Jim Sammons joins Jackson Kayak

[The Nothing]

already been some talk about building a more suitable kayak for the west coast, now Jackson just picked up Jim Sammons:

http://www.yakangler.com/spotlight/item/2133-jackson-kayaks-signs-jim-sammons

March 15, 2013– Jackson Kayak Welcomes Kayak Fishing Legend Jim Sammons to Team Jackson Kayak

Jackson Kayak announced this morning the signing of Jim Sammons to their kayak fishing team.


The partnership brings in this well respected fisherman but also puts Jackson Kayak at the helm as sponsor of two television shows starring Sammons: Kayak Fishing With Jim Sammons (on WFN) and Extreme Fishing Challenge (on NBC Sports). Both shows are produced and directed by Heliconia Press, a leader in paddle sports production.

"Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, Eric Jackson, Jim Sammons. What do they all have in common? “ Asks Drew Gregory, Jackson Kayaks team lead and fishing designer, “All are considered innovators, pioneers and rank among the best, if not the best, of all time at their craft. So, having Jim Sammons on the Jackson Kayak team is literally a dream. In fact, someone pinch me to make sure this is real!"

“This is awesome news!” states Jackson President, Eric “EJ” Jackson. “The entire team is stoked that Jim has found his way to us. This is an exciting era for us all”

“I have been in the kayak fishing business for twenty years and kayak companies like Jackson Kayak don’t come around every day,” States Jim Sammons, “Besides being great people to work with they have quickly become innovators in fishing kayak design bringing the things that kayak anglers want to the market. When the deal came down that Jackson Kayaks wanted to work with me and be involved with my show I was more excited than I can tell you. I wanted to shout it out and let everyone know, that we have a great partnership with this amazing brand, which I know will last for years. With Jacksons help our show is going to get better and better, the sky is the limit for The Kayak Fishing Show now that we have Jackson Kayak on our side.”

About Jim Sammons: A San Diego California native and certified fish and game and IGFA licensed guide, Jim is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in the sport of kayak fishing. Involved in the sport of kayak fishing for over twenty years he owns and runs La Jolla Kayak Fishing Adventures guide service and has work closely with kayak manufacturers on the development of new kayak designs and with various fishing tackle and kayak accessory companies on their growing kayak fishing line of products.

About Jackson Kayak: Jackson Kayak was founded in 2003 by Eric Jackson and Tony Lunt. Currently located in Sparta, Tenn., near the Caney Fork River, Jackson Kayak designs, builds, and manufactures leading whitewater, fishing and exploration paddlesports products. With the moto “Build it like it’s your own”, all of their products are Made in the USA in growing support of the local Tennessee economy. Market leaders in both the whitewater and kayak fishing kayak manufacturing and strong in the exploration sector, Jackson Kayak continues to introduce new product lines each year; this year including a new SUP line amongst 8 new products for 2013. Jackson Kayaks success is largely due to delivering high quality products through paddlesports specialty shops globally; all supported by regional, national and international team members who are engaged to promote the paddling lifestyle

[ful-rac]

Whaaaat!? So sammons dumped Ocean Kayak and went with Jackson?

[Biggameaddict]

Whaaaat!? So sammons dumped Ocean Kayak and went with Jackson?

Money talks, bullshit walks.

[ful-rac]

Money talks, bullshit walks.

So what you sayn Sammons sold out to the man!?

[Biggameaddict]

From the way he always talked about ocean kayaks being the #1 brand and have the best qulity and all and now he says the same for jackson kayaks.

[TEAMFISH]

Oh Crap!!! :eek: Does this mean I have to sell the Trident?

Hell No!:kayak-surfer:

[Biggameaddict]

From the way he talks about ocean kayak being the #1 brand and having the best quality and the most features but now he signed an agreement with jackson kayaks makes me think that.

[TEAMFISH]

From the way he talks about ocean kayak being the #1 brand and having the best quality and the most features but now he signed an agreement with jackson kayaks makes me think that.

Wouldn't you? Someone is going to pay you to fish from thier yak, T.V. show, endorsements......Sounds like a normal career move.

[erinoo]

A Legend ???? PLEASE!!!...<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[f'nsabiki]

GOOD LORD!! Don't make his head any bigger than it already is:D

"Jackson Kayak Welcomes Kayak Fishing Legend Jim Sammons to Team Jackson Kayak"

[jorluivil]

I was waiting for you to make the announcement. Roby and I were guessing Malibu, never would of guessed it was Jackson.

[Jimmyz123]

For Jim to hook up with a different company there must have been something going on with Ocean Kayaks that made him want to leave. I can't imagine he would leave just for money.

All I know is he did what was best for he and is family and I'm sure each and every one of us would have done the same thing.

[Biggameaddict]

Wouldn't you? Someone is going to pay you to fish from thier yak, T.V. show, endorsements......Sounds like a normal career move.

Thats why is said money talks, bullshit walks.

[theluckypig]

good for jim! now, maybe gregandrew will become mr ocean kayak...?:D

[Jimmyz123]

Thats why is said money talks, bullshit walks.

