Here we G(L)O!

Check out THIS post from Jackson Kayak's Drew Gregory about our new glow-in-the-dark option for the  Coosa, Cuda 12, Cuda 14 and Big Tuna

 

A Return to the Bow River with Kayak Angler, Stephen Laurie

Our sponsored angler, Stephen Laurie getting out on the river after a long spring run off. 

Check out Stephen's gear sponsors:

Jackson Kayak

Kokatat Watersports Wear

Werner Paddles

Jackson Kayak 2013 Fishing Models with Isaac Miller

Welcome Guest Blogger, Jackson Kayak Fishing Angler, Isaac Miller!

Jackson Kayak exploded at Outdoor Retailer this year with a trailer full of never before seen kayaks. Then they brought out their tried-and-true top selling fishing kayaks with new features that are sure to please any kayak angler.

The Coosa will come with a number of inserts to put this RAM Revolution rod holder

If you already have a Jackson fishing kayak like a Cuda or a Coosa, you’ll wish you had some of the new features these kayaks, and the rest of the 2013 lineup, are featuring. Throughout the kayaks are small nut inserts. You might not notice them right away as they’ll be capped off with plastic screws to protect the threads from sand and other muck. Jackson Kayak paired up with RAM Mounts to install these inserts and all the fishing kayaks will come with at least one RAM Mount to install a rod holder where ever you desire. The Coosa, Cuda 12, SUPerFISHal and Kilroy will come with one RAM rod holder, while the Cuda 14 and Big Tuna will each come with a pair of RAM rod holders. Because Jackson is using RAM Mounts on the kayaks, you can also install any of the RAM accessories like GPS cradles, AquaBox waterproof boxes, and more.

GoPro Ready. You can remove the screw and place the GoPro where ever you want, or not at all, and open up another insert for a RAM Mount

The kayak fishing fleet, as well as other kayaks from Jackson, are all now GoPro ready. The same inserts can be used to install a GoPro HD camera, with a mount already included. The kayaks do not come with the camera though, so it will need to be purchased separately. If you don’t plan on using a GoPro, remove the mount and you will be able to install a RAM Mount in the same spot.

Saltwater fisherman love the Jackson Cuda 14. It’s long and fast, making it easier to get to the best fishing grounds in the least amount of time. A common complaint, however, has been the flush mount rod holders behind the seat. These flush mount rod holders have been a staple item since modern rotomolded kayaks have been used for fishing. Flush mount rod holders end up putting expensive saltwater reels right next to the water, where they’re subject to all the effects that nasty saltwater can deliver. Jackson was the first to listen to the cries of the saltwater angler and, for 2013, have dropped the flush mount rod holders in the Cuda 14.

The Cuda 14′s new RAM Tubes are going to be a hit with saltwater anglers. In the distance, the new shape of the rod top protector will help make paddle storage quick and effortless.

Instead, future Cuda 14 owners will be rejoicing the RAM Tube rod holders. Mounted on RAM ball mounts installed in the factory, the rocket launchers will raise the reels 14 more inches above the kayak, keeping things as dry as possible. The Cuda 12 and Coosa will retain the traditional flush mount rod holders. Those with a keen eye will also notice that the Rod Tip Protector at the bow of the Cuda has been slightly redesigned. The bungies will now better accept a paddle blade to park it when you need to focus on the fishing without losing track of the paddle.

The Coosa, already the most popular fishing kayak on the market, saw a few additional changes. While it shares the same GoPro and RAM Mount readiness as the rest of the fleet, the front hatch has been flipped around. In years prior, the front hatch also opened from the front of the kayak. This made things difficult when trying to open the hatch while you’re in the kayak. Now it’ll open from the seat area. The rod keepers on the front hatch are now also taller, so it’ll keep rods staged right where you want them, even in rough water.

The Jackson Cuda 12 was first shown off at ICAST last month, but people lined up to give it a paddle at Outdoor Retailer. The shorter version of the Cuda 14, the Cuda 12 offers all of the same features of the Cuda 14–multiple rod stagers, center storage hatch, Elite hi/lo seating, tackle stagers, and more. The most obvious changes came from the front and the rear where you’ll find a slightly smaller tank well area and a smaller front hatch. This kayak is perfect for those that were looking for the speed of the Cuda 14 but not so much river-running agility of the Coosa. The Cuda 12 is a small kayak that tracks straight and continues to make a great platform for standing up and sight fishing like all Jackson fishing kayaks.

The dashboard on the Kilroy features more tackle staging areas, RAM Mount, rod stagers, and a GoPro mount. Under the dash you can see the rod storage tubes on the left. There are three more such rod keepers on the right side of the kayak.

