I have the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL...Same boat, just renamed with a better seat, molded in handled in the stern and an upgraded seat. It has it’s cons but they all do. Got to find the best one that fits your budget and the type of fishing you do. I love the thing. Had it for a month or so and to fish hands free and go in reverse is a game changer if you’re upgrading from a paddle kayak like me. It’s heavy but it’s stable as hell. Nice to be on a flat and fish standing up. Old Town did a great job with the Topwater/sportsman PDL.
@@drl453 Personally, I had no issues lifting it into the bed of my RAM 1500, although I lifted it with one hand on the bottom, just trying to use the handle along the side of the rudder is tough.
I started with a Oldtown 106 sportsman PDL. I'm 5ft 162 lbs, and could walk all over that boat. The Oldtown fleet is solid and rugged built stronger than any kayak I could touch. I fished the bank all my life, and my 1st kayak was to get used to my gear, accessories, and storage. I also ran my j2 Bixpy on the Bixpy gravity rudder. I sold that boat to my best friend and a little extra with the Bixpy. This year I fell in love with the Hoodoo impulse 120, fin drive, in se and also purchased the new Bixpy J2 PP 768, with twice the power of the original Bixpy.
Excellent video. Fantastic quality of content. I’m a Bigwater 132 owner and love it. Your video came up in my feed and I’m glad I took the time to watch the entire video. By far this is the most informative video listing the pros and cons of this kayak. Keep up the great work and I look forward to watching more of your content.
That is a good question but also a little confusing. The Sportsman’s line is updated versions of existing models. For example, the Sportsman 120 PDL is a upgraded version of the Topwater 120 PDL. The Sportsman Bigwater 132 PDL is a upgraded version of the Predator PDL. Upgraded seating, deck padding, and graphics are some of the differences but that is just a small example. Basically, you would determine what Kayak would suit you better, the Topwater series or Predator series then you can compare each to their respective Sportsman counterparts. I hope that helps at least getting you started.
Hi Bryan, I am the person who makes and sells them. I don't sell them through my website, as it is a side product. However, I have a direct link where you can get all the info about the deck plate, pricing, and how to order. Take a look at that, and shoot me an email. I can send you the info for the seat risers as well. Thanks for your interest! pptexas.com/shop-now/topwater-sportsman-pdl-106-120-deck-insert-plate
Hey any way you can drop a link to the exact kayak you purchased, Want to send it to a friend of mine and don't want to send him to the wrong place, Thank you! Great video
Thank You for the kind words. The kayak in the video has been updated and re-released in the Sportsman series. Here is the link: oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors.com/old-town-sportsman/fishing/sportsman-pdl-120
I'm new to kayaks and currently researching.. this particular kayak is what I've been leaning towards, but I gotta ask... If paddling, wouldn't you raise the rotor? Please let me know your thoughts, I love fishing and looking to get unbiased view points. Looking to learn all I can before deciding what to buy.
Honestly, that is really up to the angler, but can also depend on where you need to paddle when it's too shallow. For example, you are correct, you can stow the rudder and not have to worry about steering. Or, if you paddling down a long straight stretch of shallow water and can't use your drive, you can deploy the rudder and use the tension knob on the steering to keep the rudder in place for better tracking.
@@flbasspaddler got it, I was basing it off my standard fishing style... Completely understand a need of paddling in a direct line for a longer channel and having the rudder help keeping you in line. Thanks! Best of luck to you!!
@@flbasspaddler thanks for the reply! I will def do that! I love this boat, man. You’re the video that out it over the top for me 8 months ago. Thank you!!!
Good question, I personally have not been in a Sportsman 120 PDL but some of the differences are that the Sportsman offers increased tank well space, premium seating and deck floor pads, and I believe a dedicated area for a pole anchor mount in the rear. I know if you check out the Old Town UA-cam channel, there is a side by side comparison of the two models.
So is this the model that you can take the pedal drive out and insert a minn Kota trolling motor in it? I really want a pedal drive primarily but it would be nice to use a trolling motor sometimes as well. Trying to decide between this model and a Native Titan 12.
Thank You Mike! Plastic Plus does not have a site, but the owner, who is also a friend of mine, can always be found on the Topwaters Owner's page on Facebook. Unfortunately, due to COVID, he is not able to obtain the materials needed to make them so he is currently out of stock. You can however check out www.yakhobby.com/ as they make risers in a variety of sizes and colors for Old Town products.
My personal rule of thumb is to raise the drive if I am heading into less than 2' of water. This only occurs when I am fishing a low tide in inter-coastal water, however I normally fish freshwater and stay in relatively deeper water. However, I have seen reviews where 10" is the absolute minimum you can go with the drive down, however that has to be done with caution.
Thank you for the compliment. The kayak paddles great when in shallow or weedy areas. As I said, you just need to exercise caution when the drive is up, this is due to the hole in the cockpit floor. Very easy to drop things down there if your not paying attention.
Great video! Do you have the contact info fir the seat risers? I haven’t been able to find a plastics plus online that seems to sell them. My back has major issues, so moving up the seat would help greatly.
