Wanted to say thanks, Alex. Bought this exact model today. Open deck with everything on top of the deck made it perfect for me. I went back and forth between on pedal vs paddles and decided after decades of paddling...I'm just happy and used to using a paddle. A couple rods and tackle...or adding a fly rod....simple, open, and man...do I love that seat so far! I've done decades on a GCI sitbacker in canoes...but there is just no comparison with these new lawn chair seats! Appreciate your work in these vids. 👍
How did you like it overall? I work with a non profit that clears trees from area rivers. In the course of that, we do alot of scouting. We often times have to portage trees and blockages. Sometimes they are difficult and tricky so I'm looking at a lighter boat than my SS127, big rig, and coosa X. I still want something comfortable and very stable. I need that stability if we are getting out of the boat against a logjam.
@@MysticalDragon73 wow, that sounds like a great thing you're doing- and a lot of fun being on the water to do it. I'll tell you that it's not as easy to portage a yak as a canoe... but you do have a ton of stability in a 10 foot platform here with the Jackson Bite. I see lots of dragging videos with kayaks, so I'm sure they are tough, but I use a cart most of the time. I'd be looking at what I want to bring, how many times you want to get in/off and so on. If I was hauling axes, chainsaws, etc... I might want a Saranac 146 - which is about the same weight and can carry a TON of gear. That's my own personal rough water/rapids river boat with a stadium seat ratchet strapped to the center with a double bladed paddle. It's a beast and about as Indestructible a boat as I've ever seen. It also glides over rocks like its greased. But... the Jackson Bite is super easy on/off and would be fine if it's just you and maybe just an axe you can strap down. It will be a wet ride, but it's a sit on top so that comes with it in rapids or waves. I do love fishing out of my Bite! Never have I felt tippy. The seat is awesome too. It might be a good boat for what you want...in a 10 foot options, it's hard to get more stabil from what I've seen anyway. Best of luck. 👊🛶
@@Motorcyclewindtherapy Thank you. Its hard to beat. Its alot of work but so rewarding. Areas that used to flood dont anymore. The waterways are safe. June 2021 we had a storm go through that downed alot of trees. Paddle for heroes was about to do their 160 mile fundraiser from Mt vernon ohio to Marietta ohio. We got emergency approval to clear the trees. We cleared them on friday. On saturday Paddle for heroes went through safely. It was awesome. ruclips.net/video/UilJIfu-s8c/видео.html I've got the boats for hauling gear with my Big rig HD, SS127 a bit, and soon my coosa X. I just need something lightweight to scout and portage in thats stable. Thats why im looking at the bite now. Especially if I can get one for $700.
I looked at buying this kayak for 2 years they were sold out everywhere, by dumb luck I found a guy selling one right down the road from me like new $700 I didn't hesitate. Love this kayak
Just wanted to say thank you for the great video reviews, especially the on water reviews. Definitely helped me make my choice on getting a Jackson Bite Angler, picking it up tomorrow. If I was in your area (I am in Quebec Canada) I would definitely have given you my business, your family is clearly passionate about paddle kayaking and you have combined that with fishing. I will keep it simple and see as I go what I want to add but the open deck is one of the pluses I really like and want to keep it uncluttered. Keep doing what you are doing it definitely helps. Appreciated
Bought that same one at your shop! had it since May 2020 and have taken it out over 40 times. I’ve hit rocks, scraped the bottom, and beat it up, however, I’ve had no damage. Love this kayak and it would be hard to get in another boat.
This is great to hear Mathew, I have taken it all over central Texas rivers, it's done everything I have asked it to do. San Marcos, Guadalupe, Medina, South Llano and more!
Thank you for the nice overview and explaining the model year updates. My interest is more recreational, but I like the layout/room/utility of these fishing platforms. Key part is to take my 60LBS dog with me, recogonize this as a good fit where he will be comfortable and the platform maintains proper balance? 6'4", 200LBS + dog.
Good information. I would add you have a comparison of the old vs new model in the title or something. Been looking for that information, and I didn't except to find it at the end of this video. Lol.
