Jackson Kayak "Cuda LT" Hot

We all have our reasons for getting into kayak fishing. For me it was cheap & easy way to get back into fishing & introduce my daughter to the sport. We started with inexpensive sit-in kayaks that served their purpose well but I simply outgrew mine. I needed a boat better suited to fishing, with better tackle storage, a better/higher frame seat, and faster. At the time I also thought standing was important. Finally the boat had to be light. I have back issues and cannot lug around a heavy boat (primarily the reason my first boat was a 45# sit-in model).

I found a demo Cuda LT deeply discounted at the end of season and this boat seemed to check all the boxes for me. Tons of tackle storage. Awesome high/low frame seat. Light weight. Standability. I got it cheaper than I could have bought a rotomolded Cuda. I was stoked.

First time on the water I was blown away. Wow, is this boat fast. This boat exceeded my expectations for speed. I'm a guy that likes to get places fast. I can cover a lot of water in this boat.

Next, standability. Yup, you can stand but it's not so stable that I'd feel comfortable doing it in all but limited circumstances. I really thought I wanted a boat I could stand it but after doing it a few times I thought, meh...it's really not that big of deal. I'd rather sit in that super comfy seat. I'll take speed over standability.

For fishing this boat is awesome. Lots of tackle storage. Good rod holder placement. Great places to strap rods on the deck for transportation. So what's not to like? Just a couple of things. (1) The thermomolded hull that makes this boat fast requires a little extra care. I don't drag this boat around like my rotomolded boats. Not really an issue, just something to be aware of. I'll take the trade off for the lighter weight & extra speed. (2) No scupper holes in the rear deck. It would be easier to use a scupper cart with holes in the rear deck but I use the holes under the seat (which are just a tad harder to get a cart onto while in the water). That's about it.

I love my Cuda LT. One final note. I was looking at the new Eddyline C-135 which besides being a little wider and with slightly different rigging is darn near the same boat but retails for $1200 more. To me that makes the Cuda LT a screaming deal.

I didn't know anyone could post a review. Someone recommended I post this here, so here ya go....

Most of us do research prior to making an investment (like a new yak) and I am no exception in this regard. Looking at all the yaks out there, I stumbled across the new Jackson CUDA LT that promised to be lighter, quicker and more stable than it's predecessor, the Cuda 12. Weight is a big factor for me, not cause I am weak, or old. (yes on both counts..LOL) but because I have had plenty of experience loading heavy boats/kayaks/canoes and rafts on car tops after a long day on the river and decided I didn't want to car top a 70 plus pound yak.

Upon arrival at Canoe Kentucky (great store, great people), I was greeted by friendly & knowledgeable staff. Looking over the Cuda LT, I did notice a discrepancy or two between the Jackson description and the actual boat on the showroom floor. Jackson's info claims a keel protector but there is none on the Cuda LT and the "padding" on the floor is not actually padding but a hard plastic platform that increases righty and creates an excellent standing platform.
So after looking it over, out I went for the test paddle. The flood had subsided but the water was still up and moving quickly. After slogging through the mud to the put in, it quickly became apparent how light this boat really is. It was no trouble loading or unloading and as light as it is, was an easy carry to the river.

I started with the seat in the low position and ferried across the current to an eddy below the bridge. I noticed immediately how quick and responsive the Cuda LT is as it effortlessly glided across the water. A peel out of the eddy, confirmed that this boat turns well and is quite maneuverable. It felt solid under me the entire time, so I decided to pull into another eddy and raise the seat. The water is still cold so I didn't fully stand to move the seat but rather sorta squatted. The deck provided a solid standing surface and what seemed very slippery in the storeroom proved to be fine with the deck boots that I was wearing. Now I didn't want to dance a jig, but it was very stable and I had no problems adjusting the seat to the high position. Back out into the current to test the new seat position.....solid!

SOLD.....the boat came home.

This yak comes ready to fish, right out of the factory. It is obvious that a lot of time was spent in designing and thinking through just what makes a yak a fishing yak. It was apparent that a fisher person was behind its' development and a lot of nice features are found on the Cuda LT, as well as on the rest of the Jackson line up. Still I have added some silent traction in strategic locations and will be installing Ocean Grip on the standing platform.

Yesterday took it for a more lengthy trial run at a nearby lake....with my dog. WOW! This is one nice yak! I experimented with the seat in many different locations. One of the features I like about the Cuda LT is the seat not only has a high low position (OH and did I mention how comfy it is!) you can move it into the tank well in the back to open up the entire front area. This will be great when throwing a cast net or fly fishing. The Cuda LT was stable in any seat position or while standing and after a bit got used to standing and moving around, even with the dog on board.

The new material is smooth with a glossy finish and has less drag coefficient than the roto-modled version. The hull is plenty stiff and I could not detect any oil canning or flex as each paddle stroke immediately translates to forward motion. Being closer to 13 ft than 12 it is fast once at speed. Since it's light, it quickly gets you there. The LT tracks very well and I was amazed at how maneuverable it still is for it's speed, length and tracking ability.

Overall, in my opinion and for my purposes, Jackson has hit a home run with this one! Durability is unknown at this point but Jackson is a great company and have heard many good stories of their product support so I am not really worried. Yes, I will be more careful with this one than my rotomolded ones but I still anticipate many good years from the LT.

Thanks for taking the time to read my report. Happy yakking and tight lines. Get out there and do it!!