Old Town's Sportsman PDL 120 Pro fishing kayak.
June 06, 2025
By Outdoor Sportsman Group Editors
Just as fishing techniques are ever advancing, so, too, are the watercraft that take anglers to their targets. This is especially evident in the latest kayak designs, which are engineered with emphasis on the latest technologies in hull and deck construction, propulsion, electronics and onboard organization to help anglers not only reach fish faster but catch them more consistently. The kayak specialists at Florida Sportsman recently tested a number of new kayaks that showcase the latest in design advancements, and the following models are among the top options for anglers wanting to make the most of their time on the water.
OLD TOWN SPORTSMAN PDL 120 PRO Length : 12' | Width : 36"Weight : 131 lbs.Capacity : 420 lbs.Hull Construction : high-density polyethylenePropulsion : pedal, paddleMSRP : $3,499oldtownwatercraft.com Old Town's Sportsman PDL 120 Pro fishing kayak. TOP FEATURES : There’s a reason the PDL 120 has been the bestseller in Old Town’s Sportsman lineup of fishing kayaks. A 12-foot length and 36-inch beam promise secure tracking, easy maneuverability and confident stability without adding too much heft. But what you see on the PDL 120 PRO and the motorized ePDL+ 120 PRO (the hulls are the same) aren’t minor adjustments to a legacy boat. This is a full-scale re-imagining of the PDL 120 to include major mold updates and hardware innovations. Deleting the familiar flat gunnel accessory plates in favor of narrow, 36-inch aluminum tracks allowed designers to bump out the cockpit space and create room for horizontal rodholders, two on each side, with tubes going forward into the hull. For easy bow-mount trolling motor installation, four-hole pattern bolt inserts and a wire-rigging plate have been added. At the stern, a second set of stake-mount anchor inserts is included.
WORTH NOTING : The new bow hatch has been expanded by 50 percent and includes a dedicated mounting spot for a spare PDL prop. For easier adjustment, the seat now mounts to the floor on a sliding shuttle on tracks. The aft tankwell is 55 percent larger with flush-mount lashdown eyes and 6-inch rigging hatch access.
For reviews of more kayak models and gear, plus how-to articles on rigging and fishing them for all types of species, check newsstands for the latest issue of Kayak Fishing Fun. Or buy one now .
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Old Town Ocean Kayak Sonata 106 MK. OLD TOWN OCEAN KAYAK SONATA 106 MK Length : 10'6" | Width : 37"Weight : 123 lbs.Capacity : 638 lbs.Hull Construction : high-density polyethylenePropulsion : motor, paddleMSRP : $3,999.99oldtownwatercraft.com Sonata 106 MK TOP FEATURES: Fish or cruise ‘til sundown with the Sonata 106 MK that’s easy to maneuver like a kayak but fully motorized like a boat. Electric propulsion is sweet and offers a huge range benefit, but this boat is also eminently paddle-propelled. It’s also plenty stable to stand and cast while drifting or poking along with a paddle or pushpole. At a bit over 10 feet, it’s easy to transport in a truck bed or van. Fishing features include forward-facing rodholder, two stern-facing rodholders, accessory tracks and shallow-water anchor-ready inserts at the stern.
WORTH NOTING: The Sonata 106 MK is fully integrated with an intuitive Minn Kota electric motor, built-in wireless Bluetooth speakers, LED cockpit lighting and a USB port for charging a phone and other electronic accessories. The kayak has a powerboat-style throttle for the electric motor. Battery-life indicator is included for a lead-acid battery, but the Sonata will run with either lithium or lead-acid 12V power (it takes a 100 aH battery, not included).