Seems pretty balanced while your standing on it , how tall and how much do you weight if you don't mind asking? I'm 6'1 and about 240 pounds, I'm thinking of getting my self one makes me nervous if not sturdy, I'd be using it for fishing and hunting
I just bought a 2022 Jackson Bite in the Forest color and really like it so far. But the greens and blues of your 2020 model are fantastic! Is that the Wicked color or a custom color combination?
@@tgcanoesandkayaksHey Alex I love watching your videos. If you could pick one kayak between crescent, bonafide and Jackson what would you recommend. I see you paddle the CK1 and Jackson bite which would you prefer for rivers and shallow rocks etc as well as some use in lakes. We are looking for casual slow rivers or no more than class too. Want to be able to handle them as well. My husband may need something more substantial since he is at 300 lbs and 6 1 idk. Very difficult since no where offers demos or has them around here. I am really torn between CK1 and Jackson bite or the lite tackle. I just don't want to drag all the time. My husband likes the looks of bonafide size wise that may be smarter choice. Thank you for you help. Keep the videos coming
Great review. I had almost decided to buy the perception outlaw 11.5 as my first kayak until I watched your review. This will be my first kayak and will use for recreation and fishing in the Houston / Galveston area - bayous, clear lake and Galveston bay. Is the Bite worth the $ uplift?
Love your videos man, been watching diligently trying to find my first kayak. I was all settled on the Old Town Sportsman 120 (paddle) but the local shops only have the 106 available. Primary use would be for fishing but aiming for the more efficient to paddle kayak when trying to cover a bit more water or doing short overnight camping trips here in Ontario, Canada. I'm 5'10" ~200 lbs. Any thoughts on which would be better based on this - Sportsman 106 or Bite Angler? Thx.
Appreciate the kind words! Absolutely the 120 Sportsman will be more efficient on the open water than the 106. Between the 106 and Jackson Bite, the Bite will perform a little better in the open water imo than the 106. All are great models though, and will handle your size like a dream.
Thank you for the review. Very informative. Have you had a chance to test the Bonafide RS117? I'm wondering how it compares to the Jackson Bite. They are a similar length and weight. I mostly fly fish, so appreciate an open deck (less snags). Thanks!
Yes I have been on the RS117 many times as well. All bonafides are trihull designs, great on flatwater but do take more effort in moving water to turn. The Bite is solid on almost any water type, for flyfishing the open deck is indeed nice 👍
@@tgcanoesandkayaks would you give the nod to the RS117 for stability due to the tri-hull design or are they roughly the same in that regard? Thanks again.
@@jeremydrouin9975 Not necessarily, the Bite achieves its stability by going wider. I would say the further above 250 lbs you get, the more stable the Bite feels.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks @Jeremy Drouin Great questions and feedback as always. Thank you both. I'm 6'2 275 and looking at a smaller lighter boat than my SS127, big rig and coosa X for scouting rivers. We often have to portage nasty logjams, getting out of the boats or reentering them against the jams or slippery banks in deep, sometimes moving water. It certainly sounds like the bite takes the nod for maneuvering in moving water. Especially since I can relate to the bonafides taking more to maneuver. Plus I'm concerned with the bonafide seats as my ss127 HURTS unless i put a pad on it. I've got a new 21 bite angler available for $700 nearby that I might have to look at now. Especially seeing the differences with the older and newer models of the bite. This too was helpful. Alex and Duane, thanks again for giving so much to the community.
I have a Coosa and a Cruise 10. When I go to upgrade what would you suggest on the Jackson side as far as stability, ability to do shallow rapids, and some fishing, while still being price conscious? Also is there a different brand that you think is a better buy with those things in mind? ps. I weigh about 250 lbs so please take that into account.
O, you may take a look at the Bite. It can handle small rapids and is stable. You may look at the Crescent CK1 and the Crescent Lite Tackle as they have a graduated shallow "V" hull, are bulbous in the bow to ride over standing waves, while allowing maneuverability. Keep in mind, none turn like the Coosa.
