Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
Jackson calls the Bite FD the go-kart of pedal-driven kayaks, and the name fits. It puts the Flex Drive pedal system on the proven Bite hull at one of the lowest prices in the pedal game.
Jackson calls the Bite FD the go-kart of pedal-driven kayaks, and the name fits. It puts the Flex Drive pedal system on the proven Bite hull at one of the lowest prices in the pedal game. You get hands-free fishing without the heavy price tag of flagship pedal boats.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the Bite FD is for
This kayak is for the angler who wants pedals on a budget. If you fish small lakes, ponds, slow rivers, and inshore saltwater and want to keep your hands free for casting, the Bite FD delivers that for hundreds less than premium pedal kayaks. It is a great first pedal kayak and a smart choice for anglers who fish tight, shallow spots.
It is not for big-water anglers who need speed and heavy-weather handling, or for anyone over the 400-pound capacity who loads the boat with lots of gear.
The Flex Drive Mark IV
The Flex Drive Mark IV is a propeller drive with instant forward and reverse. Its best trick is the auto-retracting lower unit: when the prop hits bottom, it kicks up into a pocket in the hull, which is a lifesaver in shallow creeks and around stumps. The above-water pedal system is sealed in an oil bath, so it stays quiet and needs very little maintenance. When you want to paddle skinny water, the drive pulls out easily.
Stability and standing
The Bite hull is 35 inches wide with a wide open deck, and it is stable enough for most anglers to stand and fish. The deck has fewer molded features than premium Jackson boats, which actually makes it a great blank canvas. Add your own deck pads and it becomes a comfortable standing platform. It is steady when you cast, hook fish, and turn to reach the tankwell.
Comfort Seat and storage
The Comfort Seat 5.0 gives you an elevated, ergonomic perch with good back support and a lower center of gravity for long days. Storage is generous and open: front and rear tank wells with bungee for crates and coolers, two recessed tackle storage areas on each side of the hull, flush-mount rod holders and cup holders on both sides of the seat, and gear tracks for accessories. The stern has a four-hole bolt pattern ready for a Power-Pole or a Torqeedo trolling motor mount if you ever want to add power.
For a GPS trolling motor, we recommend the AutoBoat Smart Head Kit and the new AutoBoat Meridian. Check them out here.
Pedal performance
On the water, the Bite FD is nimble and fun. It turns tight, holds a line under pedal power, and the instant reverse makes boat control around docks and laydowns easy. It is not the fastest pedal kayak, but it is efficient enough to cover a few miles of shoreline without wearing you out. The shallow-water auto-retract means you stop worrying about every stump.
Honest drawbacks
The open-concept deck means fewer built-in gear tracks and less molded storage than the pricier Jackson boats, so you will spend some time rigging it the way you want. At 96 pounds with the seat and drive, it is not light to load. The 400-pound capacity is on the modest side for a pedal kayak, so bigger anglers with heavy loads should do the math. And the wide, short hull is slower than 12-plus-foot pedal kayaks when covering distance.
Jackson Bite FD specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 11 ft 6 in |
| Width | 35 in |
| Weight | 96 lb (with seat and drive) |
| Hull weight (seat and drive removed) | 82 lb |
| Total capacity | 400 lb |
| Drive type | Flex Drive Mark IV pedal drive (forward/reverse) |
| Style | Sit-on-top |
| Seat | Comfort Seat 5.0 |
| Material | Polyethylene |
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a Power-Pole or trolling motor?
Yes. The stern has a four-hole bolt pattern designed for a Power-Pole or a Torqeedo motor mount adapter.
Jackson Bite FD Fishing Kayak FAQ
What happens when the pedal drive hits shallow water?
The Flex Drive Mark IV has an auto-retracting lower unit that kicks up into the hull on impact, protecting the prop in shallow water.
Can you paddle the Bite FD without the drive?
Yes. The drive removes easily, leaving an open deck for paddling skinny water or for simpler transport.
Is the Bite FD stable enough to stand in?
Yes, the 35-inch wide open deck is stable for most anglers to stand and fish, and many owners add deck pads for extra grip.
Where to Buy
If the Jackson Bite FD Fishing Kayak 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 Bite 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, and Jackson Knarr FD Fishing Kayak.