Kaku Guru fishing kayak KAKU GURU 14 Length : 14' | Width: 36"Weight : 136 lbs.Capacity : 600 lbs.Hull Construction : roto-molded high-density polyethylenePropulsion : paddle, pedal, motorMSRP : $2,099kakukayaks.com Kaku Guru 14 TOP FEATURES : The Kaku Guru is designed to master the water however you want, be it with paddle, integrated bow-mounted GPS trolling motor or 6-horsepower outboard. This boat can handle it all. The slogan for the Guru is basically “any water, any time.” Its unique design is seemingly part fishing kayak and part motorized skiff, offering excellent stability, rugged durability and all-terrain versatility. The Guru is a hybrid fishing machine that can adapt to anything from skinny water flats to open lakes, winding rivers and beyond. Paddle it for stealth, pedal it with fin or prop drive (coming this year), or power it up with a stern-mounted electric motor, gas outboard or bow-mounted GPS motor. Built to be fully customizable, the Guru gives you the freedom to rig it your way.
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WORTH NOTING : Kaku’s patented, multi-position chair gives anglers two options for sitting, either on the lower cushion or the backrest. The Guru is stable enough to accommodate both.
Ascend 12T fishing kayak. ASCEND 12T Length : 12' | Width: 31"Weight : 77 lbs.Capacity : 350 lbs.Hull Construction : AquatufPropulsion : paddleMSRP : $749.99ascendkayaks.com Ascend 12T TOP FEATURES: A quick adventure to a nearby lake? A jaunt to a local river? The Ascend 12T has ample room for dry bag or tackle bag storage and two rodholders for simple fishing trips. This fishing kayak is very stable for anyone who needs to stand to make longer casts or to push through thick vegetation. It has an advanced tunnel design with a wide transom and flared bow sections.
WORTH NOTING : The Ascend 12T is priced within reach of most budgets and has smart, built-in organizational features. It comes with port and starboard accessory-mounting rails with plenty of room to rig the kayak for your needs. Ascend kayaks are made in the USA, too.
Bonafide XTR130 fishing kayak. BONAFIDE XTR130 Length : 12’7” | Width: 40 1/2”Weight : 170 lbs.Capacity : 750 lbs.Hull Construction : roto-molded polyethylenePropulsion : motor, paddleMSRP : $2,899bonafidefishing.com Bonafide XTR130 TOP FEATURES : Whether you’re chasing bass solo or sightfishing for reds with a partner, the Bonafide XTR130 is a highly versatile fishing kayak. Its walkable deck, endless rigging opportunities and seamless tandem conversion takes versatility to the next level. Boasting the best elements of a kayak and the most popular features of a small bass boat, the XTR130 offers an open deck design and an elevated platform engineered specifically for fishing.
WORTH NOTING : The XTR130 offers the latest in power and electronics integration, ample space and exceptional stability. With PowerLink ports, multiple motor configurations, tandem seating capability and extensive gear tracks, the XTR130 is fully customizable.
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 LTE fishing kayak. NATIVE WATERCRAFT SLAYER PROPEL 10 LTE Length : 10’ | Width: 34 1/2”Weight : 85 lbs.Capacity : 425 lbs.Hull Construction : roto-molded polyethylenePropulsion : pedal, paddleMSRP : $2,249nativewatercraft.com Slayer Propel 10 LTE TOP FEATURES: The Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 LTE is perfect for anglers seeking a lightweight, grab-and-go kayak for lakes, ponds and inshore saltwater adventures. Its compact design and pedal-powered system deliver hands-free fishing with easy transport and agile performance. The Propel 10 LTE represents an evolution of Slayer’s best-selling kayak. Building on the decade-long legacy of the popular Slayer Propel 10, this upgraded version maintains ease of use while incorporating cutting-edge improvements. It’s the ideal blend of functionality and simplicity, designed to enhance your fishing experience without compromising portability.
WORTH NOTING : Engineered with a fishing-focused layout, the Propel 10 LTE features the renowned Propel Pedal Drive, streamlined rigging options and lightweight construction. Built for seamless electronics and motor integration, it offers customization without complexity.
This article was featured in the May 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe
