Hello! I have been fishing for years, but out of a bass boat mostly. I did a lot of research and decided due to cost, etc. I wanted to try kayak fishing. I believed I would like a peddle boat but the cost was more that I wanted to spend. I then further researched and decided on a Jackson Cuda 12 with a rudder. After looking and reading about the kayak it has almost all positive reviews.

I purchased a week ago and took it out for the first time Friday to Lake Athens. It was calm and clear. I had read many comments out how the kayak was very stable and you can stand to fish, which was one of the reasons I went with the Cuda 12.

I was able to stand and cast, but it did not feel stable to me. I paddled around and fished and really had not problems at all. I paddled across the lake and on the east side of the dam, behind the island. I caught a small bass, had another one on that wrapped me around a stumb and got off. I then was close to the shore and decided to see how far I could lean, thinking from what I had read that there was a secondary "edge" for lack of a better term that I would be able to feel a balance point, but instead I just leaned my upper body over toward the edge and rolled right over.... this surprised me, I did not expect it to roll so easily... I lost one of my rods, but thankfully the water was crystal clear and after I up-righted the kayak and pushed it to shore I went back and found the rod and reel. After the kayak rolled over so easily it made me concerned about if I hook a larger fish and then lean to retrieve it, how stable will I be.. etc.

One other thing I noted, was that when seated in the chair, I had no water at all come through the scupper holes, but once I stood there was a slight amount of water in the foot well. I am 5'8" and 175lbs.

My two questions after just one outing are:
1. Is the kayak stable compared to most paddle fishing kayaks of the Jackson Cuda 12 size?
2. As stated, when standing the scupper holes are much deeper in the water with my weight being more concentrated in the middle of the kayak, apparently the kayak most bow some, is that normal?

As I said I am brand new and I have alot to learn about the sport.. Thankfully I did think to put my phone and wallet in the hatch prior to rolling over, but I did learn I need to fasten everything down so I don't lose items. I have also not added any anchor, or other accessories at this point and will as time goes on.

I believe I am going to like kayak fishing but it is a slower pace than from my bass boat and I need to think further ahead to stay safe and be prepared on the water.

I appreciate any comments or information. Thanks in advance.

Joe

From my understanding...jacksons hull design is stable but it has to lean a little to be stable. I know a buddy of mine loves his. There are more stable kayaks out there and there are faster kayaks. If you are brand new to kayaks most will feel funny till you gain a level of trust with the boat. This comes from time on the water. Also going with a group that has a few more experianced kayakers may help give you some pointers. When you mention water in the scuppers, are you and your gear within the load limitations of the kayak? Im not meanimg to sound rude just trying to figure out whats happening.

Welcome to the sport. You made a good purchase with the Cuda. That is a great yak and a hell of a fishing platform.

Standing and fishing will take some getting used too, as you need to get your "sea legs" and get used to the motion of the boat. It just comes with practice.

As far as the water coming in through the scupper holes, it is because when you stand you are concentrating all your weight in a more forward area of the boat, instead of spread out in a wider area between your butt on the seat and your feet on the deck. Your weight when standing is causing nose of the yak to tilt down slightly and water to rise into the scuppers because you are changing the center of gravity on the boat. As far as flipping it (we call it "turtling"), there is a limit to any kayak. I've flipped my boat and it's 33" wide. Yaks with hard chines have no "edge" to speak of and are exactly the opposite. They provide resistance to tilt until you hit the chine edge, then tend to dump you in the water rapidly. Boats with soft chines or multi-chines are a bit more forgiving but don't offer quite as dry a ride in rough water. See this image for explination..



As to your concerns for landing fish and such, once you spend some more time in the boat and get used to how it feels underneath you and how to shift your weight around, you wont have any issues. I've landed plenty of big fish and haven't had one put me in the water yet. I don't know where you are, but I fish Athens (and other water) often, and if you want to meet up for some fishing time or yakkin pointers, just send me a PM.

I've fished out of my Cuda 12 for about a year...

While I think it's one of the best all around kayaks out there, I never got really comfortable standing in it. I'm more of a load at 225 and that's definitely a factor. Like other folks have mentioned, it seems more stable with just a little lean rather than dead level when standing.

I only ever dumped it with a fish on once (first trip), once I had a few hours in the seat, it wasn't an issue at all. You can put an amazing amount of pressure on a fish from your yak. One tip, fight off the front of the kayak and not directly off the side.

Like you, I fished from a bass boat before going to kayaks and have really enjoyed it. It's a different style of fishing and the guys you will meet are awesome.

Craig

I have already heard some great information. I really appreciate all of your comments. I live in Grand Prairie but go to Athens often and I am planning on trying some river fishing. Again thank you and I do look forward to meeting some of you on the water.

