Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Old Town Malibu PDL (built on the Ocean Kayak Malibu platform) is the pedal kayak for people who want fun first and fishing second. It’s fast, nimble, and simple, and it still comes with rod holders and gear tracks so you can absolutely catch fish from it.
The Old Town Malibu PDL (built on the Ocean Kayak Malibu platform) is the pedal kayak for people who want fun first and fishing second. It’s fast, nimble, and simple, and it still comes with rod holders and gear tracks so you can absolutely catch fish from it.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
I’ve always liked this boat because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The Malibu PDL is the kind of kayak you pedal around the lake on a Saturday, tow the kids behind in a tube, and then sneak out at dawn to chase bass before anyone wakes up. It does all of that without complaint.
Who the Malibu PDL Is For
This is a recreation-first kayak. If your main use is cruising lakes, exploring calm rivers, and having fun on the water with family, with some fishing mixed in, the Malibu PDL fits. It’s also a good pick for someone buying their first pedal kayak who doesn’t want to learn on a heavy, complicated fishing barge.
Experienced anglers who fish tournaments or stand and cast all day will probably want a wider, more specialized platform. But for casual fishing and all-around fun, this hull is hard to beat.
Stability and On-the-Water Feel
The Malibu PDL is 12 feet long and 34.5 inches wide, and the hull is built for speed and playfulness. It tracks well and cuts through chop, and the rudder comes included, so steering is easy even in wind or current.
It’s stable for a rec-style kayak, but it’s not a stand-and-fish platform like a wide fishing barge. Most people will fish seated, which is fine for how this boat is meant to be used. In surf or boat wakes, the hull feels lively and confident rather than tippy.
Seat and Comfort
The Malibu PDL uses the Element Beach Seat, a mesh-covered seat that’s breathable and drains well. It slides on a track so you can adjust it to your leg length, and there’s a mesh storage pocket underneath. For a recreational seat, it’s genuinely comfortable for full-day outings.
The seat back is 14 inches tall, which gives decent support without getting in the way when you’re casting. The seat is also removable, so you can pull it out and use it on the beach.
Storage and Rigging
You get three flush-mount rod holders (two behind the seat, one forward facing), bow and center hatches, and a large stern tankwell with bungees that fits a cooler, crate, or dry bag. Two accessory tracks on either side of the cockpit make it easy to add a rod holder, camera mount, or phone holder.
The bow tankwell is pet-friendly, with bungees to keep gear or a dog secure. There are three cup holders, a small storage box, and bow and stern carry handles. For a rec kayak, it’s well equipped. You won’t get the horizontal rod storage or giant tackle systems of a dedicated fishing kayak, but you get everything you need for a day on the water.
Pedal Drive Performance
The proven PDL drive gives you instant forward and reverse, and it’s known for being low-maintenance and reliable. Pedaling the Malibu feels like riding a bike: smooth, quiet, and efficient. The hull is quick, so you don’t have to work hard to cruise at a good clip.
The pedal console weighs about 20 pounds and lifts out easily for transport and cleaning. Having hands-free propulsion changes the game for casual fishing too. You can hold position while you cast, troll a line behind you, or keep the boat straight in wind while you work a shoreline.
Honest Drawbacks
The assembled boat weighs 105 pounds. That’s not terrible for a pedal kayak, but it’s not light either. Loading it on a roof rack solo takes some effort, so a trailer or truck bed is easier.
The usable weight capacity is 250 pounds after you account for the boat itself (360 pounds total). Bigger paddlers or anyone who wants to load heavy gear should check those numbers carefully. This isn’t the boat for a 250-pound angler plus a cooler and a full crate.
Finally, the seat is comfortable but basic compared to the lawn-chair-style seats on dedicated fishing kayaks. If long hours and back support are your priority, a fishing-specific model will treat you better.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12′ |
| Width | 34.5″ |
| Weight | 105 lbs (assembled) |
| Total capacity | 360 lbs (250 lbs usable) |
| Drive type | Pedal (PDL Drive, forward/reverse) |
Old Town Malibu PDL Fishing Kayak FAQ
Is the Malibu PDL a good fishing kayak?
It’s a good casual fishing kayak. It has rod holders, gear tracks, and hands-free pedaling, but it’s built for recreation first, so serious anglers may want a wider dedicated fishing platform.
How much weight can the Malibu PDL hold?
The total capacity is 360 pounds, which leaves about 250 pounds for the paddler, gear, and pets after the weight of the boat. Check that number against your weight plus gear.
Is the PDL drive hard to maintain?
No. The PDL drive is known for being simple and low-maintenance, with easy removal for transport and cleaning.
Can two people fish from the Malibu PDL?
It’s a solo kayak. The stern tankwell has a jump seat area that works for a small passenger on calm water, but it’s designed for one paddler.
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Malibu PDL Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak.
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