Big Tuna
>> Can be set up as a tandem kayak or solo kayak>> Unique “Tuna Tank” livewell (or dry storage) built in
>> Fantastic stability - perfect for the “big boys” in the solo mode!
The Big Tuna is one of our largest capacity kayaks with the ability to paddle either as a tandem or a solo fishing kayak. It has many different seating positions allowing for traditional tandem positions, ‘facetime’ positions and a good variety of solo positions making it a great platform for fishing of all kinds. Its JK stability, logical accessory positioning, rudder option, and speed make it a serious predator in all water types.
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Big Tuna - Product Description
Product Features
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1 - Ergo Seat
Jackson’s new Ergo Seat is an upgrade with all new 3D breathable mesh fabric, improved lumbar support, strengthened supports for hi-low seating, additional storage spots and compatible with the newer track/hi-low systems being built at JK.
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2 - Tuna Tank
The Tuna Tank is a great multiple purpose accessory. It comes with no pre-drilled holes. If used this way, it is an easily accesible storage tub (not waterproof). If you decide to use it as a bait tank, simply drill a few small holes in the front and back of the tank (drill holes based on the size of the bait). Now water and oxygen will flow freely through it, keeping your bait happy and lively all day. -
3 - FaceTime seating
Front paddler can face rear paddler. Great for parents! -
4 - Hull Design
The Big Tuna is about as stable as standing on the ground. It has a wide base, which is great for tandem kayaking, or standing and fishing. Surprising to most people, the Big Tuna also has plenty of speed and is very maneuverable. It has just the right amount of rocker to turn easily, but not too much to where it is considered loose. It tracks very well, and is really just a blast to paddle. -
5 - Rod Tip Protector
The Rod Tip Protector is a great way to store your rods when they are not in use or if you are paddling through tight areas like mangrove tunnels. By concealing the rod tips, they won't get snagged on brush or weeds, and helps prevent you from accidentally breaking your rod on the water. You're on your own with ceiling fans and car doors. -
6 - RAM Rod holders - RAM Mounts
Each kayak includes 1 RAM ¼-20 X .5” Tough Ball (1.5”) and RAM Jr rod holder. -
7 - 32 oz Nalgene / Central Beverage Holder - Nalgene
Each kayak includes a Nalgene 32 ounce wide mouth water bottle.Made in the USA, our custom Nalgene bottles are decked out with Jackson Kayak logos. -
8 - Ram and GoPro Inserts
There are molded-in inserts located throughout our fishing boats for GoPro and Ram mounts. They have have been placed in locations that are convenient for use and optimal for GoPro footage or fishing accessories via ram mounts. -
9 - Drag Chain Chute
The drag chain is a great way to slow down and fish in moving water. Anyone who has fished a river knows the pain of blowing through a great fishing spot. The drag chain chute allows you to run a drag chain cleanly down your kayak. It keeps it tucked away and free from the rest of your gear. -
10 - Hull Storage
Open hull space that allows for safe storage of fishing rods, camping gear, PFD’s, dry bags, etc.. A great way to keep your gear safe when traveling and generous volume allows you to pack enough gear for expedition paddling.
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11 - Heavy duty seat attachment buckle
Durable and tough attachment that will outlast all the use and abuse you can manage, season after season. Keeps your seat locked in position and makes you feel connected to the kayak. -
12 - Rudder Ready
Comes pre-rigged for easy rudder installation, if it suits your paddling style. -
13 - Paddle holders/stagers
The perfect compliment to the rod stagers. These allow easy stowing of your paddle when you are ready to make that perfect cast, and keeps it from rolling around or blowing away with the wind. -
14 - Flush Mount Rod Holders
Easily reachable rod holders for the rear paddler, super secure for targeting larger fish. -
15 - Day Hatch
The Day Hatch is a great place to keep you essentials safe. It is big enough to store a small packable jacket, and stays dry enough to store your phone, wallet, keys, and most importantly your snacks. The Day Hatch is quickly and easily accessible, so you can get to a camera quickly to capture those once in a lifetime memories. *It is always a great idea to keep your important items in a completely waterproof/floating container* -
16 - Stand-assist strap
A handy strap that is within reach of the seat and that makes standing up and sitting down safe & easy! -
17 - Removable skid plate
We protect the biggest wear area on the kayak with the skid plate. Your keel will last season after season with this smart feature. -
18 - Adjustable foot pegs
Making the boat functional for paddlers of all sizes. The foot pegs adjust easily. -
19 - Ergonomic Handles
NEW Ergonomic Handles with added grip textured inserts help you keep good contact when carrying your kayak, even when wet. Also, there is no fabric to ensure snag-proof days on the water.
