Cuda 14

I purchase a 2014 Jackson Cuda 14 about 1 month ago. I've paddled it on flat water 8-10 times. The features I appreciate the most are the adjustable seating position, the generous amount of both rod staging and gear stowage.

This is a monster of a kayak at approximately 85 lbs. and that is about the only drawback. I'm rigging the kayak with a few more options (a rudder, sound deadening mat, longer stand up strap, standup bracket and and anchor). I haven't decided on which rudder system to install yet. The Jackson factory option rudder or a Sea-Lect Designs Trucouse rudder. I want to fly fish the rivers here in Indiana and up in Michigan. I hope that the rudder system will make it easier to guide the kayak in a current so I can have my hands free to handle the fishing equipment.

I've owned a Jackson Cuda 14 since the spring of 2012 and could not be happier with my choice. I spend the majority of my time fishing the marsh and flats around the upper Texas coast where I enjoy sight-casting redfish in supper skinny water.

The Cuda tracks well without a rudder and has good speed for a kayak that gives you the ability to stand. The Elite seat 2.0 is a major selling point for me because I stay dry and comfortable all day without any back soreness. I can carry plenty of gear in the center storage hatch and you can add or remove accessories without drilling into the kayak thanks to the Yak Attack gear tracks. Great American made product.

Being a fairly large fella, 6'3" at 305lb, I have to be careful of what Yak I choose due to stability. This kayak does the trick. I can sit off the edge with the opposite side of my seat almost pressing against my back and this thing still wont flip. (Not saying it cant flip, it will, but it has a lot of room before you reach that spot.)

The boat tracks very well for me, and actually handles the wind better than I expected, considering how high I sit above the boat. The built in features are excellent, leaving plenty of storage room for all my gear, plus some. The boat comes ready to fish, and little needs to be done to modify, but keep in mind, if you decide to add to it, a lot of this has been thought out ahead of time, and the indents, cutouts, etc already exist, all you do is install in the location already designed into the mold for the addition.

I would recommend this Kayak to anyone, from beginner to pro. Well thought out, well built.

I am 5'11" 240 lbs and I bought this boat mainly for fishing in open water windy situations. Let me say that is has surpassed my expectations. I have become confident to head out into the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River or open reservoirs. If it is windy or I am paddling for speed and distance I sit with the seat in the low position. If I am in the flats looking for fish I can stand easily from the chair's high position. It is possible, but not recommended, to switch positions while floating. I find it very stable and fairly fast, though not a fast as a WS Tarpon 14. I recently went 5 miles with some friends in sea going kayaks and I kept up with them fine. The stow hatches hold plenty of gear for two days of camping or even a 2 piece rod and reel. It was real nice to take the seat out and use it in the camp. The last time I was in the Everglades I broke off a rod tip in the Mangroves. I look forward to using the Rod Tip Holders next time I go.

I have heard some say that water shoots up through the scupper holes but that has not been my experience. Some water comes in but then goes right back out. I can see where a rudder would be great for boat control while drifting but it is really not needed. I recommend a 240cm high angle paddle especially with the seat in the high position. There are two buckles that hold the Center Hatch down. I recommend leaving the farthest one unbuckled on the water because its hard to reach when you need to access its contents.

What could make this boat better would be:
1) "Aim" the rod holders 90 degrees out instead of straight back. This separates the lines for trolling purposes.
2) Put some scupper holes in the rear deck. Not for drainage but so you can mount some wheels under it easily.
3) Make it lighter. At 74 lbs it's a beast to load and port
4) Add a break away stringer mount. So when you wish to keep fish on a stringer a shark, gator, or large grouper wont drag your boat under.
5) Finally add a Slide Trax mounting system. This is one place Jackson Kayak was sleeping.