull and more flush inside the scupper trough.

Transducer mounting bracket cable notch modification. (Optional)

I opted to notch out the mounting bracket to receive the transducer cable flush. Doing this allowed me to install the transducer with the wire forward. I figured the less exposed cable the more protected it would be to objects in the water damaging it. Simply I marked with a sharpie marker the center and width of the cable. Using a vise and an angle grinder to notch in a space for the cable to pass through.

Using the Lowrance Kayak Scupper Mounting Kit. With a simple modification using a bolt and about 6 washers you can pack out the middle of the bracket to sit flush on the transom bracket. See the image below.

A Big Rig application.

To secure the transducer so it will not move at all add bungee to hold cantilevered end taught to the hull.The bungee will pass through the scupper behind the actual mounting plate. Using a scrap piece of plastic drill with a hole saw to create a tie down plug. Then pass through the bungee and tie a knot this will hold the transducer taught in the scupper. I ran the new transducer wire through the same thru hull holes as the HDI skimmer location.

Night Fishing the Spring Striper Run

Cant complain when the really good fishing is only a 20 minute drive from your driveway. Especially when your used to a minimum of 45 minute drive to get to the fishing spot. It was a warm day leaving work in the evening. The plan was to meet Brian Pickard at the launch around 7 pm. Upon checking the traffic I changed the time to 7:30. The timing couldn’t be more perfect leaving my house at that point. The traffic had dwindled down and taking the expected 20 minutes. Brian was at the launch when I arrived. We rigged up and launched around 7:45 just as the sun had set. The moon was just about full and was becoming brighter with every minute.

Immediately 50 yards from the launch reading good marks on the Lowrance Elite 5 Chirp. Huge arcs meaning huge fish. The water had finally warmed up a bit which tends to make the fish more active. Brian and I begun trolling SP minnows. It wasn’t long before we had a few hits. Very short hits which became the trend. After fishing about 20 minutes Brian hooked up. I continued to troll while he went on a kayak sleigh ride. He landed the fish. It was a nice one at around 38″.

Still getting short hits on the SP minnow a few other kayak anglers are now on the water. Its Jon Shein Stu and Andrew. After talking to them for a little bit commence trolling the tide is getting lower and the bite seems to have slowed down. The wind had picked up and made it a bit chilly. Brian had another fish that he lost at the boat as did I loose a fish about 10 feet away from the kayak. Unfortunate as this would be my last day to get out for the week.

The Striped Bass will continue to migrate north to the Hudson River and hopefully we will get out there with the NYC skyline in the background for some more bass fishing in the next week.