Howdy, I've been researching fishing kayaks to narrow down my choices for a good pedal drive setup that won't break the bank.

I'm down to the following three models and would appreciate feedback on any of them to help me decide which to go with:

• Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL

• Jackson Bite FD

• Native Slayer Propel 10 LTE

My preferences that led me to these three are that I'm wanting a 10ft for sake of loading/unloading weight as well as saving a bit on storage space. I'm not entirely opposed to a motorized kayak, but I'd rather avoid having to register it, and save on weight and the extra expense of a motor+battery.

The only features I've thought of so far that I would want to add on to any of these are:

• Horizontal rod storage system like from YakAttack

• Anchor Wizard

• Kayak wheel cart

• Swivel seat

Whoever has any of these models, what are the pros and cons for your use? Upgrades you can't live without?

The 10' Slayer Propel is a light and stable little barge. Great fishing platform as long as you don't have to paddle. Never heard of swivel seat option, but it would be welcome. One of my few complaints is that the seat and mounting track aren't aligned perfectly, so removing and placing seat is a bit of a pain. New better seat would be welcome

Copy and paste from my post on the Fluxjet thread -

I've got a Jackson Bite FD and an Old Town Sportsman 106MK. I've had the Jackson for a few years, and picked up the OT last spring. They're both pretty similar for stability with the OT having an edge there. The OT also rides higher in the water, although bow splash is similar on both when the lake is rough.

The flex drive on the Jackson is tough to beat when fishing shallow rocky rivers. Having it just fold in to the hull and not having a big hole open to drop things into is real nice. The hulls are tough, I've drug it over probably miles of rock at this point and haven't had any leaks. The keel is worn from loading / unloading on concrete ramps, but still solid.

The OT is more maneuverable, the rudder works just a bit better. Interior storage is nice, but it's open to the whole hull. Fit and finish are a bit better than the Jackson, and the forward facing rod holder and built-in cupholder are nice. I can't speak to how the pedal drive compares to the Jackson as I have the MinnKota setup.

Because I'm generally fishing shallow, I went with a power pole over an anchor wizard or similar. That's been the best upgrade for the areas that I usually fish.

All three are fine options. I'm partial to Old Town as I have an AP 120. A few random thoughts:

1. I understand your desire to save space and weight with only a 10 foot kayak. But if you fish on big lakes there may be some pucker factor with wakes and waves. Even if you don't stand and fish, I'd put stability ahead of any saving of weight or space.

2. I'd pass on the anchor wizard for now. The beauty of a pedal kayak is that once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature to jog the pedals and bump the rudder to hold position even while you are fishing.

3. Your kayak cart is going to be dependent upon the weight of your kayak. Are you going to cart the kayak to the shore or ramp fully loaded or will you use a beach cart or something similar to haul gear? Whatever you do, don't get a cart that uses your scupper holes. With my old Seastream pedal drive I used both a C-Tug and Wilderness Systems carts. I preferred the Wilderness. When using a cart, make sure you find the center of gravity -it will make it much easier to pull your cart.

4. Speaking of center of gravity, you may want to hold off on a swivel seat, especially with a smaller kayak. See how stable it is first in different water and weather conditions. If you get a swivel seat, chances are that means the seat will be raised higher than the original seat. That's going to change your center of gravity and make the kayak even more tippy.

Initial upgrades:

1. If you spend a lot of hours on the water, get a seat cushion. Heck, get one anyway. I have a gel cushion that I actually have under my seat on top of the battery box.

2. A comfortable PFD that doesn't ride up or cause discomfort when you're sitting in the kayak seat. For that reason I use a self inflating PFD. Make sure you have a whistle clipped to your PFD.

3. Self draining scupper plugs. You'll thank me later.

4. Storage organization. Even if you have a crate, you may want some speed bags for soft plastics. Look into a tool caddy if your kayak doesn't have convenient, close at hand storage.

5. The right size paddle that can move water if and when you have an issue with your pedal drive.

6. On board tool set and any spare parts for your pedal drive.

7. A tow rope, even if you only use it to tie off to docks. Also, if ever needed, you affix it to one of your side handles and use it to right your kayak if it should ever end up being upside down.

8. A safety flag, preferably something like a Visipole with the stern safety light attached.

Both @Standard and @Kayak Koz and others posted some great info in the Fluxjet thread I created, and I see them posting here, they were both very helpful.

I ended up skipping the Fluxjet and very recently purchased the Old Town Sportsman 106 MK. I knew I wanted 10-ish feet for easy pickup truck transport as well as stability. The reason I went with Old Town after much research was history, build quality and stability, IMO, they win in all categories' vs other kayaks in this size range. If you have not already done so, queue up YouTube and search for factory tours of the brands you are interested in. Alot of info can be had from them.

I was torn on the pedal drive or motor drive but after comparing the hulls in both options, same 106 by the way, the 106 motor hull is superior in width and height over the 106 pedal drive hull. I also liked the idea of hands-free fishing as steering is done via feet, rather than hand with a pedal drive.

The motor version comes at a premium though and like you said, you'll have to add a battery and that adds an additional expense. I won't suggest what you do with your wallet because I will always spend it. ;) but I would not sweat that registering thing. My dealer took care of the registration. I've also owned boats, registering is just renewing like an automobile registration, a fee and a sticker, nothing big.

Good luck in your search!

‘The one” and “won’t break the bank”. Mutually exclusive.

I’m biased I’ve only fished out of Old town salty 120 PDL and the big water. I have the salty, it’s perfect for me. I do a lot of inshore saltwater and freshwater. Light enough to go anywhere. Can take some chop. I’ve fished in 3 foot waves on the salt with it. Also it’s speedy. I love it for chasing fast moving fish like albies and bones. The bigwater is a tank made for the salt! They are very stable.

I chose Old Town for a few reasons. 1) they are made in America, Maine. They been in business for over 100 years 2) I love the PDL system. Again I’ve never used another system. It’s very easy to use. Instant reverse with the prop. Just be careful around weeds. The prop will catch weeds. 3) My buddies have them and swear by them. I started with them. I was renting them to fish in the salt So I got a feel for it.

Honestly it’s a game changer! I was using a regular paddle kayak and it did its job but I wasn’t happy. After fishing a day in the salt with the salty I knew I had to get one. Long story short, I had save some money up. I had a choice between a cruise with my friend group or buy the kayak. I made the right choice. I’m very happy with it. Been 2 years. Makes fishing more enjoyable on the kayak. I hated getting blown around by the wind, no storage, and they are uncomfortable. I couldn’t effectively fish.