Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman Follow Up Review!

Well, I have had this boat for almost 10 months now and thought it would be a good time to do a follow up review on it...Enjoy!!!

[@jeffa3155]

Awesome video. Exactly what I was looking to find out. Thanks for putting out great content!!! Excellent job!

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you so much for your kind words! This is why I do this!

[@williamholiday468]

Outstanding review, Sir, top notch. I plan on having one by the end of the year, and you confirmed all the point I desire as I am the proverbial “simple man”. Thanks.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank You so much for the compliment!

[@georgerehak1424]

Thanks for the video. Nice hybrid platform. Blank canvass that can be outfitted to personal desire.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank You for the compliment!

[@dougroberts3643]

Outstanding review of this canoe. I gave you the 300th thumbs up 👍. It's been viewed like 14k times. There should be a lot more likes. Excellent content

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@butcherknife59knife46]

Great review! Thanks for taking the time to explain why you like the Sportsman!! Hook’em

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really love this canoe!

[@houseatreides6683]

​@@TheFloridaBassPaddlerhow comfortable is this canoe for a 30 mile float trip? Kayaks kill my back so I'm taking a hard look at this canoe.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

@@houseatreides6683 It’s comfortable, but I would recommend a seat pad for longer excursions. The backrest is fine but the lower pad is somewhat thin and you’ll need more cushioning especially for a trip like that.

[@houseatreides6683]

@@TheFloridaBassPaddler in one of the rivers I'd use this on, the water can get pretty shallow in some places, around a foot deep, how would this canoe do in that shallow of water? For context I'm 200 lb and I'd have 20-30 lb of gear with me

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

@@houseatreides6683 I’ve had mine in very shallow water with no issues whatsoever.

[@ryantaylor885]

Thanks for the video. I'm definitely going to buy one.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@williamjohnson4417]

this was an excellent review, great work.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@knutfalker8261]

Whatever rigging - the best modification you've done to this boat in my opinion (and I've copied that for mine) was to glue on those little rubber feet for computer towers in front of the armrests to avoid the paddle to roll forth and back uncontrolled! It's unfortunately not mentioned in this video. Hence, I strongly recommend folks interested in this canoe to watch your former two videos reviewing it!!

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

That's amazing and I appreciate the feedback. I have had a few people mention that mod to me. Thank you for the kind words!

[@TackleFishingAdventures]

Couldn't of done a better overview of this canoe 🤙👌👌👌

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank You

[@robertringier1988]

Great boat. The discontinued Pack was very similar but lighter at 33# and more durable being made out of Royalex. Mine is 15 years old and showing its age. This would be its replacement.

[@michaelpulcini]

I bought a used Guide 119 (same as the pack just made of polyethylene) years ago and it's still going strong. The pack, Guide, and discovery 119s are all great boats. I love mine

[@Meatpopsicle2050]

I’ve always car topped mine (all my boats actually) with only two straps. I’ve never seen an issue with doing it. I also loosen them if I get home and am too tired after the day paddling to unload right away. I also live in Michigan so we don’t get that hot.

[@Ozzypup1]

I take my pelican sit in kayak through heavy cover without any issues. As a matter of fact one of the lakes I fish is at least 70 percent covered by the middle of summer if not more. I do really like this hybrid though and am thinking about trying to find one this summer.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

I am not sure where you live but have seen some Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman’s available at Dick’s Sporting Goods near me. You can also check local outfitters that may be Old Town dealers.

[@happy_hartshornes]

Great video man. I have a 119 too. Haven’t used it much for fishing but I’m getting it rigged up now. I have a 120pdl as well that I use inshore fishing in the Gulf. I live in Tallahassee. I really like the paddle holder. Always so awkward fishing and having a paddle in the way.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you for the kind words! I just moved to Tallahassee and the 119 is coming in handy!

[@happy_hartshornes]

@@TheFloridaBassPaddler no way that’s awesome. I haven’t been out on my sportsman pdl 120 in a couple months because of the heat but I launch out of Wakulla Beach when I fish inshore for trout and redfish.

[@spagnolo1]

i love this canoa

[@ronschreiber3635]

thanks great Info .

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank You

[@joybatistic884]

It is a great video loved seeing how you put it in your truck. Is it comfortable to kneel in or can't you do that with such a low seat

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

I have kneeled in it with no problem, however I have only done that for minimal amounts of time. If you are going to do it for an extended period of time, perhaps buying one of those kneeling pads that people who garden a lot use.

