Old Town Fly Fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which Old Town pedal or motorized kayaks are best suited for fly fishing in shallow, inshore waters?

  Old Town’s fly-fishing lineup—like the ePDL+ 120 Pro, Salty PDL 120, Autopilot 120/136, and the 106 Powered by Minn Kota—is built for inshore and shallow-water fly fishing with sit-on-top, open decks that support standing and casting. Look for models with a wide 36-inch beam, rotomolded polyethylene hulls, thru‑hull rod tubes and vertical rod holders to handle 9‑foot fly rods while providing the stability and accessory integration anglers need.
• How does the ePDL+ 120 Pro compare to the Salty PDL 120 and the Autopilot 120 for fly anglers?

  The ePDL+ 120 Pro pairs a pedal drive with electric assist for efficient hands‑free propulsion and easy repositioning on flats, while the Salty PDL 120 is a pedal‑only platform with a sharper bow and more rocker for quicker maneuvering. The Autopilot 120 (and 136) use a Minn Kota motor with GPS Spot‑Lock and iPilot for remote steering and virtual anchoring, giving superior range and station‑keeping for anglers who prioritize battery-powered mobility over pure pedal stealth.
• What should I consider when choosing between pedal drive and motorized Old Town fly fishing kayaks?

  Decide based on where you fish and how you fish: pedal drives (e.g., PDL/ePDL+) offer hands‑free propulsion with quieter, low‑profile operation ideal for stealthy flats work and casting, whereas motorized Autopilot models provide longer range, GPS spot‑lock and easier long‑distance transit. Also factor in transport and storage (motorized rigs can weigh and bulk more), battery/maintenance needs, and whether you need precise station‑keeping or maximum stealth.
• Do Old Town fly fishing kayaks accommodate 9-foot fly rods and how is rod management handled?

  Yes, models like the Sportsman ePDL+ 120 Pro and Salty PDL 120 feature thru‑hull tubes and vertical rod holders sized to protect tips and store 9‑foot rods safely while underway. Additional features like open crate wells, gear tracks for stripping baskets, and seat‑as‑line‑basket techniques further reduce tangles and keep fly line organized when casting or reeling.
• How do hull design and dimensions affect stability and standing while casting in Old Town Sportsman and Autopilot models?

  The flat‑bottom hull form and wide 36‑inch beam deliver a stable platform suited to standing casts and off‑center maneuvers, with padded EVA decking and breathable mesh seats for comfort while sit/standing. Longer hulls like the Autopilot 136 track straighter and feel steadier in chop, while shorter models (120/106) are easier to turn and transport—try to test fit and standing posture if possible to match your casting style.