King Salmon Fishing in My New Kayak [Old Town Sportsman's PDL 120 vs Topwater 120 PDL]

Took my new ‪@OldTownCanoeKayak‬ Sportsman's 120 PDL out onto the Brewster pool in the upper Columbia River for some Chinook Salmon fishing. No better way to break in a virgin kayak fresh off the truck than by fighting 20 lb fish with 200+ powerboats around, right?
For more information on the Sportsman's PDL 120 from Old Town click here: bit.ly/32LthGU
Tackle Featured in the Video. Be sure and tell them Spilt Milt sent you:
- Yakima Bait Spinfish: bit.ly/39j7x6l
- Leo Flasher: leosflashers.com/
- RAM Rod HD rod holder: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433...
- RAM extension arm: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114....
- You can save 10% on the RAM website by using the code "THICKS20"

[@darrenm9597]

Look at that kayak out fishing all them boats lol

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

When you pulled up the salmon just after the 8 minute mark "From hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee."

[@SVaya2018]

Another awesome video!! Hope to see you on the water soon!!!

[@capoeirabrasil]

Wow those are some beauties. My rid holders would snap for sure. Thanks for the details about your setup and strategy. Very interesting to hear!

[@81baller209]

Loving the new setup. Kayak and all. Especially that okuma low profile 😉

[@garychiang2568]

Really enjoy those back hand holds! Agree with everything you said. I am planning to put a Scotty anchor mount where the shallow water pole system would be. Agree that on the west coast it’s not really needed at all.

[@MrGetthenet]

Great stuff as always 👏🏾👏🏿👏🏼👏🏻👏🏽

[@travis6923]

Wow!! Kings and the new PDL review what a 5 star video

[@g-wolfoutdoors8150]

Glad they addressed the seat issues

[@TheReefRobber]

New sub here from Oregon! Thanks for sharing. Small boat, big fish equals great fun.

[@MAGA-SISU]

Very nice comparison video. 1st time I’ve seen a clear distinction between the two kayaks. I’m picking up my new Sportsman PDL 120 next week. Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

Thanks and congrats on your purchase. Welcome to team Old Town.

[@davidjennings127]

Congratulations pal🤩

[@raymac1936]

Thanks for sharing your the man enjoyed your video

[@raymac1936]

Ooooh to be young again keep your videos coming enjoy while you are able

[@lukejohnston8770]

Dude, I love your videos! PNW represent!

[@waydegilbank2510]

That's a beautiful fish buddy good on you

[@ChipDarby13]

Oh man that looks like an absolute blast!!

[@spiltmilt]

It is such a hoot!!!

[@zachh3293]

Spilt Milt Productions is that Brewster pool?? And can you fish two rods per person up there where your fishing?

[@elbrus65]

Thank you my friend!

[@richardmason4705]

Just got my top water PDL It’s just like your sportsman, except the seat. Live in Milwaukie and can’t wait to get into the springers on the willamete and Columbia Nice video!

[@nw_angler]

Thanks for the info on the lower Columbia!

[@spiltmilt]

Any time!

[@dagger281]

Awesome boat! Hopefully my next upgrade!🤙

[@spiltmilt]

Do it!!!

[@chriswebster9632]

Nice Video and fish

[@calebhawkins624]

"This guy hasn't made a run yet." *queue screaming drag and dad noises*

[@jeremybinz9888]

Thanks for the info. With back issues myself, it is great to know this. Will you show case your tandem yak in the future?

[@spiltmilt]

I did a pretty extensive review on it not too long ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ7GXn99h9R-o9E

[@Kphillip605]

Looks like the Brewster pool. Combat fishing at its worst

[@spiltmilt]

It's not for everyone that is for sure.

[@ax5017]

Nice

[@truthof7382]

Thank your the great video. Is the bottom of the hull the same on both?