Hey Chris, Justin Branam is the genius behind the risers. I asked him to jump on here and provide information but you can find him on the Topwater Owners page on Facebook.
Thank you for your question. The answer to that is no as I no longer own this kayak; I now own a Predator PDL. To be honest, the only time that I use an anchor is when I am fishing inshore in which case I use a Stake-Out pole.
Man I love my 120 pdl got a question for u old town is back ordered on props do u know any where or link so I can buy a bunch been off water for a week and it sucks cant wait 3 weeks for prop help if u got info on that
John Andersen They are working their tails off trying to keep up...the shutdown really put them behind like so many other companies during this crazy time we are living in.
@@flbasspaddler oh I know was just seeing if u knew another place to get one quicker been off water bout a week already just ready to get back on the water thanks man
@@MarseeOrvil My personal rule of thumb is to raise the drive if I am heading into less than 2' of water. This only occurs when I am fishing a low tide in inter-coastal water, however I normally fish freshwater and stay in relatively deeper water. However, I have seen reviews where 10" is the absolute minimum you can go with the drive down, however that has to be done with caution.
I have the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL...Same boat, just renamed with a better seat, molded in handled in the stern and an upgraded seat. It has it’s cons but they all do. Got to find the best one that fits your budget and the type of fishing you do. I love the thing. Had it for a month or so and to fish hands free and go in reverse is a game changer if you’re upgrading from a paddle kayak like me. It’s heavy but it’s stable as hell. Nice to be on a flat and fish standing up. Old Town did a great job with the Topwater/sportsman PDL.
How heavy is it lifting into the back of a truck?? Might go with the 106 just for the few less lbs
@@drl453 Personally, I had no issues lifting it into the bed of my RAM 1500, although I lifted it with one hand on the bottom, just trying to use the handle along the side of the rudder is tough.
I started with a Oldtown 106 sportsman PDL. I'm 5ft 162 lbs, and could walk all over that boat. The Oldtown fleet is solid and rugged built stronger than any kayak I could touch. I fished the bank all my life, and my 1st kayak was to get used to my gear, accessories, and storage. I also ran my j2 Bixpy on the Bixpy gravity rudder. I sold that boat to my best friend and a little extra with the Bixpy. This year I fell in love with the Hoodoo impulse 120, fin drive, in se and also purchased the new Bixpy J2 PP 768, with twice the power of the original Bixpy.
Excellent video. Fantastic quality of content. I’m a Bigwater 132 owner and love it. Your video came up in my feed and I’m glad I took the time to watch the entire video. By far this is the most informative video listing the pros and cons of this kayak. Keep up the great work and I look forward to watching more of your content.
Webby OnTheWater WOW...Probably one of the nicest compliments I ever received, thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to say that!
Thank You For Sharing! This opens the door for me as far as becoming a Kayak Angler! Looking at a Future Purchase! Thank you again!
Thank you very much for the kind words. I’m glad this video helped!
@@flbasspaddler Your Welcome!
I'm going to have to get some of those seat risers! That's a pretty slick set up you got there!
Thank You! The seat risers have definitely made a difference!
This is all great information. Super review and what I needed to decide to go ahead and buy. Thank you.
I appreciate your kind words, Thank You! You won't be disappointed in this kayak!
Very good informative video, I owned a predator 13 and love that thing but I ended up selling it and will buy a pdl in the future.
Thank You for the kind words!
What’s the difference between the Topwater , Predator , and Sportsman? Old Towns website doesn’t explain it well.
That is a good question but also a little confusing. The Sportsman’s line is updated versions of existing models. For example, the Sportsman 120 PDL is a upgraded version of the Topwater 120 PDL. The Sportsman Bigwater 132 PDL is a upgraded version of the Predator PDL. Upgraded seating, deck padding, and graphics are some of the differences but that is just a small example. Basically, you would determine what Kayak would suit you better, the Topwater series or Predator series then you can compare each to their respective Sportsman counterparts. I hope that helps at least getting you started.
Nice job walking through the kayak from your prospective. I’m looking at yours and the Bonefide. Thank you.
Thank You for the kind words!
I hope to get the 120
It’s an amazing kayak, you won’t be disappointed!
Can you leave a link where you got your PDL cover and seat risers?
Hi Bryan, I am the person who makes and sells them. I don't sell them through my website, as it is a side product. However, I have a direct link where you can get all the info about the deck plate, pricing, and how to order. Take a look at that, and shoot me an email. I can send you the info for the seat risers as well. Thanks for your interest!
pptexas.com/shop-now/topwater-sportsman-pdl-106-120-deck-insert-plate
Hey any way you can drop a link to the exact kayak you purchased, Want to send it to a friend of mine and don't want to send him to the wrong place, Thank you! Great video
Thank You for the kind words. The kayak in the video has been updated and re-released in the Sportsman series. Here is the link: oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors.com/old-town-sportsman/fishing/sportsman-pdl-120
I'm new to kayaks and currently researching.. this particular kayak is what I've been leaning towards, but I gotta ask... If paddling, wouldn't you raise the rotor? Please let me know your thoughts, I love fishing and looking to get unbiased view points. Looking to learn all I can before deciding what to buy.
