I have had a couple of months now to put the new Bite through its paces. I have got to say, it has become one of my favorites.

Back in February, my sister used the Bite on her first trip to the marsh of South Louisiana. If you have ever been there, you know that a shallow draft, and the ability to easily stand and sight fish, are important qualities in a kayak. She had never stood in a kayak before, but after an hour or so, I’m not sure she sat back down.

I myself used the Bite on a little excursion to Saint Joe Bay, FL. That’s 6’3″ 245 lbs of me poling along in the pic accompanying this post. Right away, I loved all of the open space on the deck and the stability. The tracking isn’t what I was used to with my Mayfly, and it was a bit slower, but even on a windy day, it was pleasant. I spent a few hours poling the flats, casting to obviously uninterested redfish. I am going to blame the cold water, as it couldn’t have been my fishing skills.

I have also now had the Bite on 4 river trips. Now we are talking. I LOVE the Bite on the river. The simplicity of the boat, lighter weight, the molded handles, the shallow draft, the ease of handling, it all shines with a little current underneath. Paddling directly up current isnt the most fun, but ferries, eddy turns, and even a little front surfing make it a very able river craft.

Some folks have said the seat isn’t as comfy as the other JK seats. I guess this may be true, but your mileage will vary. I personally find it adequate with the adjusting straps pulled tight.

If you are looking for a well put together, American Made fishing kayak, that almost anybody can stand in, for under a grand, walk into your local JK dealer and say BITE ME! IMHO, it is an excellent choice if you lean toward rivers or small waters, and it will get the job done on lakes and inshore. It has certainly earned a place in my lineup.