Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The Sportsman 106 is Old Town’s answer to anglers who want a stand-up stable fishing platform they can throw on a roof rack alone. At just 10 feet 6 inches, it fits in a pickup bed or a garage, but the 34.5-inch DoubleU hull feels like a much bigger boat on the water.
The Sportsman 106 is Old Town’s answer to anglers who want a stand-up stable fishing platform they can throw on a roof rack alone. At just 10 feet 6 inches, it fits in a pickup bed or a garage, but the 34.5-inch DoubleU hull feels like a much bigger boat on the water.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the Sportsman 106 is for
This is a paddle-only fishing kayak for anglers who launch in ponds, small lakes, rivers, creeks, and sheltered saltwater. If you mostly fish alone, load your own boat, and want to stand and sight fish, the 106 is built for you. It shines in tight backwaters where longer kayaks are hard to turn.
It is not the right pick if you want pedal or motor power, or if you regularly cross big open water in wind. Old Town makes pedal and motorized versions of this same hull for that.
Stability: stand up with confidence
The pontoon-style DoubleU hull is the star here. At 34.5 inches wide, it stays quiet and steady when you shift weight, cast sidearm, or turn to grab a rod behind you. The non-slip EVA foam deck pads give you solid footing when you stand, and the open cockpit makes stepping up natural instead of a balancing act. Most anglers can stand and cast within their first few trips.
Seat comfort and all-day fishing
The removable dual-layer Textilene seat is breathable, UV-resistant, and easy to hose off after a muddy launch. It sits on an adjustable frame so you can dial in leg length, and there is storage under the seat sized for the included custom tackle box. Add the cup holders on each side of the seat and you have a comfortable setup for long days.
Storage and rigging
Storage is practical, not flashy. You get a sealed bow hatch for dry gear, an oversized stern tank well for a crate or cooler, and a recessed track on the forward thwart for mounting accessories. Three flush-mount rod holders come standard: one forward-facing in the armrest area and two rear-facing behind the seat. The universal transducer mounting system makes installing a fish finder fast, and the adjustable foot braces help you paddle efficiently.
For electronics, we recommend the new Accuphy Ping Live Mini live sonar system. It retails for $699. See it here.
Paddle performance
On the water, the 106 paddles about like you would expect from a wide, short hull. It tracks fine for its size, turns on a dime, and glides quietly enough for shallow water. It is not a speed machine. Crossing a big lake against wind takes steady effort, and the wide hull pushes a little water at speed. For the waters it was designed for, that trade is well worth it.
Honest drawbacks
Weight is the main one. The hull is 73 pounds, and that is real weight to lift onto a roof rack solo. Cartop loading is doable, but a bed extender or trailer makes life much easier. The EVA deck pads are glued on, so heavy drag across pavement will wear them. And while the open cockpit is great for organization, you will take some water over the sides in chop, so dress for it.
To haul your kayak, we recommend Malone kayak trailers. See them here.
Old Town Sportsman 106 specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 ft 6 in |
| Width | 34.5 in |
| Hull weight | 73 lb |
| Total capacity | 440 lb |
| Usable capacity (people and gear) | 363 lb |
| Drive type | Paddle |
| Style | Sit-on-top |
| Material | Single-layer polyethylene |
| Rod holders | 3 flush-mount |
Frequently asked questions
Old Town Sportsman 106 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Can you stand and fish in the Sportsman 106?
Yes. The 34.5-inch DoubleU hull and EVA deck pads make standing stable for most anglers, and the open deck makes stepping up easy.
Does it come with a paddle?
No paddle is included, so budget for one. A 230 to 240 cm paddle fits the width well.
Is the seat removable?
Yes, the dual-layer Textilene seat removes for transport and cleaning, and there is storage for a tackle box underneath it.
How does it handle rivers?
The short, wide hull turns quickly and handles moving water in small rivers and creeks well. Avoid big standing waves and heavy rapids.
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Sportsman 106 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, Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Malibu PDL Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Old Town website for the Old Town Sportsman 106.
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