Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
Most fishing kayaks are designed for conventional tackle and fly fishing is an afterthought. The Jackson Mayfly flips that.
Most fishing kayaks are designed for conventional tackle and fly fishing is an afterthought. The Jackson Mayfly flips that. Every detail, from the snag-free standing deck to the molded-in fly rod storage, is made for fly anglers. And the Tournament Angler Package bundles it with the gear you need to hit the water ready to fish.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the Mayfly is for
This kayak is for fly anglers, period. If you throw flies in rivers, lakes, flats, or inshore water, the Mayfly solves problems that regular fishing kayaks ignore. It also works for tournament-style bass anglers who want a big stable deck and rod management, which is why some conventional anglers run it too. But the design brief was fly fishing, and it shows.
The fly fishing details that matter
The wide open standing area is completely snag-free, so your line does not catch on deck fittings mid-cast. The one-piece foot brace system includes a line anchor to secure your fly line while you paddle. There is an integrated fly patch for quick access to flies, dedicated storage for nippers, forceps, and tippet, and specialized fly rod storage with molded-in reel pockets that let you store rods forward or reverse. Rod butt props help keep line from tangling. A bow hatch storage bin swallows a fly vest or hip pack for wade fishing days.
Stability and paddling
At 12’8″ long and 35″ wide, the Mayfly is a stable, confidence-inspiring platform for standing and casting. The hull paddles smoothly for a wide boat and tracks well enough for lakes and slow rivers. The Comfort Seat 5.0 gives you hi-lo, trimmable seating with better height, ergonomic knee bend, and improved lower back support over the older seat. The standing pad makes long sessions on your feet comfortable.
Storage and rigging
A large stern well is sized for an Orion 25 cooler. Aluminum gear tracks let you mount accessories or a casting brace. There is a transducer scupper for a fish finder, and a roll-top seat bag for dry items. The deck stays clean and open, which is exactly what you want when line is flying.
For electronics, we recommend the new Accuphy Ping Live Mini live sonar system. It retails for $699. See it here.
The Tournament Angler Package
This package takes the Mayfly and adds the key pieces: a YakAttack 13″ x 16″ BlackPak crate (the gold standard for kayak crate storage, with native rod holder and accessory mounting), a Werner Shuna Hooked 2-piece straight shaft fiberglass paddle with a hook retrieval notch on the blade, and easy-deploy anchor options with no rope coiling or cleat tangles. It is a turn-key setup.
Honest drawbacks
At 89 pounds it is not a featherweight, so car-topping solo takes some muscle. If you are a conventional tackle angler who never throws a fly, some of the fly-specific features are wasted on you and another Jackson hull might fit better. And like any 35-inch-wide boat, it is stable but not fast.
Jackson Mayfly specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 ft 8 in |
| Width | 35 in |
| Weight | 89 lb |
| Capacity | 450 lb |
| Drive type | Paddle |
| Style | Sit-on-top |
| Seat | Comfort Seat 5.0 |
| Activity | Fly fishing |
Frequently asked questions
Jackson Mayfly Fishing Kayak Tournament Angler Package FAQ
Is the Jackson Mayfly only for fly fishing?
It is designed for fly fishing, but the wide stable deck and rod management also appeal to conventional anglers, especially tournament bass fishermen.
Can you stand and cast in the Mayfly?
Yes. The 35-inch hull, snag-free open deck, and standing pad are made for standing and fly casting.
What comes in the Tournament Angler Package?
The package bundles the Mayfly kayak with a YakAttack 13″ x 16″ BlackPak crate, a Werner Shuna Hooked 2-piece fiberglass paddle, and an easy-deploy anchor system.
How heavy is the Mayfly?
89 pounds without the seat. Plan for help or a cart when loading and launching solo.
Where to Buy
If the Jackson Mayfly Fishing Kayak Tournament Angler Package sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Jackson website for the Jackson Mayfly.
Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to the reader. Product availability, pricing, and promo codes can change; verify them before purchasing. Also check out our reviews of the Jackson Coosa FD Fishing Kayak, Jackson Knarr FD Fishing Kayak, Jackson Big Rig FD Fishing Kayak, Jackson Bite Angler Fishing Kayak, and Jackson Bite FD Fishing Kayak.
