Let me know which one you like the best

Two years ago, I was in the market for a kayak in the $1K range - predominantly for fly fishing, so I wanted an open deck. It was between the Outlaw and Bite Angler. The Outlaw was readily available in my area, so I thought that would ultimately be my next kayak. But when I saw it in person, it just looked heavy and clunky. Plus, I wasn't in love with the overall aesthetic and colorway options. Around the same time, a local lake outfitter in my area started carrying Jackson kayaks. Although, I really liked the Yupik, the Bite was more in my price range. It was during Jackson's annual sale, so got it 15% off paying around $930. I'm very satisfied with my purchase of the Bite in the classic Forest color. The trimming of the seat for paddling in still or moving water is a great feature. The Bite's low profile also makes it more resistant to being pushed around in the wind. My main gripe is no high-low option for the seat. But it does sit in a comfortable middle position- not too high or low.

Both great kayaks. I think at this price point they both should have fittings in the front and back for motors, anchors or accessories. Things like high/low seating should be what sets them apart in features.

I don't know. A thousand bucks in 2024 is not a lot for a kayak. That both companies can keep the prices that low is unbelievable. I never paddled a Bite but I have paddled the Outlaw. OMG!!! It killed my arms. I have a Perception Pescador Pro 120 that paddles like a dream. I knew the Outlaw would be different, but I was not expecting it to be so much more difficult to paddle. However, the Outlaw comes ready with multiple rod holders, rails for accessories and a spot for your transponder. To get similar on the Bite you have to buy the Angler version for over a thousand dollars. I am a paddler so I would choose the Bite over the Outlaw as it paddles better (so I have been told), has foot pegs and a lower seat for a better paddle position. Plus the handles are the best in the business. Thanks for the review. I have been wanting to see these two compared side by side for a while now.

My Outlaw is imo the best fishing platform you can get out of an under $1k kayak. Keep it simple and you’ve got a fishing machine.

I'd be curious how the Bonafide SKF fits into this conversation on the throw and go kayak market.

First, thanks for awesome videos. My husband and I are looking for our first fly fishing kayaks. We are older (70 +/-), but fit. We will be primarily fishing smallish streams in VA, and doing a little recreational paddling too. We’ve watched your videos on Nucanoe, Bonafide, Jackson, Perception….and maybe more😊. A bit overwhelmed…. Any suggestions for starting points? We don’t have to get the same model! Tracking, and sitting a bit deeper seem more important to me. Clean deck and comfortable seat seem more important to him. Thanks so much! Fantastic site for information!

Does the bottom of the outlaw have any issues in really shallow water? It looks like the plastic goes down quite far.

easy the build quality of the jackson is far better than the outlaw. Also the flexibility of the bite is better with the adjustable seat.. Our crew has guys using the outlaw since thats all they could get at the time. The build quality is sub par and they keep wanting to replace them with bites after trying mine. The only area that the outlaw wins out is the slightly lighter weight.

Look for a kayak for big lakes that can handle a little choppy water I’m about 6,0 265 what would you recommend?

Thanks for the great review. I recently sold my heavy peddle drive fishing kayak. It was fun in the beginning but as I've gotten older with lower back issues I wasn't enjoying it anymore. Loading, unloading, sitting long hours, peddling, etc. was getting to be more of a hassle. I do love the kayak for the connection with the water and nature. No motors just peace and tranquility. I've become more of a minimalist lately and looking to go back to simpler fishing. I want a lighter and simplistic kayak for primarily shallow creeks and rivers. This allows me to paddle to a spot get out and fish by wading. No more lake fishing out of a kayak for me. Since I don't want to spend too much...the Jackson Bite has my interest. Do you think I should also consider looking at the NuCanoe Flint for creeks/rivers, etc.? Appreciate any feedback/thoughts!!

Would love to see an outlaw vs shoals shootout I realize the shoals is more expensive but is it worth the price?