The Kilroy was built similarly to the Cuda 12. It features the same hull as the Cuda 12 and features the same stand-up stability but that’s where similarities end. This sit-in kayak was designed for fishing by Damon Bungard. The Kilroy features tackle box stagers, storage for up to six fishing rods, a removable mesh crate cover, fly line stripping deck, and a removable dashboard towards the bow. The dashboard features the same inserts for RAM mounts, GoPro ready, tackle storage areas and foam fly patch. If you like cast and blast fishing/hunting trips, this will probably be one of the top kayaks.

Featuring the same RAM mounting points and GoPro readiness, the SUPerFISHal is a stand-up paddleboard made for fishing.

Drew Gregory shows off the super-stable, yet very fishy SUPerFISHal. Even I was able to do the same thing and I had never been on a SUP before.

The SUPerFISHal seems to have all the stability in the world and one can instantly become comfortable walking around and fishing from this SUP. At the front and rear, the SUP has straps to secure your tackle and cooler, not flimsy bungies. These straps will make keep your gear more secure. The SUPerFISHal also comes with plenty of capacity to haul everything you’ll need for overnight trips down the river too.

It doesn’t matter how you like to fish, Jackson Kayak has something for everyone now. Kayak fishing is made easier with kayaks that are pretty much rigged and ready to fish before they even leave the factory.

Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic RECAP by Stephen Laurie

The 2nd annual Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic is now officially in the books. This year’s event was a great success seeing growth of more than double the number of registered participants from last year. The last minute change of location due to the oil spill on Gleniffer Lake just two weeks in advance of the tournament definitely posed some challenges but with the help of Alberta Parks an alternate location, Phyllis Lake, was found, approved and ultimately turned out to be a great spot for the tourney. The BBQ social prior to the Captains meeting on Friday proved to be one of the highlights of the weekend with plenty of attendees who enjoyed meeting each other and talking shop.

Captains Meeting

BBQ Social

Quite a few of the participants showed up as early as Thursday to pre fish and camp at the Lake making for great company and a nice extended weekend spent with Kayak Anglers from all over Alberta. The anglers hit the water at 6 am tournament day and were welcomed by almost nonstop rain but toughed it out which led to some pretty impressive overall numbers coming in at judging time. Quite a few of the participants limited out with all 25 fish caught including 5 White Sucker which in the end turned out to be the difference that separated the top 4 to 5 anglers from the pack.

On the water

The 2012 Eastlope Kayak Fishing Classic saw repeat winners with brothers Jay and Matt Maciejewsky, both in Jackson Coosa’s, again claiming 1st and 2nd place respectfully and saw them go home with some of the top prizes including A Kokatat T3 Super Angler Dry Suit, Werner Paddles and gear from Yak Attack and Settles Bridge Supply House. First time tournament participant Jim Kind’s third place finish showed that the hours he spent pre fishing were not wasted and earned him a top notch Fly Fishing outfit from Amundson, Exoficio, and Buff Headwear. 

Parking

With the generous donations from our sponsors all our participants were able to leave with top quality prizes and gear from some of the best companies in the kayak angling world. The most exciting moment of the awards ceremony was the highly anticipated draw for a Jackson Kayak Cuda ,a top of the line kayak fishing machine, kindly donated by Jackson Kayak one of our featured sponsors which was won by Wayne Westbury an avid pontoon fisherman who may now be a convert to the world of kayak fishing. With promises from participants to return and with the growing interest in kayak fishing next year’s event is sure to see increased growth and be bigger and better yet again. I’m already working on plans for next year and can’t wait to see both familiar and new faces . 

Wayne Westbury winner of the Jackson Kayak Cuda with event director, Stephen Laurie

A special thanks to all of our sponsors for their genorous contributions and helping to promote the growth of kayak fishing.  

Jackson Kayak, Kokatat, Werner, Settles Bridge Supply House, Undercurrents,Yak Attack, Kayak Angler Magazine, Jackfish Lures, The Fishing Butler, The Fish Grip, Exofficio, Buff Headwear, Pure Fishing, Amundson ,Cabela’s, Glenbow Flyfishing, The World Fishing Network, Kayalu, The Bow Habitat Station, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Scotty, Tie Boss, Kayak Fishing Supplies, Campers Village and Greenfish. 

Jackson Kayak Coosa - Bow River Kayak Fishing

Great trip report by our sponsored Kayak Angler in Alberta, Stephen Laurie.

Check it out on his site the Fishnhound

Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak - Free Spring Paddle Festival - April 28 & 29

Join us THIS Saturday and Sunday (April 28 & 29) at Vancouver Lake with the crew at Alder Creek Canoe & Kayak for their FREE Spring Paddle Festival.

9 am to 4 pm for on water demos and clinics.

