Jackson Kayak Bite First Thoughts

looking at the Jackson Bite, a super affordable option to get people on the water in a seriously well thought out kayak!

[@The66Leadfoot]

I love that Jackson addressed the chair setup in 2021. These things are amazing up in the headwaters! Thanks for showing us all these Bite videos Chris! Proud owner of two Bites now. With the chair trimmed all the way forward, the Bite paddles quite nicely. I can lay two rods flat in front of me to keep them out of the trees, and it has a really shallow draft to float over shoals and sunken trees just below the surface. Its super easy to fish from too.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i still have a camo and an earth color that we use pretty regularly cause we love them so much! such an under rated and under appreciated boat that can handle just about anything you can throw at it!!!

[@fiegled]

Thanks for turning me on to this boat!

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

You bet pal! Let's get after em!!!

[@fiegled]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne you betcha!

[@chevyjean1208]

Live the reviews on this jackson ,hopefully I'll be able to get an few years newer one excellent shape ,has a few accessories already put on it ,which, in the long run ,is gonna save me close too 500.00 ,hundred,had id bought a new vibe yellowfin 120 ,Ill be going with the jackson bite ,made in the USA, thank you

[@Patton243]

Old video, but I was looking at getting one of these this year. I don't like the fact there's no internal storage space. Secondly, I'd pay an extra $100 if they actually put non-slip deck pads already in the boat. They have an accessory aftermarket, but I did that once before on a Crescent and it ended up meh.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i rarely use the hatches on the boats that i have that are equipped with them. only on really long or overnight trips for sure. for the most part i like my stuff in dry bags in those tank wells fore and aft. even in my Coosa X, i rarely put things in the hatch.

[@odisdenney690]

They have updated the seat, more comfort

[@jimking2299]

Great, no-nonsense review. That's a nice boat. I also prefer open wells over hatches, which add weight, complexity, awkwardness and cost, and usually aren't perfectly dry anyway. Dry bags don't cost much. Even cheaper, if you want to protect a bunch of small stuff, like your wallet, key fob, phone etc., just seal them in large plastic peanut butter jars in a cheap backpack or stuff sack, which will float because of the air trapped in the jars. Just tether it to keep it with the boat if you flip.

[@doster59]

I was looking for something lighter than my Jackson Big Tuna (which I love), and decided on the Bite. I love this boat. Tracks great, lightweight and plenty of room. Quality kayak that is super stable. Already caught some fish out of it in the north. Can't wait to fish it hard this spring.

[@edsantelli02]

Looks like a perfect deck to fly fish from.

[@jackshoffstall7677]

Hey Chris, the 2021 Bite seems to have a different seat? That is the only thing holding me back on getting this boat. Thanks, Jack

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

I think they went with the more ergonomic one, to me it is more comfortable. I will be buying another for my fleet this fall!

[@TNRVG]

1:23 preach it! New trucks have to many electronics! Trucks are for utility! I think Jackson did good with this kayak.

[@Pete_R63]

Damn straight rant about the pickup trucks. I am right there with you. I prefer manual windows, door locks, and transmission. The more whistles and bells, the more things that can go wrong and the more it costs to fix.

[@jplass6]

Great video and really appreciate the info. Was looking at the bite and the Liska. Still have not decided yet.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i hope to get a side by side video done on both of those soon! hopefully that will help a bit!

[@MrJayt0625]

I'm at that same crossroad myself. Leaning towards the Bite!

[@reformeddaddy]

Same. Selling my wilderness and buying both.

[@w00dsman74]

Great review! I saw the Jackson Bite at dealer event here in Georgia. Love the simple concept. I did not like the seat on this kayak at all. It wasn't comfy for me. I wish Jackson would have just used their standard seat that fits all of the other JK kayaks, instead of making a cheaper seat that only fits the Bite.

[@frankleaney6267]

Love the openness. I want one😊

[@14seantl]

Loving that fireball color scheme

[@OutpourOutdoors]

I usually don’t like rants but he was preaching in the beginning haha awesome video

[@marcusjohnson5052]

I bought a 2021 bite a few months ago after watching your videos and reviews and I really love it. I've heard/read you mention that you replaced the short straps on the seat with cam buckles. Did you use the JK big tuna kit or just aftermarket cam straps cut to size? Appreciate all your videos. They've really helped me put my rig together.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i just used aftermarket cam straps, for some 6 footers and cut the excess off and used a soldering iron to poke holes for the seat bolts to go through. they work great!

