Jackson big rig vs Jackson cuda 14 vs Old town predator 13

If you spend much time on the Internet, here are two site with lots of information. Be sure to sign up for the newsletters
http://www.rapidmedia.com/ free newsletters plus online canoe and kayak magazines
http://www.paddling.net/ free newsletter, lots of video instruction

I have Jackson Big Rig. I've been in the ocean off of the Oregon coast - launched it off of the beach.  I've been on the Salmon River and three weeks ago I tagged 10 king salmon on it. I've fished multiple lakes all summer long. I've also went down 2 different rivers with class 2 rapids with no problem at all. The kayak is awesome - I love it.
I'm not a small guy - 6' 2" - over 250 lbs and it's super, super stable.
I've tried to intentionally tip it over and actually fell out before it tipped over. I could not tip it over.
It's not a speed demon, but a fishing machine. You can't go wrong.
If you ever want to try mine out, give me a call.

If you like trolling, you can't hold your rod and paddle, period! Also, if you want to jig for rockfish, you can't jig and paddle at the same time. Well you can, but it sucks! I have done both of these scenarios. After 5 years of paddling, I bought an Outback! I am sold on the Hobie!!

Yak Angler, your post does not show your location. What's your home base?

I considered the Big Rig before I bought my Predator. I thought at almost 100 pounds I figured it would be a bit much to move around off the water. Do you trailer your boat?

The Predator is 33 1/2" wide and I use a 240cm paddle the Big Rig at 37" wide; you must use a 250cm or 260cm paddle?

Live in stayton oregon

I use a 260cm paddle. I do have a trailer but most of the time I just pick it up and load it in the truck.

Thanks everyone for great advices. I'm gonna go try the big rig this friday.  Can't wait!!

RV... Thanks for sharing your experiences. It was helpful.

Hey 17?
What's your price point anyway? That could also help when it comes to advice.

I'm looking at $1500 for price point.

It would also help to know your experience level.

I've done a little kayak fishing with a buddy in FL and I did kayak rentals on the lake once or twice.  I consider myself a beginner as there are still lots of things to learn about kayaking.

Hi 17    A lot of the time when those experienced yakkers talk about "the salt" they are thinking ocean beaches with big waves and a Loooooooooooooooooong paddle to the next land if you lose your way.   Since you're in Kent, don't ignore the salt water right on your doorstep in Puget Sound.  It will also give you an opportunity to gain experience with the tidal currents, navigating, and all that, without the big surf-launch learning curve on top of it...  There are lots of anglers around the Sound and opportunities.     And as long as you're careful and cautious about how you start, you can learn a lot and be safe about it without ever touching fresh water in the process.  My kayak has never even been in fresh water

Jim (down in Gig Harbor, and still a definite newbie)

Yeah,  puget sound is not the ocean.   It's a lake, with currents.

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Hi 17    A lot of the time when those experienced yakkers talk about "the salt" they are thinking ocean beaches with big waves and a Loooooooooooooooooong paddle to the next land if you lose your way.   Since you're in Kent, don't ignore the salt water right on your doorstep in Puget Sound.  It will also give you an opportunity to gain experience with the tidal currents, navigating, and all that, without the big surf-launch learning curve on top of it...  There are lots of anglers around the Sound and opportunities.     And as long as you're careful and cautious about how you start, you can learn a lot and be safe about it without ever touching fresh water in the process.  My kayak has never even been in fresh water

Jim (down in Gig Harbor, and still a definite newbie)
[/quote]

Yea. That's the plan. I'm gonna start with lakes, then get comfortable with the Sound, and then to the Coast I come!!  Can't Wait!!
If only fishing in the sound is as good as the Coast......you can't keep rockfish, no sea perch, lings are rare, but sand sharks are plentiful. I hate sand sharks.     

Over the past couple of years I have paddled, fished and dove off several different yaks here in NorCal including the OK Prowlers (13 and 15), OK Tridents (13 and 15), and the JK Cuda14 and Jk Cruise12 and JK BigTuna.

I think the Cuda14 is an excellent platform for ocean fishing/diving and I have had no problem with it on reasonably challenging surf launches.

Best advice I can give is to demo as many different yaks as you can and pick which one feels best for you!

Every yak has its pros and cons and each paddler is different as well (weight, experience etc)

Good luck!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Here's a picture from Saturday of me falling in love with my Predator again.  Just when I think I'm gonna sell it, I go and do something stupid like taking her on a steelhead drift trip.

Great photo.
Is that a Predator 13 or the MX?

That's a Predator 13.  You'll notice the two Scotty arms in front of me.  Those are using the built in mounts in the rod pod lid.

-Mark-

Here's a picture from Saturday of me falling in love with my Predator again.  Just when I think I'm gonna sell it, I go and do something stupid like taking her on a steelhead drift trip.

You should do something really stupid and try a Predator MX on a river.  I'm divorcing my 13 and taking the MX for a dance.

-Allen