{"id":4578,"date":"2024-02-17T00:04:35","date_gmt":"2024-02-17T00:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=4578"},"modified":"2024-02-17T00:04:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-17T00:04:38","slug":"old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Old Town Salty PDL 120 Review: Why I Think It\u2019s the GOAT for Ocean Fishing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>If you\u2019ve been reading my reviews<\/strong>,<strong> <\/strong>you know<strong> I love the Old Town Sportsman series<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After taking this boat on the water more than 20\u202ftimes over the past six months, I\u2019m here to share my honest opinion with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120\u202freview, I\u2019ll tell you who this boat is for, and <strong>who shouldn\u2019t buy it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[<strong>Spoiler Alert<\/strong>: The Sportsman Salty PDL\u202f120\u202fis a great boat for minimalist anglers. If you want incredible speed, stability, comfort, and maneuverability for under $2000, then it really is the best value. However, it\u2019s usually out of stock\u2026 so you may have to wait until next year to get one]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-guten-popup undefined\"><div class=\"pop-btn\" style=\"text-align:center\"><button style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#FE4A49 ;border-radius:15px\">Compare Prices (3 Shops)<\/button><\/div><div class=\"popup-wrapper\"><div class=\"popup-container\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff\"><div class=\"close-popup\"><span class=\"dashicons dashicons-no-alt\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"popup-content\"><div class=\"popup-heading\"><h4 style=\"color:#262626\">Deals for the Salty PDL 120<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"product-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"236\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"product-image wp-image-4587\" style=\"max-width:257px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-705x162.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-150x35.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"product-list\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">AMAZON<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$$$<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.com\/Old-Town-Sportsman-Salty-Fishing\/dp\/B0869Y5K4K?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=happinessw0d5-20&amp;linkId=b9f8a3bd4a4b6fcac0a3453eff735f4c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">MOOSEJAW<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$2449.99<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moosejaw.com\/product\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120_10529517\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">ECO FISHING SHOP<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$2449.99<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"\/\/ecofishingshop.com\/products\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120-fishing-kayak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to Consider before Buying a Pedal Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/old-town-sportsman-salty-PDL-120-705x445.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of Old Town Sportsman Salty 120-PDL\" class=\"wp-image-4580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/old-town-sportsman-salty-PDL-120-705x445.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/old-town-sportsman-salty-PDL-120-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/old-town-sportsman-salty-PDL-120.jpg 745w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pedal kayaks are the<strong> cream of the crop <\/strong>of fishing kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And without a doubt, <strong>Old Town offers the best value <\/strong>in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For under $2000, you can get a high-end kayak that rivals Hobie\u2019s $4K+ boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, before buying your first pedal kayak you should think about your priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where do you plan to go fishing<\/strong>? Will it be skinny water, narrow rivers, or an open ocean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pedal kayaks are very easy to sell in case your priorities change over time, but it\u2019s still important to think about this beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, please <strong>keep your kayak out of the sun<\/strong>. UV\u202frays can warp the hull over time, and this kind of negligence isn&#8217;t covered by the warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, pedal kayaks are very successful and the <strong>best ones tend to be out of stock<\/strong>. So if you can\u2019t get your hands on one, you\u2019ll have to wait until next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">old town sportsman salty PDL 120 Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"439\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-705x439.jpg\" alt=\"Old Town Sportsman Salty 120-PDL\" class=\"wp-image-4581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-705x439.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Length<\/strong>: 12 ft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Width<\/strong>: 34.5 in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight<\/strong>:79 lb \/ 104 lb with seat and drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Load Capacity<\/strong>: 450\u202flb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">old town sportsman salty PDL 120 Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most high-end fishing kayaks, the Old Town Salty PDL 120\u202fis a rotomolded kayak made of <strong>polyethylene<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, the hull is virtually <strong>indestructible<\/strong>. It will withstand collisions, rocks, submerged tree branches, and almost anything you can throw at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Speed is where the Sportsman Salty 120 PDL <strong>really shines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With its slim profile and low weight, I\u2019m able to <strong>coax 6 mph<\/strong> out of it. Of course, I\u202fcouldn\u2019t sustain that speed for more than 20\u202fminutes, but that\u2019s still impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In good conditions, I have a <strong>cruising speed of 4-4.5 mph<\/strong> which is ridiculously fast for a pedal kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d say the Salty is one of the<strong> fastest pedal kayaks <\/strong>out there. In fact, it may be the actual fastest pedal kayak now that Hobie isn\u2019t making the Revolution 16\u202fanymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-salty-PDL120-705x443.jpg\" alt=\"Oldtown sportsman salty 120 pdl kayak model\" class=\"wp-image-4582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-salty-PDL120-705x443.