2020 Old Town Predator PDL Kayak Review

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Our thoughts and full review of the Old Town Predator PDL. If you have any additional questions we may have not covered, please feel free to ask here. Tight lines!

[@ethanhalf]

Next Level Fishing TV what is the total cost?

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Ethan Halfhide so they have dropped the price since this video. $2499 plus tax

[@barbecueddeer395]

@@NextLevelFishingTV thank you for posting this video my father and I have been looking for a good kayak but I'm sure he doesnt want to spend that much money on one but it is well worth it

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Ezkratix you’re welcome, I’m so happy to hear the video helped! Be safe, and have a wonderful day!

[@toYOder]

I bought the bigwater 132 and the reason can be seen @ 10:47. Nice 👍 video.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Thank you REAL 🤙

[@ikashibimauler]

I have one. If this came with an adjustable seat that could get a super low seat position for those sketchy days offshore, it would be perfect.

[@toddoflynn5928]

I have the ocean kayak prowler big game 2 and I cant say enough about the click seal hatch. I always hit the yaks with a pressure ( about 1200 psi ), and not a single drop of water finds it way through that hatch. Johnson outdoors has made the OK and OT kayaks pretty much flawless in my opinion. As always guys, awesome footage and great videos!!!!!

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Todd O'Flynn 🤙 Thanks TOF

[@stevechurchill4474]

Good video except it would be great to see demo of getting in and out of a Predator in a variety of settings. I have an MX and find that, with bad knees, it’s hard to get out on shore with seat in low position. Getting in is less problematic, though not exactly easy. I’d pull myself into a standing position except for the afore mentioned bad knees.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Great post Steve. I have a video coming out next week talking a little out this.

[@MesquiteOutdoors]

Awesome review👍 went beyond the specs and really talked about experience using the yak

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Mesquite Outdoors Thanks for tuning in brother. 🤙

[@slikrik6098]

Great info, I've been looking into that yak, just need to demo now. Thanks bud for the review.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Thanks SlikRik, definitely go out and demo and let us know what you think!

[@ElJuicePerformance]

What’s up guys ! When are you guys doing the full review on the trident

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

VERY VERY SOON it's about 80 percent complete, followed by Rams Native experience.

[@jerry-381]

Old Town has the best rudder deployment system of any kayak hands down. The deal killer for me (and a lot of others) is the cockpit layout. When fishing and the pedal drive is raised you have a huge pedal drive inches from your seat. There's just no room at all to work with a fish. I also don't like the blank plates where gear tracks normally go because it requires more accessory purchases but that's getting picky. It's fast tho!

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Very good points Jerry! I share the same opinion with you on the tracks. I think what Old Town needs to do is revamp the design a little. It's about that time anyways. Tracks would be great. The drive doesn't bother me toooooo much but I do see your point if you need to prop it up. Hopefully they continue to improve this kayak, loving it so far!

[@mikebruehl7341]

Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV I only ever have trouble with the pedals in the way when fly fishing standing. The line can get tangled when stripping it in so the plug insert is better. Looks like the new Top Water 120 comes with rail mounts. Wouldn't be surprised if a new release of Predator has them as well as larger transducer scupper holes.

[@mikebruehl7341]

I also have the Predator and really like it. I also am skittish about putting holes in the boat and will likely be running cables from the hatch as you have when I hopefully install electronics this coming weekend. Not sure what you have, but did the transducer actually fit in the underside scupper or do you to over the side? Also will be using the RailBlaza track mounts from our last messaging. I may also put a weed guard blade on the propeller below. Assume you don't use and boat navigation lighting? Nice honest post of the Predator, good stuff. Thanks and tight lines!

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Mike Bruehl Thanks for tuning in Mike, I actually have the transducer flush below. On my next video I’ll show the install, and what I’ve been using for the past few years on similar kayaks. The way I see it, we have five options. Use the stern pre set holes for a rear transducer, mount below through transducer hole, beam it through the inside hull, use magnets, or use the Railblaza side arm kit.

