I bought my 2014 Cuda in March of this year. What a great purchase. After reading article after article, talking to many more experienced yakker's, and demoing countless models I settled on the Cuda 12 based upon my needs of fishing in rivers, large and small lakes, and eventually a little inshore and gulf fishing.

First, I'll start with the seat, which was #1 on my list. I have a herniated disk, so sitting for any extended amount of time is dreadful. I can sit in this seat for at least 6 hours (that's my longest so far) probably more. Being able to have the seat in hi/lo positions is great too. I haven't decided which position I like the best yet, both positions are very comfortable for me. From the seat access the center hatch now that they created the new hatch design is great. I can just twist the lid thing off and get to the center area. The lumbar support is a great add on. I can feel the difference with it.

Storage is phenomenal on this thing. I have a C-Tug to pull this yak down to the water. The whees on the C-Tug are too large to fit in the bow and stern holes, but they fit in the center hatch with ease. I throw everything in the hull, C-Tug, poles, jackets, dry bags, etc.. I haven't come up short on space yet.

The rod stagers are great, I normall throw my poles in the YakAttack Blackpack holders, but if I need them closer to me I just throw them in the rod stagers and they are out of my way until I need them, but close enough I can crab them quickly.

Its not the fastest yak out there, but I'm not trying to paddle 10 miles to get to my fishing holes, at least not yet. What is does is cruises very well, stays on plane. If I need to get somewhere in a hurry it'll get there.

Stability is also great! I've never fished in a kayak before, but I was able to stand up with ease thanks to he stand assist strap. The yak was stable enough for me to make a few casts and lean a little from side to side to get the feel of how stable it was.

If you're looking for a great all around kayak that can fish just about anywhere you take it. This is one of the best out there. No need to spend a whole lot of extra money to rig it. It comes well equipped to keep you happy until you figure out what you want to add.

One thing to note is the carry handles are not the best. when you pick it up it leans to either side and feels like my stuff is about to fall out. Even empty it tilts, which I don't like. If you plan on carrying this thing you better be in shape, at 70+ pounds... good thing I have a teenager to help lift it. :)

Great yak overall. I'll keep this one for a long time.

The Cuda 12 may be the most versatile boat I've ever owned. Offshore, inshore, freshwater - this boat can do it all. It really excels inshore, which is where I use it, fishing the marsh for redfish and trout.

Comes loaded from the factory which means less rigging time at home. It is comfortable to fish out of, the Elite hi/lo seat is one of the best on the market. The added lumbar support is a huge bonus. It is stable, I stand and fly fish out of mine without problem, though the center hatch straps will catch loose fly line at times (a towel over the hatch will solve the problem). This boat drafts hardly anything, I go super shallow sight fishing redfish and this boat can go anywhere I point it. It tracks very well for a boat it's size and does very well turning in tight spots in the marsh. It isn't terribly fast but I don't race too many other boats when I'm fishing so I haven't found it to be a problem. On deck storage is no problem and in hull storage is easy with the center hatch. The center hatch makes a really convenient place to put any fish you want to keep - just slip a soft ice chest in there. The included GoPro mount is very nice for fish pics. There is no shortage of places to store a rod on this boat. It isn't super light but it does car top very well - the weight is centered on the handles when carrying it overhead.

The first time I fished out of this boat I won my first tournament ever, beating out almost 200 other boats, so maybe I have a soft spot for the Cuda 12. It is a great all water boat and usually what I recommend to someone looking for just one boat to own.

I have had my Cuda 12 for almost a year now. It is the first kayak I have owned. Based on reviews, talking with dealers/other yak anglers, and trying out kayaks from different manufacturers, The Cuda was an easy decision. (The hard part was talking the Wife into letting me spend that much.) I am very happy with the amount of storage inside the hull. I try to take the bear minimum whenever possible, but it is good to have the space for extra rods or gear. The only things that I am not too happy with are the goofy bungee bow and stern carry handles. I will be looking into options for replacing them. Overall, I am very pleased with this kayak and would definitely recommend anyone in the market for a new fishing kayak go and demo one.

I have only had this yak for a short time but when I looked at the features I knew this is what I wanted. Its not as stable as I thought it would be but I can stand and fish but it requires balance. But I am very happy with it

I spent many weeks researching fishing kayaks when I decided to upgrade from my recreational sit-in. I finally decided upon the Cuda 12 and have been very glad I choose this fine vessel. I've put in about 40 hours into this boat now and have a good feel for how she handles. The boat tracks incredibly well for being only 12'6", and also turns quickly for her weight. Right off the showroom floor, she comes fully loaded with RAM tubes and the GoPro mount. I found the rod stager works really well for any additional rods I bring. I generally bring two that I keep on the rocket launcher tubes and my pan fish rig that I keep in one of the stagers. I may also bring a spare rod and reel and keep that inside the hull. The hull has all the storage one would need for multiple day adventures. The center console make access to these items a breeze. With the purchase of the center console insert, storage and ease of access are even more convenient. After paddling many hours on the Cuda and also paddling other boats, I'm insanely happy with the Cuda and all its amazing features. The only concern I have with this boat is storage and transport. One must take into account that this is a 68 lbs boat and needs to be cautious when storing and transporting. I put two very small dents in the hull because of my transporting and storage measures. These have since been repaired and I altered the way I store and transport the boat. The forum is chalk full of these options. When it all comes down to it, Jackson made a fantastic boat with the fisherman in mind. Thank you Jackson Kayak.