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-salty-PDL120-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-salty-PDL120.jpg 752w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Sportsman Salty PDL 120 also has<strong> great maneuverability<\/strong> thanks to its extreme rocker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This boat can really <strong>turn on a dime<\/strong>, better than the Sportsman 120\u202fwhich is already quite maneuverable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes it ideal for combat fisheries when there are 100+ boats and you\u2019re fishing close to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also makes this the <strong>most versatile pedal kayak <\/strong>I\u2019ve owned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a true throw-and-go kayak to fish in narrow rivers, open ocean, creeks\u2026 you name it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also like the<strong> little knob on the rudder<\/strong> to fix it in place. This is particularly <strong>useful in strong currents<\/strong> so that the rudder doesn\u2019t flutter. I miss this feature on my Autopilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-comfort-seat-705x665.jpg\" alt=\"Oldtown Sportsman salty120 pdl\" class=\"wp-image-4583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-comfort-seat-705x665.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-comfort-seat-150x141.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-comfort-seat.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Salty PDL\u202fhas the same seat as the whole Sportsman series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve already talked about it in detail in my other Sportsman articles, but basically, this seat is <strong>extremely comfortable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even <strong>my wife who has back issues<\/strong> says the Sportsman seat is much <strong>more comfortable than her Hobie\u2019s<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It <strong>drys quickly<\/strong>, is <strong>wide enough<\/strong> for big guys, <strong>breathable\u2026 <\/strong>in short, everything you could hope for in a good seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The seat has some <strong>storage space underneath<\/strong> where you can put some tackle trays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also <strong>doubles as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/beach-chair-for-big-guys\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5579\">camping chair<\/a><\/strong>, so that gives you an idea of how comfortable it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding <strong>legroom<\/strong>, the Salty 120\u202fhas the same cockpit length as the Sportsman 120.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it\u2019s <strong>good enough for tall guys<\/strong>, although being a pedal kayak means it <strong>doesn\u2019t have as much room as the Autopilot<\/strong>, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For standing<\/strong>, even though the Salty is much slimmer than other pedal kayaks, it still has <strong>enough room to feel comfortable<\/strong>, even <strong>for big guys<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stability and Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"634\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-town-Sportsman-Salty-120-PDL-1-705x634.jpg\" alt=\"Oldtown Sportsman Salty 120-PDL PEDAL KAYAK\" class=\"wp-image-4584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-town-Sportsman-Salty-120-PDL-1-705x634.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-town-Sportsman-Salty-120-PDL-1-150x135.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-town-Sportsman-Salty-120-PDL-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I am <strong>truly impressed <\/strong>by how stable the Salty is, considering how fast it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it\u2019s so light and narrow compared to other pedal kayaks, I was expecting it to be very unstable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it turns out the Salty PDL is <strong>very hard to flip<\/strong>. It\u2019s almost as hard to flip as the Sportsman 120, which is a ridiculously <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/most-stable-fishing-kayak\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2471\">stable kayak<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even big guys<\/strong> won\u2019t have any problems<strong> standing and casting<\/strong>. If you lean too much to one side, you\u2019ll feel the boat rocking a bit but definitely not enough to make you fall overboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where the Salty really shines is in the ocean. It can<strong> handle big wakes <\/strong>much better than any other pedal kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hull design is very similar to the Predator\/Bigwater, but because you sit much lower on the water it\u2019s actually <strong>very easy to reach down at the fish<\/strong>, especially big game fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding tracking, it\u2019s<strong> pretty good<\/strong> with the rudder. But without the rudder, it doesn\u2019t track as well as the Predator or Sportsman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as you use the rudder, you won\u2019t have any problems. Of course, this means it\u2019s <strong>not ideal for super skinny water<\/strong> where you have to pull up the rudder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve said it before, but the Salty PDL\u202fis virtually <strong>indestructible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, Old Town has the<strong> best customer service<\/strong> in the industry, and the <strong>hull <\/strong>has a<strong> lifetime warranty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding the pedal drive, it is covered by a <strong>5-year warranty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve <strong>never heard any complaints<\/strong> about pieces breaking off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Little-known detail<\/strong>: Even <strong>if you hit a rock at full speed<\/strong>, you <strong>won\u2019t break the prop<\/strong>. The pedal drive will actually kick off, and you\u2019ll just break the little safety pin. That pin costs a few bucks, so it\u2019s not really a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it\u2019s so light compared to its competitors, the Salty PDL 120\u202fis a <strong>very portable kayak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, loading it on top of an SUV will always be a challenge on your own, but not nearly as difficult as loading the Sportsman 120\u202for the Autopilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a <strong>skid plate<\/strong> at the stern and another at the bow so that you can<strong> easily drag<\/strong> your kayak to and from the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although at only 79 lb, you can easily carry it on your shoulder if you take off the pedal drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have a comfortable <strong>handle <\/strong>at the front, and another at the back. I find the stern handle to <strong>not be very convenient<\/strong> for loading\/unloading the boat, though. It has a weird positioning because of the rudder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the Autopilot, I <strong>personally don\u2019t need a cart <\/strong>to carry this boat. Although if you\u2019re skinny, you may find it more difficult to carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Salty PDL Features and Storage<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"753\" height=\"459\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-saltyPDL-120.jpg\" alt=\"Oldtown Sportsman Salty 120-pdl\" class=\"wp-image-4586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-saltyPDL-120.jpg 753w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-saltyPDL-120-705x430.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-sportsman-saltyPDL-120-150x91.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As expected from a high-end fishing kayak, the Salty PDL 120\u202fhas a <strong>convenient paddle clip <\/strong>on the left side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also has a <strong>cup holder <\/strong>on the right side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you should know it <strong>doesn\u2019t have any dry hatches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is almost <strong>no in-hull access<\/strong>. There\u2019s just a bow well with some bungee cords, and a hull access beneath the seat to put a battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, this was done on purpose so that <strong>no water can enter the hull<\/strong>. In big waves or on rainy days, your Salty will perform better than boats that do have dry hatches, because the water won\u2019t get in the hull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also<strong> very little storage in the cockpit<\/strong>. I would have liked to have some pockets like in the Sportsman 120. Apart from the storage underneath the seat, the cockpit is empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I do like the<strong> small dry hatch <\/strong>on top of the pedal drive, where I can put my phone and car keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<strong> rear tankwell storage is pretty big<\/strong> to fit a black pack and a cooler. However, it\u2019s not as wide as on the Sportsman 120, so there\u2019s a little less space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Salty PDL 120 Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sportsman Salty PDL 120\u202fhas great fishability, but it\u2019s <strong>made for minimalist anglers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is hands-down the <strong>most versatile kayak<\/strong> because it\u2019s so fast and nimble. You<strong> can take it anywhere<\/strong> you could think of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has <strong>three flush-mounted rod holders<\/strong> \u2212 one front-facing and two rear-facing rod holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As usual, you get two 18-inch<strong> gear tracks to mount all your fishing gear<\/strong> \u2212\u202fGoPro, rod holders, camera, fish finder\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has a <strong>universal transducer mount<\/strong>, but <strong>no power pole mount<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s <strong>easy to pedal all day<\/strong> and maintain troll speeds \u2212 to<strong> troll for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/best-trout-spinning-reels\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5667\">trouts<\/a>, salmon, or kokanee<\/strong>. In fact,<strong> sometimes I have to slow down<\/strong> because I\u2019m going way too fast without realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rudder is very responsive, and you have the<strong> instant reverse<\/strong>. This is great to stay in place even in currents or in wakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even big guys will be able to stand and cast<\/strong>. The stability is really impressive considering how fast this kayak is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only downside of this boat is that it <strong>does get wet.<\/strong> If you\u2019re going fast against the waves, you\u2019ll have <strong>water splashing inside<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re a big guy, even on calm days you\u2019ll have<strong> water coming out of the scuppers<\/strong>. This isn\u2019t a deal-breaker, but if you like to stay dry, then this boat isn\u2019t for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is the Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 for?