So an update after a few months of fishing from this kayak incase anyone is ever thinking about getting one of these. I like it a lot. It cuts through current and wind, and tracks well. It’s fast. The only complaint I have with the Old Town Predator PDL is the seat height isn’t adjustable, it’s stuck in a very high position. The position is very comfortable for fishing and pedaling, probably the optimal position, but there are times in rougher water where I’d feel more comfortable setting lower. Something about that high of a center of gravity when the kayak is rocking that doesn’t make one feel as stable, especially so high with no rails. I’ve only launched from the Inlet and went into the ocean, I don’t think I would surf launch it setting that high. Luckily it’s a super stable kayak, and even setting so high you would have to do something you shouldn’t to flip it under normal circumstances.
I rate it an excellent bass fishing / salt flats kayak. Perfect. Control with the instant reverse is great. Even on the river you rarely need to anchor, you can hold position with the pedal drive easily with little effort.
For the Ocean the seat needs to be lower, that’s probably more psychological on my part, but I feel I wouldn’t fall out as easy if a swell hits me from the side. When in swells lower is better. They say the Predator is made for big water like bays, just not sure why they didn’t design it to have adjustable height seating. It is easy to adjust foward and back for leg room. Super comfortable.
Excellent for lakes, creeks, rivers, and some inlets. Seat needs to be lower for ocean swells. I think if you are primarily a bass fisherman, panfish, red fish, or for flounder in those salt creeks, it doesn’t get any better. That’s what this kayak imo is made for. It will get you by in the Ocean, but there are probably better options.
Most were solid 3-4 lb fish.
