Hey guys, are you thinking about getting into kayak fishing, or maybe upgrading your current setup? Today, we're diving deep into the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL, a pedal-drive kayak that's been making waves in the fishing community. We'll break down everything you need to know, from its performance and stability to its features and overall value, to help you decide if it's the right kayak for your needs. So, let's get started!

Overview of the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL

The Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is a compact and feature-rich pedal kayak designed specifically for anglers. Measuring 10 feet 6 inches in length and 36 inches in width, it strikes a balance between portability and stability. The pedal drive system allows for hands-free fishing, while the well-designed hull provides excellent tracking and maneuverability. This kayak is built for those who want a blend of convenience, performance, and comfort on the water.

Key Features

• PDL Drive System: The heart of this kayak is its pedal drive system, which allows you to propel yourself through the water with your legs, leaving your hands free for fishing. It's efficient, easy to use, and makes covering long distances a breeze.
• Premium Seating: The kayak comes with a comfortable and adjustable seat that provides excellent back support, ensuring you can spend hours on the water without discomfort. The breathable mesh fabric also helps keep you cool on hot days.
• Stable Hull Design: The Sportsman 106 PDL features a wide and stable hull that provides excellent stability, even in choppy water. This is crucial for anglers who need a stable platform for casting, reeling, and fighting fish.
• Ample Storage: With plenty of storage options, including a large tankwell in the stern and a smaller hatch in the bow, you'll have no trouble bringing all your gear with you. There are also accessory tracks for mounting rod holders, fish finders, and other accessories.
• Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials and construction techniques, the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is designed to withstand the rigors of kayak fishing. It's built to last, ensuring you get years of use out of your investment.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL truly shines. The pedal drive system is incredibly efficient, allowing you to cruise at a comfortable pace with minimal effort. Whether you're covering long distances or navigating tight spots, the pedal drive provides excellent control and maneuverability. The kayak also tracks well, meaning it stays on course with minimal effort, even in windy conditions. The hull design is optimized for stability, providing a solid platform for fishing, even when standing.

Speed and Efficiency

The pedal drive on the Sportsman 106 PDL is designed for both speed and efficiency. You can easily maintain a cruising speed of 3-4 mph, and even faster if you put in some effort. The pedal drive is also very efficient, meaning you can cover long distances without getting too tired. This is a huge advantage for anglers who like to explore large bodies of water or fish for extended periods.

Maneuverability

Despite its stability, the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is surprisingly maneuverable. The pedal drive allows you to turn quickly and easily, making it a breeze to navigate tight spots or follow fish. The kayak also responds well to paddle strokes, giving you even more control in challenging conditions. Whether you're fishing in a narrow river or a wide-open lake, the Sportsman 106 PDL can handle it all.

Stability

Stability is a key consideration for any fishing kayak, and the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL delivers in spades. The wide hull and stable design provide a solid platform for casting, reeling, and fighting fish. You can even stand up in this kayak without feeling too unstable, which is a huge advantage for sight fishing or stretching your legs. The stability of the Sportsman 106 PDL gives you the confidence to focus on fishing, without worrying about tipping over.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort is another area where the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL excels. The premium seat provides excellent back support and cushioning, ensuring you can spend hours on the water without discomfort. The seat is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect position for your body type. The kayak also has plenty of legroom, even for taller anglers. The ergonomic design of the Sportsman 106 PDL makes it a joy to fish from, even on long days.

Seating

The seat on the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is one of the most comfortable kayak seats on the market. It's made with breathable mesh fabric that helps keep you cool on hot days, and it provides excellent back support. The seat is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect position for your body type. Whether you're sitting, leaning, or standing, the seat on the Sportsman 106 PDL will keep you comfortable all day long.

Legroom

The Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL has plenty of legroom, even for taller anglers. The cockpit is spacious and open, allowing you to stretch your legs and move around without feeling cramped. This is a huge advantage for anglers who like to stand up and fish, or who simply want to be able to move around and stay comfortable on long days. The ample legroom on the Sportsman 106 PDL makes it a great choice for anglers of all sizes.

Storage and Accessories

When it comes to storage and accessories, the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL has you covered. It features a large tankwell in the stern, a smaller hatch in the bow, and plenty of accessory tracks for mounting rod holders, fish finders, and other accessories. You'll have no trouble bringing all your gear with you on your fishing trips. The storage and accessory options on the Sportsman 106 PDL make it a versatile and customizable fishing kayak.

Storage Compartments

The Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL has two main storage compartments: a large tankwell in the stern and a smaller hatch in the bow. The tankwell is perfect for storing larger items like tackle boxes, coolers, and extra clothing. The hatch is ideal for storing smaller items like wallets, keys, and phones. Both compartments are sealed to keep your gear dry and protected from the elements.

Accessory Tracks

The Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL features accessory tracks on the sides and front of the kayak. These tracks allow you to easily mount rod holders, fish finders, GPS units, and other accessories. The accessory tracks make it easy to customize your kayak to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're a serious angler or a casual fisherman, the accessory tracks on the Sportsman 106 PDL will help you get the most out of your kayak.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL:

Pros

• Excellent Stability: The wide hull provides a stable platform for fishing, even when standing.
• Efficient Pedal Drive: The pedal drive system allows for hands-free fishing and effortless cruising.
• Comfortable Seating: The premium seat provides excellent back support and cushioning.
• Ample Storage: Plenty of storage options for all your gear.
• Durable Construction: Built to last with high-quality materials and construction techniques.

Cons

• Price: The Sportsman 106 PDL is more expensive than some other fishing kayaks on the market.
• Weight: At 69 pounds, it's not the lightest kayak to transport.
• Size: The 10-foot 6-inch length may be too long for some anglers to store or transport easily.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is an excellent pedal-drive kayak that's well-suited for anglers of all skill levels. Its stability, efficiency, comfort, and storage options make it a top contender in its class. While it may be more expensive than some other options, its performance and features make it well worth the investment. If you're looking for a high-quality pedal kayak that will enhance your fishing experience, the Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL is definitely worth considering. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start fishing!