re: Need advice on yak upgrade

I've fished out of a Pelican Castaway, Native Ultimate 12, and a Jackson Cuda.

For hunting, 10 times out of 10, I would want to be in the Native Ultimate. It is ridiculously stable. The open storage would also be a huge plus for decoys or a dog.

The Cuda is a heavy sonofabitch, but better laid out for fishing situations, especially if you might be taking on waves (in or around a beach). The Cuda is also harder for me to paddle and track than the Native, partially because of its weight. For standing and fishing, both the Native and Cuda are stable enough to do so. The Native is more stable but you're lower to the water. When standing in the Cuda you are probably 8"-12" higher than in the Native, but you act like a damn sail in the wind.

If I were buying a kayak tomorrow to duck hunt out of and fish out of, it would, without a doubt, be the Native Ultimate. If I was buying one just to fish out of, I would take a long, long look at the Jackson Cuda (both sizes).

ETA: For open water fishing, I would stay away from the Coosa. It was designed with river anglers in mind and not open marshes, lakes or the ocean. If all you do it float fish rivers, get the Coosa, if not, the Cuda 14 or Cuda 12.

ETA Part 2: Watch this video from Jackson Kayaks. It is about the Cuda 12, but goes through what type of kayak fisherman would need which of their kayaks. It is very informative for the Jacksons. Now I want a Cuda 12, dammit.

Jackson Kayaks Cuda 12 video