Jackson bite angler or Jackson Liska. Looking for a well rounded boat for rivers and lakes that I can stand up in comfortably in. Im 5'10 165lbs. I have paddled the Crescent CK1 and loved the way it paddled but was a little sketchy standing up in. Thanks
Howdy Bryan, The Liska was retired from the Jackson kayak lineup about 2 yrs ago. Imo the Bite performs similarly to the Liska in both paddling and standing efficiency. At your size you should feel incredibly comfortable on either kayak. Yeah I agree, I love my ck1 but it is noticeably less stable when standing compared to the Bite or Liska.
Thanks for the review. I've been researching for a couple of months for purchasing a kayak and just came across yours. this model is in my top 2 list. Most of my use will be in still water (20 ac and 400 ac lakes). I'm also a 300# guy. Some reviews I've watch have stated this model is hard to move on the initial paddle from a standstill. What's your opinion? Another stated issue with water coming through the scupper holes. What's your opinion on this? I do understand that load weight will have an effect on this. Thanks, Eddie
You have correct info. I would add that Kayak hull design is the #1 most important factor when buying a kayak. Buy the right hull design and you will have the performance you desire, buy the wrong one and you will never be satisfied. The Jackson Bite wont be the fastest kayak on open water for 2 main reasons. Long and skinny is fast but tippy, short and wide is slow and stable. The longer your kayak the more efficient it will be on the open water via hull speed/tracking/less effected by the wind. The Jackson Bite at 11'6" will not blow your doors off via speed, it is designed to fill a more universal role of rivers/open water. If you want speed seek kayaks 13' ft and longer. Now when it comes to stability that's subjective, coming in at 36" wide it is plenty stable for me and my gear, at around 300 lbs with no standing water in the deck. The Bite has an open deck design therefore does indeed have more scupper holes than traditional designs. My best piece of advice, figure out what you need 80% of the time and buy the kayak that excels at that.
I need somebody to make a decision for me. I'm going to purchase 2 boats. Mostly river, creek ventures, maybe some lake, keeping to the shoreline. Fishing for me always. The second boat will be multipurpose depending on who uses it, i.e. family and friends, or me. I've settled on the CK1 for that. Is there a sufficient reason to go with a Bite Angler over an additional CK1? I fish like I see you in the videos. No special electronics, or fancy gear. Portability, and mobility are my highest priority as I am getting older.
The Bite has more stability overall especially when standing, and more load capacity. The Bite seat sits higher at nearly 7.5" compared to 4" on the CK1. The Bite weighs 74 lbs, the CK1 is 60 lbs without the seat. You + your gear weight is sub 300 the CK1 will be great. 325 range then go for the Bite.
Paddling upstream and floating and fishing back down to the put-in, sometimes shallow rivers. Considering Jackson Bite, and crescent ck1 or lite tackle. I have been using canoes for years and hoping a kayak will be easier upstream. Will one paddle upstream easier, or one drag worse than the others?
@@JasonBuchek-wh1ww ahh nice, you can paddle anything you like. My favorite throw and go would be the CK1, however if you desire to stand up alot in the kayak then go Bite.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks Thank you. That was my initial thought until I saw the Bite, then thought maybe Lite Tackle since it's the same weight as the Bite.
Thanks for the video. For multi day Texas river camping trips with some fishing mixed in, would you rather the Bite Angler, Sportsman 120 or a wilderness kayak like Atak 120? I am looking for best combination of agility, stability, ease of paddling and speed.
These are all great questions, and it might not surprise you, but there is not a perfect answer here. Hull design is everything when we are talking performance. Best agility is the Bite angler no doubt of these three. The Sportsman 120 has good tracking due to the Double U hull but not the agility as the Bite. The best tracking and speed I would say that belongs to the Atak 120, the lack of rocker in the hull wins here. For camping the Bite and Sportsman 120 seats are designed to double as a camp chairs.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks thank you for your reply. I have narrowed it down to bite angler or Liska. What’s your preference between those two? I rarely put anything below deck but have read Liska paddles better. Not sure if that’s true on rivers or just lakes.
