Jackson Bite Angler

Jackson Bite Angler is Jackson Kayak’s most affordable fishing kayak and a strong player in the sub-$1,000 niche. It could be all you ever need from a fishing kayak or a great way to learn what you need and move on to more advanced models.

The kayak features an open-concept deck with no central consoles or hatches, so nothing gets in your way when you stand up to fish. Two gear racks let you install anything from rod holders to camera mounts or a fish finder. There are two flush-mount rod holders behind the seat and four molded-in indentations for rods on the bow if you need to put your rods right on the deck.

The Bite has a frame seat with extra padding and security clips. The seat does not have high and low positions but you can move it fore and aft to trim the boat the way you like it. It is also removable. On the back of the seat, Jackson added some Molle webbing for pouches and accessories.

The Bite offers four tackle box storage spots, two at knee level and two at the hip level. These accommodate standard Plano 3600 boxes. You also have two bottle holders and a convenient bungee-secured paddle holder on each side.

Take all your gear with you! The Bite’s two huge open tank wells in the front and in the back, both equipped with bungee cords, are ideal for milk crates, coolers, dry bags, and anything you might want to bring along on a fishing or exploration adventure.

Note that Jackson Kayak’s website lists two models, the Bite Rec without the rod holders and the Bite Angler with the flush-mount rod holders. Most retailers actually have the Angler version that they call Bite, but it’s worth checking if the kayak you’re buying has the rod holders.

Don’t feel like paddling? There is also a pedal-driven model called Jackson Bite FD.