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.

After using the boat several times I have come to the conclusion both I and my clients want to fish in a sit in kayak rather than a sit on top. The sit in kayaks are much more stable, drier, faster, more nimble for beginner kayak fisherman. The rod holders behind the seat are more trouble than they are worth. The flush mounts are much better and do not stick a foot above the boat. The rod stagers are useless unless you have 5 foot rods. The seat is wonderful. That, in my opinion, the best feature of this boat. I also have a Cuda 14 and the 12 is better all around with the exception of the rod stagers and stern rod holders. The ball mount rod holder in front is great if the angler has 5 foot long arms and can reach it from the seat.

I did hours upon hours of research for my new kayak. I wanted one that I can sit in comfortably for hours and possibly stand up and fish in. Oh, and it needed dry storage. The Jackson Cuda does not dissappoint. At the moment I have put in over 40 hours in the kayak and only having it for 3 weeks. I have paddles creeks, rivers, very large lakes, large lakes, and small lakes along with ponds in it.

I am very happy with the durability and structure of the Cuda. It is strong plastic and I am not worried about damaging it at all. It tracks straight and turns very well for a boat it size. I have no worries about taking it on rapids. The hull storage is amazing. Lots of storage that you can access in the front, back, or center. Although I do find it it a little tricky getting my poles in with the round hatches, I think the Cuda 14 would not have this issue at all. The Hi/Lo chair is amazing. I used to have pains after sitting down for a couple hours, but no more. Every now and then it feels good to stretch but no pain like before! I find that I prefer the high position for comfort. On top of all of that it comes with three rod holders and 3 RAM ball mounts. Two right behind the seat and one that you can screw in front. The rocket style holders work great for my long and short butted rods. I found that I do not use the rod holder in the front at all and will be putting an arm for my fish finder. I will also be adding an anchor trolley.

A couple things that I knew about before purchasing but wish was better was the off center carrying handles. When two people are lifting it via the handles it leans to one side. Not awful, but can be a pain when you have gear on it. Also, they advertise that it is so stable you can stand up right away, this I don't think is true. You CAN stand, but it just takes a little practice and time. After putting in many hours on the water and slowly practicing every time I was out I can now stand and fish without any problem. It probably took me 5-6 times in all to practice before I felt relatively comfortable standing and fishing. The last thing that I found is the open storage in the back. I like to have a crate, some folks just have their gear in the easy accessible center hatch. But you need a special size crate because there are two tacke box storage lifts that make the crate off center. Other than those couple small things this kayak is fantastic!

The Jackson Cuda is easy to paddle, comfortable, and is a very versitile kayak!

I didn't think i had a place for the Cuda 12. I have a Coosa for my river fishing. I have a Cuda 14 for my ocean fishing. If I was fishing lakes, then I'd pick either the Coosa or the C14 depending on the size of the lake.

Then I borrowed a Cuda 12.

This is a slick little boat. It packs all the features of the C14 into a smaller package. It's nimble enough for working through small bodies of water, but I'm now thinking it'll handle the bigger waters just as well as the bigger Cuda.

If sight fishing is your game, I found the Cuda 12 to be just a bit more stable than than the Cuda 14. I definitely spend more time in the high seating position on this kayak than the others.