@@Outdoorsman222 The liska does indeed have better tracking and speed. I still think the Bite is a little more maneuverable. My dad owns a liska and I own a Bite, you could say we enjoy both models. FYI Jackson will be retiring the Liska in 2022, grab one now if that's what you decide on.
Hopefully you see this being it’s an old video but do the tackle box slots for full size boxes? Better yet do you have a measurement for then length wise? Thanks man great video seriously considering the bite for its open deck.
They are both great kayaks. Personally I think it comes down to if you like the traditional kayak deck of the Sportsman, or the all open deck of the Bite. That seems to be were people decide between the two models.
Chop wouldn't be an issue, at 11'6" you could benefit with a longer kayak for more speed/tracking in the open water, but that is personal preference. Appreciate the positive words!
Yes overall the seat is better, softer with more arm movement. I personally have done 8 + hr trips on our 2020 model and never had any hot spots. It has been great for me.
Are the rectangular indentations on either side of the seat for gear tracks or do they serve some other purpose? They look too shallow to hold flies or lures. Thanks.
That's a good question, I've never used them and couldn't find any info on it either. My best guess, possibly added for rigidity or to lay lures while you swap them out.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks according to a rep at Jackson, the rectangular space on either side is for lure storage. When you purchase a Bite deck kit, it comes with foam pads sized to be placed there. Personally, I'd rather have gear track in that spot. ReplyShare14m
Hey man, great reviews, I love my bite, even if it's the first year, so after a couple of rides, I noticed some water inside the hull,turned it up on its side, seems to be coming out the rivits it the tracks, not a 100 percent, maybe the bungie holes, do you have any idea or heard any flaw, thanks in advance
There were a lot of complaints when the Bite first came out a few years ago about the top bar of the seat being uncomfortable on the back. Did they fix that or is it still less comfortable that the Liska or Coosa?
Yes agreed the 2019 seat was very bad. They completely rebuilt the seat back design before the 2020 model release. Once again for the 2021 models they have continued to take feedback from owners and implemented them.
Absolutely, the Jackson Bite is a great kayak. 11'6" long is a good all around size. At 36" wide it's very stable and can handle a 300 lb working load easily.
Just wanted to say im very happy with the bite I bought a couple weeks back from your shop its a great kayak for what im doin thanks for the help getting everything I needed
@@tgcanoesandkayaks how do you think this would handle with closer to 360lbs, a big dude and his dog? Trying to figure out the best options for duck hunting...
Wanted to say thanks, Alex. Bought this exact model today. Open deck with everything on top of the deck made it perfect for me.
I went back and forth between on pedal vs paddles and decided after decades of paddling...I'm just happy and used to using a paddle.
A couple rods and tackle...or adding a fly rod....simple, open, and man...do I love that seat so far! I've done decades on a GCI sitbacker in canoes...but there is just no comparison with these new lawn chair seats! Appreciate your work in these vids. 👍
How did you like it overall? I work with a non profit that clears trees from area rivers. In the course of that, we do alot of scouting. We often times have to portage trees and blockages. Sometimes they are difficult and tricky so I'm looking at a lighter boat than my SS127, big rig, and coosa X. I still want something comfortable and very stable. I need that stability if we are getting out of the boat against a logjam.
@@MysticalDragon73 wow, that sounds like a great thing you're doing- and a lot of fun being on the water to do it.
I'll tell you that it's not as easy to portage a yak as a canoe... but you do have a ton of stability in a 10 foot platform here with the Jackson Bite.
I see lots of dragging videos with kayaks, so I'm sure they are tough, but I use a cart most of the time.
I'd be looking at what I want to bring, how many times you want to get in/off and so on. If I was hauling axes, chainsaws, etc... I might want a Saranac 146 - which is about the same weight and can carry a TON of gear. That's my own personal rough water/rapids river boat with a stadium seat ratchet strapped to the center with a double bladed paddle. It's a beast and about as Indestructible a boat as I've ever seen. It also glides over rocks like its greased.
