Old Town Sportsman 106 Kayak- A Cape Cod Fisherman's Dream
- phil32990
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Here’s an in-depth Goose Pro Staff review of the Old Town Sportsman 106 Kayak, one of the Goose's best selling paddle fishing kayaks in the store — especially for anglers and outdoor lovers who want a versatile, stable, and easy-to-use platform without dropping big money.
Overview
The Old Town Sportsman 106 is a 10’6″ sit-on-top paddle kayak designed primarily for fishing in lakes, rivers, and other relatively calm waters. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and store, while the fishing-friendly layout gives anglers a functional platform for serious days on the water.
Key Features
Hull and Stability
DoubleU hull design: Gives excellent primary stability and helps the kayak feel steady underfoot — ideal for stand-up casting or moving gear around.
Sit-on-top design: Easy to get in/out of and forgiving for beginners.
Comfort & Seating
Premium adjustable seat: Breathable dual-layer Textilene with 3D mesh inserts keeps you comfortable during long sessions. You can position the seat high or low depending on your needs.
Fishing-Ready Layout
Accessory tracks: Two forward tracks let you mount fish finders, rod holders, or cameras.
Rod holders: One forward-facing and two rear-facing rod holders are flush with the deck when not in use.
Custom tackle box & storage: Under-seat storage and Tackle box inclusion help you organize gear.
Large open cockpit & tankwell: Plenty of space for gear crates, coolers, or extra tackle.
Non-slip EVA foam deck pads: Traction for your feet and comfort when standing or paddling.
Vital Specs at a Glance
Length: 10’6″
Width: ~34.5″
Weight: ~73 lb (light enough to car-top with help)
Weight capacity: ~363-440 lb (varies by source)
Pros
Stability & Confidence-The wide hull and sit-on-top design make the Sportsman 106 very forgiving for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. You’ll feel secure whether you’re casting, shifting weight to grab gear, or navigating calm coves.
Fishing-Focused Layout-With accessory tracks, rod holders, and storage, this kayak is built to fish straight out of the box. Even customization for fish finders or other add-ons is straightforward.
Comfort for Long Fishing Days-Adjustable seating and thoughtful deck design reduce fatigue on long trips — a big plus for weekend warriors or fishing outings that stretch into sunset.
Ease of Transport-At about 73 lbs, it’s lighter than many fishing kayaks, making it manageable on roof racks or in truck beds (with assistance for some folks).
Who Should Buy It?
Beginner & Casual Anglers: If you want a stable, easy-to-manage kayak for fishing with plenty of fishing-ready features, this is a great choice.
Weekend Paddlers: Versatile enough for relaxed paddling, gear hauling, or a day exploring calm waters.
Customization Lovers: Accessory tracks and roomy deck open up possibilities for fish finders, storage rigs, and more.
The Old Town Sportsman 106 sits comfortably as one of the top sit-on-top fishing kayaks in its class — especially for anglers who want a stable paddling platform with plenty of room for gear and customization. It delivers a solid blend of stability, comfort, and fishing-specific features at a super competitive price point. Its limitations (weight and paddle speed) are typical of this category and largely outweighed by its performance in typically encountered fishing scenarios.
Whether you’re just getting into kayak fishing or want a dependable second kayak for calm waters and easy access spots, the Sportsman 106 is worth serious consideration.
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