Big Tuna

A few years ago I had a big tuna, it's a shame they discontinued it in 2021. It's a very versatile platform, mine has an electric motor that I installed in the center hatch. I have also seen people convert the center hatch to a pedal drive. I use it in various configurations as I don't always have someone to go kayaking with. The tuna tank is wonderful, I use it to secure my fish, to carry my live bait, storage, cooler etc. Thanks to Jacson kayaks there are still replacements available in their store in 2022. The take two is a good kayak but I really enjoy my fully equipped big tuna and the versatility it provides.

I bought this kayak in early-July as a birthday gift to myself. My first kayak purchase; ideal for a novice fisherman like myself wanting to get outside on our local paddling trails as well as for the family road trip we will take in August. We bought a 3rd elite seat from Jackson and this will easily fit my wife and 4yo for paddle adventures. The rear cargo hull on this boat is the best feature; which fits both sets of paddles (broken down), 2 fishing rods, 2 cases of tacke, and an ammo box I've outfitted with paddling essentials, and there's STILL room for more in there. My boat came with the rudder attachment which makes this a perfect vessel for drifting along with the family or just throwing a line and letting the current take me. I can't wait to utilize the center hull space as a live-well, as for now we use it as even more storage space and have bought the matching Jackson cooler bag that fits in this space perfectly. This is an amazing boat. They though of everything in designing this kayak. My wife has even admitted that "this is one of the best purchases of our 11-year marriage." HA! The water is my new playground thanks to this Jackson Big Tuna kayak and I can't wait to get out on the water any chance I get. Thanks to Mountain Sports, in Arlington, TX, the Jackson Kayak dealer where I made the purchase. They were tremendously helpful and considerate of everything I needed to get going. A true outfitter.

I love this boat! I know its big and heavy (70 lbs) but it glides in the water and is easy to paddle. I love the seats and could sit in them for hours. My kids (6&9) both ride with me sometimes. I rigged it for fishing when going solo and its stable enough for me (6'4" 290 lbs) to stand. Nice work Jackson Kayak!

Great kayak for me and my son. Easily converts to a solo kayak. Tuna tank is awesome. Wish it came in a lighter color. Seats are comfortable and gave extra storage. Downfall is the ram ball inserts, don't over tighten or they will strip.

Can't give this product a fair review because I am a novice yakker who bought my Tuna enroute to a stream fishing trip in Arkansas. The store rep kept referring me to the Jackson website for answers to any questions I had - which was weak and of no help for the immediate future. However, the product was more than big enough for this paddler and my gear.

Like some of the other reviewers, I would say that it tended to drift a little. Think that might be due to the design of the underbelly and the length of the Tuna (14'1"), especially in a current. Because I didn't know how to set it up correctly for two paddlers, that effort was a total disaster. Due partly to the fact that the dealer rep failed to supply all of the parts necessary for a two-person setup, or check me out on how to perform the setup - duh, go to the Jackson website. I later got the parts I needed from the dealer rep and checked out the Jackson website. Well 2 months later I still feel like I haven't given my Tuna a fair chance, but I don't plan on selling it anytime soon. Pretty sure it will meet my needs once I get straightened out on how to use it.

Don't know if this helps anyone else. Maybe learning from my mistakes will get you better prepared to make your kayak purchase. Before you buy, make sure and check out that Jackson Kayak website for a professional explanation of their fine products, of which the Big Tuna is just one!

I had been thinking about getting a Big Tuna to add to my fleet of plastic boats. I finally got to try one out at a local demo days. I found that while paddling with 2 people the boat was fairly stable, but I also noticed a lot of drifting to the side and the boat did not track as well as other boats I have paddled. The accessories and options available are awesome, but I found it too difficult to maneuver for my liking.

The big tuna has no way to access the hull to put sliders on, the seats do not tighten right down with the straps so they are always moving around try one out before you buy there are better kayaks out there by far