But... the Jackson Bite is super easy on/off and would be fine if it's just you and maybe just an axe you can strap down. It will be a wet ride, but it's a sit on top so that comes with it in rapids or waves. I do love fishing out of my Bite! Never have I felt tippy. The seat is awesome too. It might be a good boat for what you want...in a 10 foot options, it's hard to get more stabil from what I've seen anyway. Best of luck. 👊🛶
@@Motorcyclewindtherapy Thank you. Its hard to beat. Its alot of work but so rewarding. Areas that used to flood dont anymore. The waterways are safe. June 2021 we had a storm go through that downed alot of trees. Paddle for heroes was about to do their 160 mile fundraiser from Mt vernon ohio to Marietta ohio. We got emergency approval to clear the trees. We cleared them on friday. On saturday Paddle for heroes went through safely. It was awesome. ruclips.net/video/UilJIfu-s8c/видео.html
I've got the boats for hauling gear with my Big rig HD, SS127 a bit, and soon my coosa X. I just need something lightweight to scout and portage in thats stable. Thats why im looking at the bite now. Especially if I can get one for $700.
I looked at buying this kayak for 2 years they were sold out everywhere, by dumb luck I found a guy selling one right down the road from me like new $700 I didn't hesitate. Love this kayak
Awesome Mike! I still love mine as well ✌
Just wanted to say thank you for the great video reviews, especially the on water reviews. Definitely helped me make my choice on getting a Jackson Bite Angler, picking it up tomorrow. If I was in your area (I am in Quebec Canada) I would definitely have given you my business, your family is clearly passionate about paddle kayaking and you have combined that with fishing. I will keep it simple and see as I go what I want to add but the open deck is one of the pluses I really like and want to keep it uncluttered. Keep doing what you are doing it definitely helps. Appreciated
Greetings from Texas. Super thankful for the kind words Philip. I love the Bite, It's such a great versatile kayak, have fun on your adventures!
Bought that same one at your shop! had it since May 2020 and have taken it out over 40 times. I’ve hit rocks, scraped the bottom, and beat it up, however, I’ve had no damage. Love this kayak and it would be hard to get in another boat.
This is great to hear Mathew, I have taken it all over central Texas rivers, it's done everything I have asked it to do. San Marcos, Guadalupe, Medina, South Llano and more!
Thank you for the nice overview and explaining the model year updates. My interest is more recreational, but I like the layout/room/utility of these fishing platforms. Key part is to take my 60LBS dog with me, recogonize this as a good fit where he will be comfortable and the platform maintains proper balance? 6'4", 200LBS + dog.
Yes 💯 Scott, this would be a great kayak to take your dog out and it has loads of leg length even for 7 footers.
You do great reviews man. Thanks
thanks Ryan 👍
Thanks for the review. The Bite Angler is the main "do all" kayak I'm looking at.
I think it can handle a variety of people and different water types 👍
Great review as usual
Thanks Dan 👍
Good information. I would add you have a comparison of the old vs new model in the title or something. Been looking for that information, and I didn't except to find it at the end of this video. Lol.
Appreciate it Sammy. I'll try and add the info 👍
90 liked here! Looking to get a used one of these! Keep up the good vids!
Hey thanks 👍
Seamless integration my friend. Nice work
Always coming in clutch with the positive vibes my friend!
Pro trick: watch movies on KaldroStream. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies these days.
@Nathanael Harlem Definitely, been using kaldroStream for years myself :D
@Nathanael Harlem yup, have been watching on KaldroStream for years myself :)
Seems pretty balanced while your standing on it , how tall and how much do you weight if you don't mind asking? I'm 6'1 and about 240 pounds, I'm thinking of getting my self one makes me nervous if not sturdy, I'd be using it for fishing and hunting
It's great, I'm 6'2" 270lbs. I can stand with no problems in calm waters.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks sweet!!
I just bought a 2022 Jackson Bite in the Forest color and really like it so far. But the greens and blues of your 2020 model are fantastic! Is that the Wicked color or a custom color combination?
