So I figured I should post about the ride I’ve been using for kayak fishing this season and one of the reasons my addiction to kayak angling continues to grow.Most of you out there know there has been a huge growth in the sport of kayak angling recently.Kayaks have the ability of gaining access to shallow fishing waters,being stealthy on the water and are easily transported which is why they excel for use in angling.The cost per mile can’t be beat either.
The problem with most fishing kayaks is that they have been designed for recreational use and rigged out for fishing although more and more are being designed for angling everyday.The Jackson Coosa is just such a kayak.
The Coosa was developed for not just angling but for angling on rivers specifically.A point at which I feel it is top in its class .It has been designed with a multitude of angling features.I feel it’s primary feature is its stability and use as a standing platform.Its overall width of 31.5” and hull design make it quite easy to stand on while fishing which is a huge advantage to anglers and a feature I have become addicted to.I have spent large amounts of time floating down the rivers here in Alberta standing while angling and I can tell you nothing feels better than having a hard hook set turn the kayak 180 degrees.
The detachable Hi/Lo seat is another major innovation as you not only have a lower more stable seating position for small rapids and runs you also have a higher position more suited to sight fishing.The ability to remove the seat for shore lunches or camping is another added bonus.The seats comfort can’t be beat on longer days.I’ve used it on mutiple 6-7hr floats with no comfort issues what so ever.The Coosa has been outfitted with 2 rod holders behind the seat,lay down rod holders on the sides as well as rod stagers in the front and paddle holders.
There is also good well thought out tackle storage under the seat.For an 11.5 ft kayak the Coosa’s storage capacity is surprising as well.It has both bow and stern hatches and an as an easy to reach day hatch in front of the seat. I have used this kayak for overnight floats on the bow river with no need for additional storage.
In addition I have have found the stern storage hatch to be a great place to store rods during transport.Keel wear has also been addressed with a removable skid plate which can be replaced when required helping to extend the life of the Cossa.
I have found the Coosa to be an incredible ride this fishing season and the perfect choice for exploring and angling the rivers of Alberta.If there are any drawbacks it is that it has been designed for rivers. Although it excells in river use it’s abilitys on large open water can be limited at times by its lack of speed and the effects wind can have on a higher seating position.As Both are non issues on rivers and with the added ability to stand while angling the Coosa in my opinion is quite possibly the best choice for any freshwater angler who plans on spending the bulk of his/her time on rivers.
That all being said Jackson has seen the need for a big water kayak and have added the Cuda to there line of fishing kayaks.It seems to have a lot of the same features as the Coosa as well as some ingenious additions.I can’t wait to get mine so I can put it through the paces as I did the Coosa.You can never have to many yaks.
Tight lines and Happy Paddling!
Well for a first post, that kicks the crap out of what I have going on..lol. I need Jeff to pop by mine again and give me a few tweeks so that I can add some of the links etc like you have set up here.. looks good brother. Keep up the good work.
Great review, thanks for the post. The Coosa Elite sounds like a great river kayak.
I’ve been fishing from a kayak for about 15 years but after buying a Coosa this summer I’ve had the best experience so far. It’s a great ride! I fish in the ocean for rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and salmon. It’s been a blast. Thanks Jackson Kayak you’ve made a great product. I may have to buy the Cuda too.
Jim
Looks like I should have a Cuda here in early spring.Will write a review on it as soon as I get a chance to take it out a few times.
There’s a terrific amount of knolewdge in this article!
Are you saying the Coosa is a bad choice for lakes and larger waters?
I ask because I have a few large lakes near me, and the Coosa would end up there for sure. Mostly Im into creeks and small ponds, but never say never. I really dont see me owning a fleet of kayaks.
Is it going to be the end of the world if I take a Coosa into more open waters?
By no means is the Coosa a bad choice for larger waters it just may not be the best choice.It comes down to intened use in my opinion.If you plan too spend most of your time on rivers and small bodies of water then it is the perfect choice.If you plan too spend most of your time on large bodies of water or on the ocean than a Cuda would be better suited to your needs.That said I’ve used the Coosa on all types of water last season without any real issue so it’s not the end of the world and the performance it may loose on large bodies of water is more than made up for with it’s performance on rivers.