6 Best Alternatives to the Old Town Sportsman 120 Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak (2026)
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You might be looking for old town sportsman 120 sit on top fishing kayak alternatives if the 85-pound weight or pontoon-style hull does not fit your needs. The original model offers a 500-pound capacity and a 36-inch width, which provides excellent stability for heavy gear. Its 12-foot length helps with tracking, while the dual-layer Textilene seat keeps you cool. However, some anglers prefer lighter platforms or different propulsion methods. You may want a pedal drive for hands-free movement or a modular design for easier storage. Others might need a narrower beam for better maneuverability in tight spaces.
The 6 options listed here were chosen because their specifications overlap with the original’s key features. We focused on sit-on-top designs with similar lengths and fishing-focused attributes. Each alternative brings a distinct spec, whether it is a pedal drive system, an inflatable construction for portability, or a motor-ready frame. By comparing these published details, you can find a kayak that matches your specific requirements for weight, capacity, and on-water control without compromising on essential fishing features.
Our top pick: Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak.
How Each Alternative Compares
Reel Yaks Recon 10.5ft Modular Pedal Kayak
The Reel Yaks Recon 10.5ft Modular offers hands-free propulsion via its fin drive, which the original lacks. It is slightly shorter at 10.5 feet and weighs 88 pounds, making it comparable in heft. The modular design addresses storage issues, though it sacrifices the 500-pound capacity of the Old Town. You gain pedal convenience but give up some raw stability and gear space. This model suits anglers who prioritize portability and hands-free control over maximum load capacity. It is a practical choice for those who need to move gear efficiently without sacrificing too much platform stability.
Pelican Catch PWR 100 10 ft Motor-Ready Kayak
The Pelican Catch PWR 100 is significantly lighter at 75 pounds and shorter at 10 feet compared to the 12-foot, 85-pound original. It is motor-ready, offering a different propulsion path than the paddle-only original. With a much lower capacity, it suits solo anglers who value maneuverability in calm waters. You trade the high stability and heavy gear capacity of the Old Town for a lightweight, easy-to-transport platform. The swiveling seat adds comfort, but the reduced size limits its use for heavy tournament loads. It is ideal for casual anglers who do not need to carry extensive tackle or multiple rods.
Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII Pedal Kayak
The Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII provides a pedal drive and rudder steering, features absent in the original model. It is lighter at 59 pounds and slightly shorter at 11 feet. This kayak offers a practical balance of mobility and comfort for solo trips. You gain hands-free propulsion and steering control but sacrifice the 500-pound capacity and 36-inch width of the Old Town. The reduced weight makes it easier to handle, though it may feel less stable under heavy loads. It fits anglers who want pedal drive convenience without the bulk of a larger pontoon-style hull, prioritizing ease of use over maximum gear storage.
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pedal Kayak
The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 retains the 12-foot length but adds a pedal drive system, which the original lacks. It weighs 116 pounds, significantly more than the 85-pound original, due to the added propulsion hardware. It offers high capacity and stability, similar to the base model but with enhanced propulsion options. You trade portability for the convenience of hands-free pedaling. This model suits serious anglers who prioritize pedal drive convenience and heavy gear loads over easy transport. It is a robust choice for those who want the stability of the original but with added mobility for covering more water efficiently.
Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal Kayak
The Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal Kayak differs fundamentally with its inflatable construction and pedal drive. It is designed for portability and adjustable seating, appealing to solo anglers. The wide 48-inch width provides stability, though the inflatable nature may feel different from the rigid hull of the original. You gain ease of storage and flexible propulsion but may sacrifice the raw durability and high capacity of the hard-shell Old Town. It fits those who prioritize ease of storage and flexible propulsion over raw speed or heavy gear loads. This is a practical option for anglers with limited storage space who still want pedal drive functionality.
BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Single Pedal Kayak
The BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Single Pedal Kayak matches the 12-foot length of the original but adds a pedal drive and rudder system. It weighs 75 pounds, lighter than the 85-pound Old Town, yet offers a wide hull for stability. You gain hands-free propulsion and steering control, which the original lacks. However, the single capacity and lower weight mean it may not suit anglers needing to carry heavy gear loads. It is ideal for solo anglers who prioritize stability and hands-free propulsion for fishing trips. The trade-off is less gear capacity for added mobility and control, making it a strong choice for lightweight, active fishing.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak
Best for: Anglers needing high stability and gear capacity
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Length
- 12 ft
- Capacity
- 500 lb max, 415 lb usable
- Person Capacity
- Solo
- Propulsion
- Paddle
- Hull Type
- Pontoon-style
The Old Town Sportsman 120 is a 12-foot sit-on-top fishing kayak with a pontoon-style hull. It supports a 500-pound maximum capacity and weighs 85 pounds. The 36-inch width offers stability, while the dual-layer Textilene mesh seat provides ventilation. This model includes rod holders, accessory tracks, and a transducer mount. It suits anglers needing a stable platform for gear and fish finders.