[@spiltmilt]

Identical

[@quadradomus]

Crazy video on steroids compared to the usual Kokanee video etc. I heard more ‘Grunting’ than I’ve ever heard, lol. And the usual rod dance in the holder, was NOT the case here. Your rod was dancing HARD. 👍

[@spiltmilt]

Lol yeah! You got put your whole body into when fighting those Kings

[@MrAcuta73]

Looked up the price on that bad boy...ouch. Looks like a NICE boat, though! Think it would get salty without too many issues? Also, does the drive have a break-away in case of a hot beach landing? I swear I asked these things when you did the Topwater review, but don't remember now.... Heck of a day of Chinook fishing! Ain't no nooky like Chi-nooky! ;)

[@spiltmilt]

The drive is sealed and will not have any problems in the salt so I wouldn't worry about. There are several break away points designed into the PDL drive/kayak in the event you were to strike bottom or an object.

[@pdxfisher1]

Fantastic video, you were really killing it! That looks like a really nice kayak. I really like my Hobie Outback but it would be really nice to be able to reverse without having to pull the chord. It also looks like you have a nice fine granularity of seat adjustments (front to back), and most importantly it is clearly a fish-catching machine :)

[@spiltmilt]

Yes the hands free reverse is really nice to have. You can adjust seat distance from pedal, back angle, and using aftermarket risers you adjust height as well.

[@pdxfisher1]

@@spiltmilt That is definitely more adjustable than the Hobie. I am lucky in that I am happy enough with my seat position on my Hobie but I am sure if I could dial it in a little better I would. Congrats on the new ride!

[@terryd2634]

Hi Tyler, Been watching a lot of your fantastic videos. Decided to buy a Sportsman 120 pdl based on your videos. Which dealer did you get yours from? Local or internet?

[@spiltmilt]

Internet but there are local dealers in Tacoma, Spokane, and Portland.

[@panchopachangas4450]

There’s a fish! 😂

[@spiltmilt]

🤣😂🤣🤣

[@stingray4540]

Catching kings from a boat wears me out. Watching you fight them from a seated position in a kayak is making me exhausted

[@spiltmilt]

Hahaha 🤣 it is exhausting

[@townsend96]

I would have loved to see a double. 🤣

[@spiltmilt]

It's happened once before with Kings. It's not pretty LOL

[@loganfishbeard]

How do you get these videos up so fast! I watched you catch those fish two days ago!

[@spiltmilt]

Churn and burn....

[@loganfishbeard]

@@spiltmilt Well my hats off to you then. Editing long stretches of footage can be a real pita sometimes. I sure appreciate the timeliness as a fisherman though.

[@thehonfleur]

Awesome vid! How does the old town sportsman 120pdl handle in the ocean in waves? The flat bottom seems like it might be questionable. Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

It doesn’t slice through the waves but it’s stable. It’s wouldn’t be my first choice for off shore

[@thehonfleur]

@@spiltmilt I guess the autopilot 120 would be in the same situation where it wouldn't really slice through the waves that well.

[@bigbodyalan7054]

A fish jumped 1:29

[@scottbakersb]

Great video I want to get into kayak fishing what is a decently priced kayak to start with?

[@spiltmilt]

You can get into quality paddle kayaks in the $800-1200 range. Pedal kayaks, which I recommend, are going to be in the $1800-2200 range for decent quality. What kind of fishing do you like to do?

[@scottbakersb]

@@spiltmiltthanks for the advice, would probably be just trolling live here in Eastern Washington so like Rimrock lake and some others to get out in the water instead of fishing off the bank

[@spiltmilt]

I would say for trolling a pedal drive will really make things easy for you.

[@scottbakersb]

@@spiltmilt cool thanks for the advice 👍 keep up the great content

[@travis3907]

Are there sockeye still doing pretty good are people catching them still

[@spiltmilt]

Yup still biting

[@mcdrmtt]

What roof rack was that a quick glimpse of?

[@spiltmilt]

Yakima Big Catch Saddles amzn.to/2qIFkUf

[@eriks9576]

how long of leader are you using on the spinfish? thanks

[@spiltmilt]

30"

[@danieldodge2342]

What type if rack system do you use on your vehicle?