[@anthonynadeau130]

I hope you would look into this product. I have an older model of the 119 and i put this on my canoe and it is awesome to be able to stand up. Spring Creek Manufacturing Hydrodynamic Canoe Stabilizer Float Package

[@TheAmatureExpert]

Hey FBP. I'm looking to buy this boat very soon now that we have stock again. My question is what kind of clothing you wear when out on the water in a setup like this. What top and trousers do you wear? Also that life vest. Getting dunked is my main concern so is your gear quick-drying?

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Yes. I wear quick drying gear. Columbia Performance Gear pants to be honest, and usually a quick drying performance hoodie. I also always wear a PFD. Currently, I am wearing a NRS Chinook PFD. In some of my videos, I am wearing an Onyx manual inflating PFD.

[@TheAmatureExpert]

Thanks for the information. Always good to have someone with experience recomend gear. I'll be buying that.

[@pappy451]

this looks exactly like my Guide Solo 119 . the seat is different . but it's low in the boat . same color scheme .same length and width . same bottom . i'm gonna guess they replaced the guide solo with the discovery solo . . . but with upgrades . mine doesn't have the rod holders . it also appears my seat sits further back in the canoe than yours . i bought mine to use as a camping craft . yes i will fish , but not in the manner you do with the whole fishing set up . i also plan to build some outriggers for it . . . i have an idea . . .

[@spagnolo1]

nice video Bill

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank You

[@facdafra8485]

Great video. What paddle length are you using? I’m 5’11” and with my regular kayak I use a 230. I read that a longer paddle is recommended for this boat. Like a 240.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you for the compliment. I’m actually using a 260 but that is because when I lived in South Florida, I used to fish many canals with cement sea walls and wanted the longer paddle to push off them. If I am in open water, I use a 240-255cm adjustable paddle.

[@facdafra8485]

Thank you very much! I'm strongly considering in getting this boat. I figured a 240cm would be great but I'll probably get one that extend as well just in case. @@TheFloridaBassPaddler

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

@@facdafra8485 You won’t be disappointed in this boat! I absolutely love mine!

[@User39.]

Question...I have an old Bass Pro FS12 Kayak that is 30" wide...its kinda a sit down in fishing Kayak...I really like to take it to Ozark rivers to camp and float...these rivers have some current, and some places where you have to be a little maneuverable. Vendors along these rivers rent canoes for float trips...so it's never white water . In my Kayak I can't bring by 60 pound Labrador....I was looking at the Old town Next or maybe something similar....I just don't want something "tippy"... Im 60 and do't care to dump over with the dog...I need stability and maneuverability along with a little better capacity... Im content with my Kayak other than the dog thing....any suggestions would be appreciated...

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

That is a great question. I have not tried the Old Town Next, so I can't speak to its stability. I can tell you the 119 Solo Sportsman is very stable, but keep in mind, you are sitting much lower in it than a standard one-person canoe so it is more stable. than a traditional canoe.

[@jasonhyde]

Do you like how low the seat sets? Seems like it's more kayak level than canoe level.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

You are correct, the seating is very much like a sit inside kayak, more so that a canoe and I have owned both. However with that being said, I do not mind the lower seat in this boat. The only suggestion that I have made previously is that if you are going to be in it for extended periods of time, a seat cushion is recommended.

[@ryantaylor885]

What size paddle do you use? I'm about the same height as you so I am curious what paddle size you prefer.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Personally, I prefer a 240cm paddle but for my canoe, I actually use a 260cm so I have more reach when pushing off of objects such as cement sea walls and rocky shore lines. With its lighter weight, the canoe will be moved easily by wind gusts and the longer paddle helps keep it from knocking into them.

[@clownmatrix3003]

How does this boat handle while trolling? Im torn between this and the 106 pdl. Im mostly targeting trout and kokanee. I just see myself smacking my rod or holder with the paddle and getting pissed off haha. Do you do much trolling with this boat? Any way thanks for the video

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

While I personally never trolled in it, I definitely feel you can. While you’ll achieve a more consistent speed in the PDL, the Solo Sportsman tracks really well and has good speed to it. You can add a locking rod holder to the front thwart track system or even install mighty mounts on the back thwart like I did. Hope this helps.

