Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak Review

[@baxterr.887]

This is the best review I’ve seen on this kayak so far, thank you for literally answering all my questions and also thanks for doing the stability test video too, that was awesome to see how stable this boat actually is. I’ve been researching kayaks for a while now and I’ve finally decided to go with the 120 pdl. You just can’t beat the way this kayak is designed, it truly has every feature I want in a kayak.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment. I actually just finished a video comparing various levels of fishing kayaks and that will be out tomorrow night. I think you made a solid choice with the PDL 120. It's an amazing craft.

[@Alohasheree]

I just discovered your channel. I was drawn to it because of the kayak. I too, have an Old Town fishing 🎣 kayak. Mine is a Topwater PDL 106. I got mine in August. Your videos are great. I love that you're teaching your daughter to fish and enjoy the outdoors. We need more female anglers in the world. You've taught her well. She knows what she's doing.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. Nat and I are happy that you have enjoyed our videos! Lots more to come! We almost got the Sportsman/Topwater 106 PDL but ultimately held out for the 120 for a little extra room since we both ride on the same kayak.

[@anthonyvespia6662]

That's my boat, and I love it! Great on the water review. I'm in my 2nd season, and off the bank. Wish I would've known how awsome this was year's ago. I just added my J2 Bixpy this winter. I love the storage, hull, deck and cockpit space. I bass fish large lakes and resevoirs. At 5ftt 7 151 lbs, she moves, and I feel completely safe, In open water. I do love to pedal and paddle around, when I get to my spots. And all my accessories and add-on's FF, battery box, plenty of gear storage. Great boat and amazing fleet oldtown produces. Stay safe 🙏 🎣

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment. I love the PDL too. I still use a Perception Hook and Old Town Predator MX for specific purposes, but prefer the PDL when the fishing conditions allow for it.

[@patwhaley1663]

Awesome review! I think you covered everything that someone would have questions about the yak! Keep up the good content!!!

[@FishingwithNat]

That was my goal. I had all of those questions before I bought mine. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@Rizzle280]

Great review! It helped me pull the trigger. Can't wait to try it out!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@bigkemna87]

Thanks!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the support!

[@maxvmcoutdooradventures7695]

I have the Oldtown Topwater 120 PDL (the model before the Sportsman) and my friend has the Sportsman 120. I have to say that these are some great kayaks. Definitely no regrets buying them. :) I've done lake and river fishing and works just fine. Next step is fishing in saltwater/bay.

[@FishingwithNat]

They are awesome. I've been on Lake Michigan and other big water several times and have no fears of flipping. I'd be comfortable taking it on saltwater. The PDL drains very well if waves splash you (even with all but two scupper holes plugged)

[@tdjackson4403]

Good vid. Thank you

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks

[@UnstoppableJoe33]

Can i ask how big is that front hatch? Wondering if I can put a 100ah lithum battery in there

[@FishingwithNat]

The hatch is an oval, 16" by 10 1/8". You can fit a 12x6" rectangle through so I think you'd be ok. The depth is 9" toward the cockpit where it's bumped up for the transducer underneath. The main part of the hatch is 11" deep.

[@jamescobb2887]

I'm 6'4",245 lbs. Would I better off with Sportsman Bigwater PDL 132 for my longer legs. Although both Kayaks are 36" wide I'm concerned more about leg room.

[@FishingwithNat]

I think the Sportsman 120 would work for you but the 132 would give you more room and stability.

[@jamesliu1908]

Hi there, you did mention about the prop got stuck with fishing line (and you didn't have socket and ratchet with you). I am just curious, can you just cut it with a knife or scissors - which you have. Was there other factor to consider? sorry that I am asking this detailed question since I just bought the same kayak and will be taking it to inshore fishing (the margin for error is less forgiving). thanks!

[@FishingwithNat]

I tried that but it was so wrapped up that I couldn't get the line to pull out from behind the prop. I had to paddle back in to take the prop off (had a ratchet and socket set in the car). If it was just wrapped a few times, that probably would have been fine to just cut it and pull it out. Mine was probably wrapped 50+ times around. It was a huge mess.

[@TheBalplayr9]

How is it with taking on water with the drive up and down? Does it clear water?

[@FishingwithNat]

With the drive down, the deck stays dry unless you are really hauling. If you are trying to reach top speed, you will get some water seeping in around the drive unit, but it clears back out quickly through the scuppers. I have all of my scupper holes plugged except the ones in front of the PDL drive, and that works well for me.

[@TheBalplayr9]

@@FishingwithNat Good info.Thank You

[@FishingwithNat]

@@TheBalplayr9 Happy to help. It's a great kayak and I should have bought one 2 years ago when I started looking at them.

[@DpuckFishingandOutdoors]

That is a nice yak. I would be worried about being tired of peddling. Not due to physical limitations, just would find it odd.

[@FishingwithNat]

It takes a few days to get used to, but I got used to it quickly, even after paddling (not pedaling) kayaks for so many years.