Thursday, December 15, 2016

Gear: The Mayfly Kayak - Optimized for Fly Fishing.


Jackson Kayak Designs recently announced production of the Mayfly.  The Mayfly is a kayak optimized for the fly fisher.

From their press release:

This kayak will feature some great new fly fishing specific accessories and features like fly patches, fly rod and hidden fly box sized storage.
Kayak anglers will appreciate these MayFly features:
  • Thoughtful design to aid in fly line management
  • Longer length – 12’6” for increased speed and tracking
  • Versatile hull design for flat and calm moving water fishing environments
  • Increased width – 34” for enhanced stability while seated and standing, beginner-friendly
  • New Elite Seat System with Hi-Low and Fore-Aft trimming for better comfort
  • Rod tip tubes to protect gear
  • New hinging hatches and footrest designed to be fly line friendly
  • YakAttack track systems to add accessories and customize placement within reach
  • Standing pad for comfort when sight fishing
  • Standard accessories like RAM Mounts® fishing rod
  • Designed to easily add on Power-Pole® accessories for customization


“Kayak fishing had matured to a point where there’s a kayak made specifically for nearly every fishing style and body of water – except fly fishing,” explained Jackson Kayak Brand Manager Damon Bungard. “There’s always something that got in the way. That time is over. As the specialty leader, we felt it was time to make a no-compromise fly fishing kayak with the features and performance demanded by both beginner and dedicated fly anglers. We’ve come up with a hull optimized to perform in still-water and in-shore conditions, prioritized stability for standing and casting and developed features focused on fly line management – like a snag-free footrest and hidden fly box compartments. The MayFly represents years of real-world experience kayak fly fishing all over the world, and says that yes, you too, may fly fish from a kayak.”

Jackson Kayak is located in Sparta, TN (near newly returned home, FlyfishMagazine contributor, Jay Moore) and the Caney Fork River where we all enjoy wetting a line.  

The Mayfly will be available in 2017 with a MSRP of $1,799

1 comment:

Leonardo said...

Interesting.

Do you happen to know is this mayfly kayak really the first fly fishing optimized kayak or are there other kayak brands producing fly fishing models, but they are just not that good?

Kayak fly fishing is something I have not heard much about, and to be honest I do not really see need for it. I think paddling around ruins the fly fishing experience.