I think given time on the water you will be able to do cartwheel on it. The first time I sat in the high position of my Cuda 12 I thought I was going to turtle at any second. For about 2 hours I was shaking like a leaf every time I made any small movement. I am not gonna lie...I had a little buyers remorse. It took a full 2 days on the water to become comfortable enough to stand up and cast. I love my Cuda now and the only buyers remorse I have now is not getting a Big Tuna to take my daughter out.

I have two grandsons and one on the way. So I am sure eventually I will get a second kayak or one that can hold two. I just listed my bass boat for sale. Once I have some money from that I will start rigging it up.

I love my cuda 12 but it did take time for me to feel stable in it. I came from a Big Tuna which was crazy stable. Just spend time on the water and you will get the hang of it. Everyone who has paddled my cuda coming from other yaks always freak out a little thinking they are going to tip when they take it out, but you just have to get used to it.

I purchased a Jackson Cuda 12 about 3 months ago to add to my kayak fleet. I have owned a Wilderness Ride 115 for a couple of years and wanted a second kayak for my kids to be able to join me kayak fishing. I found out on my first outing the Cuda 12 was not anywhere as stable as the Wilderness Ride I was accustom to. In my first attempt to get in the Cuda I got dumped out in the water. The more I use it the more I have learned to balance it and I feel less prone to turning it over. However, the other day when I was getting out at a boat ramp I turtled it. So to answer your first question about it being stable compared to other kayaks in it's size I would say the Wilderness Ride 115 is more stable for me than the Cuda 12. That being said, I do like some of the features in the Cuda 12 that the Ride doesn't have and it is a nice kayak to fish out of. Here are my two kayaks.
Good luck with your kayak fishing.

When you stand in a cuda you gotta "lock" it in. Just slowly tilt your weight to one side until you feel it become stable. Hard to explain what I'm trying to say. I'm 6'6 around 225, it just takes a little practice. And yes I have turteled always my fault.

I found that when getting in and out of the cuda you need to not have the keel on the land. Turn it sideways and get in butt first and its all good. That Keel if it is on land will rock you.

I really do appreciate your input.. It is refreshing to hear some helpful positive comments. I paddled that day right across the middle of the lake and fished for about 4 hrs. I never really did feel uneasy, it just rolled a lot quicker than I thought when I started leaning.. I thought I would be able to feel a "teetering" point and could just kind of feel the limit and roll back to center, but as soon as it got to that tipping or teetering point it was over in a flash.. I do like fishing from it and think I will just like it more and more as time goes on..

I bought the last 2014 Mountain Sports in Arlington had with a rudder. It is the yellow jacket color.

Thanks for the comments and pointers. Looking forward to this new adventure.

I agree with you Txwhitace both times I have gone in the water was either getting in or getting out of the Cuda 12. The last time was when I was getting out of the kayak. I really thought the keel was not on the land but in the water but apparently it was on the land enough to turtle on me. When that happens you quickly find what floats and what sinks. I was lucky both time that I only lost one small tackle box. Both times I have a Kodak ZI8 video camera in my life vest pocket. I put it in rice and after a day the camera worked.
I see you have a rudder on your Cuda. I have a rudder on both my Ride 115 and my Cuda 12 and use them all the time. jwtxfishhook you will do just fine and I know you will enjoy kayak fishing like the rest of us enjoy it. Hopefully we will run into you some day on the water and we do a little fishing together.

I went out in my inaugural voyage in my newly purchased Cuda 12 at the FW Nature Center Sunday morning. I have been there several times in my Outback but part of the reason I got the Cuda was so I didn't have to worry about the Mirage drive on the Outback around all of the trees and branches and stumps in the water. Headed down toward the Lake Worth direction initially, fishing here and there. The only fish I almost caught was before I actually started. Had a swim bait on my line, set my rod down to pick up the paddle to position myself and the bait was in the water. When I picked up the fishing rod, I had a fish on it. Reeled it the short way to the boat and as soon as I got it near the surface it spit the hook. From what I saw briefly, looked like a drum.

Paddled downstream a ways then found out it was more difficult paddling upstream against a mild wind. A bit more difficult then peddling with my legs. Got back to the launch spot, stopped to stretch, then headed up to 10 Mile Bridge, turned around and came back with the current. Hadn't been up as far as the bridge before. Mostly paddled and didn't fish much as I wanted to get a feel for the boat.

All in all was a great morning even without catching any fish. Boat was nice. I felt comfortable in it but I don't move around much once I get seated and wasn't about to try and stand. Eventually maybe, but I have a hard enough time on dry land. I haven't paddled a lot before so definitely noticed the nose wobbling as I paddled. Much of the issue is due to my lack of technique. I have a rudder but didn't use it this time. Will see how much that helps next time.

Weklfrog - I fish the Fort Worth Nature Center a lot. There is almost always enough current coming out of Eagle Mountain to take me downstream without having to paddle much and using my rudder as I fish.