Let's dive deep into the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty, a kayak that's been making waves in the fishing community. If you're an angler looking for a stable, pedal-powered platform to elevate your fishing game, this could be your perfect match. We're going to break down everything from its design and features to its performance on the water, so you can decide if it's the right kayak for your needs.

Overview of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is purpose-built for anglers who demand both performance and comfort. It's essentially a pedal-driven kayak designed to provide a hands-free fishing experience. Imagine being able to control your kayak's movement while simultaneously casting your line or managing your gear – that's the beauty of a pedal drive system. The "Salty" designation indicates that this model is specifically geared towards saltwater environments, featuring components and materials that are more resistant to corrosion and wear from the harsh marine conditions. This kayak typically measures around 12 feet in length, offering a good balance between stability and maneuverability. The hull design is optimized for tracking and stability, ensuring that you can maintain a straight course even in choppy waters or against currents. The Sportsman 120 PDL Salty also comes equipped with a comfortable seating system, ample storage options, and customizable mounting tracks for accessories, making it a versatile and angler-friendly kayak. Whether you're targeting inshore species, exploring coastal waters, or fishing in bays and estuaries, this kayak is designed to help you make the most of your time on the water. Its robust construction and thoughtful features make it a reliable companion for any serious angler looking to enhance their fishing adventures. The pedal drive system allows for efficient and effortless propulsion, covering long distances with ease. This is particularly useful when you need to reach distant fishing spots or cover a lot of water in search of active fish. The hands-free operation also gives you a significant advantage when fighting fish, as you can maintain boat control and adjust your position without having to juggle a paddle. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is more than just a kayak; it's a complete fishing platform designed to maximize your angling success and overall enjoyment on the water. So, if you're serious about kayak fishing and want a reliable, high-performance vessel, this is definitely one to consider.

Key Features and Design

When it comes to the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty, the features and design are where this kayak truly shines. Let's start with the PDL (Pedal Drive System). This is the heart of the kayak, allowing for hands-free propulsion. The pedal drive is smooth, efficient, and easy to use, making it a breeze to navigate even in windy conditions or against the current. The system is also designed to be durable and reliable, capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use in saltwater environments. Next up is the hull design. The Sportsman 120 PDL Salty features a stable and efficient hull that provides excellent tracking and stability. This means you can maintain a straight course with minimal effort, and you won't feel tippy or unstable, even when standing up to cast or reel in a fish. The kayak also boasts a comfortable and adjustable ACS (Adjustable Seating System) seat. This seat is designed to provide all-day comfort, with plenty of back support and cushioning. It can also be adjusted to different positions, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your body type and preferences. Storage is another key consideration for anglers, and the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty doesn't disappoint. It features a large tank well in the stern, perfect for storing a crate of gear or a cooler. There's also a smaller storage compartment in the bow, ideal for keeping essential items like your phone, wallet, and keys dry and secure. In addition to the built-in storage, the kayak also features accessory mounting tracks. These tracks allow you to easily attach and customize your kayak with a wide range of accessories, such as rod holders, fish finders, and camera mounts. This level of customization is a huge plus for anglers who want to personalize their kayak to suit their specific needs and fishing style. Finally, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is constructed from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. The kayak is made from durable polyethylene, which is resistant to scratches, dings, and UV damage. The hardware is also corrosion-resistant, ensuring that your kayak will hold up well over time, even with regular use in saltwater. All these features combine to make the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty a well-designed and highly functional fishing kayak that's sure to enhance your angling experience.

Performance and Stability On the Water

When you're out on the water, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty truly shines in terms of performance and stability. This kayak is engineered to handle a variety of conditions, making it a reliable choice for anglers who fish in different environments. The pedal drive system is incredibly efficient, allowing you to cover long distances with ease. Whether you're trolling for fish, exploring new areas, or simply cruising along the shoreline, the pedal drive provides a smooth and effortless experience. The pedals are easy to use, and the system is responsive, giving you precise control over your kayak's speed and direction. Stability is another key strength of the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty. The hull is designed to provide a stable platform, even in choppy waters or when you're standing up to cast or reel in a fish. This is especially important for anglers who like to fish in rough conditions or who need to stand up to get a better view of the water. The kayak's wide beam and low center of gravity contribute to its stability, making it feel solid and secure, even when you're leaning over to reach for something. In terms of handling, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is surprisingly maneuverable for its size. The kayak tracks well, meaning it stays on course with minimal effort, and it turns easily when you need to change direction. This makes it a great choice for fishing in tight spots or navigating around obstacles. The kayak is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and launch. While it's not the fastest kayak on the market, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed for efficiency and stability, rather than speed. This means you can comfortably cruise at a moderate pace for extended periods, without feeling fatigued. Overall, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty delivers impressive performance and stability on the water. It's a kayak that you can rely on to get you where you need to go, and it provides a stable and comfortable platform for fishing, even in challenging conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this kayak is sure to enhance your fishing experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any piece of equipment, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros:

• Hands-Free Propulsion: The pedal drive system allows you to navigate and fish simultaneously, which is a huge advantage for anglers.
• Excellent Stability: The stable hull design makes it easy to stand and fish, even in choppy waters.
• Comfortable Seating: The adjustable ACS seat provides all-day comfort, so you can fish for longer periods without getting sore.
• Ample Storage: Plenty of storage space for gear, tackle, and personal items.
• Customizable: Accessory mounting tracks allow you to easily add and customize accessories to suit your needs.
• Durable Construction: Built from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Cons:

• Price: Pedal-drive kayaks tend to be more expensive than paddle kayaks.
• Weight: The pedal drive system adds weight to the kayak, making it heavier to transport.
• Maintenance: The pedal drive system requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
• Size: The 12-foot length may be too long for some anglers, especially those who fish in tight spaces.
• Learning Curve: It may take some time to get used to the pedal drive system, especially if you're new to kayak fishing.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty doesn't quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12: This is a premium pedal-drive kayak with a host of features, including a comfortable Vantage seat, ample storage, and a durable hull. It's a top-of-the-line option for serious anglers, but it comes with a premium price tag.
• Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10: This is a smaller and more maneuverable pedal-drive kayak that's great for fishing in tight spaces. It features a comfortable seat, ample storage, and a durable hull.
• Jackson Kayak Coosa FD: This is another great pedal-drive kayak option known for its stability and maneuverability. It's well-suited for river fishing and offers a comfortable seating system.
• ** perception Outlaw 11.5:** If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider a paddle kayak like the Perception Outlaw 11.5. This is a stable and versatile kayak that's great for fishing in a variety of conditions. It doesn't have a pedal drive, but it's still a capable fishing platform.
• Vibe Shearwater 125: The Vibe Shearwater 125 is a hybrid kayak/paddleboard that offers a unique fishing experience. It can be paddled, pedaled, or even used as a stand-up paddleboard. It's a versatile option that's great for anglers who want to try something different.

Final Verdict

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is an excellent choice for anglers who want a stable, comfortable, and efficient pedal-drive kayak. Its hands-free propulsion, ample storage, and customizable features make it a versatile platform for fishing in a variety of conditions. While it may be more expensive than paddle kayaks, the benefits of the pedal drive system are well worth the investment for serious anglers. If you're looking for a reliable and high-performing fishing kayak, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is definitely worth considering. So, if you're ready to take your fishing game to the next level, this kayak could be your perfect partner on the water. Just remember to consider the pros and cons, and compare it to other options to make sure it's the right fit for your needs and budget. Happy fishing, guys!