Maybe Jim will also have some say in the design of the future kayaks. That Cuda 14 looks nice but the seat looks too high and the weight of the Kayak is a little more than I like. I still would like to paddle one to see what it's like.

[driftwood]

Why didn't Hobie sign him up??? :spam:

[Sdspeed]

Maybe Jim will also have some say in the design of the future kayaks. That Cuda 14 looks nice but the seat looks too high and the weight of the Kayak is a little more than I like. I still would like to paddle one to see what it's like.

I was looking at the Cuda and this is an old post from someone who has time on one, Also Oxbeast1210? I believe had one for a short time and went to a PA.

I only spent a few days in sd with the cuda but have had it out off the norcal coast. If you check out NorCalKayakanglers.com there's lots of talk about the cuda. The boat performs extremely well in the ocean. In my opinion it paddled better than my xfactor or stealth 14. The boat handles our 10'+ swells up here great so I really don't see how it wouldn't handle lake la jolla:D.

[jbaker]

The Jackson's are great kayaks, if I didn't have a revo The only other kayak I would paddle would be the cuda. The seat is extreay stable. I paddled the coosa down some class 2 white water with the seat up and did just fine. Good move for mr sammons, can't wait to see what they come up with.

[The Nothing]

I can't say I've done anything near 10' swell, but I've had my Cuda on some pretty rough days and it's done fine for me up here. My Trident has been hanging on the wall for a year now.

[Dannowar]

Why didn't Hobie sign him up??? :spam:

CAUSE THEY HAVE WADE!

[Drake]

What happened behind closed doors is between Jim, OK, and Jackson. Leave it at that.

Those who have taken a jab have probably never even met Jim. It's easy to be a jackass when you're sitting behind a keyboard, but thats why he has a show and you don't.

[Cbad Mike]

I really don't get the negative talk and bs regarding Jims career choices. I've had the pleasure of meeting Jim on a few occasions and recently had a long one on one conversation with him. He is one of the few guys that I've met in this sport who are genuinely happy for you when you catch fish even when he doesnt. He's a guy who loves his sport, who can back up what he says, and is ALWAYS willing to help you be a better fisherman. He's made a better name and living for himself in this sport than most of us could ever. I really don't get the animosity towards a guy who so enthusiastically promotes our sport in a positive way. WE FISH, that's it, and it's supposed to be fun. We should be happy for each others success. In my short time here I've seen guys being put on pedestals that I wouldn't even want to have a beer with let alone fish with because of their egos and unwillingness to help a new guy enter the sport. Who has posted even half of the informative and educational videos online that Jim has? NO ONE!
Some would say "stop the hating". I say stop the jealousy, it's juvenile and petty. (that's putting it nicely)

Mike

[RobFish]

Congrats Jim on your new alliance, and I wish you much continued success.

[roby]

I really don't get the negative talk and bs regarding Jims career choices. I've had the pleasure of meeting Jim on a few occasions and recently had a long one on one conversation with him. He is one of the few guys that I've met in this sport who are genuinely happy for you when you catch fish even when he doesnt. He's a guy who loves his sport, who can back up what he says, and is ALWAYS willing to help you be a better fisherman. He's made a better name and living for himself in this sport than most of us could ever. I really don't get the animosity towards a guy who so enthusiastically promotes our sport in a positive way. WE FISH, that's it, and it's supposed to be fun. We should be happy for each others success. In my short time here I've seen guys being put on pedestals that I wouldn't even want to have a beer with let alone fish with because of their egos and unwillingness to help a new guy enter the sport. Who has posted even half of the informative and educational videos online that Jim has? NO ONE!
Some would say "stop the hating". I say stop the jealousy, it's juvenile and petty. (that's putting it nicely)

Mike

X2

[TheBentRod]

From the way he talks about ocean kayak being the #1 brand and having the best quality and the most features but now he signed an agreement with jackson kayaks makes me think that.

I still think the Prowler and Trident are the best fishing paddle yaks around (IMHO).

[Old Man in the Sea]

Being a Kayak fishing guide is a very fun job when you don't have to do it for a living. Jim has worked hard for many, many years helping to teach many people to kayak fish and he also promotes fishing conservation with catch and release. It is OK for people to switch companies to make more money or because they have a better opportunity. If you have something negative to say - just remember it is NOT GOD telling you to type the post. Forget about Jim's new job for a second and ask yourself...Hey are the thoughts I am getting from GOD or not? Figuring that out will give you joy in life and help you though the tough times too... and BTW you will probably catch more fish :reel:
....http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdhuntfish/sets

[Biggameaddict]

Im not saying Jim is a bad guy in anyway, im sure he will help make better yaks and new designs for jackson. I just think he made the switch for the money and im not judging him for that, its his career and if jackson offered him more money than ok did then good for Jim to make the switch. Im sure anyone else would have done the switch if they were in the position themselves so i dont think he should be judged by that. If anyone thought i was saying he was wrong in switching or hes a bad person they are wrong. Its hard to understand people by just reading their post online when you cant see the person or have never even met them. I hope all the best for Jim and I hope he makes it better for any brand he joins.