Pros
- 500-pound maximum capacity for heavy loads
- Pontoon-style hull for improved tracking and stability
- Dual-layer Textilene mesh seat for breathability
- Universal transducer mounting system for electronics
- Customizable accessory tracks for gear organization
Cons
- 85-pound weight makes it heavy to carry
- No pedal drive included for hands-free propulsion
- Paddle is sold separately
Good fit if
- You need high capacity for gear and gear
- You prefer a stable pontoon-style hull
- You want to mount a fish finder easily
Skip if
- You want a lightweight kayak under 70 pounds
- You require a built-in pedal drive system
- You need a kayak that includes a paddle
Verdict: Old Town Sportsman 120 12ft Fishing Kayak is a stable, high-capacity option for anglers who prioritize gear storage and mounting options over lightweight portability or integrated propulsion.
Reel Yaks Recon 10.5ft Modular Pedal Kayak
Best for: portable fishing with hands-free drive
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Length
- 10.5 ft
- Capacity
- 400 lb
- Propulsion
- Fin pedal drive
- Hull Type
- W-hull
- Use
- Fishing
The Reel Yaks Recon is a 10.5-foot modular sit-on-top kayak with a 400-pound capacity. It uses a fin pedal drive for hands-free movement. The W-hull design provides stability for fishing. Its two-piece construction allows for easy transport and compact storage. This model suits anglers who need portable gear with reliable propulsion.
Pros
- Fin pedal drive for hands-free propulsion
- 400 lb weight capacity
- Modular two-piece design for easy transport
- W-hull construction for stability
- Includes flush mount rod holders and track rails
Cons
- 88 lb weight may be heavy for solo lifting
- 35.4 inch width limits speed compared to longer models
- Modular assembly required before use
Good fit if
- You need a kayak that fits in small storage spaces
- You prefer hands-free pedaling over paddle propulsion
- You require high weight capacity for gear and fish
Skip if
- You want a single-piece hull for faster setup
- You prioritize maximum speed over stability
- You prefer a propeller drive system
Verdict: Reel Yaks Recon 10.5ft Modular is a stable, high-capacity option for anglers who prioritize portability and hands-free control. Its modular design solves storage issues while the fin drive keeps your hands free for fishing.
Pelican Catch PWR 100 10 ft Motor-Ready Kayak
Best for: Solo anglers needing a lightweight 10 ft platform
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Length
- 10 ft
- Propulsion
- Transom motor mount, up to 2.5 hp
- Seat Type
- Ergo360 seating system, swivels 360
- Use
- Fishing
- Dimensions
- 39.6 × 15.8 × 117 inches
View on Amazon: Pelican Catch PWR 100 10 ft Motor-Ready Kayak
The Pelican Catch PWR 100 is a 10 ft sit-on-top fishing kayak designed for solo anglers. It weighs 75 pounds and features an Ergo360 seating system that swivels 360 degrees on sliding tracks. The hull includes a pre-installed transom mount for motors up to 2.5 hp and comes pre-wired for battery connection. Rigging tracks and traction pads with a built-in ruler add utility for gear and standing.
Pros
- Ergo360 seat swivels 360 degrees on sliding tracks
- Pre-wired transom mount supports motors up to 2.5 hp
- Includes four rigging tracks for accessory installation
- Traction pads feature a built-in ruler
Cons
- No pedal drive system included
- Motor capacity limited to 2.5 hp
- Lacks a center console for storage
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight 10 ft kayak
- You prefer manual paddling or small motors
- You need a swiveling seat for casting
Skip if
- You require pedal propulsion
- You need to mount high-horsepower motors
- You want a longer hull for stability
Verdict: Pelican Catch PWR 100 10 ft suits anglers who prioritize a lightweight, maneuverable platform for calm waters. It fits those who value a swiveling seat and simple motor mounting over pedal drives or large storage.
Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII Pedal Kayak
Best for: lightweight pedal drive with rudder steering
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Length
- 126 inches
- Propulsion
- HyDryve II pedal system
- Seat Type
- Ergoboost seating system
- Fishing Features
- In-handle rigging tracks, rudder
- Use
- Fishing
The Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII is a 10.5-foot sit-on-top fishing kayak with a 59-pound weight. It uses the HyDryve II pedal system for propulsion and includes a rudder for tracking. The Ergoboost seat offers adjustable height. You get in-handle rigging tracks for gear. This setup suits anglers who want pedal power without the weight of heavier models.