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"162\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-705x162.jpg\" alt=\"Old Town Sportsman Salty-120 PDL\" class=\"wp-image-4587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-705x162.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-150x35.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Sportsman Salty 120\u202fPDL\u202fis <strong>made for the minimalist angler<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re the kind of guy who likes to take <strong>a ton of gear <\/strong>they won\u2019t even need, then<strong> this boat isn\u2019t for you<\/strong>. I\u2019d recommend the Sportsman 120 instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you want a <strong>minimalist<\/strong>, <strong>versatile <\/strong>boat that can take you anywhere\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s also <strong>great for recreational trips<\/strong> (my wife loves it, for instance)\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then the Salty\u202fPDL\u202fis amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/best-ocean-fishing-kayaks\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2393\">favorite kayak for ocean fishing<\/a>, because of how fast and maneuverable it is without sacrificing stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IMHO, I\u2019d say it\u2019s the<strong> best fishing kayak under $2000<\/strong>\u202fon the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-guten-popup undefined\"><div class=\"pop-btn\" style=\"text-align:center\"><button style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#FE4A49 ;border-radius:15px\">Compare Prices (3 Shops)<\/button><\/div><div class=\"popup-wrapper\"><div class=\"popup-container\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff\"><div class=\"close-popup\"><span class=\"dashicons dashicons-no-alt\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"popup-content\"><div class=\"popup-heading\"><h4 style=\"color:#262626\">Deals for the Salty PDL 120<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"product-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"236\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"product-image wp-image-4587\" style=\"max-width:257px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-705x162.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-150x35.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"product-list\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">AMAZON<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$$$<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.com\/Old-Town-Sportsman-Salty-Fishing\/dp\/B0869Y5K4K?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=happinessw0d5-20&amp;linkId=b9f8a3bd4a4b6fcac0a3453eff735f4c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">MOOSEJAW<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$2449.99<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moosejaw.com\/product\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120_10529517\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">ECO FISHING SHOP<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$2449.99<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"\/\/ecofishingshop.com\/products\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120-fishing-kayak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Salty PDL 120 Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"186\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Old-Town-Sportsman-120-PDL-top-view-705x186.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of Old Town Sportsman PDL-120 kayak model\" class=\"wp-image-4376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Old-Town-Sportsman-120-PDL-top-view-705x186.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Old-Town-Sportsman-120-PDL-top-view-150x40.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Old-Town-Sportsman-120-PDL-top-view-1536x405.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Old-Town-Sportsman-120-PDL-top-view.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>The name is a bit confusing<\/strong>, but that\u2019s because the Sportsman 120 PDL isn\u2019t all too different from the Salty PDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main difference is the <strong>Sportsman is wider, <\/strong>has <strong>more storage space<\/strong>, and is even <strong>more stable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, it\u2019s also <strong>slower and slightly less maneuverable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s still good enough for offshore fishing, but not as efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another difference is the Sportsman 120\u202f(or the older <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/old-town-topwater-120-pdl-review\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3415\">Topwater 120<\/a>) is <strong>much better for skinny water<\/strong>. Because of the hull shape, you can go in very shallow water, where you couldn\u2019t go with the Salty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So for inshore fishing with shallow oyster and mud, the Sportsman 120 would be much better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/old-town-sportsman-120-pdl-review\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4363\">Learn more about the Sportsman 120 PDL in my detailed review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-Town-Sportsman-PDL-106-705x198.jpg\" alt=\"Old Town Sportsman PDL-106\" class=\"wp-image-4588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-Town-Sportsman-PDL-106-705x198.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-Town-Sportsman-PDL-106-150x42.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-Town-Sportsman-PDL-106-1536x431.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-Town-Sportsman-PDL-106.