[@lukecochran8480]

just bought one of these myself in the macaw color. Really loving the boat. The more simple the better. It does what i need it to. the only issue I have is how would i wire electronics if i wanted to put lights on my bite for night fishing? Im scared to start drilling holes in it lol

[@piesquared1025]

2 cup holders. Well, ok, drinkin 2 beers at a time will work too.

[@vybo8921]

Great stability, weight ratio. The seat is just OK. The deck flexes easily. Tracks OK. Price is good. Buying a new kayak, still deciding. I like the Crescent Lite Tackle and Old Town Topwater 106 as well. Both are 899 though. Be nice to see the hull... Thanks for the overview.

[@JimHickeyFishing]

Totally agree on costs, esp pick-ups, it's are absolutely nuts ... thanks for the great review too!

[@Ozzypup1]

Great video I've been waiting for somebody to do one like this. I'm really hoping to get one of these for this fishing season.

[@michaelbass8265]

Like seeing the handles on the side of the yak too....

[@jackshoffstall7677]

Great review as always Chris! Still rocking the Kilroy, but the Bite looks enticing.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Excellent display & review 👍🏻

[@amyd4626]

Hello, Glad I came across this video. I am just learning to kayak fish with my boyfriend and I was initially looking at the Pelican Sentinel 100x but I was told the Jackson Bite is better quality. Tested it out today and loved it but still unsure which one is better and easy for a beginner. Any suggestions?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Amy, i haven't been in the pelican, but honestly the answer to what is best rests totally with you. If the Bite fits your budget and you were comfortable with it on the water by all means get it. I have 2 in my fleet and really love them. Very stable, great to paddle, good in still or moving water and a ton of room for gear and stuff. I don't think you can go wrong with the Bite if you decide that way. Hope this helps!

[@308remington]

Mr. Funk - thanks for the review! I'm looking forward to your follow-up video. This kayak is high on my list of kayaks to purchase. Can you talk to Jackson and have them add the Liska seat to this platform? I'll pay $50-$100 more for that set-up... just sayin' :)

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Trust me, i am beggin for that as well! It would be an unstoppable force then!

[@TheOutdoorDude]

"If I need more heat in this seat, I'll just eat a can of beans!" Lmao! 😂😂 I like this guy!

[@BottomLineBassin2]

I just ordered mine, it was between this one and the Manta Ray xt12 but there aren't any out there right now.

[@WaitWhat99]

“Ill just eat a can of beans” Im crying 🤣 Love it.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

that alone made me immediately subscribe lmao first time ive seen this guys videos and i love it already i was looking at the jackson bite, too. so this is perfect. thank you.

[@antoniodominik2975]

i realize it is kinda off topic but does anybody know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@juniorjaxon4517]

@Antonio Dominik lately I have been using Flixzone. Just search on google for it :)

[@billyhoward9643]

@Antonio Dominik try Flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

[@JACT1101]

I heard in a livestream that you preferred the Bite over the Yupik. Is there any particular reason? I have pretty much narrowed down my search to those 2.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

I like the simplicity of the Bite and it is simply a great paddling, extremely fishable rig that is stable enough to throw a cast net off of if needed. It is lighter and less expensive as well. It is one of the best all around rigs I have and will probably always have!

[@JACT1101]

​@ChrisFunktheFeralOne Thank you for the reply,I think I will order mine on Monday. It sounds like it's exactly what I am looking for.

[@svolatys]

Good day Chris! I was wondering if you ever tried feel free lure 11.5 and maybe could tell how it compares to Jackson bite regarding speed and tracking? I really like that new open deck design on jackson's bite and leaning to choose it over feel free lure 11.5.

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i have not. best thing is to try and paddle both if you can. i won't steer ya away from the other, but i flat sure think you will be happy with the Bite!

[@firemandanobrien7894]

Great video this was very helpful. We have several kayaks but they are the expedition type by Dagger and Current Design and have been looking for the right kayak for us to get into for small water fishing. This looks like the answer. Who makes the kayak storage rack?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

it is from Malone Racks, they have 2 different models of it but i have been very pleased with this one!

