Are you tired of juggling paddles and fishing rods, wishing for a kayak that lets you focus on the catch? The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Pro might just be the game-changer you've been waiting for. This pedal-drive kayak isn't just another fishing vessel; it's a customizable workhorse designed to maximize your time on the water. But here's where it gets controversial: while some anglers swear by its versatility, others question whether its premium price tag justifies the features. Let’s dive in and see if it lives up to the hype.
Old Town has taken their already popular Sportsman PDL 120 and given it a Pro makeover, focusing on customization and space optimization. The result? A kayak that feels like it was built just for you. With an upgraded deck layout, you get more mounting options for electronics, motor-ready features, and improved storage solutions. Over the past two months, I’ve put this kayak through its paces on various lakes and ponds, targeting bass, panfish, and more. What stood out? The pedal drive’s efficiency, the hull’s stability, and the ergonomic seat that makes long days on the water a breeze. While I haven’t yet added electronics or a trolling motor, the blank slate design and easy rigging potential have me excited for future upgrades.
Key Specifications:
- Length: 12 feet
- Beam: 36 inches
- Weight (hull only): 106 pounds
- Rigged Weight (including drive and seat): ~131 pounds
- Usable Load Capacity: 420 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime hull warranty, 5-year PDL drive warranty
Fishing-Ready Features:
The Sportsman PDL 120 Pro is packed with angler-friendly features. Approximately 150 inches of accessory tracks on both sides allow for easy mounting of rod holders, fishfinders, or camera rigs. The universal transducer mount under the hull accommodates most sonar systems, and the kayak comes standard with three flush-mount and four lay-down rod holders. For motor enthusiasts, the hull includes a 4-bolt insert in the bow and wire port for trolling motor integration, along with provisions for shallow-water anchors and electronics wiring. Storage is generous, with a rear tank well for crates or coolers and a front hatch for dry gear. The adjustable seat slides fore and aft on a track, ensuring all-day comfort, and a paddle clip keeps your backup propulsion handy.
On-Water Performance & Handling:
This kayak has quickly become my go-to for morning trips to a nearby pond. While it’s currently a blank slate, I’m eager to add a trolling motor, graphs, and more accessories. Here’s my take on its performance as-is.
PDL Pedal Drive:
As someone who grew up fishing from kayaks and canoes in the Northeast, I was a late adopter of pedal kayaks. I wish I hadn’t waited—the hands-free propulsion is a game-changer. It allows for precise boat handling while keeping your hands free for casting. This is especially noticeable when fly fishing, where maintaining a tight line on a popper is nearly impossible in a paddle craft with even a slight breeze. The PDL drive system is intuitive, offering instant forward and reverse for quick positioning. It’s fully sealed for saltwater use and easy to remove for storage. The shear pin protects the propeller from damage, and the 5-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Pedaling is far more efficient than paddling, especially on windy days. The oversized rudder keeps you on course, even in crosswinds, and the knob-style control makes turning effortless. While the 120 Pro isn’t built for speed, its cruising speed of around 3 mph is reliable, and with effort, I’ve hit about 5 mph. The downside? Thick vegetation can clog the drive, requiring occasional cleaning—a small trade-off for its benefits.
Seating & Comfort:
With metal in my spine, comfort is non-negotiable. The Pro’s seating upgrades over the previous model make long days on the water enjoyable. The slightly raised rear seat and adjusted contact points provide a natural position, especially when pedaling or standing. The sliding shuttle track allows for easy fore/aft adjustments, though shorter-legged anglers might want to test the fit before buying. Old Town’s redesigned cockpit, with thinner gunnels, provides more interior width, allowing rods to lay down easily alongside your legs.
Standing Stability:
The Double-U Hull is a standout feature, offering exceptional lateral stability without feeling bulky. With a 36-inch beam, standing is comfortable and confident, whether pitching, changing lures, or fighting fish. Even casting wind-resistant poppers on fly gear doesn’t disrupt the balance. The hull handles chop well, making it a top choice for its class.
Storage, Rigging & Electronics Integration:
This is where the Pro truly shines, especially for bass anglers. The substantial aluminum accessory track—over 150 inches across gunnels, bow, and stern—provides ample space for mounting rod holders, camera arms, and graphs. Pre-installed wiring conduits and through-hull ports simplify electronics installation, and the motor-ready design includes a 4-bolt universal mount for easy trolling motor integration. The expanded bow hatch, seat hatch, and PDL drive hatch offer plenty of storage options, while the larger stern tankwell accommodates crates, coolers, or battery packs.
Build Quality:
Old Town’s reputation for quality holds strong with the Sportsman PDL Pro. The rotomolded hull is thick and durable, standing up to gravel, stumps, and dock rash. The drive is robust yet lightweight, with breakaway pins to protect the prop. However, this durability comes at a cost—weight. At over 100 pounds rigged, this isn’t a kayak for solo roof rack loading. A trailer or bed extender is highly recommended for transport.
Cost & Value:
At around $3,500, the PDL Pro is a premium investment. But if it’s anything like my nearly 40-year-old Old Town square stern canoe, it’s a “buy once, cry once” purchase. The customization options and build quality make it a long-term companion for serious anglers.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re seeking a performance-oriented fishing kayak that doubles as a flexible electronics platform, the Sportsman PDL 120 Pro is a top contender. Its stand-up stability, efficient pedal drive, and fishing-focused layout make it a favorite among serious anglers. Whether you’re rigging heavily now or planning to build up over time, the Pro’s upgrades feel like a breath of fresh air. But here’s the question: Is the premium price worth it for your fishing needs? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!