This is the best opportunity to test paddle new kayaks and canoes. Join manufacturer’s representatives and coaches for two days of test paddling, skills development and clinics, all for free. ($3 parking fee)

We will be there with Jackson Kayaks along with professional kayak angler, Drew Gregory.  Drew will offering 2 classes - Kayak Fishing 101 and Fishing on Rivers.  Try out our wildly popular Coosa Elite and Cuda fishing kayaks!

Drew's clinic times:

Saturday 11 am and 1 pm

Sunday 9:30 and 1:30

Directions from Portland: Take I-5 to Vancouver, exit on either Mill Plain or 4th Plain and go west. Mill Plain and 4th Plain merge into Lower River Road, Follow signs to Vancouver Lake.

For additional information please contact Alder Creek Canoe & Kayak at:  503-285-0464

Drew Gregory is coming to the Pacific Northwest

If you are interested in connecting with pro angler Drew Gregory he is coming to the Pacific Northwest at the end of THIS month.

April 26th - Bass Fishing Seminar at Kayak Shed in Hood River, OR

April 28th & 29th - Kayak Fishing 101 and Fishing on Rivers at Vancouver Lake, WA (at the Alder Creek Paddlefest)

Contact Derek at Kayak Shed or the folks at Alder Creek for more information.

I will be at Vancouver Lake 4/28-4/29 with demo Coosa's and Cuda's so come on by.

Below is some famous footage of Drew that you may have seen already!

Jackson Kayak 2012 Outfitting

What’s new with Jackson Kayaking outfitting in 2012?

Rec/Touring/Fishing

MiniTripper/DayTripper 10 Elite/DayTripper 12 Elite/Riviera/Regal – no changes

DayTripper 10 & 12 Orion (Hunting/Fishing) - more colour selection, bungee around cockpit so hunters can hang camouflage on their boat, new black graphics, and long load flag

Ibis – new water bottle holder and a stiffer cockpit, black hi-lo seat is the same as 2011

Journey 13.5/14 – standard with sweet cheeks

Coosa Elite – stand assist leash, silver/grey seat with rear pocket and underside pocket, long load flag, security bar where you attach the seat is no longer webbing but metal so it’s more secure and durable.  More colour selection – forest camo, urban camo, lowland camo, black widow (red/black), yellow jacket (yellow, white, black), solid slate, olive and sand, new silver JK logo

 

JK Pro Angler, Drew Gregory walks you through the 2012 Coosa Elite

Cuda – stand assist leash, silver/grey seat with rear pocket and underside pocket, long load flag, security bar where you attach the seat is no longer webbing but metal so it’s more secure and durable.

Cuda w/rudder – same as above but with the smart track rudder system

Whitewater

-          ALL whitewater models have the new black/grey material, new back band (with the exception of the Rogues, new thigh pads, water bottle, new grab handles (these are stainless steel with plastic molded over).  New handles are safer, still durable and still secure.

-          ALL whitewater models are using the new Super Linear Polyethylene material, incremental improvement over the linear material from 2011.  Stiffer, stronger, better wearing. 

-          Hero/Super Hero/Dynamic Duo/Villian Series, Fun Runner Series, Zen Series, Star Series, Fun Series and kids boats, new black/grey material, foam seat pad, new back band (wider), thigh pads, water bottle and new grab handles.

-          Rogue Series – standard with sweet cheeks, water bottle, new grab handles, drybag/floatation in bow.

-          SWEET CHEEKS (silver colour)

o   Rockstars – size 150

o   Journeys – size 100

o   Rogues – size 100

o   Only 100 and 200 size are sold as an accessory

EJ gives a great, quick run through of setting up the Sweet Cheeks.  Another recommendation I have is remove from the boat and shake the beads to the front allowing you to place it back in the boat so the beads are not collected at the back of the seat.

-          NEW plastic floor track

o   Plastic Floor track vs. Composite Beam

§  Plastic floor track gets its stiffness from the shape that it is molded into and that fact that it is welded to the hull.

§  Plastic floor track works better for overall seat adjustment, security and wear

§  No increase in weight

§  5 positions the seat can adjust to

-          Uni-shock bulkhead is standard in the following models (everything but playboats and Rogues):

o   Fun Runners

o   Zens

o   Villians

o   Heros

o   Dynamic Duo

 

Watch this video to get a fantastic visual of what the uni-shock bulkhead system is and how it operates.  A HUGE selling feature of our boats.  Know how it works!!!

-          Foam bulkhead is standard in the following models:

o   Funs

o   Rockstars

o   Stars

-          Footpegs

o   Rogues

o   Coosa/Cudas

o   Regal

o   Daytrippers and Orions

o   Ibis 

Smart Track Rudders

o   Journeys

o   Cuda’s

2012 Jackson Kayak Coosa Promo Video

Great walk through of outfitting on the 2012 Jackson Kayak Coosa done by Kayak Angler, Drew Gregory.

