Coosa HD vs A.T.A.K. 120

[j lee]

Hope to demo both in the next few weeks. Have a dealer that carries Wilderness Systems and Jackson Kayaks about 15 minutes from the house. Feel I should lean to the WS because they are HQ'd close by and feel like I should support them but really like the Coosa just on looks and features alone. Anyone already been in both? Where I live, would be a combo of river and lake fishing. May at some point take to SC coast for inshore but don't really have any interest in deep water off/near shore. Girlfriend wants a recreation kayak so would be doing that with her too.

 

[mcnerney]

James

I know nothing about kayaks, but just wanted to pass on this review of the Jackson brand that was on Gink and Gasoline:

http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/gear_reviews/the-new-jackson-mayfly-kayak/

 

[Matt4.0]

I think it was Jackson, but could be wrong, has a new yak out designed specifically for fly fishing.

Edit: here it is:
http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/mayfly/

Edit again, Larry's post is actually about the same model, beat me to it!

 

[j lee]

Thank you.

Jackson's seem really nice. Did not notice the Mayfly but Wow!

Taking the girlfriend to Asheville to maybe float the French Broad this weekend in some rentals. Going to be extra hot Saturday so maybe I can talk her into postponing.

Still feel a little guilty not giving the WS more consideration. I did demo a standard Cuda, Coosa and the Wilderness Ride a year or 2 back at a local demo day. Fell in love with the Jacksons but didn't buy one at the time.

 

[j lee]

Stopped and looked at the ATAK and Mayfly on the way home today. Both have good features but the Mayfly, although heavier, really had my attention. Dealer has demo available every Wednesday night just a few miles from me on a local lake so hope to get in both soon.

 

[amears]

Check out the Jackson Cuda HD too. I have done a good bit of research on this lately thinking I'm ready to buy. I think the Cuda HD and the Mayfly are the two best for fly fishing - everything but open salt water. I'm coming to the conclusion that the Cuda HD may be the better choice. Size and weight are about the same, but I think the Cuda HD is a little more flexible - a little more suited to more diverse uses.

 

[clay tonian]

I've had a Coosa for about 4 years. Very comfortable seat that lets me fish longer than I can in other yaks. It's built to fish rivers and likes to nose into eddies. That's a good thing. The only thing I don't like about it is it tends to flip at the worst possible time. I think they call it "secondary stability", or some such. Don't get sideways in current. My Malibu is much more stable. Standing is a non-issue...I'm too big for that.

 

[center12]

Have demo'd both and choose the coosa hd. Felt it was more maneuverable and being able to adjust the seat location was a big plus. I fish a lot of kayak bass tournaments and use a Hobie PA14 for that, but for everything but bigger open water I use the coosa.

 

[big flounder]

I can't speak for the ATAK 120, but have owned and/or fished from several of the models from Jackson Kayak. Three of my favorites to fish from are the Mayfly, Coosa HD and the Kilroy. Right now I have a Kilroy and Mayfly in my garage. I like the Kilroy for fishing swift rivers or rivers with lots of bends or downfalls to maneuver around. For slower and more open rivers, saltwater flats, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, etc I love the Mayfly. That thing is SUPER stable and designed with the fly angler in mind.

https://flic.kr/p/22UZsgdhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/157931854@N07/

https://flic.kr/p/23WVhE5https://www.flickr.com/photos/157931854@N07/