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Like the Salty PDL, the Sportsman 106 PDL\u202fis a <strong>very versatile boat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s <strong>my wife\u2019s favorite recreational kayak<\/strong> and my favorite throw-and-go boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has <strong>less storage space<\/strong> than the Salty, and it can also go in skinny water like the Sportsman 120\u202fPDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s very light and has<strong> impressive stability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for ocean fishing you\u2019ll definitely prefer the Salty PDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For big and tall guys<\/strong>, the Sportsman 106 PDL\u202fwill be<strong> too uncomfortable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hobie Mirage Outback<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Hobie-Mirage-Outback-705x181.jpg\" alt=\"Hobie Mirage Outback\" class=\"wp-image-4589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Hobie-Mirage-Outback-705x181.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Hobie-Mirage-Outback-150x38.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Hobie-Mirage-Outback.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s impossible to write a pedal kayak review without mentioning Hobie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, compared to the Sportsman Salty PDL 120, the Mirage Outback is <strong>slower and less stable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What the Mirage Outback excels at are fishing features. The<strong> cockpit organization<\/strong> is just out of this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lots of storage<\/strong>, great mounting options, perfect nooks and pockets for gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you\u2019re not a minimalist angler, then you\u2019ll love Hobie\u2019s fishing features<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At almost $4000, it\u2019s also <strong>much more expensive<\/strong> without being that much better at anything except storage. Hobie does charge a premium for their products, whereas <strong>Old Town offers better value<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a minimalist angler, I\u2019d pick the Salty PDL any single day and save the extra 2000 bucks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/hobie-outback-review\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2974\">Learn more about the Hobie Mirage Outback.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Salty PDL 120 Review &#8211; Wrapping It Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For minimalist anglers, the Sportsman Salty PDL 120 is<strong> hard to beat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For less than $2000, you get <strong>incredible value<\/strong> and a boat that\u2019s faster than any other competitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Super stable to stand and cast<\/strong>, but still<strong> light enough<\/strong> to carry on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also perfect to go on recreational trips with the missus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only downside is it tends to get<strong> out of stock<\/strong> very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So by the time you read this review, it might already be unavailable\u2026 Sorry. <strong>You\u2019ll have to wait until next year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-guten-popup undefined\"><div class=\"pop-btn\" style=\"text-align:center\"><button style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#FE4A49 ;border-radius:15px\">Compare Prices (3 Shops)<\/button><\/div><div class=\"popup-wrapper\"><div class=\"popup-container\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff\"><div class=\"close-popup\"><span class=\"dashicons dashicons-no-alt\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"popup-content\"><div class=\"popup-heading\"><h4 style=\"color:#262626\">Deals for the Salty PDL 120<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"product-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"236\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"product-image wp-image-4587\" style=\"max-width:257px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-705x162.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLD-TOWN-SPORTSMAN-SALTY-120-PDL-3-150x35.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"product-list\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">AMAZON<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$$$<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.com\/Old-Town-Sportsman-Salty-Fishing\/dp\/B0869Y5K4K?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=happinessw0d5-20&amp;linkId=b9f8a3bd4a4b6fcac0a3453eff735f4c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">MOOSEJAW<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$2449.99<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moosejaw.com\/product\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120_10529517\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gpb-single-product single-product undefined\"><div class=\"product-info\"><div class=\"product-title\"><p style=\"color:#262626\">ECO FISHING SHOP<\/p><\/div><div class=\"product-price\"><strong style=\"color:#262626\">$2449.99<\/strong><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product-cart-btn\"><a href=\"\/\/ecofishingshop.com\/products\/old-town-sportsman-salty-pdl-120-fishing-kayak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"background-color:#FE4A49 ;color:#ffffff;border-radius:15px\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve been reading my reviews, you know I love the Old Town Sportsman series. After taking this boat on the water more than 20\u202ftimes over the past six months, I\u2019m here to share my honest opinion with you. In this Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120\u202freview, I\u2019ll tell you who this boat is for, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4582,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Old Town Salty PDL 120 (%%currentyear%% Review): The Sea Fishing GOAT?","_seopress_titles_desc":"In this Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 review, I\u2019ll give you my honest opinion on this high-end pedal fishing kayak. Spoiler alert: it\u2019s the BEST for\u2026","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4578"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4578"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5752,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4578\/revisions\/5752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}