Pros
- HyDryve II fin pedal system for efficient propulsion
- Ergoboost seating system with adjustable height
- Rudder for straight tracking and steering
- In-handle rigging tracks for accessory mounting
- Lightweight 59-pound build for easy transport
Cons
- Narrow 33-inch width may feel less stable
- No storage hatches or dry storage mentioned
- HyDryve II fin drive may tangle in weeds
Good fit if
- You want pedal drive without heavy weight
- You need a rudder for straight tracking
- You prefer adjustable seat height for visibility
Skip if
- You require ample dry storage capacity
- You need a wider hull for stability
- You prefer paddle propulsion over pedals
Verdict: The Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII fits anglers who prioritize lightweight pedal drive and rudder steering. It offers a practical balance of mobility and comfort for solo fishing trips.
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pedal Kayak
Best for: Heavy gear loads and pedal drive
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Length
- 12 ft
- Capacity
- 500 lb max, 384 lb usable
- Person Capacity
- Solo
- Propulsion
- Pedal drive
- Hull Type
- Pontoon-style
The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is a 12-foot sit-on-top fishing kayak with a pontoon-style hull. It supports up to 500 pounds and weighs 116 pounds. The design includes a premium mesh seat for comfort and a forward/reverse pedal drive for hands-free navigation. You get a stable platform for gear and fish finders, making it a solid choice for anglers needing high capacity and steady tracking.
Pros
- 500-pound maximum capacity
- Pontoon-style hull for stability
- Forward/reverse pedal drive
- Premium mesh seat with lumbar support
Cons
- 116-pound weight makes it heavy
- Paddle sold separately
- Fish finder sold separately
Good fit if
- You need high weight capacity
- You prefer hands-free pedaling
- You want a stable pontoon hull
Skip if
- You want a lighter kayak
- You prefer paddle propulsion only
- You need a compact storage size
Verdict: Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 offers a high-capacity, stable platform for serious anglers. It suits those who prioritize pedal drive convenience and heavy gear loads over easy transport.
Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal Kayak
Best for: Solo anglers seeking portable pedal kayaks
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Construction
- Double-layer PVC brushed, 0.9 PVC pipes
- Length
- 132 inches
- Propulsion
- Pedal drive, motorized fin option
- Hull Type
- Stabilizing fins
- Inflatable
- Inflatable
The Spatium is an 11-foot inflatable sit-on-top kayak designed for pedal-driven fishing. It features a 360° rotatable seat on an 80cm rail and stabilizing fins for stability. The double-layer PVC hull offers durability while remaining portable. You can use the pedal drive or swap to a motorized fin. It suits anglers who need a versatile, single-person boat for lakes and rivers.
Pros
- 132-inch length provides ample fishing space
- 360° rotatable seat with 80cm adjustment rail
- Double-layer PVC construction for durability
- Pedal drive with optional motorized fin conversion
Cons
- Single-person capacity limits group fishing
- Inflatable design requires regular setup and inflation
- Top speed of 6-8 km/h is slower than hard-shell kayaks
Good fit if
- You need a portable kayak that fits in a car trunk
- You want a rotatable seat for casting in any direction
- You prefer pedal propulsion over paddling
Skip if
- You require a rigid hull for high-speed performance
- You need a kayak for two or more people
- You want a kayak that is ready to use immediately
Verdict: Spatium 11ft Inflatable Pedal Fishing Kayak is a solid choice for solo anglers who value portability and adjustable seating. It fits those who prioritize ease of storage and flexible propulsion options over raw speed.
BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Single Pedal Kayak
Best for: Solo anglers seeking stable pedal-driven fishing
- Seating Style
- Sit-on-top
- Construction
- UV-protected HDPE hull
- Length
- 12 feet
- Seat Type
- Ergonomic aluminum frame seat
- Use
- Fishing
- Capacity
- Single
The BKC Brooklyn 12.0 is a 12-foot sit-on-top fishing kayak built for stability and hands-free propulsion. It features a 33.5-inch wide HDPE hull and a high-efficiency propeller pedal drive. An ergonomic aluminum frame seat and hand-operated rudder enhance control and comfort. With dual watertight hatches and scupper plugs, it offers organized storage and easy cleanup for anglers seeking a stable platform.
