The Jackson Kayak Yupik was introduced in 2018 and made it into full production in 2019 for the 2020 model season. Received the kayak in May 2020. Was skeptical about the design since having mostly owned traditional paddling Jackson Kayak models in the past. However wanted to keep with a lighter weight in terms of sit on top kayaks with stability but really liked the customizable options due the the amount of gear track included stock from the factory. With a MSRP of $1,299 USD it is a great starter kayak!

Carrying Handles

The molded in bow & stern handles are actually much more comfortable than the old style bolt on ones! Much more ergonomic and larger diameter for more grip! Nice design!

Open deck

The open deck design is really nice! If you are a fly angler or just don’t like clutter in front of you the Yupik has this covered! The front dug out canoe style offers space for your dry bags with slots under the gear track makes it easy to cam strap and secure your gear in place.

Seating

The Elite Seat 3.0 (Discontinued) and on 2021-Current models Comfort Seat 4.0 give you all day comfort with its wide seat cushion and ergonomic seat back. The new Comfort Seat also features the Molle panel on the seat back to customize seat back storage from hydration systems to tackle storage to emergency kits.

The seat pan offers a high/low position and also slides the length of the kayak enhancing the ability to trim out the entire kayak or just to make more space to bring along a child or your favorite pet! The footbrace pegs are also track mounted and slide along with the seat for maximum comfort to generate an efficient paddle stroke.

Gear Track System

The Yupik includes factory installed gear track from bow to stern! This allows adding accessories a breeze! Any track mount accessory can be mounted on the track making you Yupik completely customizable to your specifications! Full Length Gear Track on the right and left side and a center track extends from the edge of the Scooped bow to the stern of the tank well.

Storage

Although the Yupik does not feature hatches for internal storage the deck is well configured for your tackle management. There are 4 seat side tackle stagers molded into the hull. This allows Plano 3460 style tackle boxes to be seated here for quick access! Also 2 areas to stow your cell phone at hand.

The seat pan also allows for additional storage. From tackle boxes to small dry bags.

The rear tankwell area is extremely large. It can easily hold a milk crate or up to a 35 QT Orion Cooler! The tankwell area also includes the Strap down gear track system for cam strapping additional gear down.

Stern

At the stern you will find a securable molded in battery recess if you add on a trolling motor. Also included is a (4) molded 1/4-20 threaded inserts for the addition of a Powerpole Micro Anchor or Torqeedo Motor accessory! The drain plug is located on the rear left side.

Hull

The hull has a total of (11) structural scupper holes for draining the deck and keeping it structurally sound for holding weight. Two of the scuppers are recessed in the hull to accept small to medium fish finder transducers. Also included is a replaceable skid plate to enable saving scraping the keel on boat ramps and pavement.

Yupik Hull

Accessories

The Yupik includes a Yakattack Omega Rod Holder, Stand Up assist strap, Long Load Red Flag, & a 5: Jackson Kayak Sticker with new kayak purchase.

Specs

  • Length: 12′ 2″
  • Width: 35″
  • Height 12″
  • Capacity: 425 lbs Total
  • Weight: 90 lbs

Review:

The overall quality of the Jackson Kayak Yupik is satisfactory! As always Jackson made in the USA offers a top quality fishing kayak! The overall appearance of the kayak is sleek and modern but with that authentic dug out canoe look of hand made kayaks of the indigenous people many years ago. The 2021 model is offered in 3 factory colors. Earth (Blue Lime & White) Forest (Olive Tan & Black) and Rock & Rockfish (Red Gray & Black).

I feel the kayak paddles with ease which is amazing for a 35″ wide hull. It turns simply with a J paddle stroke. Stability is top notch you can stand on this boat like you would on a floating dock. Stand up paddling is simple also. It is a fast hull for its dimensions and design. Can handle fast moving water such as rivers and excels in back bay/large lakes.

The Comfort Seat 4.0 is incredibly comfortable from sitting all day moving to standing position and ease of sitting back in the seat. The low position allows for less fatigue paddling long distance and to add power to your stroke. The high position allows the ease of standing. A 250 cm – 260 cm paddle is recommended for the width of the boat in the high or low position.

Fully customizable due to its ample amount of included gear track the Yupik can be grown into. From beginners to advanced kayak anglers platform is multi use can be accessorized to fit you. I personally use the Yupik for many outdoor activities. From fishing to photography and yes even kayak camping trips!

The Jackson Kayak Yupik has grown on me!