[@mikebruehl7341]

Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV Agreed, I bought a Humminbird Helix 7 Mega SI G3N so beam through the hole is out. Gonna try for the scupper hole or resort to RailBlaza over the side. I’ve seen some threaded rod, rubber stopper, and a 2” round plastic screw plate I could maybe piece together from parts at Lowe’s to make it work assuming the transducer fits in the premolded hole (it looks about a 1/4" longer than the one the Old Town Rep says it's designed for). If you are interested I will let you know how it works out.

[@redwood1957]

Thank you Good advice on scupper plugs. By any chance can you compare this with the top water 120? Thanks again

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

redwood1957 I haven’t been on the top water PDL but when I do, you all will be the first to get the notification!

[@davidcrowson4745]

Great review I just got the 2020 predator. Can you give me any ideas when I mount my transducer how to keep from damaging it when loading it on a truck or truck bed extender. I've noticed when I push it up on the back of my truck bed it the kayak gets hung up in that valley where the transducer mounts.not sure if there is anything I can do about it other than rock it to the side or just lift it up from the front when loading. Any ideas would be great 😊.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

So if you install a larger transducer below, you'll almost have to baby it and really utilize the skid plate on the stern that comes with the Predator PDL. At my rate I'll go through one a year, but worth it. You do have another mounting location in front of your rudder although that would require some wires to be ran unfortunately. With my trailer, I always load holding the bow, and unload with the stern hitting the ground first so that I can later protect it by grabbing the bow if that makes sense. Truck tailgate..I would recommend getting a cheap pool noodle, and using that to give you grip, and a gap from smashing flat on your tailgate. Your only other alternative would be to check out the transducer arm XL from Railblaza.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

How’s the C-Tug Cart work with this kayak? Does it stay on it when your using it?

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Good, I use it all the time.

[@porknbeans7407]

Great video! Is this a good kayak for a beginner looking to get into fishing? Being a bigger guy 6’3 and three hundred + need a stable kayak, been looking at this model. I will be doing cat fishing and other fishing. Any other recommendations on models, looking at hobie to but that price tag... any input would be great! Thanks!

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

PorkNBeans Hobie and this Predator PDL are some of the two Cadillac’s of the sport in regards to price tag. You won’t have any problems with stability on this kayak unless you get a little careless. I would strongly recommend this one. As for price, don’t hesitate to buy used. Many retailers across the nation have demo days and they will actually sale those for a solid discount.

[@paulandresen8671]

If you were going to install a down rigger on the side rail and still be able to peddle, would you try to stay on the black plate ? There are several install videos for the PA and Outback but nothing I can find for predator PDL.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Paul Andresen depends... the main plates inside the cockpit and rear are very thick. I’m not sure how much drag you fish with when using down riggers but if it’s lot, I would mount directly through the plate and ditch the tracks. I fish with very light drag offshore (1-3 lbs)

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Paul Andresen the good thing is the plates are pretty affordable, would definitely be worth picking up a few for testing purposes.

[@paulandresen8671]

Good idea with the extra plate. I’m going to dealer tomorrow to see the PDL and work out a plan. I built a custom wooden sit on top with the Scotty T bar deal in front of my feet but it’s right where the peddles are on the PDL. It was a challenge to deploy the down rigger while paddling. I’m really wanting to make this work for some deep Sierra lake trout.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Paul Andresen I think you can with the PDL. I went back and listed the kayak from its plates. They are pretty stout. If you get one keep us up to date on this progression! It would be great info for other.

[@Jake-ky9ed]

How did you mount your transducer? I see through the scupper but what holds it in place? good review vid, Still paddling a this point but the older I get the more peddles become appealing! lol stay safe tight lines. J

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Great question! So two ways. Old Town has screws for a mounting plate in the stern of the kayak although what I did is use a very special kind of glue that can take hard abuse, BUT will not damage the hull when you are done with it. I'll do an install of it soon. It last about a year before it begins to weakin in the saltwater. takes a day to re apply it.

