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First impressions of the Cruise

February 26, 2013
Fishing, Freshwater, Gear Review, Kayaking, Warmwater
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Took the Cruise out for the first time Sunday, before the rain moved in. I went to a local pond where I’ve had good luck on sacalait in the past. I only managed one small bass, but what I did accomplish was some seat time in the new Cruise.

IMG_0607The weight of the Cruise feels similar to the Coosa, which is a little lighter than the Cuda 12. One thing I’ve noticed about the Cuda 12 that I love is that the weight of the kayak from front to back is centered on the grab handles on the side when lifting the boat above your head. Makes transport from the top of the FJ to wherever I’m launching super easy. The weight of the Cruise is not quite centered on the handles, but because it is a tad lighter, it is easy to adjust your hands to support the heavier end.

In the water the Cruise feels pretty quick for it’s length and tracks pretty well. It turns a bit easier than the Cuda 12, but not quite as easy as the Coosa, which you can turn at right angles with super aggressive paddle strokes. I felt a little tippy in the high position at first, but once I got comfortable I was standing in no time. I would rate the stability as slightly less than that of the Cuda 12. One thing I noticed about the Cruise was that there is no paddle keeper or molded in paddle stager like you see in on the Cuda 12, so no convenient way to store a paddle while on the water. That’s an easy fix, I actually took care of it today and will write up something about that soon. Another thing I noticed is that the elite seat on the Cruise doesn’t come with the seat back pouch like those in the Fishing line. Another easy fix, I just have to order the pouch. I find myself using that pocket a lot on the water.

I enjoyed my short trip in the Cruise, look forward to using it more throughout the year. It’s not as ready for fishing right out of the box like the Cuda 12 is, but it will be really easy to get it ready. Paddle keepers and rod holders aren’t a big deal to install, though it’s always tough to drill that first hole in a boat. I love the openness of the deck on the Cruise, it should be a really fly-friendly boat. I could see it becoming my go-to boat when I head out with the fly rod.

Cruisin’

February 20, 2013
Fishing, Gear Review, Kayak Fishing, Kayaking, Retail
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Picked up my new 2013 Desert Camo Cruise from Pack & Paddle last night. The color is a mix of black, brown, and sand; I think it came out really good. Desert Camo is available in all the Jackson Kayak Fishing line, so with the Cruise being part of the Rec line I had to pay a little extra for it. The only color that really appealed to me in the Rec line was the Earth and I’ve already got an Earth colored Cuda 12.

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I’ll have to do a minimal amount of rigging to make it a fishing craft fit for me, but that was one of the reasons I was drawn to the boat. The Cruise is my blank slate, I can rig it out how ever I like. Jackson does provide four inserts screws in typical locations just waiting for Ram mounts, but you’ll have to buy those yourself as they don’t come with the boat, something I failed to remember – I keep thinking the Cruise is in the Fishing line because it just looks like it should be.

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While at Pack & Paddle I was able to attend LKFC’s monthly meeting. They’ve got their first tournament of the season coming up this weekend, Marsh Madness in Cocodrie. It’s got a pretty interesting format, click the link to check it out. Wish I didn’t have to work this weekend. Another interesting tidbit I found out at the meeting was from John Williams with Pack & Paddle. They’ve launched a new section of their website dedicated to Kayak Fishing in Louisiana. It looks to be a great resource for both rookie and veteran paddlers. Check that out as well, love those folks at Pack & Paddle.

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New boats from Jackson Kayak

August 15, 2012
Kayak Fishing, Kayaking, Video
1 Comment

Now is the time of year that all the big outdoor companies are releasing their new products to look for in 2013, Jackson Kayak included. Shows like iCAST, OR, and IFTD are the epicenters of this activity and for those that won’t be in attendance all we can do is wait for the info to trickle down. Fortunately JK has put out a video to satisfy our appetites which highlights their new boats and a few are sure to interest kayak fishermen. Check it out:

If they weren’t already, the folks at JK are up to their eyeballs in kayak fishing. With a new SIK and a new SUP specifically catered to fishermen, plus the arrival of the Cuda 12, they have shown that they are taking the kayak fishing contingent serious. Flying under the radar is the Cruise, which is basically a bare bones Cuda for less, a real sleeper in my opinion. Be sure to check out the JK website for more information on all the new boats, especially this page: http://jacksonkayak.com/newin2013/

I can already tell that a Cuda 12 is in store for me. 11-13′ boats are right up my alley, especially if I can stand in them, there is no better size for river and marsh fishing, which just happens to be what I like to do.

UPDATE: Isaac Miller has done an outstanding job of previewing the 2013 kayak fishing lineup from Jackson, much better than I could have, check it out here: http://yakfish.isaac-online.com/jackson-kayaks-2013-preview/