Jackson Mayfly Kayak
I have been researching kayaks to purchase so I can take advantage of fishing the many small creeks and rivers in Alabama. I wanted one to primarily use for fly fishing. As I started looking at these boats there were a few things I did not like about many of them. First, many kayaks have a lot of things to get the fly line caught and snagged in. For instance, the foot pegs on most boats are right in the area that I saw myself stripping line into and saw that as a potential problem. Also, all of the rod holders we fine for baitcasting and spinning rods, however did not accommodate fly rods. The other feature I was looking for is a boat that was stable enough to be able to stand and cast.
I headed down to our local fly shop, Deep South Outfitters, in Birmingham with the idea of checking out the Jackson Coosa model and while there stumbled across the Mayfly model also made by Jackson. This boat is designed for fly fishing and I could tell it had been well thought out. First of all the way the foot peg is situated is entirely different than any other boat I have looked at and it is designed to be snag free. There are rod holders with tip protectors in the boat that are specially designed to accommodate fly rods and reels. The tackle storage area is also designed to hold standard size fly boxes and are designed for easy access. The other feature I like is that there are several convenient places where they have placed “fly patches” where you can easily stow flies as you change out different patterns. At hip level by the seat you will find two eyelets for tippet spool holders. Further back, there are two more gear tracks near the seat that can be used for cupholders or rod swivel holders. The Mayfly comes with an Omega Rod Holder that mounts into any of the gear tracks throughout the boat. Additionally, there are two flush-mount rod holders that are perfect for fly net handles or traditional spinning rods. There is also a rod butt prop right under the front handle that you can put your rod butt there to work on a tangle in the line or to change patterns. Another feature is that there are a lot of built in gear rails where you can attach accessories. For instance, where the foot rest is located there is a rail where a lean bar can easily be installed to allow for a place to lean while casting. The footrest also is hollow and is made so that you can store a fish finder battery and cables inside. You can put a fish finder on top, mounted on one of the gear rails and run a cable to a transducer scupper underneath that provides a system with no hanging cables! The Mayfly comes with a Hypalon paddle park on top of the front hatch that is less prone to catching hooks than a bungee cord and right beside the seat there are bungee-secured paddle holders on each side. On the stern there is a port for a Power pole Micro anchor.
The boat is on the larger side and is 12’8 long and 35” wide. It weighs 89 pounds without the seat. I have no problem loading it in the back of my pickup with the toolbox. I did buy an extender bar that fits into my trailer hitch to give some extra support; however it would haul fine without it. Getting it in and out of the water is manageable by yourself; if you must take it any distance, I would recommend getting a kayak cart. The maximum capacity is 450 pounds.
The May-Fly features a removable frame seat with high and low positions. To change positions only requires pulling of two pins. You can also remove the seat and replace it with an Orion 25 cooler and there is plenty of room for a cooler behind the seat if you leave it installed. The seat is adjustable and has a Therm-a-Rest lumbar support. On the back of the seat there is a waterproof pouch.
The Jackson Mayfly offers a lot of storage options. There is a large hinged hatch on the bow and stern with rotating latches. There is a hanging plastic bin in the bow compartment for smaller items. There is also a sliding tray for holding fly boxes and other gear that slides on a track under the seat and there is bungee secured storage behind the seat perfect for holding a cooler, rods and other gear.
The boat is amazingly stable and has nice decking on the bottom of the boat that provides comfortable footing and keeps it quite as you are approaching fish. As big as it is it is quite nimble and sits nicely in shallow water. It has a low profile that makes it less susceptible to wind. Being shallow, the kayak still has a pronounced keel, which helps it track nicely.
I have had it out a few times since I purchased it. It paddles and tracks easily, is very stable for standing and I enjoy all the features that make it more convenient to fish from especially as a fly fisherman. Out of all the kayaks I have researched, this one in my opinion is the best option for a good all-around fly-fishing boat that can be used in salt water, rivers and ponds. The only downside for me is that the boat is a little heavy and big for trying to drag in and out of the truck and to the river by myself, although it is manageable. If you have another person along with you it is no problem at all. Overall, I highly recommend this product.