Howdy Jeremy, happy to hear you are enjoying your Bite! Ours is not a custom color, this is the Dorado color.
@@tgcanoesandkayaksHey Alex I love watching your videos. If you could pick one kayak between crescent, bonafide and Jackson what would you recommend. I see you paddle the CK1 and Jackson bite which would you prefer for rivers and shallow rocks etc as well as some use in lakes. We are looking for casual slow rivers or no more than class too. Want to be able to handle them as well. My husband may need something more substantial since he is at 300 lbs and 6 1 idk. Very difficult since no where offers demos or has them around here. I am really torn between CK1 and Jackson bite or the lite tackle. I just don't want to drag all the time. My husband likes the looks of bonafide size wise that may be smarter choice. Thank you for you help. Keep the videos coming
Great review. I had almost decided to buy the perception outlaw 11.5 as my first kayak until I watched your review. This will be my first kayak and will use for recreation and fishing in the Houston / Galveston area - bayous, clear lake and Galveston bay. Is the Bite worth the $ uplift?
imo the paddling experience alone is worth the extra $
Love your videos man, been watching diligently trying to find my first kayak. I was all settled on the Old Town Sportsman 120 (paddle) but the local shops only have the 106 available. Primary use would be for fishing but aiming for the more efficient to paddle kayak when trying to cover a bit more water or doing short overnight camping trips here in Ontario, Canada. I'm 5'10" ~200 lbs.
Any thoughts on which would be better based on this - Sportsman 106 or Bite Angler? Thx.
Appreciate the kind words! Absolutely the 120 Sportsman will be more efficient on the open water than the 106. Between the 106 and Jackson Bite, the Bite will perform a little better in the open water imo than the 106. All are great models though, and will handle your size like a dream.
Thank you for the review. Very informative. Have you had a chance to test the Bonafide RS117? I'm wondering how it compares to the Jackson Bite. They are a similar length and weight. I mostly fly fish, so appreciate an open deck (less snags). Thanks!
Yes I have been on the RS117 many times as well. All bonafides are trihull designs, great on flatwater but do take more effort in moving water to turn. The Bite is solid on almost any water type, for flyfishing the open deck is indeed nice 👍
@@tgcanoesandkayaks would you give the nod to the RS117 for stability due to the tri-hull design or are they roughly the same in that regard? Thanks again.
@@jeremydrouin9975 Not necessarily, the Bite achieves its stability by going wider. I would say the further above 250 lbs you get, the more stable the Bite feels.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks @Jeremy Drouin Great questions and feedback as always. Thank you both. I'm 6'2 275 and looking at a smaller lighter boat than my SS127, big rig and coosa X for scouting rivers. We often have to portage nasty logjams, getting out of the boats or reentering them against the jams or slippery banks in deep, sometimes moving water. It certainly sounds like the bite takes the nod for maneuvering in moving water. Especially since I can relate to the bonafides taking more to maneuver. Plus I'm concerned with the bonafide seats as my ss127 HURTS unless i put a pad on it. I've got a new 21 bite angler available for $700 nearby that I might have to look at now. Especially seeing the differences with the older and newer models of the bite. This too was helpful. Alex and Duane, thanks again for giving so much to the community.
Great review video
thanks 👍
I have a Coosa and a Cruise 10. When I go to upgrade what would you suggest on the Jackson side as far as stability, ability to do shallow rapids, and some fishing, while still being price conscious? Also is there a different brand that you think is a better buy with those things in mind? ps. I weigh about 250 lbs so please take that into account.
O, you may take a look at the Bite. It can handle small rapids and is stable. You may look at the Crescent CK1 and the Crescent Lite Tackle as they have a graduated shallow "V" hull, are bulbous in the bow to ride over standing waves, while allowing maneuverability. Keep in mind, none turn like the Coosa.
@@TGCanoe Thanks, I'll come check out your store when the time comes. I enjoy your videos.
@@TheOrdinaryGamerChannel Lookin' forward to it.
