Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Jackson Coosa FD takes the beloved Coosa river hull and adds Jackson’s Flex Drive Mark IV pedal system. The result is a 12-foot-7-inch pedal kayak that handles lakes, rivers, and even inshore saltwater.
The Jackson Coosa FD takes the beloved Coosa river hull and adds Jackson’s Flex Drive Mark IV pedal system. The result is a 12-foot-7-inch pedal kayak that handles lakes, rivers, and even inshore saltwater. The tournament angler package version comes outfitted for competition, so you can hit the water ready to fish events.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
The Flex Drive is what sets this boat apart. The propeller retracts up into the hull when you hit shallow water or want to beach, which means no more cracked drive units from one careless launch.
Who the Coosa FD Is For
The Coosa FD fits tournament anglers and serious weekend anglers who fish a mix of water: big lakes, rivers, estuaries, and flats. If you want hands free fishing so you can cast, reel, and work a fish while staying on position, a pedal drive earns its keep. If you only fish tiny creeks where a drive would stay up all day, the paddle-only Coosa X saves you money.
Stability and Standing
Built on the Coosa HD hull, the FD is 35 inches wide and famously stable. Standing to sight fish or flip docks is easy, even with the drive deployed, and the included deck pads give your feet grip and quiet your drops. It handles boat wakes and chop better than most pedal kayaks its size. I would fish this boat standing in conditions where I would sit down in narrower kayaks.
Comfort and Seat
Jackson’s high seat frame is one of the most comfortable in kayak fishing, and 2026 models ship with the new Comfort Seat 5.0 for better posture and support. The seat slides fore and aft so you can dial in your pedal stroke, and the hi-lo adjustment lets you sit low for paddling or high for sight fishing. Pedal all day and your back will thank you.
Storage and Rigging
Tournament anglers get what they need here: large front and rear hatches with heavy duty latches, a huge rear tank well that fits a crate or cooler, molded-in rod tip protectors, and gear track running from bow to stern. The bungee-less bow keeps your line from snagging, and pass-throughs make fish finder wiring clean. The four-bolt stern pattern accepts a PowerPole or trolling motor mount if you want to go full battle station.
Pedal Drive Performance
The Flex Drive Mark IV is smooth, quiet, and efficient. Forward and reverse come standard, and the 1:12 gear ratio gives you good speed without burning your legs out. The articulating lower unit lets the prop work in deep or shallow mode, and when you do hit something, the prop folds up into the hull instead of breaking. Pull the drive up with a lever and you have a clear deck for flipping or punching mats. Steering is handled by a simple hand control that you can run left or right handed.
Honest Drawbacks
Weight is real: 107 pounds without the seat, 115 with it, and about 128.5 with the seat and drive installed. You need a trailer, truck bed, or a good cart, and solo roof loading is a workout. The drive also takes up deck space in front of the seat, so the cockpit feels a bit busier than a paddle kayak. Like all prop drives, it will pick up heavy grass, so in thick vegetation you will be paddling or pulling the unit up.
Quick Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12’7″ |
| Width | 35″ |
| Weight | 107 lbs (hull), 128.5 lbs (with seat and drive) |
| Capacity | 450 lbs |
| Drive type | Flex Drive Mark IV pedal drive |
Jackson Coosa FD Fishing Kayak Tournament Angler Package FAQ
What happens when the Flex Drive hits something?
The lower unit articulates and the prop retracts up into the hull, protecting it from damage. Flip a lever and it deploys right back down.
Can you use the Coosa FD without the pedal drive?
Yes. The drive lifts out of the way, and you can paddle it like a normal kayak, which is handy for skinny creeks or thick grass.
Is the Coosa FD good for standing?
Yes. The 35-inch width, stable Coosa hull, and included deck pads make it one of the best standing pedal kayaks you can buy.
How heavy is the Coosa FD?
About 107 pounds bare hull, 115 with the seat, and 128.5 with the seat and drive. Plan on a trailer or cart.
Where to Buy
If the Jackson Coosa FD 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 Coosa FD.
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.
