My Favorite Fishing Kayak [Old Town Salty 120 PDL Review]

[@ncalais09]

Bought this particular kayak on a recommendation from Tyler and could not be happier with the salty. It is super fast and just an overall fun fishing kayak! As always, great content!

[@bigkemna87]

Thanks!

[@joncalvo3591]

I'm big at researching every review of what I want to purchase After everything I read and watched, I bought the Salty 120 on Tyler's recommendation. East to load into my van or on top. Much faster than I anticipated and like Tyler stated, I often have to slow down a bit for trolling. Much much quieter pedaling and way less, if any noise compared to my two friends Hobies. Those click and scare fish away Not this Old Town Salty. I love it and the price was very Reasonable.

[@panchopachangas4450]

The only reason I didn’t get a Salty is that I wanted to store my rods in the hull so I went with the Topwater 120 PDL. Either way I went Old Town because of you Tyler and I have no regrets. As a matter of fact I’m thinking of getting a second one for my son.

[@spiltmilt]

The Topwater is wonderful for storage and stability!

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Perfect timing! I just picked one up this weekend! Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

Congrats!

[@dougivan100]

NOW you tell me 😁 My Big Water is coming next month. Thanks for another great vid

[@punasurf4697]

I was surprised to hear you say that it is more stable than the Big Water 132. Good info. Mahalo

[@spiltmilt]

Its purely due to the seat positioning the Salty. Its sits much lower to the water than the Big Water 132. I think this video demonstrates just how easily this kayak can roll kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJfHn32ke9OcoKs

[@xeroblastx]

Just bought the Hobie Pa14 and the Salty… Took the Hobie out yesterday and LOVED it but I have a feeling I am gona like the Salty better because of how simple it is… I load my Hobie front hatch with ice for shrimp but thats all i need a hatch for… If you are in Jacksonville Fla try Black Creek Outfitters! They had pdl’s in stock last month

[@ronaldkoepl341]

I love mine! Bought about a year ago on Tyler’s recommendation.

[@Steady_Stick]

Nice job w/ the video! Like those green pedals! 👍

[@mrb401]

For deck storage and easy access, I’m thinking you could put a couple of hobie hookless map pockets on the inside. The berley pro might protrude too much? Not sure if you were able to install that yet. Either way, that would be sufficient for me, along with a crate.

[@matthewjmedeiros]

Picking mine up Saturday. Looking to use in the bay here in Rhode Island. Can’t wait

[@AGuysLife]

How'd you like your Salty? I live in RI and am looking to buy an old town just don't know which model yet.

[@matthewjmedeiros]

@@AGuysLife I love it. I work on Newport Naval base and launch right from here.

[@AGuysLife]

So it's plenty stable enough in the chop? I live in Warren but will probably head to Newport alot since it's close. I've always wanted to fish the wall at the cliff walk since I went to Salve.

[@matthewjmedeiros]

@@AGuysLife yeah and I’m a bigger guy. We can link up if you get yours if you want.

[@AGuysLife]

Thank you for responding. I'll get back to you once I get one.

[@babycheesa8020]

It’s 3 k in Canada. Just bought one. Brutal

[@morganghetti]

I have a Revo 13 and a Pescador Pilot. The Pilot has a front well like the Salty. I fish the salt flats, rivers, and ocean and I much prefer the hatch less design. I don't use the hatch at all. I can put my lunch and a fish bag in the front of the pilot. And I never take on water. I think it's a better design. I used to put my daughter up there when she was little. My only complaint about the pescador pilot is how slow it is and how cumbersome to drive is. I think the salty is going to be my next kayak. Hobie's have just gotten overpriced and they don't stand behind their equipment. I appreciate the review very informative.

[@rubenperales4575]

Thank you great review.

[@billcoulter1984]

Great review.

[@michaelk4140]

Hull slap is its greatest liability. Any suggestions?

[@dawg1982]

Who in the PNW carries the Salty. I can find the 120 Sportsman PDL everywhere but not the salty. Trying to stay within Pierce or Thurston county to get one but will travel further if i have to.

[@spiltmilt]

Nobody in those counties but Mountain 2 Sound just north of you has them in stock right now www.m2soutfitters.com/shop/Kayak/Kayaks/p/Old-Town-Sportsman-Salty-PDL-120-Kayak---Ember-Camo-x63153505.htm

[@shred5]

I believe the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 PDL is the fastest sit on top on the market currently. I get mine to the mid 6's (not for long) but a lot of reviewers hit low 7s. They both have a V shaped hull. The Salty as far as I know is second, but also lighter. I really like both the above models because they're fast but also decently stable. I'm pretty sure I'd flip a Revo 16. Due to my size though, it kind of made that decision easy for me.

[@spiltmilt]

No the salty is faster even the guys at Old Town say that

[@shred5]

@@spiltmiltIs that publicly available or anything? I've always kind of wondered which one is really faster, but reviewers usually get the Salty up to around 6 and in many cases the same reviewers broke 7 on the Bigwater. I do admit I didn’t demo the salty. Because of my size, it didn’t make sense with the lower weight limit.

[@spiltmilt]

no I just remember asking Ryan Lily and the other folks and they all said the Salty was the fastest kayak they make.

[@dcm6661]

Can you share info on the roof-top rack setup you are using? And, does the salty share the same scupper hole spacing as the Hobie’s? Curious if the wheel set would be interchangeable?? Awesome video Tyler, thanks!

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

I would love to know this also!

[@troyhunt7746]

Would you recommend the salty over the sportsman 120 or even hobie oasis for fishing off shore as well, say pacific city for bottom fish?

[@spiltmilt]

For Pacific City you won't find a more suitable kayak than the Salty

[@troyhunt7746]

@@spiltmilt Do you feel it is less stable than the Sportsman 120. I will be fishing a combination of lakes, bays and inshore fisheries, but mainly lakes.

[@NikonF5user]

Why not use siphon-draining scupper plugs in those two scuppers in the front of the cockpit?

[@spiltmilt]

I can but water still comes in around the front of the drive

[@clemp3010]

I ordered 2 sportsman 120pdl. Hope I won't be disappointed. Haha

[@spiltmilt]

U won't be. Ultra stable and plenty of storage.

[@Justin-zs1ql]

You won't be. I really like my Sportmans 120 PDL. Already kicking around the idea of getting a salty too though :)

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

Overall for transportation fishing lakes rivers inshore and launching what you recommend between sportman 120 pdl vs saltypdl stuck between the two cant decide.

[@spiltmilt]

I prefer the Salty for speed and agility but if additional storage space and stability is more important than go with sportsman PDL 120

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

@@spiltmilt thank you as far load and go are the sportman or salty about the same for launching towing with cart

[@spiltmilt]

Yes very similar with a cart. I would say the salty is slight easier as it has less plastic forward so a little less weight on the arms but not a huge difference

[@richardvillar340]

Hi. I've been following you for awhile. I just sold my skiff and am looking to buy a kayak asap. I live in Grays Harbor and would like to crab out of Tokeland and Hood Canal, troll Coho and Chinook out of the Chehalis and Sekiu, do some rock fishing from Ocean Shores, Westport and Sekiu as well as freshwater trout. Now that its June 2022 is it still your favorite? Would it be a good kayak for the type of fishing I'm looking to do. As usual you are awesome and thanks so much for the informative videos!

[@spiltmilt]

I still think the Salty is the best all around West coast pedal kayak. If you wanted more stability for your crabpots you might consider the Sportsman's PDL 120

[@jonlobello7151]

I watched your vids on the Topwater and the Predator Old Town kayaks and listened to your criticism on thier seats. I take it that the seat design is much improved on the Salty. Occasionally I like to flyfish panfish while standing up in the boat. Can this be done in the Salty. Remember I'm older and my balance isn't as good as it used to be. Sorry about calling your Rav 4 a Subaru.

[@spiltmilt]

Yes the seats on the Sportsmans are much improved. I would say standing and fly fishing is possible on the Salty but if that's a major goal then I'd look at the Sportsmans PDL 120 or 106 instead

[@jonlobello7151]

@@spiltmilt Isn't a Salty also a Sportsman?...there's too many Old Town Kayaks to keep track of.

[@jonlobello7151]

@@spiltmilt I just checked out the sportsman pdl.

[@hilldaron17]

hey do you have a link to those pedals? I have the same color 120 pdl and those pedals are sick!

[@spiltmilt]

Yes follow this link, its the green color (more of a sea green). Thanks for supporting my channel amzn.to/3EGYuMA

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

I'm weighing the old town vs. hobie kayaks. If I understand the Salty has a lower seat than the topwaters? that higher center of gravity is the biggest complaint I've read about the old towns. my first pedal kayak trip was in a buddy's older model that had a low, soft seat and my legs lasted a lot longer at that angle than my buddy in a higher seat. Thanks love your vids

[@spiltmilt]

Yes the Salty’s seat is lower than the Topwaters.

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

@@spiltmilt Just bought the Salty today!

[@michaelsnively3621]

How are you liking the kayak so far?+​@@wubbalubbadubx2

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

can you tell us more about how you rigged your fish finder on this? I don't see the head unit in the video. I'm looking at the Yak Attack Cell Blok unit vs. wiring inside using the scupper mount underneath. Thank you

[@spiltmilt]

Here you go. Battery is wired internally Install Helix 7 Fishfinder on a Kayak kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3i1oZqijcaXaas

[@billsquires5538]

Is the Old Town salty still your favorite?

[@spiltmilt]

Without a doubt

[@ndt270]

Hi Tyler. Thanks for the great review. Can you tell me what car rack/saddle system and brand you use? I have a 2017 Subaru Outback and would like to get a system where I can load it myself without causing damage to the top of the rear hatch or side of the vehicle.

[@spiltmilt]

This is the system I recommend although I now us the Yakima Big Catch Saddles instead of the the Thule linked in the video

[@ndt270]

@@spiltmilt Thanks for your speedy response, Tyler. I really appreciate it! I will likely go with the Yakima Big Catch Saddles. Ice out and fishing is coming on fast. I'll use the Salty in salt and fresh with confidence. Although I live and fish lakes and rivers in Wyoming, I'll be wandering far and wide and enjoying all this boat will afford me. I have a slide in pop up truck camper and am looking for a saddle system for that as well. I hope Canada opens borders soon as there is a lifetime's worth of fishing there as well.

[@kingbee1691]

You convinced me to get one but in Seattle these are hard to come by. Got any recommendations? Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

They are hard to find anywhere. You'll be lucky to find one this fall. Closest place I know that might have one is Elephant Boys in Spokane which had one last week in stock.

[@kingbee1691]

@@spiltmilt thanks for the info. Looks like I will have to wait. Hopefully they be in this year.

[@kingbee1691]

@@spiltmilt found it! Northwest Outdoor Center at Lake Union had one left.

[@paulclarke2425]

Hi Tyler - torn between the salty and sportsman 120 pdl - have owned a native slayer 13 for a number of years - like the open bow of the salty - fish the majority of time inshore on the coast of North Carolina - but stability is very important to me - your thoughts if enough details provided would be appreciated - thanks

[@spiltmilt]

If stability is important to you I would get the Sportsman's PDL 120. Its many times more stable than the Salty. Obviously you don't get the open bow on the PDL 120 but you get additional storage space in the back and in the cockpit. With the Salty you get a much faster kayak that you can stand in but is far easier to flip than the Sportsman's 120.

[@PacificNWfishingadventures]

Appreciate the video. I have a question about the setup for your rod and fishfinder holder to the kayak....I see their ram mounts. Can give the breakdown so I can duplicate it? (what size bars, and proper angel mounts to get) Appreciate your time.

[@spiltmilt]

This video covers the equipment and has links plus discount codes in the description kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3vMmaWubL10kLs

[@PacificNWfishingadventures]

@@spiltmilt Thanks!

[@paparayfishing2000]

what rod holders are you using to get out of the way of peddling...I like those

[@spiltmilt]

You can save 15% on the RAM website by using the code "HICKS22" RAM Rod HD Rod Holder: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433-421 RAM Extension Arm: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114-APB2U.

[@greg6162]

Can you get scupper plugs where you showed the water coming in… or is it designed to be open like that?

[@spiltmilt]

You can plug those but water will come in around the front of the drive anyways.

[@Theophilus1968]

Would you be able to fish that out of Westport, LaPush & Seiku? Thanks for the great review.

[@spiltmilt]

Absolutely. A perfect kayak for those waters

[@richardvillar340]

@@spiltmilt Lol! I'm just seeing this. Thanks!

[@nwpete]

What do you like better between Salty and Sportsman for big water like Puget Sound and Tillamook Bay?

[@spiltmilt]

Salty for sure,

[@bradreid6057]

Sort of pedantic om my part, but "chine" is pronounced like the first part of "China" if you follow my meaning. Well, unless there are regional variations I guess. That aside, a really nice video and I wanted to tell you that it inspired a purchase. I picked mine up last Friday, outfitting now and will get it out very soon. So, tell Old Town they owe up something for promoting their products!!! Thanks! Brad

[@bradreid6057]

Sorry for the typos. They owe you at least a thanks!!!

[@rickss69]

Why would you not plug those scupper holes when fishing???

[@spiltmilt]

You can but water still comes in around the front of the drive

[@derricklafosse8947]

How bad is the hull slap on the salty?

[@spiltmilt]

It’s present and might be annoying to some.

[@hrios3016]

What are those rod holder you have for trolling? Have you lost a rod? They seem to hold them pretty good.

[@spiltmilt]

These are RAM Mounts HD Rod Holders. Never lost a rod and never expect to. Links below as well as a discount code. American made with a lifetime warranty You can save 15% on the RAM website by using the code "HICKS22" RAM Rod HD Rod Holder: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433-421 RAM Extension Arm: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114-APB2U.

[@andrewwood2110]

Any thoughts on the wilderness recon 120 HD? I e been trying to hold out for a OT Sportsman but there is a recon HD available right now. I haven’t seen much in comparison between the two.

[@spiltmilt]

Unfortunately their pedal drive systems are notoriously unreliable. What model Old Town r u looking for and what part of the country do u live in?

[@andrewwood2110]

@@spiltmilt I live in North Dakota. I was thinking of the sportsman 120pdl, but kind of digging the speed and maneuverability of the salty. I can order them in for next spring but my local store has one of the recons in stock currently.

[@andrewwood2110]

@@spiltmilt for reference, I’m 5’8 200lbs and will mostly fish smaller lakes, but will venture out to lake sakakwea and float the Missouri River as well. Might end up fishing some Idaho lakes and rivers as well as some Oregon locations. My parents own a spot on the Siletz River by Lincoln City Or.

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

About the bow slap...when I'm trolling for trout and salmon in shallow calm water the bow slap on my whaler is a big problem....Is there a way to reduce the slap, maybe by adding weight in the front? I'm half considering trading up for the topwater while the salty is still in my truck unused.

[@spiltmilt]

It may reduce the slap a little with some weight added but the bow design is always going to have some slap no matter what

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

@@spiltmilt took it out today and loved it. Thanks. I'll bring some diving lead next time i'm at the lake to test the theory

[@TinyTrout]

Can this kayak handle well near and around bouy 10? I just bought one.

[@spiltmilt]

Most kayak angler's don't fish near B10 but there are several troll lanes in the Astoria area that I would feel very comfortable in the Salty PDL during the right weather and tides.

[@TinyTrout]

Thank you

[@ncsojourner200]

Have u any experience with natives , pedal drives..? Curious against the 10' slayer..?

[@spiltmilt]

I've spent some time in one Native a few years ago. At the time they were having issues with their pedal drives which I think have been addressed. I am just not a fan of their hull designs. Large, wide, and slow boats designed for flat water not the fisheries I participate in.

[@dannyliang1539]

Thanks for the great review!!! Would you recommend the Salty or the Sportsman Topwater PDL 120 for the ocean? I’m trying to find out which one may be more stable in the ocean. Thank you so much!!!

[@spiltmilt]

The Sportsmans/Topwater 120 PDL is more stable but slower. The Salty is faster and will cut through the waves and surf better.

[@dannyliang1539]

@@spiltmilt Thank you for the quick reply!! I live in the west coast and the swell is about 2-5 feet, which kayak (I mean Salty or Topwater) do you think can handle better? Thanks again!!!

[@treybailey886]

@@dannyliang1539 I think Salty I love it I never feel like I'm gonna flip and it's fast

[@coryambush]

What kind of pedals are those... I'm researching some for pdl106. Worried about thread pitch.

[@spiltmilt]

These are the ones I got amzn.to/3HiMhgT

[@lawrenceblue8207]

I am curious of the weight of each kayak that you own when I go to left the kayak on top of my vehicle?

[@spiltmilt]

My PDL 120 and Salty 120 PDL weigh about 80 lbs on the roof rack. The AP120 is about 125.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Great, so now you’re saying my PA will fill with water and sink and I’ll die?!? 😳 JK. Just finished purchasing all the accessories and ready to start setting up. Really appreciate all your kayak videos Tyler, it’s been helpful through this process. Hope to see you out there some day.

[@spiltmilt]

Definitely improve the seal on the front hatch. I've twice seen PA's nearly sink in heavy wind chop.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

@@spiltmilt - Is there an after market seal you recommend? Or what method do you use to improve it?

[@johncole5297]

What do you think of native water craft Slayer Max

[@spiltmilt]

It's a good boat for what it's designed for. It doesn't fit my needs for Northwest troll or saltwater fisheries.

[@mrb401]

Faster than the Revo 13 w 180 standard fins??

[@spiltmilt]

Yes.

[@lawrenceblue8207]

Why not are you using the autopilot 120 instead of using your legs peddling?

[@spiltmilt]

Sometimes I enjoy the physical aspect of the pedal kayak.

[@lawrenceblue8207]

Your kayak doesn't tip over all that easy, does it?

[@spiltmilt]

No the Salty 120 PDL is very stable.

[@townsend96]

What kayak do you recommend for a 6'4" 330lb guy? Should I stick with a power boat? 😁

[@spiltmilt]

Why not have the best of both worlds? The AutoPilot 136 has 430 lb capacity and plenty of space for you.

[@RJUnleashedVideos]

Great Review! Would like to chat with you sometime soon or PM on face book FaceTime? Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Find me here facebook.com/spiltmilt