Hello to my readers and fans! My apologies as it has been quite some time since I have posted on www.theplastichull.net. Unfortunately work life got in the way of hobbies and fun and turned into work seven days a week. During the “pandemic” I worked more than ever within my drafting and design business along with working at Delaware Paddlesports part time. Although work is a part of life, I am eager to get back to kayak fishing, rigging and, posting articles. I have missed this over the past two and a half years.

I am fortunately still a pro staffer for Jackson Kayak. 2022 is my 11th year on the fishing team and I really enjoy being apart of their family! Also have continued to support Bending Branches, Torqeedo Fishing, and YakAttack over the years.

Jackson Kayak Yupik

2020 A Tough Year

In the little spare time allotted I did attempt kayak fishing for a few hours and any chance I have a hour so I indulge in my Photography. 2020 wasn’t a fishing year at all. The Jackson Kayak Yupik was also introduced and I took the opportunity to get back on a sit on top from fishing a 2017 Kilory LT the past 3 years.

I did embark on a camping trip to Janes Island in Maryland however never had much luck with the fish cooperating there. It also rained most of the trip but still nice to get away for a weekend.

With most saltwater tournaments cancelled was only able to join my traveling fishing crew in October. What was once the Cape May Jamboree is now just a few guys that get together just to fish and have fun. Of course there’s always bragging rights and jokes!

Cape May Harbor Fishing Kayaks and Fishing Ships

2020 Photography

Participated in two Photography Contests and Placed in both! One was for the Delaware Estuary Partnership. I won Third Place. The other was my first attempt at a submission to Delaware Beach Life. A local prestigious life style and culture magazine. Surprisingly I placed 1st and 2nd in the Landscape Category out of 3 submissions!

2021 was a bit better

Kayak Fishing Florida

Took one of the longest trips with my kayak to Florida! Was able to enjoy kayak fishing the West Coast and to meet up with fellow anglers that had relocated to the area! Was able to manage some nice puppy drum and speckled trout while enjoying some beautiful weather in March! The trip didn’t end in Florida. Did some camping at Okefenokee Swamp. Exploring the swamp lead to some unique photograph opportunities! Although I didn’t fish the swamp the sheer size of the refuge was amazing. Only had one day on the water due to weather the next day. I highly recommend kayaking there. I will be planning a trip back sometime soon!

2021 was a bit better. Took one of the longest trips with my kayak to Florida! Was able to enjoy fishing the West Coast and to meet up with fellow anglers that had relocated to the area! Was able to manage some nice puppy drum and speckled trout while enjoying some beautiful weather in March! The trip didn’t end in Florida. Did some camping at Okefenokee Swamp. Exploring the swamp lead to some unique photograph opportunities! Although I didn’t fish the swamp the sheer size of the refuge was amazing. Only had one day on the water due to weather the next day. I highly recommend kayaking there. I will be planning a trip back sometime soon!

Traveling to the TBO Trifecta tournament which I took First Place catching the Largest Flounder (Fluke). Personally I don’t fish tournaments to win them. Rather enjoy the time on the water relaxing with my fishing buddies. So it was nice to place while not really trying to.

Also fished Cape May in October again. We had one of the most amazing October days ever! Flat calm in the ocean and in the 60’s air temp! Those days never last and the Saturday we were blown out by a gale that lasted into Sunday with rain. Still a great time was enjoyed by all.

Acquired a 2021 Jackson Kayak Bite which I rigged up with a Torqeedo 403 Ultralight and foot control steering. The kayak really flew but I sold it without the motor package. I really ended up missing the bite due to is light weight mobility. So I purchased a used Demo from Delaware Paddlesports in December. I will be re rigging that hull with the Torqeedo in 2022.

2021 Photography

On the photography side I did very well in 2022. With a 2nd Place and Honorable mention in Delaware Beach Life Magazine. Friends of Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge contest I Took 1st Place in Native Plants category, 2nd & 3rd places in The Beauty of Prime Hook Category, and 2nd Place in the Delmarva category! Very exciting!

2022 Is Here

Kayak Clamming on New Years Eve

Its February in Delaware and haven’t been able to catch a break with the weather or free time. Been hiking a bit to keep in shape. Registered my kayaks with the state and purchased my fishing license. Hoping for a good day to hit the water soon!

So please check back for future posts or follow The Plastic Hull on Facebook and @ThePlasticHull on Instagram for updates! Looking forward to seeing you out on the water, and answering questions you may have!

