2016 Jackson Cuda 12

Hey fellas, I'm looking at buying a new Cuda and wanted to create a thread dedicated to my Kayak build and welcome all comments. I have picked out the Cuda 12 as I'd like to go from lakes to rivers and some inshore fishing. I will be mounting my Garmin 151dv on it and will be needing a couple fly rod holders. I still have not selected a paddle so I'd like some I put also on this part. I had a feel of some paddles and yes, the Werner full carbon is nice but I can't see myself jamming that into the river rocks and beach barnacles. Also I am thinking either 240 or 250 for paddle length, what do you guys use?  Cheers, Ed

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How wide is the Cuda 12?  I originally used a 240cm paddle for my Prowler 13, but after trying a 230cm paddle (both Werner Camano paddles) I decided I liked the 230 better.  The OK Malibu 2XL is wider, and even with that I felt the 230 was still a good choice.

I'd suggest you trial both 230, 240 and 250 paddles and use what you like best.  Also, most paddles are easy to get in 230cm.  240cm still has a decent selection, though not as much as 230.  250cm can be harder to find, and a style of paddle you like may not make them up to 250cm.

The cuda is 31" wide I believe. I'm going to a demo days this coming Sunday so I can try some different sizes

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Great bang for your buck on that Garmin 151dv!  I picked one up just because it was cheaper than the transducer by itself.

The length of your paddle will really be a personal decision related to your torso length and paddle style, but it sounds like you're on the right track.

I'm on the island this weekend and might stop by that demo day for AO. If I'm there I'll look for the guy in the Cuda. If you end up considering Western Canoe and Kayak over my way I know they have some used Cuda LTs on sale right now after going in there today. Not exactly what you're looking for but they might have a regular Cuda come up on sale soon enough. As a sidenote they'll have a demo day on the 11th.

I have the OC big game prowler which is 34 in. wide and I use the Werner Tybee Fg Im 240 paddle. Great for pushing off rocks, through beach barnacles, pushing ones self through loose river gravel and scratching a nose of a sealion ever now and then. Plus it wont break the bank.

If the Cuda has two seating positions like other Jackson Kayaks, be sure to try the paddle in the low position.  That's where you'll find a too-short paddle might be bumping the gunwales of the boat depending on your stroke.   I use a 250cm with the Big Tuna after finding 240s were banging the sides of the kayak.

Thanks for the advise, I will make sure to try both seating positions before buying. A buddy uses his cuda mostly in the lower seating position for stability while paddling. Dbam, yeah same guy here;) Just cause I have my own forum, doesn't mean I don't participate in other forums:) I am going to try and make it to the Demo days, going to leave Uclulet early so I have time.

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So in my search for the perfect all round sit on top fishing kayak, I settled on the cuda 12. The last week has been filled with crazyness as I sold my childhood car in favour of a kayak that I hope will give me more use and once rigged, less operating cost. I have spent many hours online watching videos and reading reviews on all kayaks from Ocean, Hobie, Wilderness and Old Town before settling into a Jackson kayak. The Jackson Cuda should fill my needs as a muti purpose kayak as I will be venturing into the inshore salt water fishing once I become competent in my abilities to safely navigate lakes and rivers. As always I am a sucker for a deal and at 20% off and 10% off accessories, the guys(and gals) at Alberni Outpost have been nothing short of helpful and straightforward in getting me on the water. For a company to talk me into a cheaper boat cause the discounts were better is pretty stand up. I got my roof racks thru Lordco as they got me the best deal thru my work. The boat may look strange on the car but I can tell you, it's sure easy to load and unload! I have it home now and will be starting to install my fish finder, rudder and other accessories over the week or until I run out of money(something that is happening fast!) I can't wait for my paddle to show up today or tomorrow so I can get on the water.




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Make sure you tie both ends to front and back bumper. Be on the safe side.

Got my rudder mounted and my transducer installed, wire run for now. Fish finder is now solid mounted and ready for my first paddle. This is my first kayak, I will be hitting the lakes first to et used to the boat. While I was working on the kayak yesterday my puppy found some antifreeze and is now recovering in the hospital, lesson learned about puppies and open antifreeze containers. Missed out on my first paddle as I am now off to pickup my puppy from the vets




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Got my rudder mounted and my transducer installed, wire run for now. Fish finder is now solid mounted and ready for my first paddle. This is my first kayak, I will be hitting the lakes first to et used to the boat. While I was working on the kayak yesterday my puppy found some antifreeze and is now recovering in the hospital, lesson learned about puppies and open antifreeze containers. Missed out on my first paddle as I am now off to pickup my puppy from the vets




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That's why I only use pet safe antifreeze! ....glad the pups ok

Thank Mojo, I work in a heavy truck shop and it's what we carry but yes I will be switching all our vehicles over to propelyne glycol now

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Congrats on the new boat.  I have had mine for 2 years and love it.  I have used it in rivers, lakes and sound.  No issues at all. I wish mine had that cool hinge on the center hatch. 

Grabbed a inshore spin reel today despite being a fly fish only guy, I need to get down to the fish.



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