Pros
- 12-foot length with 33.5-inch width for enhanced stability
- High-efficiency propeller pedal drive for hands-free cruising
- Hand-operated rudder system for precise steering control
- Ergonomic aluminum frame seat for breathable support
- Dual watertight hatches and rear cargo area for gear management
Cons
- 75-pound weight makes it heavier than many competitors
- Single-person capacity limits group fishing trips
- No mention of integrated rod holders beyond the two flush-mounted options
Good fit if
- You want a stable 12-foot platform for long-distance paddling
- You prefer hands-free pedal propulsion over traditional paddling
- You need precise steering control in windy or choppy conditions
Skip if
- You require a kayak for multiple passengers
- You prefer a lighter vessel for easy transport
- You need a sit-inside design for cold weather protection
Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 12.0 12 ft Pedal Kayak fits anglers who prioritize stability and hands-free propulsion for solo fishing trips. Its wide hull and rudder system provide control, though the weight and single capacity may not suit everyone.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak | Reel Yaks Recon 10.5ft Modular Pedal Kayak | Pelican Catch PWR 100 10 ft Motor-Ready Kayak | Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII Pedal Kayak | Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pedal Kayak | Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal Kayak | BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Single Pedal Kayak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Style | Sit-on-top | Sit-on-top | Sit-on-top | Sit-on-top | Sit-on-top | Sit-on-top | Sit-on-top |
| Construction | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Double-layer PVC brushed, 0.9 PVC pipes | UV-protected HDPE hull |
| Length | 12 ft | 10.5 ft | 10 ft | 126 inches | 12 ft | 132 inches | 12 feet |
| Capacity | 500 lb max, 415 lb usable | 400 lb | not specified | not specified | 500 lb max, 384 lb usable | not specified | not specified |
| Person Capacity | Solo | not specified | not specified | not specified | Solo | not specified | not specified |
| Propulsion | Paddle | Fin pedal drive | Transom motor mount, up to 2.5 hp | HyDryve II pedal system | Pedal drive | Pedal drive, motorized fin option | not specified |
| Hull Type | Pontoon-style | W-hull | not specified | not specified | Pontoon-style | Stabilizing fins | not specified |
| Inflatable | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Inflatable | not specified |
| Seat Type | Dual-layer Textilene mesh seat | not specified | Ergo360 seating system, swivels 360 | Ergoboost seating system | Premium mesh seat | 360° rotatable seat, 80cm rail | Ergonomic aluminum frame seat |
| Fishing Features | Rod holders, transducer mount, tracks | not specified | not specified | In-handle rigging tracks, rudder | Rod holders, transducer mount | not specified | not specified |
| Use | Fishing | Fishing | Fishing | Fishing | Fishing | Fishing, Lake, River | Fishing |
| Size | Length 12 Ft | not specified | 10' | not specified | Length 12 Ft | not specified | not specified |
| Water Type | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Rivers | not specified |
| For | not specified | Adults | not specified | not specified | not specified | Adults | not specified |
| Included Accessories | Paddle | not specified | not specified | not specified | Paddle | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 144 × 36 × 20 inches | 126 × 35.4 × 13 inches | 39.6 × 15.8 × 117 inches | 126 × 33 × 11.3 inches | 144 × 36 × 25 inches | 132 × 48 × 5.91 inches | 144 × 33.5 × 15 inches |
| Weight | 85 pounds | 88 pounds | 75 pounds | 59 pounds | 116 pounds | not specified | 75 pounds |
| Color | Ember Camo | Blue Gray | Light Kaki | Amazonia | Steel Camo | Fishbone | Royal Tide |
| Model | 01.4075.0103 | not specified | MFP10P400-00 | MHP10P105-00 | 01.4071.0109 | not specified | not specified |
Frequently asked questions
Which kayak is lighter than the Old Town Sportsman 120?
The Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII is the lightest option on this list at 59 pounds. It is also shorter at 10.5 feet, making it easier to transport than the 12-foot, 85-pound original. This weight reduction helps if you frequently carry your kayak alone.
Can I use a pedal drive instead of paddling?
Yes, several models include pedal drives for hands-free movement. The Reel Yaks Recon 10.5ft uses a fin drive, while the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII and BKC Brooklyn 12.0 offer pedal propulsion. These options let you keep your hands free for fishing tasks.
What is the widest kayak for maximum stability?
The Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal Kayak is the widest at 48 inches. This broad hull provides a very stable platform for casting. It is significantly wider than the Old Town Sportsman 120, which measures 36 inches across, offering more room for gear.
Is there a portable option for small storage spaces?
The Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal Kayak is designed for easy storage. Its inflatable construction allows it to be deflated and packed away. This makes it ideal for anglers with limited garage space or those who need to transport the kayak in a smaller vehicle.
Which kayak supports the most weight?
The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is built for heavy loads. It measures 12 feet long and weighs 116 pounds, providing a robust platform for serious anglers. Its design prioritizes gear capacity and stability over lightweight portability, making it suitable for extensive fishing trips.
Does any kayak come with a rudder for steering?
The Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII features a rudder steering system. This setup helps maintain a straight course with less effort. It complements the lightweight pedal drive, offering better control for solo anglers navigating currents or wind without needing to paddle constantly.
What is the shortest kayak on this list?
The Pelican Catch PWR 100 is the shortest at 10 feet. It weighs 75 pounds and is designed for calm waters. Its compact size makes it highly maneuverable, though it offers less storage space than the 12-foot models like the Old Town Sportsman 120.