[@spiltmilt]

Yakima Big Catch Saddles and Roller Assist Bar kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZTadYqOfq-km5o

[@grk8458]

Whats the etiquette when you hook a big king and its taking runs in the swarm of boats?

[@spiltmilt]

Most everyone tries to get out of your way. If someone's King get wrapped on your gear just free spool until they land their fish.

[@htelbz6489]

What length of rods do you run for big salmon? I have 9' poles but i haven't used them on my kayak yet, and i feel like it would be extremely hard to net a heavy fish with those long poles.

[@spiltmilt]

I prefer 7-8'.

[@htelbz6489]

Spilt Milt Productions What 7 footers Would you recommend?

[@Built2ride998cc]

Hello, I fish the east end of Ontario where kings regularly get to 30 pounds. I am purchasing a sportsman pdl and setting it up and am wondering if the ram hd holders will withstand such a vicious shot from a king that big. Appreciate the feedback

[@spiltmilt]

They hold up fine as u can see in this and all my videos

[@Built2ride998cc]

@@spiltmilt awesome and thank you for the feed back, I really enjoy your videos and will be getting the ram hds!

[@timschwarze4842]

Do you have a store over there that carries Old Town? I can’t seem to find anyone over here on the west side so I can see one in person. Or did you order directly from Old Town?

[@spiltmilt]

I got mine direct which currently is not possible due to covid. You could try American Outdoor in Seattle. REI should start carrying the Sportsman's line up at some point and you might contact them to see when they anticipate getting them in stock. On occasion Next Adventure has one as well.

[@timschwarze4842]

Spilt Milt Productions Thank you.

[@buglmin1]

Fishing crainprarie reservoir

[@timschwarze4842]

From your perspective then, what are the pros and cons of the Salty vs the Sportsman?

[@spiltmilt]

Salty: Pros: Light weight, fast, more aggressive keel and chine for punching through the surf, less expensive Cons: Less stable, can't stand in it, not as much rod storage Sportsman Pros: crazy stable, abundant storage, 3 rod holders, high off the water, great capacity Cons: slower, lower maneuverability, heavier

[@timschwarze4842]

Spilt Milt Productions Thank you quick response.

[@jokerz60]

What you think about the predator vs sportsman 120? Looking at both. Thanks.

[@thehonfleur]

What are your thoughts on running "Dipsy divers" instead of snap weights for trolling from a kayak?

[@spiltmilt]

They work. More drag than snap weights though

[@thehonfleur]

@@spiltmilt ahhh. Interesting. Thanks!

[@gameopsdk]

Sounds like lead core isn't an option at the Brewster pool?

[@spiltmilt]

Would be a bad idea I think.

[@gameopsdk]

@@spiltmilt what size leo flasher did you use?

[@nw_angler]

Have you fished the lower Columbia on your kayak? Do you have thoughts on this? Below or above Bonneville.

[@spiltmilt]

Many many times over the past 10 years. 100% doable especially from the I-5 bridge downstream on the incoming. Above Bonneville is very easy and safe. Here are a few recent from this area: 1. Austin Point Area: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZilpqGlmtyWodE 2. Wind River: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIitd2N8qLGqas0

[@thomassteele8150]

Tyler, do you ever have the problem of fish getting tangle up with your second line out?

[@spiltmilt]

Sometimes, if that happens I just open the bail on the other rod and deal with the mess after I land the fish.

[@thomassteele8150]

@@spiltmilt Great advice. I've always sweated that situation when running two rods for salmon. Now I'll know what to do. Thanks!

[@12restoration]

How often do you tangle with the other rod?

[@spiltmilt]

On occasion. It's happens once a year or so

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

What lb test main line do you use? Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

60 lb braid

Where about are you fishing ? OR or WA?

[@spiltmilt]

Washington, Columbia River, near the town of Brewster.

[@pnwsportsman4036]

What model rod holder and mount? Looking for something for big fish

[@pnwsportsman4036]

Also what a friggen epic day!

[@spiltmilt]

The RAM Rod HD www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433-421 with this extension arm www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114-APB2U. You can save 10% on the RAM website by using the code "THICKS20"

[@pnwsportsman4036]

Spilt Milt Productions awesome thanks man! Just ordered

[@thehonfleur]

What size spinfish do you use for kings?

[@spiltmilt]

3’s and 4’s

[@thehonfleur]

@@spiltmilt Thanks!

[@bityw1234]

What kind of rod/reels are those

[@spiltmilt]

The rods I cover here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGHUfopmm52Di80 The reels are Shimano Tekota 300 LC and Okuma Coldwater Low Profile LC

[@strongaddictions1645]

Hello can either of these kayaks be motorized ?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes

[@Steve-bi2rd]

What’s your formula for getting to certain depths

[@spiltmilt]

With Pro-trolls you get major blowback so with 10 oz I estimate I am getting 1/2 the depth of line out. So if I have 50' out I am fishing around 25' deep give a take a few. With 16 oz I am getting about 2/3rds.

[@Steve-bi2rd]

What’s your formula for kokanee

[@spiltmilt]

With 10 lb mono I get 10-15' drop for every oz at 100' on the line counter.

[@Steve-bi2rd]

At what speed?

[@thehonfleur]

What trolling speed do you like for salmon?

[@spiltmilt]

Depends on the species of salmon, gear, and current

[@thehonfleur]

@@spiltmilt I've heard for coho around Ocean Bays you want at least 2.2mph?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes Coho in the sound seem to prefer around 2 mph.

[@thehonfleur]

@@spiltmilt Thanks buddy!

[@thehonfleur]

What speed are you trolling @ for kings roughly?

[@spiltmilt]

1.7 to 2.5 mph

[@thehonfleur]

@@spiltmilt thanks!

[@philipbowman9340]

What scent were you using

[@philipbowman9340]

Also do you premix your tuna with sea salt before going out or out of the can

[@spiltmilt]

Yes salt + Pro Cure garlic and bloody tuna.

[@philipbowman9340]

I've been using several recipes for mixing tuna but no luck. In fact the only kings I've landed were caught without using scent, or on sockeye gear.

[@philipbowman9340]

Ivebeentrying to figure out the formula for 16oz of weight to determine how much line I should be letting out together down 25 or 30 feet at 1.6 to 2.0 mph. .any ideas

[@ropeman3916]

Is it a prop or fin type drive? How about the price?

[@spiltmilt]

Prop drive. They run about $2900 now

[@greg6162]

I have a bad back and I like the seat without the bar obviously. Is this the same seat that’s in the Old Town Salty PDL? I really don’t know how to fish and I’d like to be able to just get a *pedal kayak* on the water w/option to fish later. I live by Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and would probably buy a fishing pole once I got comfortable with the yak. Yes, I know ppl will laugh… but I never had anyone take or show me how to fish as a kid. I’ll probably learn on KZbin but will start out with maybe a $20/setup from Walmart. I’m confused with all these different rods ppl have… couldn’t I just bring one fishing pole and some worms or am I being ridiculous?

[@spiltmilt]

Same chair as the Salty. There are many different styles of rods to fit the diversity of ways target different fish. You'll find out quickly that not every rod will work BUT a 7' medium spinning rod is the jack of all trades IMO.

[@milomarcille2488]

Are you selling your top water?

[@spiltmilt]

Already did

[@daveschafer2555]

That combat fishing doesn't look fun at all to me.

[@spiltmilt]

You def have to keep your head on a swivel and I was very fortunate that I just happened to fall in a gap when I hooked that big King. A 100' run typically results in a mess of tangled gear.

[@MrAcuta73]

@@spiltmilt LOL, I once hooked a 40lb+ Tule (Thule?) down at the Bouy 10 fishery, ran probably a hundred yards or more through, under, and around boats....no earthly clue how I managed to get it to the boat without tangles or just being cut off....then realized it wasn't a fish I could keep, let alone want to. But? Was a helluva ride!