[@clownmatrix3003]

@@TheFloridaBassPaddler Hey thanks for the reply. I will look into the locking rod holders, maybe a yak attack? This boat is less than half the cost of the PDL out here in canada, so if i can get some trolling use out of it, it might be "the one". Ill sub and watch some of your older videos cheers

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

@@clownmatrix3003 I believe the Omega rod holder from YakAttack has the twist lock at the top of it.

[@terrylamielle4981]

Where did you purchase your canoe ? Did you have to order it direct from Old Town or a retailer ? I can't seem to find a dealer with any in stock.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

I received mine direct from Old Town, but if you have any local Old Town Dealers in your area, they should be able to order one for you.

[@mrloftybreez1503]

@@TheFloridaBassPaddler REI has them plus if you are a member there are discounts to be had.

[@joybatistic884]

Would you consider putting a trolling motor on it.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

I know people have done it to this particular model, as for myself…I’m not one for trolling motors on my kayaks. I have no problem with people doing so, I just prefer to keep it simple plus many of the waters I fish with this canoe are really weedy so the trolling motor would be rendered useless.

[@Mike-ul1xn]

Can it fit a whitetail in the back?

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

I personally do not hunt but I think a Whitetail may be a tad big for the back tankwell. I would have to think a portion of it would hang out.

[@DavidKrysiak]

How easy is it to transport in a truck bed. How long is your bed. How to you tie it down.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

It’s very easy to load and unload due to its lightweight. I have a 6’ bed, and add another 2’ for the lift gate being down. I run the strap down through one of the side rod holders, and then back up through the other. Now, although I’m using a ratchet strap, I do not fully tighten it as it will damage the plastic arm rests with the rod holders. I tighten it just enough to be secure then use a cable lock just as an extra precaution. Hope this helps…

[@DavidKrysiak]

@@TheFloridaBassPaddler

[@ronschreiber3635]

what size paddle is that ??

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

That is a 250 cm paddle.

[@knutfalker8261]

Same here. Looks like Bill and I are approximately the same size (considering the position of his the foot-rests). I'm about 175 cm tall and use a Bending Branches Angler Classic in 250 cm. Fits perfectly!

[@tmb1065]

could this fit a kid as a passenger?

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Thank you for the question. That would depend on the size, height and weight or your child. While I can’t tell someone what they can and can’t do with their craft, I personally would say no, and for two reasons. First, the rear thwart is right behind the seat and the front thwart is close to where your feet would be. Secondly, because of this, while there is room for gear, there is a possibility of a smaller passenger throwing off the center of gravity if they are too close to the bow or stern. Possibly if they sat with their back towards the seat, but I just think that may be an unnecessary risk. Just my opinion…

[@SlickCat]

Great boat, not so great to car-top it's nearly 60lbs. I slide mine in the bed of my pickup and strap it in.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

As do I, however 60 pounds is a joy compared to some of my other boats.

[@bulldog7196]

I can't decide between a kayak or canoe. Binge watching vids. Lol

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

I can’t help you! lol All kidding aside, both have their advantages. If your fishing smaller bodies of water, or if your area is very weedy, then I would recommend a canoe or a paddle style kayak.

[@rcote1234]

Room for Lab Retriever, do you think?

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

Possibly behind the seat in the rear, may be a little tight for your pup but it’s possible…

[@rcote1234]

@@TheFloridaBassPaddler got ya. Thx. Terrific review of this 119. When you knelt down beside it, it provided a nice scale.

[@TheFloridaBassPaddler]

@@rcote1234 I love this boat! Definitely a great platform for a variety of uses.

[@TismFishing]

It’s unfortunate how much old town has increased to price on this boat, it’s no longer a good value sitting at $1300. You can get a much better platform now for that money, unless you have to portage often.

[@lkiek20]

Agreed! Just picked up 2 of them for less than $1000 each. I had to shop around.

[@TismFishing]

@@lkiek20 nice, if I find a deal I may grab one. I still have my wilderness commander from years ago.

[@tmb1065]

what other options?

[@TismFishing]

@@tmb1065 a free free moken 12.5v2, nucanoe flint, crescent lite tackle, native ultimate, Jackson Kilroy, bonafide rd, a hobie passport (they go on sale for 1000), the list goes on almost every brand sales something that will outperform this boat if your buying new. Like I said, unless you have to portage often.

[@TismFishing]

@@ueng928 not saying comparable just saying better value.