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Jackson Kayak Fishing Kayaks: Every Model Compared

Bite, Coosa, Mayfly, YuPIK, Big Rig and Knarr. How the Jackson fishing lineup fits together, including what changed with the new Flex Drive.

What I have seen from Jackson

I have followed Jackson’s fishing kayaks for years, and the Flex Drive is the part I watch closest. The first-generation Flex Drive was a little rough around the edges and honestly did not impress me. When I got on the redesigned Flex Drive in the Knarr FD at ICAST 2022, it was noticeably easy to pedal right away, pushed through weeds well, and a lever flips the prop up so you can clear it on the water. I think they finally got it right.

On a second Knarr rigged with a MotorGuide Xi3 bow motor, I hit anchor lock and it held me in place in current while I cast. Back at ICAST 2018 I also looked over the Big Rig FDHD, a boat long loved for how much it carries and how stable it is.

Some background: Eric “EJ” Jackson and business partner Tony Lunt founded Jackson Kayak in Rock Island, Tennessee, in October 2003. The company started in whitewater and grew into one of the best known fishing kayak brands.

How to read this page: my on-water time with Jackson is in the videos below. The table specs come from Jackson’s published numbers in my reviews, and weights are as listed there (hull, with seat, or with seat and drive).

Which Jackson is right for you?

  • Budget paddle fishing kayak: the Bite Angler.
  • River fishing: the Coosa X, built as a river angler’s kayak and motor ready at the bow and stern.
  • Fly fishing: the Mayfly.
  • Shorter, lighter pedal kayak: the Bite FD, at 82 lb for the hull.
  • All-round pedal fishing: the Coosa FD.
  • Big anglers, big loads or a dog along: the Big Rig FD, rated for 550 lb.
  • Saltwater and big water: the Knarr FD, almost 14 ft long.

Jackson paddle kayaks

Model Length Width Weight Capacity Power Links
Bite Angler 11 ft 6 in 35 in 72 lb hull 400 lb Paddle Review · Product page
Coosa X 11 ft 8 in 36 in 94 lb hull 425 lb Paddle, bow and stern motor ready Review · Product page
YuPIK 12 ft 2 in 35 in 90 lb hull 425 lb Paddle Review · Product page
Mayfly 12 ft 8 in 35 in 89 lb hull 450 lb Paddle Review · Product page
Mayfly Tournament Angler Package 12 ft 8 in 35 in 89 lb 450 lb Paddle Review · Product page

Also in the Jackson range:

Jackson Coosa X Heroes on the Water PackageJackson Coosa X Heroes on the Water PackageJackson TakeTwo Recreational KayakJackson TakeTwo Recreational Kayak

Flex Drive pedal kayaks

These run the Flex Drive Mark IV, a propeller pedal drive with forward and reverse.

Model Length Width Weight Capacity Power Links
Bite FD 11 ft 6 in 35 in 82 lb hull 400 lb Flex Drive Mark IV Review · Product page
Coosa FD 12 ft 7 in 35 in 109 lb hull 450 lb Flex Drive Mark IV Review · Product page
Coosa FD Tournament Angler Package 12 ft 7 in 35 in 107 lb hull 450 lb Flex Drive Mark IV Review · Product page
Big Rig FD 13 ft 3 in 40 in 149 lb with seat and drive 550 lb Flex Drive Mark IV Review · Product page
Knarr FD 13 ft 9 in 37 in 138 lb hull 425 lb Flex Drive Mark IV Review · Product page

Knarr FD vs Bite FD, from my test: the Knarr takes a little more effort to pedal than the Bite FD, but it is stable enough to stand and lean to one side, and it is built for saltwater and big water. If you want a bow motor, the Knarr has a flat bow area made for one like the MotorGuide Xi3.

Comparing pedal drives across brands? See my best pedal kayaks guide.

My Jackson videos

mqdefaultKnarr FD and the new Flex DriveICAST 2022, on the watermqdefaultKnarr FD with a MotorGuide Xi3 bow motorICAST 2022, on the watermqdefaultBig Rig FDHD: paddle, pedal or motorICAST 2018mqdefaultBlue Sky 360 Angler, from Jackson's sister companyICAST 2018

I also have videos in my Bite FD and Coosa FD reviews.

Jackson parts and gear

Seats and seat support, TriTrak kits, stagers, storage and rudder parts for Jackson kayaks.

Jackson FD 3D Rudder KitJackson FD 3D Rudder KitJackson Triple Rod & Paddle Stagers w/ L-BracketsJackson Triple Rod & Paddle Stagers w/ L-BracketsJackson 12″ TriTrak KitJackson 12″ TriTrak KitJackson Multibox and L-BracketsJackson Multibox and L-BracketsJackson 36″ TriTrak KitJackson 36″ TriTrak KitJackson Sweet Cheeks 100Jackson Sweet Cheeks 100Jackson Under Seat Utility BagJackson Under Seat Utility BagJackson Elite Lumbar Seat SupportJackson Elite Lumbar Seat Support

Jackson FAQ

Is the new Jackson Flex Drive better than the old one?

In my experience, yes. The first Flex Drive did not impress me. The redesigned one I tested in the Knarr FD at ICAST 2022 was easy to pedal right away and pushed through weeds well.

Which Jackson kayak is best for big water?

The Knarr FD. It is almost 14 ft long and designed for saltwater and big water, and it was stable enough for me to stand and lean to one side.

Which Jackson is best for a big angler?

The Big Rig FD, rated for 550 lb, with room for bigger anglers or a dog.

Who makes Jackson Kayak?

Jackson Kayak was founded in October 2003 in Rock Island, Tennessee, by Eric "EJ" Jackson and Tony Lunt.

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