Jackson Kayak Comparison Guide
From the smallest creeks to the open ocean, there is a Jackson Kayak for that. Big water, skinny water, fast moving water, paddle or pedal, Jackson Kayaks consistently rank among the top brands on the market.
Despite having rigs that are ready for large water, where Jackson really shines and where they receive the highest praise from kayak anglers is river fishing. If fishing rivers and creeks is your main style of fishing, a Jackson kayak is what you should be seeking out. Before we break down a few Jackson kayaks, let's look a a few features that set their kayaks apart.
Jackson Kayak Highlights (features not available on all models)
Storage & Rod Staging
Bow and stern storage hatches, or open storage, provide storage solutions for all of your important gear. The bungee system in the stern helps secure more gear and accessories like fishing crates, coolers or bags.
Mark IV Flex Drive
Jackson is often referred to as one of the best river kayak brands available. A large reason why is the Jackson Flex Drive. The Mark IV is an updated version of the previous pedal drive and is quicker, quieter and more durable than its predecessors.
Where the Jackson Mark IV really sets itself apart from the competition though is its ability to retract into the hull. When you happen upon unsuspected debris or shallow water, the Flex Drive will kick itself up into the hull, making rivers less of a concern for a pedal drive kayak.
Accessory Tracks Everywhere
An underrated, and often overlooked, feature of a fishing kayak is how much accessory track is available and where it is located. From the Jackson Bite to the Jackson Big Rig FD, accessory tracks are conveniently located throughout so you don't have to leave any gear behind.
EZ Hi-Lo or Comfort Seat
One of the most basic parts of your fishing kayak can also be one of the main factors of how long you stay on the water. Your seat will make or break your day. A few attributes play a large role in how comfortable your kayak seat is: Elevation and adjustability.
Jackson's EZ Hi-Lo (patented) seating system allows you to raise and lower your seat with one hand. In our Big & Tall podcast, we talked about how important an elevated, comfortable seat is. Elevated seats also allow you to stand and sit much easier than a traditional kayak seat.
Depending on the model you choose, your kayak may have Jackson's Comfort Seat. The comfort seat is a generously padded comfort seat with a newly designed ergonomic bend ot the back and a robust frame.
Hull Designs Meant to Cut Water
Jackson kayaks are crafted for maximum speed, stability, handling rivers or big water and tracking in any weather or water conditions. Jackson kayaks have a V-shaped front to help knife through current and rolling waves. They track well on a straight line and don't sacrifice maneuverability while maintaining stability. If you plan to fishi n current, the Jackson hulls are built for the challenge.
