We are in a new year, and judging by all the new gear being offered to kayak anglers 2013 promises to be big. From kayaks to tackle and clothing to cameras, manufacturers are stepping up with some cool items to add to our wish lists. New and redesigned kayaks took center stage at ICAST 2012, but there were several other items that are definitely worthy of consideration. These are just a few of many new additions to the marketplace.
The Creek Company, known for making inflatable personal fishing craft, unveiled their newest vessel, the “Osprey Fishing SUP”, at ICAST 2012 in Orlando. As a dedicated kayak fisherman, I have watched with much interest the rising popularity of SUP fishing, and the inflatable SUP market. This particular item fits in both of those segments.
Over the past few years, there has been enormous influx of new mini-action cameras on the market. This year several manufactures have really upped their game with major improvements on their current lines or completely new offerings. However, one company – Geonaute - has literally tried to spin the industry on its head with the “Geonaute 360”.
For 2013 Jackson Kayaks is introducing a new recreational / touring sit-on-top (SOT) kayak that they are calling the “Cruise”. At first glance, you might mistake the Cruise for the Jackson “Cuda 12”. While the overall hull design is very similar, there are several differences.
No matter where you paddle, the “VISICarbon Pro” safety flag and light sets the standard for quality, construction, and overall utility in that product area. Recent changes have centered mainly around mounting systems and track compatibility, but a new improvement to the light diffuser cone makes the VISICarbon Pro even better at making you more visible in low light kayak fishing conditions.
NRS brought along a new “Chinook” PFD at Outdoor Retailer in August, and now that new 2013 NRS Chinook Mesh Back Fishing PFD is live on the website now! The 2013 Chinook is a lot like the older model, but let me show you a couple cool new features.
Just about everyone has read or written a review on the Jackson “Coosa”. It is easy to load into a shorter bed truck, easy to maneuver on moving water, stable enough for fat folks like me to stand in, and comes in some of the most awesome color combos on the kayak market. It has its downsides - a bit sluggish on flat water, and the wind can make your day a bit more challenging - but my Coosa is here to stay. That’s why this isn’t so much of a review as it is an update to let folks know what has changed for 2013.
When people hear the term "Illuminati" they of think of the secret society of the late 1700s, or Tom Hanks running around the Vatican chasing clues in Angels and Demons. The "Illuminati" announced last week has nothing to do with movies or secret societies, but is a cool safety feature now available on Jackson Kayaks.