Key Takeaways
- The Old Town Sportsman 120 Pro is a 12‑foot, 102‑lb kayak designed for electric‑motor propulsion and heavy customization.
- It offers 140 inches of bow‑mounted aluminum accessory rails plus dual stern rails and a spacious tankwell for batteries, electronics, and tackle storage.
- The kayak’s universal motor mounts, transducer bracket, and built‑in cable routing make adding a trolling motor, fish‑finder, or steering accessories simple and reliable.
- Paired with a Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova (55 lb thrust) the boat achieves ~4.5 mph top speed, Spot‑Lock anchoring, and AutoPilot hands‑free navigation.
- At $1,999 the Sportsman 120 Pro is significantly cheaper than previous Sportsman models, leaving budget for upgrades.
- The wide, open cockpit provides ample footwell space for standing, fly‑fishing, and easy paddle use when needed.
- Old Town’s century‑old Maine factory continues to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing, ensuring durable, high‑quality hulls.
Initial Impressions
When I first laid eyes on the Old Town Sportsman 120 Pro, I was struck by how it bridges the brand’s long‑standing heritage with today’s tech‑savvy angling demands. Having fished from Old Town canoes and kayaks for over two decades, I recognized the familiar stability and build quality, yet the new model’s emphasis on electric propulsion and modular rigging felt like a natural evolution. The kayak arrived on my truck roof unassisted, confirming that its 102‑lb assembled weight is manageable for most solo anglers while still feeling solid on the water.
Design & Build
Measuring 12 feet long and 36 inches wide, the Sportsman 120 Pro sports a polyethylene hull that balances durability with a relatively light footprint. The hull weight is 96 lb, and with the seat and hardware the total comes to 102 lb. A usable capacity of 438 lb leaves plenty of room for gear, a battery, and the angler. The cockpit is wide and open, offering a clean footwell free of pedal obstructions—ideal for standing casts or fly‑fishing line management.
Accessory Rigging
One of the kayak’s standout features is its extensive aluminum rail system. The bow provides 140 inches of port‑and‑starboard rails, perfect for sliding in sonar units, cameras, or other electronics. The stern houses dual rails surrounding a large tankwell, a convenient spot for a battery or additional storage. Below the seat, a built‑in caddy holds extra tackle, while three integrated rod holders (two rear‑angled, one forward) facilitate knot‑tying and quick rod access.
Motor & Electronics Compatibility
The Sportsman 120 Pro is engineered for power. Threaded inserts in the bow accept a universal trolling‑motor mount, and the stern includes provisions for a motor or shallow‑water‑anchor pin. A universal transducer mount simplifies fish‑finder installation, and internal cable routing channels steer and electronic wires neatly through the hull. This design eliminates the need for drilling or ad‑hoc modifications, keeping the kayak watertight and ready for upgrades.
On‑Water Performance with the Riptide Terrova
During my first month on the water I paired the kayak with a Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova—a 55‑lb‑thrust, bow‑mounted, saltwater‑ready trolling motor. Controlled by a wireless micro‑remote, the Terrova offers Spot‑Lock to hold position over productive patches and AutoPilot for hands‑free cruising. In testing the system delivered a top speed of roughly 4.5 mph and allowed me to run‑and‑gun schools of white perch, lock onto bass, and make precise casts without constantly adjusting the paddle. The motor’s Digital Maximizer technology kept a 12‑V 100‑Ah battery above 50 % capacity after two full days of fishing, proving ample endurance for day trips.
Handling & Versatility
Even without the pedal drive of its predecessor, the Sportsman 120 Pro paddles respectably; I could easily maneuver to shore when the motor needed lifting. The wide, flat floor created by the absent pedals gives anglers freedom to stand and cast in any direction, and it provides a tangle‑free surface for laying out fly lines. For longer paddling stretches, an extra‑wide blade is advisable, but for most situations where the kayak truly shines—offering speed, stability, and precise boat control.
Factory Tour Insight
A visit to Old Town’s Maine manufacturing facility underscored the brand’s commitment to quality. The plant still produces most of its canoes and fishing kayaks on‑site, using giant ovens to heat molds for polyethylene hulls. Records of every boat built stretch back nearly a century, kept in an old‑card catalog. This blend of time‑honored craftsmanship and modern production ensures each Sportsman 120 Pro meets the durability and performance standards anglers expect from a name with over 125 years on the water.
Multi‑Species Outlook
While I have so far fished freshwater species, the kayak’s design makes it equally suited for saltwater adventures. The Spot‑Lock capability of the Terrova motor is ideal for hovering over wrecks, reefs, or marsh edges to target striped bass, bluefish, or bottom dwellers like blackfish. The ample rail space and tankroom allow anglers to swap in salt‑specific gear—such as corrosion‑resistant trolling motors or specialized sonar—without compromising the kayak’s integrity.
Final Thoughts
The Old Town Sportsman 120 Pro delivers a compelling package for anglers who want a tournament‑ready platform that remains adaptable for casual outings. Its stable, wide hull, generous weight capacity, and extensive rigging options provide a solid foundation for electric motors, electronics, and countless accessories. Priced at $1,999, it undercuts earlier Sportsman models, freeing funds for upgrades like high‑end batteries or premium fish‑finders. Whether you’re chasing bass in New York’s Finger Lakes, probing coastal structure for striped bass, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon on a lake, the Sportsman 120 Pro offers the versatility, performance, and modern convenience to make every trip productive and enjoyable.