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

I do find it pretty funny that people that don't have any insight into the situation are a speculating on the reasons.
Thanks to those of you that have given words of encouragement and support. It really is appreciated more than you know.

I will be at the Fred Hall show in Del Mar if anyone would like to chat. About this or just about fishing.

[MrPatrick]

Over a beer, great idea! Jim come to the "Bass and Brew " event and introduce the crew to Jackson kayaks. We could show "Game On" on the televisions and you show off your sponsor to a new market.



And I've always liked Jim. From my first trip to La Jolla where I almost ran over his trolled Mac :doh to now whenever I get the chance to say hello.

[CKallday71]

Why does anybody care what kind of Yak the guy floats?

[Deamon]

I've briefly met the man a couple of times at the launch. I was like..."whoa, there he is...very friendly and approachable...from La Mesa too!"...:notworthy:

[jorluivil]

One more bad comment about Jim and I'll stick you with my cagé:mad:

[Jimmyz123]

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

I do find it pretty funny that people that don't have any insight into the situation are a speculating on the reasons.
Thanks to those of you that have given words of encouragement and support. It really is appreciated more than you know.

I will be at the Fred Hall show in Del Mar if anyone would like to chat. About this or just about fishing.

Jim, you have helped me many times. I've shot you quick messages and you answer back with helpful tips. You didn't have to do any of that but you do because you're a good dude. Thank you for that.

Glad to see things going well for you and hope they go even better with the Jackson kayaks.

Looking forward to chatting with you about the Jackson Kayaks at Fred Hall.

[madncrzydm]

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

I do find it pretty funny that people that don't have any insight into the situation are a speculating on the reasons.
Thanks to those of you that have given words of encouragement and support. It really is appreciated more than you know.

Thanks for all the help and advice that was given today at the heroes on the water event.

I will be at the Fred Hall show in Del Mar if anyone would like to chat. About this or just about fishing.

Thanks for all the help and advice today at the heroes on the water event.

[Jimmyz123]

I find it troubling that people will judge Jim and say bad things about him. Anyone that has a bad thing to say about Jim has never met him and is prejudging someone. Spend 10 minutes with the guy talking fishing and you'll be there for an hour. Go listen to his seminars at the Fred Hall show, and you'll see that he's happy to help and share his knowledge.

Those of you with bad things to say to him why not go tell it to him in person, stop sitting behind your keyboard and man up. He's done great things for this sport, and you only wish that it was you traveling the world putting this sport on the map.

Keep up the great work Jim.

[Siebler]

Jackson is a big up and comer in the kayak fishing world. I cant blame Jim one bit and am excited to see him make the move. Jackson has had HUGE success on the gulf coast and many other areas, it wont be long until they are strong in the west coast market as well. Jim and I have spoke about the move several times already and I support him 100%, good move by him and by Jackson.

[Jimmyz123]

Jackson is a big up and comer in the kayak fishing world. I cant blame Jim one bit and am excited to see him make the move. Jackson has had HUGE success on the gulf coast and many other areas, it wont be long until they are strong in the west coast market as well. Jim and I have spoke about the move several times already and I support him 100%, good move by him and by Jackson.

CJ, do you have any of the boats so we can test paddle them?

[lamb]

Congrats Jim!!! :cheers1:

Good for you,
and good thing for the sport of kayak fishing.

[PE.rider]

Good for Jim... AND excellent opportunity for Jackson Kayaks to overhaul their designs to better fit Pacific Coast angling...

Good companies require innovative people. With an expert like Jim on their team, we should be seeing great models coming in the near future that are fitted for our waters.

:luxhello:

[Siebler]

CJ, do you have any of the boats so we can test paddle them?


Not yet. Our HOW chapter has a Cuda 14 so I have gotten to paddle that but it is as much as I have been able to experience. Hopefully after Fred Hall we will have some though.

[HELLSTER INC.]

Who has them and when is the Demo day! Checked them out at the long beach show and they look cool.. I'm all in for a new kayak experience....

[PAL]

So I have of course been getting a lot of questions as to why I am no longer with OK. What I have been replying is this. "The reason for the split from OK is many fold. I am very proud of my 20 years on those kayaks and everything I did with them. I still believe that OK makes great kayaks and believe me this was one of the toughest things I have had to go through in my business life.

The main thing I am concentrating on now is not my past with OK but the great future ahead with Jackson. They are a great company that is doing things right. And I can't wait to get to work with them."
Perhaps over a beer some time I can give more insight into the full reasons. At this time as I am really just happy to be moving forward.

Classy answer from Jim. I've known him a long time. He's one of the most loyal people you could ever meet.

I like many of the Cuda's fishing features, but not its paddling performance. But there is this: Jackson is nearly unique in my experience. The company paid attention to Drew Gregory's freshwater design ideas. Now that they've signed Jim, it's possible they will put him to work on an open water design. That would be outstanding - competition pushes 'yak improvement.