I'm looking at buying a Jackson Cuda 12, I have never even seen one in person. I'd sure like to hear everybody's opinion on them. Thanks in advance.

The Swiss Army knife of kayaks.

I have the 14 and have had nothing but good experiences. It's fast, stable, good layout, etc. Test one out.

My only gripe is that I don't care for the way the hatch is secured. The plastic clips don't seem like they will last long.
I've used mine in rivers, creeks, tanks, and lakes. It handles rough water well. I paddled across the main body of Richland Chambers in a 25 mph wind and never once had a concern. I enjoy every minute I'm out in it
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its a good boat

Cant go wrong with it. Good storage, tracks pretty good and fairly stable.

I have one and love it. I have an 2013 and I think the seat is amazing and I have back problems.
That being said it all depends on the type of water you are going to be fishing.

Ive always heard good things about the Jackson C12. I think you will be in good hands in rivers, flats or BTB.

I got a Coosa just about as soon as they hit the market, and without every paddling one I'll say the Cuda12 be my next yak. From what I've seen, the Cuda does as well in our rivers as the Coosa, seems like it tracks better and deals with a wind on those big open stretches better too.

I currently paddle one, and I've been paddling things for about 25 years. If I could only have one yak, the Cuda 12 would be it. There are specialist yaks for a variety of things - smaller yaks for rivers, peddle yaks for big water and BTB, touring yaks for pure paddling enjoyment, etc. The Cuda 12 can do all of it reasonably well. I've gone BTB with my Cuda, and I've gone river fishing with it. It is perfect on bass lakes and in the marshes.

I particularly like the 2013 and beyond because they pretty much rig themselves with the goPro mounts, tracks, and tubes already on the boat. A couple mounting items from HOOK1, AKC or wherever, and you're ready to go. I don't stand in my Cuda much because I find the sit comfy enough, but I can even though I'm not a small man.

Certainly, try one before you buy one, but I can definitely say I've been very happy with mine!

Wow!! Thanks for all the feedback! I think I may have to become the proud new owner of this kayak! The feedback has be every helpful, I really appreciate all your help

When you go for a test paddle, ask to try one with a rudder. You can paddle with the rudder up and then down to get an idea whether you want to buy a model with the rudder installed ($200 more, I believe).

I have a Cuda 12 and a Wilderness Ride 115. Both have rudders and I have enjoyed the rudders. Use them all the time when fishing.

Timely question. I just got a Cuda 12 and paddled it in a lake yesterday for the first time. It's great paddling kayak with a very comfortable seat (which I used in the high position). I have much more experience paddling a Ride 135 over a Cuda and they're very comparable, although truth be told, I prefer the layout of the Ride better (and I like the size of the Rides' tank well since it better fits my pup).

My biggest complaints about the Cuda 12: first is the tippiness when getting in and out; make sure everything atop the 'yak is secured or it may just flop over the low gunwales into the water when getting in and out of the 'yak. The other issue I had was the rudder that has an up 'home' position; in other words, when not cleated down, it is spring loaded to go up. It was probably just because I'm not accustomed to using rudders (I primarily paddle rivers), but I had a hard time keeping the rudder down. Dan had the same problem as he was also paddling a Cuda 12 (TXWhitacre loaned us his Cuda).

Just thought of one more thing: the bow and stern handles of TXWhitacre's Cuda were the traditional sturdy rubber/strap handles; in the newer model Cuda I had, the handles were a bungy/toggle type set up that are harder to grab and that will probably not last as long as the traditional handles, IMO especially since I use the aft handle to strap it down to my bed extender.

I changed out the handles when I got the cuda, never liked the bungie type. But when you do that you have rivet the rod protector cover on because the bungie handle is part of the system that holds it. I like the more traditional handles because thats what I use to secure my yah in the bed of my truck. There are other ways but I never liked the bungie handles

I've had my Cuda 12 and here are my impressions:

-Great all-around kayak like the guys before me said.
-Not the fastest but not the slowest either (my 19 year old son can leave me in his wake in his Pescador).
-I weigh around 225 and, with my tackle pack and gear, am probably pushing the upper limit of how much weight you actually want to be for it. Never had any fear of sinking or anything like that but I sit pretty low in the water.
-This might be weight related as well, but I'm really not comfortable stand-up fishing from the Cuda.
-The rudder is a HUGE help and well worth the extra cost.
-The inside storage is great and easy to access on the water.


That's about all I can think of to add...

Craig