I’m pumped for the 2022 season!

As an avid kayak angler over the years I have been given the opportunity to discover the world of photography from my kayak seat. My 6th year taking photos I have decided to write a guide to kayak photography.

Photography from a kayak enables a unique environment which average people cannot access.  The ability to become one with natures is key to capturing those moments. From unique landscapes to wildlife action and portrait shots. A new perspective inches from the water surface that most cannot achieve. Untrodden angles generate a unique opportunity to capture light. 


Choosing the right Kayak For Photography

The right kayak for photography varies to the users personal preference but also the the users dimensions. Pointers to look for.

  • Sit in vs Sit on Top
  • Stability
  • Paddle vs Pedal
  • Electric Motor

Sit in vs Sit on Top Pros & Cons. A sit in kayak offers benefits for your gear. Storage and the ability to keep your gear our of the elements. A sit on top allows more maneuverability.

Stability is a must. Holding your camera still is necessary especially in low light conditions. Choose a kayak that is stable and easy to stand kneel and lean on.

Paddle vs Pedal. Hands free is your friend. Paddling can be tough with having the paddle get in the way. Water droplets hitting your gear happen also.

Pedaling affords a more hands free solution without the water droplets getting on your gear.

Electric Motor is the best option [where foot controlled steering can be utilized for true hands free operation. Also you may hold in place in the wind a bit easier!

Equipment:

Personally I prefer to use a SLR or Mirror less camera with a good all around lens. I shoot with budget gear. I feel that budget gear is the best solution when it comes to kayak photography. A kayak as your platform can be tough on your gear. It’s a wet dirty environment with temperature fluctuations. All these things electronic equipment doesn’t play well with.

Using a lower end body such as a Canon 700 series you can make up for with good glass. I prefer the less weight compared to a full frame SLR. The smaller APC sensor wont loose much DPI in the images.

Protecting your investment.

The kayak although a great platform for photography also can be dangerous for your gear. One of the dangers is dropping your gear overboard. The other is weather dependency. Keeping your gear protected is the best option for its longevity.

Kayak photography is performed in a harsh environment. This can take a toll on your equipment. Follow these steps to maximize the life of your gear.

  1. Use some type of rain gear to keep precipitation off of it.
  2. Always protect your lens glass with a UV filter.
  3. Minimize lens changes in dirty wet or windy areas.
  4. Wipe any moisture quickly
  5. Clean all of your gear after any shoot especially in saltwater environments.
  6. Use a waterproof case or bag when not in use.

Waterproof case options.

  • Dry Case – Brunswick
  • Pelican Box
  • NRS Dry Bag
  • Watershed Chattooga Dry Bag w/ Photo Kit Plus™

When I started taking my SLR on the kayak realizing that this was a tough environment investing in a low budget option is an NRS dry Bag with a padded insert. This will protect your gear from splashes, rain, or a dunk. However will not really protect from shock or drops. Also are limited to a camera body and lens. This is all that will comfortably fit and be easily used.

I have used the DryCase Brunswick backpack for years. Added a padded insert to protect my camera and lenses from bumps and drops. This solution worked well for a few years. Unfortunately the backpack was too clunky and large. It was tough to fumble with and remove my camera quickly then have to roll and clip it closed. However the bag is great for on foot traveling!

The Pelican case is pricey but is the best way to protect your gear and one of the fastest ways to access your camera. Although its pretty large and being that its a hard case its tough to store on your kayak.

Watershed Chattooga

Currently for the past 6 months i have been using the Watershed Chatooga Duffel Dry Bag with photo bag & inserts. The dry bag is a good size to stow easily but allows one camera and 2 – 3 lenses with extra storage for my gopros. I love the quick release “Ziploc” style opening for quick access!


Take your Photography to remote areas!

Photography from a kayak allows you the freedom to roam into remote places that most people cannot access. The ability to find the perfect undeveloped landscapes, wildlife in their native habitats, or those kayak fishing action shots!

I have since upgraded to the Watershed Chattooga Duffel Dry bag with Photo kit which adds a padded insert bag and divider inserts to protect even better. The advantage of the Watershed is the unique ziplock style closer.

Duffel Dry bag with Photo kit which adds a padded insert bag and divider inserts to protect even better. The advantage of the Watershed is the unique ziplock style closer.

Being out on the water affords different angles that cannot be acquired from land. The advantage to capture that big sky and the wildlife within the area is a plus on your stealthy kayak!

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