Jackson bite angler or Jackson Liska. Looking for a well rounded boat for rivers and lakes that I can stand up in comfortably in. Im 5'10 165lbs. I have paddled the Crescent CK1 and loved the way it paddled but was a little sketchy standing up in. Thanks
Howdy Bryan, The Liska was retired from the Jackson kayak lineup about 2 yrs ago. Imo the Bite performs similarly to the Liska in both paddling and standing efficiency. At your size you should feel incredibly comfortable on either kayak. Yeah I agree, I love my ck1 but it is noticeably less stable when standing compared to the Bite or Liska.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks ok thank you
Thanks for the review. I've been researching for a couple of months for purchasing a kayak and just came across yours. this model is in my top 2 list. Most of my use will be in still water (20 ac and 400 ac lakes). I'm also a 300# guy. Some reviews I've watch have stated this model is hard to move on the initial paddle from a standstill. What's your opinion? Another stated issue with water coming through the scupper holes. What's your opinion on this? I do understand that load weight will have an effect on this. Thanks, Eddie
You have correct info. I would add that Kayak hull design is the #1 most important factor when buying a kayak. Buy the right hull design and you will have the performance you desire, buy the wrong one and you will never be satisfied. The Jackson Bite wont be the fastest kayak on open water for 2 main reasons. Long and skinny is fast but tippy, short and wide is slow and stable. The longer your kayak the more efficient it will be on the open water via hull speed/tracking/less effected by the wind. The Jackson Bite at 11'6" will not blow your doors off via speed, it is designed to fill a more universal role of rivers/open water. If you want speed seek kayaks 13' ft and longer. Now when it comes to stability that's subjective, coming in at 36" wide it is plenty stable for me and my gear, at around 300 lbs with no standing water in the deck. The Bite has an open deck design therefore does indeed have more scupper holes than traditional designs. My best piece of advice, figure out what you need 80% of the time and buy the kayak that excels at that.
I need somebody to make a decision for me. I'm going to purchase 2 boats. Mostly river, creek ventures, maybe some lake, keeping to the shoreline. Fishing for me always. The second boat will be multipurpose depending on who uses it, i.e. family and friends, or me. I've settled on the CK1 for that. Is there a sufficient reason to go with a Bite Angler over an additional CK1? I fish like I see you in the videos. No special electronics, or fancy gear. Portability, and mobility are my highest priority as I am getting older.
The Bite has more stability overall especially when standing, and more load capacity. The Bite seat sits higher at nearly 7.5" compared to 4" on the CK1. The Bite weighs 74 lbs, the CK1 is 60 lbs without the seat. You + your gear weight is sub 300 the CK1 will be great. 325 range then go for the Bite.
Paddling upstream and floating and fishing back down to the put-in, sometimes shallow rivers. Considering Jackson Bite, and crescent ck1 or lite tackle. I have been using canoes for years and hoping a kayak will be easier upstream. Will one paddle upstream easier, or one drag worse than the others?
You will enjoy a kayak for doing that, It's basically how I live my life. First off, how much do you weigh?
@@tgcanoesandkayaks I'm 6'3 and 190lbs.
@@JasonBuchek-wh1ww ahh nice, you can paddle anything you like. My favorite throw and go would be the CK1, however if you desire to stand up alot in the kayak then go Bite.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks Thank you. That was my initial thought until I saw the Bite, then thought maybe Lite Tackle since it's the same weight as the Bite.
Thanks for the video. For multi day Texas river camping trips with some fishing mixed in, would you rather the Bite Angler, Sportsman 120 or a wilderness kayak like Atak 120? I am looking for best combination of agility, stability, ease of paddling and speed.
These are all great questions, and it might not surprise you, but there is not a perfect answer here. Hull design is everything when we are talking performance. Best agility is the Bite angler no doubt of these three. The Sportsman 120 has good tracking due to the Double U hull but not the agility as the Bite. The best tracking and speed I would say that belongs to the Atak 120, the lack of rocker in the hull wins here. For camping the Bite and Sportsman 120 seats are designed to double as a camp chairs.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks thank you for your reply. I have narrowed it down to bite angler or Liska. What’s your preference between those two? I rarely put anything below deck but have read Liska paddles better. Not sure if that’s true on rivers or just lakes.
@@Outdoorsman222 The liska does indeed have better tracking and speed. I still think the Bite is a little more maneuverable. My dad owns a liska and I own a Bite, you could say we enjoy both models. FYI Jackson will be retiring the Liska in 2022, grab one now if that's what you decide on.
Great review!
Thank you 👍
Hopefully you see this being it’s an old video but do the tackle box slots for full size boxes? Better yet do you have a measurement for then length wise? Thanks man great video seriously considering the bite for its open deck.
Plano 3600 series or anything 11" inches and under
Great review, is there an option/upgrade to where you can add some sort of padding to the deck area?
Yes absolutely, Jackson sells a deck kit on their website.
Would you chose this over the sportsman 120? Planning on fishing the small salt waters of Charleston, SC where redfish play.
They are both great kayaks. Personally I think it comes down to if you like the traditional kayak deck of the Sportsman, or the all open deck of the Bite. That seems to be were people decide between the two models.
How does this kayak perform in a choppy inshore saltwater scenario? I enjoyed the video!
Chop wouldn't be an issue, at 11'6" you could benefit with a longer kayak for more speed/tracking in the open water, but that is personal preference. Appreciate the positive words!
Good review, is the seat more comfortable now, I sat in a 2020 model and you could feel the bar of the seat more ?
Yes overall the seat is better, softer with more arm movement. I personally have done 8 + hr trips on our 2020 model and never had any hot spots. It has been great for me.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks Thankyou for replying 😀
Are the rectangular indentations on either side of the seat for gear tracks or do they serve some other purpose? They look too shallow to hold flies or lures. Thanks.
That's a good question, I've never used them and couldn't find any info on it either. My best guess, possibly added for rigidity or to lay lures while you swap them out.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks according to a rep at Jackson, the rectangular space on either side is for lure storage. When you purchase a Bite deck kit, it comes with foam pads sized to be placed there. Personally, I'd rather have gear track in that spot.
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How’s the bite compare to nucanoe flint or bonafide rs117
More stability, more open deck space, better river runner
@@tgcanoesandkayaks the bite is the best of the 3? It is the cheapest in my area.
Hey man, great reviews, I love my bite, even if it's the first year, so after a couple of rides, I noticed some water inside the hull,turned it up on its side, seems to be coming out the rivits it the tracks, not a 100 percent, maybe the bungie holes, do you have any idea or heard any flaw, thanks in advance
if its a first generation Bite, water can enter through the stern bungee holes. Jackson has since changed the design on newer models.
There were a lot of complaints when the Bite first came out a few years ago about the top bar of the seat being uncomfortable on the back. Did they fix that or is it still less comfortable that the Liska or Coosa?
Yes agreed the 2019 seat was very bad. They completely rebuilt the seat back design before the 2020 model release. Once again for the 2021 models they have continued to take feedback from owners and implemented them.
I’m glad to hear that. The seat was the main reason I went with the Liska over the Bite that year.
@@corywilson3724 At that point in time I would have done the same, Liska all day!
Would be the perfect kayak if they would have put a front hatch for hull access like on the Coosa.
Im 5ft 9 in 225lb would this b a good first kayak for me im tired of fishing from the bank
Absolutely, the Jackson Bite is a great kayak. 11'6" long is a good all around size. At 36" wide it's very stable and can handle a 300 lb working load easily.
Just wanted to say im very happy with the bite I bought a couple weeks back from your shop its a great kayak for what im doin thanks for the help getting everything I needed
@@marcusgreen6331 Happy to help out Marcus, enjoy your time on the water.
@@tgcanoesandkayaks how do you think this would handle with closer to 360lbs, a big dude and his dog? Trying to figure out the best options for duck hunting...
@@BigBADSTUFF69 I personally wouldn't push it to that capacity
So what are the 2 scupper holes in the middle for?
Transducer mount
What size plano boxes fit this kayak?
Hey John, the 3600 slides right in.