Honestly, that is really up to the angler, but can also depend on where you need to paddle when it's too shallow. For example, you are correct, you can stow the rudder and not have to worry about steering. Or, if you paddling down a long straight stretch of shallow water and can't use your drive, you can deploy the rudder and use the tension knob on the steering to keep the rudder in place for better tracking.
@@flbasspaddler got it, I was basing it off my standard fishing style... Completely understand a need of paddling in a direct line for a longer channel and having the rudder help keeping you in line. Thanks! Best of luck to you!!
I see a lot of comments about how heavy it is. Is this a hassle loading into truck after a long day of fishing??
It’s somewhat heavy but I had no issues loading it into the bed of my pickup truck after a day of fishing.
Ok bill here’s one that you didn’t touch. I have the same kayak cart. How do you get it to stay stable on it? Mine continues to fall off of it.
The trick is to zip tie a 12” long 3” piece of PVC to each cradle of the C-Tug. They will sit just perfectly under the hull.
@@flbasspaddler thanks for the reply! I will def do that! I love this boat, man. You’re the video that out it over the top for me 8 months ago. Thank you!!!
What is the main difference between this and the sportsman PDL 120?
Good question, I personally have not been in a Sportsman 120 PDL but some of the differences are that the Sportsman offers increased tank well space, premium seating and deck floor pads, and I believe a dedicated area for a pole anchor mount in the rear. I know if you check out the Old Town UA-cam channel, there is a side by side comparison of the two models.
@@flbasspaddler I'll check them out. Thanks!
So is this the model that you can take the pedal drive out and insert a minn Kota trolling motor in it? I really want a pedal drive primarily but it would be nice to use a trolling motor sometimes as well. Trying to decide between this model and a Native Titan 12.
No, this model does not accept a MinnKota motor.
Very informative. Could you send me a link to Plastics Plus? I'm 73 and definitely need those risers. Thanks. Mike
Thank You Mike! Plastic Plus does not have a site, but the owner, who is also a friend of mine, can always be found on the Topwaters Owner's page on Facebook. Unfortunately, due to COVID, he is not able to obtain the materials needed to make them so he is currently out of stock. You can however check out www.yakhobby.com/ as they make risers in a variety of sizes and colors for Old Town products.
How shallow does the drive go before having to pull it up?
My personal rule of thumb is to raise the drive if I am heading into less than 2' of water. This only occurs when I am fishing a low tide in inter-coastal water, however I normally fish freshwater and stay in relatively deeper water. However, I have seen reviews where 10" is the absolute minimum you can go with the drive down, however that has to be done with caution.
Good review man
Thank You!
Great video !! How does it paddle if you are in grass or shallow lakes ?, this is my only concern with the pdl ..
Thank you for the compliment. The kayak paddles great when in shallow or weedy areas. As I said, you just need to exercise caution when the drive is up, this is due to the hole in the cockpit floor. Very easy to drop things down there if your not paying attention.
Thanks for the information.
What fishfinder do you have on your kayak? Thanks
That is the PiranhaMAX 4 DI.
Thanks!
Where you get the aftermarket pedals? Do you like them?
Román I do. I wear Crocs a lot so they help me maintain grip on the pedals. They are made by Fooker and I purchased them online via Amazon.
Great video! Do you have the contact info fir the seat risers? I haven’t been able to find a plastics plus online that seems to sell them. My back has major issues, so moving up the seat would help greatly.
Hey Chris, Justin Branam is the genius behind the risers. I asked him to jump on here and provide information but you can find him on the Topwater Owners page on Facebook.
Navarre kayak fishing sells them. Cheaper and it floats.
What catch net is that ? I’m looking for one with a smaller pole.
That is a Ego Wading Net, size medium with the rubber net...Love it!
Are you planning on installing an anchor?
Thank you for your question. The answer to that is no as I no longer own this kayak; I now own a Predator PDL. To be honest, the only time that I use an anchor is when I am fishing inshore in which case I use a Stake-Out pole.
@@flbasspaddler I see, thanks!
Man I love my 120 pdl got a question for u old town is back ordered on props do u know any where or link so I can buy a bunch been off water for a week and it sucks cant wait 3 weeks for prop help if u got info on that
John Andersen Wish I could help. I just ordered a few props directly last week from Old Town.
@@flbasspaddler thanks man yeah called them thery are 3 week back ordered
John Andersen They are working their tails off trying to keep up...the shutdown really put them behind like so many other companies during this crazy time we are living in.
@@flbasspaddler oh I know was just seeing if u knew another place to get one quicker been off water bout a week already just ready to get back on the water thanks man
How shallow can you get this kayak ?
It's approximately 16" from the water line to the sked of the drive, but if the drive is up, I believe less than 12"
@@flbasspaddler so the drive hangs down 16'' while in ?
@@MarseeOrvil My personal rule of thumb is to raise the drive if I am heading into less than 2' of water. This only occurs when I am fishing a low tide in inter-coastal water, however I normally fish freshwater and stay in relatively deeper water. However, I have seen reviews where 10" is the absolute minimum you can go with the drive down, however that has to be done with caution.