I am looking at the Big Tuna and do not see the how much it weighs, please send that info. Can I transport this kayak on my regular canoe rack or do I need a special attachment for the Big Tuna? I am confused about the weigh load limits, I see 500 pounds but then above that number is paddler limits of 300, please explain. I weigh 235 and my son is 205 are we too big to go on the Big Tuna together?
I will look forward to your reply. Paul
Pice and what colors do you have for the big tuna
I have a question: Why does the Big Tuna Kayak have a low rating for river use? I fish the rivers quite a bit and I am considering the Big Tuna. What problems would I have in a river with the Big Tuna? I will look forward to your reply
Clay, Will you guys be bringing back the yak attack addition, specifically that color? I’m ready to buy a Big Tuna but I really want that color, thanks for your consideration!
Bonjour, pouvez-vous m’envoyer cette documentation en langue Française, et une documentation sur les différentes couleurs disponibles
Cordialement
Am I supposed to remove the foam inserts in the hull storage? It seems like they should come out, but they are in there very tight.
Hey guys,
I am considering the Jackson Big Tuna. The only issue I have is the colors offered in 2015. Before I spend almost 2k on a non-propelled kayak I would like to have a color I am happy with. What are my options?
Thanks!
I have noticed that when paddling in tandem with a tail wind or crosswind, that the Big Tuna has a strong tendency to turn 90 degrees from the stern end. No matter how hard we paddle on the same side, the kayak pulls hard and the rear end swings around from the wind.
We tried switching positions, checking the seats, nothing worked. The kayak is supposed to paddle and handle easiest with the wind. The Big Tuna was actually more stable and easier to handle heading directly into the wind. It got to be very frustrating. The wind was pretty steady and hard, but the kayak should absolutely pull straight and true, especially with a tail wind. I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Amazing. Sturdy. Strong. Mines been dropped off the back of a truck doing 35. A couple scratches. Left it on the shore one night, huge storm came in that I wasn’t aware of overnight. The tuna was flipped, washed away and landed on rocks. I recovered it with seats in tact and no damage. You get what you pay for. Buy a tank kayak, get a tank kayak. The KS, Jackson. You have a life long customer that has changed bass boat fishermans thoughts and opinions on kayak fishing. My brother, a huge bass fisherman, now prefers kayak fishing his large mouth bass here in Texas.
I can confirm the comment about sturdy and you get what you pay for. No other kayaks compare to Jackson’s. I waited 2 years to get the Big Tuna and I am very pleased with the 2015 model in the “Dorado” color. I have loaded down the tank with two large adults and tons of camping gear packed in mounds above the kayak (of course I stuffed the hatches with as many small dry bags I could too). I have applied over 525lbs almost each trip and it handles pretty well, speed is good for weight applied, and depending on other boat traffic and wind it tracks ok. For the price a rudder should be included I think (assembly required). Speed is great solo and handles great solo as well. Seats are very comfortable and convenient. Love the feature of the tuna tank but when you want it for storage even when you expect it to get wet, it fills with water completely and slows the boat down more. Even solo the waves splash and fill it with water. Thinking of attaching silicon and plexiglass in the lip at the bottom and maybe drill a hole in plexiglass for drain kit as needed. Im thinking it may add buoyancy but i dont want to lose the feature for when I start doing shrimping with a green light 🙂 and catch my own bait. Drain plug would keep that feature though I think. I would like some input from Jackson’s Architects if they may. Someone else also mentioned a skid plate should be added in front and I agree. I chose this boat for the stability and let me say its stable. I plan to snorkel shallow reefs and scallop with the Big Tuna as well. I also plan to mount a sail on it somehow, any suggestions there? Overall the boat is worth the money and I am a big Jackson Kayak fan! I plan to buy a Cuda 14 when I can.
I was curious if the Big Tuna came with an anhcor trolley set up if I didn’t wand to use the drag chain setup?
I have a beautiful Big Tuna… I absolutely love it. She’s super comfortable, stable and for the most part easy to paddle. But, I have found that for some of these longer trips in and around Tampa Bay, I might need a motor to get where I want to go. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on how to motorize the Big Tuna?
I am looking at the Big Tuna for freediving and fishing around the reefs in the Bahamas. How is the stability getting back on the kayak in deep water?
I purchased a 2018 Big Tuna Thunderstruck and was wondering what actually comes with the purchase besides seats?