[@yakstreamtv495]

I'm rockn the coosa and love it great review man very informational

[@jackshoffstall7677]

Chris, has this replaced your Kilroy as your "grab and go" boat of choice?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Yes sir, primarily due to price. The Kilroy is hard to beat as far as portability and paddle ability but the Bite is a very handy rig and SEVERAL hundred dollars cheaper. I'd love to have one of all of them, but i can't use but one at a time!!!

[@andrehawk100]

How would this handle class 2 white water?

[@The66Leadfoot]

Just point and shoot, there is very little edging ability due to the Bite's solid initial stability. I would consider the RVR 119 or the Shoalie SF if you plan on running Class II waters.

[@lukecochran8480]

Hey there Chris. I have had my bite for awhile and the 240cm paddle I bought is just barely falling short. Im 5'11. Do you find a 250cm or 260cm paddle to be best for this kayak?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

I use a 250cm and it is about perfect for me!

[@lukecochran8480]

Thanks for the reply! I bought a 260that I'm gonna try out. If it's too long I can always return it

[@michaelmccullough1726]

would this be good for rabids? And shallow creeks? Am looking for a kayak to take with me to devils river. Am also 5' 7" 280LBS

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

yes sir, it handles moving water fine and is relatively light. the big handles would be nice for portaging as well. i have seen pics and videos of the devils, it seems like such a beautiful place!!! enjoy your trip!

[@robertsalyers1351]

$799 ? Can get a canoe with a 45 pound trust for $700

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Thats fine, i used to love canoes. I choose kayaks, and this one is a great value at that price. I do not want to run a trolling motor unless it is on the front of my center console and i never found a canoe as comfortable as a kayak....

[@jimfishman2173]

Will you run for president?

[@chadvanderveen4653]

Chris, great review! I am 6'3" 220 lds, would this kayak work for me? I like the price,and that it is made in usa. thanks chad

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

Sure would! I have plenty of leg room at 5'9" and there is a ton to spare. I have loaded it over 325lbs and it still paddled great. The seat isn't quite as comfy as my other Jackson boats but a small pad helped a ton!

[@chadvanderveen4653]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne thanks for the reply!

[@terryclowers4433]

Have you seen the new Jackson bite angler is it worth the hundred dollars more and will the original Bite still available

[@Peppergat]

What size paddle would you reccomend ? Im about 5'10"

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i love my 250cm. i am 5'9" and it works well for paddling sitting or if i stand up.

[@Peppergat]

@@ChrisFunktheFeralOne excellent . Thank you sir .

[@Army4Runner]

Glad to see another review! Was that a cottonmouth you paddled around?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

sure was! first one i have seen down there, if it would have been warmer, the 2 gators it swam by would have had a snack!!!

[@jamesd7527]

Yep!! The whole body on top of the water is the tell tell sign!

[@Larry77777]

Hey Chris: I have binged watched all the Liska and Bite videos (yours on both have helped tremendously, thank you!!). BACKGROUND: I've been very happy fishing with my 55lb Tarpon 100 for the last 9 years. Of course, I can't stand in it so that's why I'm seriously contemplating the 84lb Liska and 72lb Bite. But I personally only weigh 125lbs and have reached retirement age, so it's a tough decision. (Might instead add DIY pontoons to my Tarpon 100 this summer.)

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

the tarpon is an excellent boat for sure! i paddled a 120 several times and enjoyed it for sure. the older i get, the more i need to stand every once in a while, not just for fishing, but just to straighten my back out a bit or get my knees workin' again!

[@bugtussle7475]

What was the name of your life jacket that you found to be most comfortable?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

The camo one is the astral ronny fisher. It is a very comfortable pfd! The other is my V-Eight, and i wear it when it is very hot out. It has breathing vents that help cool it down. The high back is great in most kayak seats, just not the Bite for me!

[@pongzzr]

How is the bottom? Is there space to mount transducer?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

i sure believe so! that center scupper recess is very large!

[@pongzzr]

Chris Funk, the Feral One thanks for answering

[@justinhendren]

Who paid for the boat?

[@ChrisFunktheFeralOne]

I did. With my hard earned money. Any more questions?

[@tomforward990]

Haha. Rolly up and pushy down. Love it.

[@txlines1209]

HAHAHAHAHAHA HELL YES!!!!!!!