Len Zilkowsky Joins Western Canoeing and Kayaking Kayak Angler Team

Re-posted from the Western Canoeing and Kayaking blog

Len Zilkowsky Joins WCK Kayak Angler Team

As the unprecedented growth in the fishing kayak market continues to surpass our expectations it's all we can do here at WCK to keep up. While most of our staff here are casual anglers and avid paddlers it was evident we were going to need a real keener on hand to keep us on the cutting edge of this exciting time in the kayak fishing world.

Enter Len Zilkowsky. It's possible that there could be a kayak angler out there that's as fired up about kayak fishing as Len is, but I doubt it. Having recently been picked up by Jackson Kayaks for their Kayak Angling Team getting Len onboard was the obvious choice.



Living in Chilliwack Len is local to some of the best kayak fishing destinations in the world . . . and of course Canada's best kayak fishing store.

Len can be found paddling and fishing his way around all the local lakes and rivers in his freshly decked out Jackson Coosa and Cuda. To help promote the sport and share his adventures and tips Len has a new web site: thefishwhisperer.ca, He regularly updates it with pictures, videos and gear reviews, be sure to check it out, lots of great content.

Len will be here at the Western Canoeing and Kayaking Kayak Fishing Seminar on March 16 with one of his decked out boats.

We couldn't be more excited to have Len on the team, we're already learning lots about kayak fishing modifications and fishing tips, and we're sure you will as well.

If you see Len out on the water be sure to say "Hi" and maybe he'll even let you take his Jackson out for a spin.

Idaho Sportsman Show - Boise, ID

Idaho Sportsman Show/Expo Idaho

March 1 - 4, 2012.
 

Hours: 

Thursday & Friday 5-9 pm

Saturday 11am-9 pm

Sunday 11am-5pm
 

Admission: 

Adults $5

Seniors (62 and older) $4

Children 12 & under free

It's definitely the start of show season across our large territory!  Visit the great folks of Alpenglow Mountainsport at the show this weekend to check out all things paddling. 

 

BC Boat and Sportsmen Show - March 2-4

Check out the BC Boat and Sportsmen Show

Friday March 2nd-Sunday March 4th in Abbotsford, BC at the TRADEX.  

Show Hours 

Friday, March 2nd 12Noon - 9:00pm 

Saturday, March 3rd 9:00am - 6:00pm 

Sunday, March 4th 10:00am - 5:00pm  

Admission 

Adult (17+) $12.00 

Senior (60+) $10.00 

Juniors (6 - 16) $8.00 

Children (5 & Under) FREE 

Family (Max. 2 adults)$30.00 

Western Canoeing and Kayaking, our Jackson Kayak dealer in the lower mainland will be there with our fishing kayaks - the Coosa and the Cuda.  Stop by their booth #133 and sign up for one of their demos days.  First demo day of the season is Saturday March 24th on Mill Lake in Abbotsford.

You might even be lucky enough to run into the Fish Whisperer, Len Zilkowsky our sponsored Jackson Kayak Angler at the Western booth.  Len is full of local angling knowledge and can tell you about his experiences with the Cuda and the Coosa.

Werner Paddles Responds to Growing Number of Kayak Anglers

Werner Paddles announced yesterday that they are making their best-selling, high angle Tybee Recreational Kayak paddle available in lengths up to 250cm.  In fact, ALL of their straight shaft high angle touring paddles will be available in lengths up to 250cm.

The Tybee has been selling well to kayak anglers but for some who are paddling the Jackson Kayak Coosa or Cuda with their comfortable elite hi-lo seat in the high position, they are requesting a longer length paddle.

The Tybee is available in FGIM (fiberglass injection molded) and CFIM (carbon injection molded) for more information contact your local dealer or leave me a message here!

Western Canadian Kayak Fishing Team

Kayak Angling is a growing concern here in Western Canada and we are committed to being a part of the excitement and the growth.

Nikki Rekman Sales with help from Jackson Kayak, Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles have created a Western Canadian Kayak Fishing Team.  Currently we are working with two anglers, Stephen Laurie (Calgary, AB) and Len Zilkowsky (Chilliwack, BC).  Both anglers are very active in their angling communities both on the water and online.

Online you can find them on the Canadian Kayak Anglers forum under fishnhound and fishwhisperer as well as on their blogs http://fishnhound.canadiankayakanglers.com and www.thefishwhisperer.ca

Steve is busy heading up the Eastlope Kayak Fishing Classic which will be on June 23rd at Glennifer Lake, AB and Len is prepping for the Kayak Fishing Seminar at Western Canoeing and Kayaking in Abbotsford, BC on March 16th at 7PM.

Both anglers will be fishing in their areas a lot this season so if you are out on the water, feel free to take their Jackson Kayak Coosa's and Cuda's for a paddle!!!

Steve

Len

Stay tuned as we hope to feature additional anglers both in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.