[@Jake-ky9ed]

Next Level Fishing - Kayak Fishing TV thanks man, appreciate it. I run a trident 13' currently have helix 5 on cell block? Don't like it? Too big in rail of yak. Plan to use transducer mounting location on yak. Just got get creative for a mount? You have any pull with OK? Tell them to get on it! lol

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

LOL no pull brother, but I know a few tricks with my paddle. I can break down a hull design fairly good and do some advanced maneuvers. I’m excited to show off what the Trident has but most importantly...what it can do. That’s where most reviews stall. Not enough good drivers yet in the industry.

[@bobbyg6662]

I am really having a hard time deciding between this or the new topwater 120 PDL

[@AliexFolgueira]

ill make it easy for you....topwater120 lol

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Bobby G I hear the 120 PDL is great but haven’t personally been on one yet! Maybe soon so I can compare the two.

[@GulfCoastYakin]

Man that kayak is sweet!

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

JB Outdoors it’s top fun for sure.

[@mitchparker4628]

Thoughts for freshwater (lake) fishing?

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

I believe freshwater fishing on the PDL is where this kayak will shine. This should be on every bass anglers radar.

[@rogerharris1561]

Would it be difficult to maintain 1 to 1.5 mph for trolling?

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

not at all you'd actually have to pedal pretty slow to maintain that speed.

[@rahenry01]

Price is 2499.00 on the 2020 so guessing this one will sit

[@danoh5677]

Adventures With RAH! Seriously? The Outback is $2799.00 with many more accessories options. Its a shame, I owned and liked the old Town paddle kayak.

[@rahenry01]

@@danoh5677 I think Hobie just did a price increase and raised that pricing to 3000.00 on yaks in stock so that really with the warranty on the drive and the lifetime hull warranty puts the 2020 Oldtown at the top of my list

[@MetalRush666]

Hobie who? Never heard of them. Old Town has turned me into a huge fan of their boats. Hope to see more accessories straight out of the box that Hobie offers in the future. That's my only nit picky complaint. There is no better warranty on the market either.

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Thanks for tuning in Chris. It's a great kayak, and I hope to get my hands on more to run you all through the experience.

[@RubenPerez-ss8ni]

How many bucks do we need to put down

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Ruben Perez so the new Predator has been renamed to the Sportsman 132. They run for about 2500. Used can run at around 1600

[@tellitallnow3914]

How much does one of these cost?

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Tellitallnow $1,600-$2,599 depending on if you get one used, new, or on sale.

[@adamhatton7579]

Is that a silver fern hat

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Adam Hatton yes, Railblaza is from NZ. :)

[@adamhatton7579]

Next Level Fishing TV chur tu meke

[@mattybassfishing]

I’m 5’1 can I reach the pedal?

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Most definitely

[@mattybassfishing]

@@NextLevelFishingTV thanks

[@БачокБочкин]

всем привет жаль что у нас в Казахстане нет таких Каяков открылибы здесь магазин по продаже Каяка в Алматы былобы круто

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Мне очень жаль это слышать, большинство этих компаний могут осуществлять международные поставки. Я бы порекомендовал отправить переведенное письмо, чтобы узнать, что можно сделать.

[@БачокБочкин]

@@NextLevelFishingTV привет друг Каяк и так не дешево стоит а если еще доставка очень очень дорого

[@ryanlawrence8305]

That yak is heavy

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Without the drive it's actually lighter than a Trident 15.

[@larryhorne2788]

Smoked them!!!!

[@NextLevelFishingTV]

Larry Horne pedaled for my life lol. Thanks for tuning in Larry

[@codymilner6890]

The pedal drive is loud. I do not recommend this kayak. Just get a jon boat w trolling motor