Jackson Liska

Jackson Liska is the successor to the popular Jackson Cuda model. Designed for calm water and great stability, it’s got features that both beginners and seasoned anglers will find appealing.

Size and Weight

Jackson Liska is 12’1″ (365.8 cm) long and 34″ (86.4 cm) wide. It weighs 84 lbs (38 kg) without the seat. The capacity is 400 lbs (181.4 kg), which should be enough for an average-sized adult and some gear.

If you compare Jackson Liska to Jackson Coosa, which is another pared-down model with a comparable price tag (MSRP $1,349 for Coosa and $1,399 for Liska), the Liska is 5 inches longer, 2 inches wider, 19 lbs heavier, and can carry 50 lbs more.

Features

Compared to some higher-end Jackson models, the Liska offers fewer features. However, it has all you need for a successful and stress-free fishing experience.

Starting from the bow, there is a rigid carry handle that now comes standard with all Jackson boats (except those with molded handles). There is also a drain plug that helps remove any water that gets inside the hull.

A large front hatch opens access to the in-hull storage. On the hatch cover, there is a simple bungee paddle park to quickly tuck your paddle blade while changing lures or unhooking a fish.

Next, there is a central console with a hinged storage pod. You can use it to store your fishfinder battery or some tackle. There is a transducer scupper right under it, so you can get a streamlined setup with no hanging cables. On the pod cover, there is a small gear track where you could mount your fish finder, a rod holder, etc. The hatch is also removable if you want more open deck space.

Further back, you’ll see a huge open standing area with some padding to reduce the noise and improve traction. There are adjustable footrests and two gear tracks on the gunnels, and there’s also space for more gear tracks if you need them. Jackson Liska also comes standard with YakAttack’s ever-popular Omega Rod Holder.

Behind the seat, there are two flush-mounted rod holders and a huge tank well that can fit a large cooler (such as Jackson’s Orion 35 cooler), a milk crate, or several dry bags. The tank well has a bungee cord to strap down your gear.

If you need access inside the stern of your boat, you can install a day hatch in the space provided behind the tank well.

Jackson Liska also comes with pre-installed rigging for a drag chain and a Power-Pole Micro shallow water anchor.

Seat

Jackson Liska features the Ergo Hi-Lo seat that is now standard on most of Jackson’s fishing kayaks. It is very comfortable, breathable, and hook-friendly. It has high and low positions. The whole seat platform slides on gear tracks, allowing you to trim the kayak for optimal performance and weight distribution.

Under the seat (especially when it is in the high position), there is a lot of storage space for tackle boxes and other fishing gear. You can also put a Plano box on either side of the seat.

The back of the seat features some Molle webbing, making it compatible with a range of bags and pouches. Jackson Liska comes with a pouch that fits two Plano 3600 boxes.

Performance

Jackson Liska was designed for calm, flat waters. Its low profile helps it perform well in windy conditions but can lead to a wetter ride in waves.

The wide hull offers excellent primary stability, which makes the boat a beginner-friendly, stress-free standing platform. Jackson Liska is not the most agile among Jackson’s kayaks but makes up for it with great tracking and decent speed. The Liska picks up speed fairly quickly and is easy to paddle.

Overall, Jackson Liska is a great choice if you mostly fish rivers, small lakes, shallow flats, and calm inshore bays. It provides great comfort and stability for stand-up fishing in a relatively lightweight and affordable package.

Construction and Materials

Like all Jackson Kayak models, Jackson Liska is rotomolded from high-density polyethylene. Rotomolded boats are known for extreme durability and ease of use. They require very little maintenance.

Warranty

All Jackson kayaks bought in 2020 and after come with a 5-year limited warranty for the hull and components made by Jackson. For full Jackson’s warranty terms, see Jackson’s website at https://www.jacksonadventures.com/warranty/