2017 Jackson Big Rig Review
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2017 11:01 am
First, my primary fishing kayak has been a Native Slayer Propel 10, a small but great pedaler. When we moved and built on Lake Athens in Texas, the issue at hand was the incredible amount of lake vegetation. I'd need a paddler, too. I started with a Jackson Cuda LT, 57 or so pounds but I had an issue with it, warranty provided me with a swap so I chose to go to a Big Rig. Yes, I gave up the lightness, that is for certain.
A Big Rig is very close to being outfitted and ready to go fishing right off the showroom floor. It has:
1) a stand-up bar with a paddle cradle;
2) a stand assist strap;
3) one movable rod holder, two on either side just behind the seat;
4) mounting tracks on each side of the cockpit, in its center, and in the tankwell area;
5) dedicated "through the hull" routes to snake your anchor line and also for rudder cables;
6) built in 1/4" 20 bolt holes for a Zig Zag Cleat and another for miscellaneous;
7) a large "hole" in the stern with a groove built in running back to it for anchor line to an anchor chain;
8) Pre-designed slot for a Micro Power Pole, if wanted;
9) Molded in areas on each side of the seat for large (3600 at least) Plano tackle boxes;
10) A horizontal rod holder area with tip protector guards on each side of the vessel;
11) Two hatches: the bow hatch is big enough to hold at least eight 7 ft. rods; a stern hatch for miscellaneous gear;
12) A seat with two height positions and it has a "back pack" storage device hanging off the rear of it.
I'll stop at a dozen "fishing specific" standard pieces of equipment. For the finesse crowd, you could grab 2 or 3 rods, an anchor chain and a couple of Plano boxes . . . and never add another after-market item.
Performance-wise, the upside is 13'2" and 37 or 38" in width (I see both numbers claimed). It'd be hard to fall out of. It is likely one of the top kayaks for standing and fishing. It tracks very well without a rudder. 99 lbs. with its seat. Not light but great over a C-Tug cart for an easy roll.
The downside? That stability comes at a cost in speed and acceleration. I'd say 2.5 to 3 mph at an average pace, probably 4+ mph in a sprint. Most fishing kayaks split the difference between speed and stability on the "speed/stability" continuum. As a few go more directly to the speed side, the Big Rig goes more directly for stability. It'd likely be about as stable as a Hobie PA 14 as it shares similar size metrics.
I think for the size and quality of the kayak, that, and all of the built in accessories, that it is a bargain at a retail price of $1699. This would also be a good kayak for anyone who wants to mount a trolling motor.
Best usage ideas? Lakes, small and medium sized for sure, slow moving rivers, ponds, inshore.
Hope this helps someone!
Brad
A Big Rig is very close to being outfitted and ready to go fishing right off the showroom floor. It has:
1) a stand-up bar with a paddle cradle;
2) a stand assist strap;
3) one movable rod holder, two on either side just behind the seat;
4) mounting tracks on each side of the cockpit, in its center, and in the tankwell area;
5) dedicated "through the hull" routes to snake your anchor line and also for rudder cables;
6) built in 1/4" 20 bolt holes for a Zig Zag Cleat and another for miscellaneous;
7) a large "hole" in the stern with a groove built in running back to it for anchor line to an anchor chain;
8) Pre-designed slot for a Micro Power Pole, if wanted;
9) Molded in areas on each side of the seat for large (3600 at least) Plano tackle boxes;
10) A horizontal rod holder area with tip protector guards on each side of the vessel;
11) Two hatches: the bow hatch is big enough to hold at least eight 7 ft. rods; a stern hatch for miscellaneous gear;
12) A seat with two height positions and it has a "back pack" storage device hanging off the rear of it.
I'll stop at a dozen "fishing specific" standard pieces of equipment. For the finesse crowd, you could grab 2 or 3 rods, an anchor chain and a couple of Plano boxes . . . and never add another after-market item.
Performance-wise, the upside is 13'2" and 37 or 38" in width (I see both numbers claimed). It'd be hard to fall out of. It is likely one of the top kayaks for standing and fishing. It tracks very well without a rudder. 99 lbs. with its seat. Not light but great over a C-Tug cart for an easy roll.
The downside? That stability comes at a cost in speed and acceleration. I'd say 2.5 to 3 mph at an average pace, probably 4+ mph in a sprint. Most fishing kayaks split the difference between speed and stability on the "speed/stability" continuum. As a few go more directly to the speed side, the Big Rig goes more directly for stability. It'd likely be about as stable as a Hobie PA 14 as it shares similar size metrics.
I think for the size and quality of the kayak, that, and all of the built in accessories, that it is a bargain at a retail price of $1699. This would also be a good kayak for anyone who wants to mount a trolling motor.
Best usage ideas? Lakes, small and medium sized for sure, slow moving rivers, ponds, inshore.
Hope this helps someone!
Brad