Old Town Sportsman 106: Cabela's Kayak Review

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey guys, are you on the hunt for the perfect kayak that blends stability, comfort, and features for your fishing adventures? Look no further! Today, we're diving deep into the Old Town Sportsman 106 Cabela's Kayak, a popular choice among anglers for its impressive design and performance. This kayak has been making waves (pun intended!) in the fishing community, and for good reason. It's packed with features that cater specifically to anglers, offering a stable platform, comfortable seating, and ample storage. But is it the right kayak for you? Let's find out!

What Makes the Old Town Sportsman 106 Stand Out?

So, what exactly makes the Old Town Sportsman 106 so special? Well, it's a combination of factors, really. First off, the stability is top-notch. This kayak is built to handle choppy waters and sudden movements, which is crucial when you're trying to reel in a big one. You don't want to be worrying about tipping over while you're battling a fish, right? The wide hull design gives it that extra stability, making it feel incredibly secure on the water. You can even stand up and cast with confidence, which is a game-changer for sight fishing or just stretching your legs. Speaking of standing, the slip-resistant standing platform is a great feature, giving you a secure and comfortable place to stand. This is especially useful for anglers who like to sight fish or just need to get a better view of the water.

Another key factor is the comfort. Let's face it, you're going to be spending hours in your kayak, so comfort is essential. The Sportsman 106 comes with a super comfy seat that provides excellent back support. You can adjust it to find the perfect position, and it's designed to keep you comfortable even on long days on the water. Trust me, your back will thank you! The seat is adjustable, so you can find the perfect position for paddling and fishing. It also has a breathable mesh fabric that helps to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. The adjustable foot braces also contribute to the overall comfort, allowing you to customize your leg position and maintain proper paddling posture. This helps prevent fatigue and allows you to paddle more efficiently.

And let's not forget about storage. The Sportsman 106 has plenty of room for all your gear. There's a large tank well in the back for your tackle box, cooler, or other bulky items. There's also a smaller storage compartment in the front for things like your phone, keys, and wallet. Plus, there are plenty of mounting points for accessories like rod holders, fish finders, and cameras. You can really customize this kayak to fit your specific needs. The strategically placed accessory tracks make it easy to add and remove gear without drilling any holes. This is a great feature for anglers who like to customize their kayaks with different accessories.

Key Features of the Old Town Sportsman 106

Okay, let's break down the key features of this kayak in more detail. This will give you a clearer picture of what the Sportsman 106 has to offer and why it's such a popular choice among anglers. We'll cover everything from the hull design to the seating system to the storage options.

Ultra-Stable Hull Design: The Sportsman 106 features a specially designed hull that provides exceptional stability. This is crucial for fishing kayaks, as you need a stable platform to cast, reel in fish, and move around. The wide beam and flat bottom contribute to the kayak's stability, making it feel incredibly secure on the water. This design allows you to stand and fish comfortably, even in choppy conditions. The stability also makes it easier to get in and out of the kayak, which is a big plus for those with mobility issues.
Comfortable Seating System: The adjustable and breathable seat is one of the standout features of this kayak. It provides excellent back support and allows you to customize your seating position for maximum comfort. The breathable mesh fabric helps to keep you cool and dry, even on hot days. The high seat back provides excellent lumbar support, which is essential for long days on the water. The seat is also removable, which makes it easier to transport and store the kayak. The adjustable seat height is another great feature, allowing you to raise or lower the seat depending on your preference and the water conditions.
Ample Storage Space: The Sportsman 106 is packed with storage options, including a large rear tank well, a front hatch, and accessory tracks. This gives you plenty of room to store all your fishing gear, from tackle boxes to rods to coolers. The rear tank well is large enough to accommodate a milk crate or a cooler, while the front hatch is perfect for storing smaller items like your phone, keys, and wallet. The accessory tracks allow you to easily add and remove accessories like rod holders, fish finders, and cameras. The storage compartments are also watertight, which helps to keep your gear dry.
Durable Construction: The kayak is made from high-quality polyethylene, which is known for its durability and resistance to impact. This means it can withstand the rigors of fishing, from bumping into rocks to being dragged across the ground. The polyethylene is also UV-resistant, which helps to prevent fading and cracking over time. The durable construction ensures that the kayak will last for many years of use.
Accessory Mounting Tracks: The integrated accessory tracks allow you to easily customize your kayak with a variety of accessories, such as rod holders, fish finders, and GPS units. This makes it easy to set up your kayak for your specific fishing needs. The accessory tracks are also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, giving you even more options for customization.

Pros and Cons of the Old Town Sportsman 106

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Every kayak has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Old Town Sportsman 106 is no exception. Let's weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Pros:

Exceptional Stability: As we've discussed, the stability of this kayak is a major selling point. It's incredibly stable, even in choppy water, which makes it ideal for fishing. You can stand and cast with confidence, and you don't have to worry about tipping over easily. The stability is also a great benefit for beginners who may be nervous about kayaking.
Comfortable for Long Days: The adjustable seat and foot braces make this kayak incredibly comfortable for long days on the water. You can customize the seating position to find the perfect fit, and the breathable seat fabric helps to keep you cool and dry. The comfortable seating is a huge plus for anglers who like to spend hours on the water.
Plenty of Storage: The Sportsman 106 has ample storage space for all your gear, including a large rear tank well, a front hatch, and accessory tracks. You can easily bring everything you need for a day of fishing, from tackle boxes to coolers to extra rods. The storage capacity is a key factor for anglers who need to carry a lot of gear.
Customizable with Accessories: The accessory mounting tracks make it easy to customize your kayak with a variety of accessories, such as rod holders, fish finders, and GPS units. This allows you to set up your kayak exactly the way you want it. The ability to customize is a major advantage for anglers who have specific needs and preferences.
Durable and Long-Lasting: The high-quality polyethylene construction ensures that this kayak will last for many years of use. It can withstand the rigors of fishing and is resistant to impact and UV damage. The durability is an important factor for anglers who want a kayak that will last.

Cons:

Can Be a Bit Heavy: The Sportsman 106 is a bit heavier than some other kayaks in its class, which can make it more difficult to transport and load onto a vehicle. This is something to consider if you're going to be transporting the kayak by yourself. The weight is a trade-off for the kayak's stability and durability.
Price Point: This kayak is in the mid-to-high price range, which may be a barrier for some anglers. However, the quality and features justify the price for many people. It's important to consider your budget and how often you plan to use the kayak when making your decision.
Tracking in Wind: Some users have noted that the Sportsman 106 can be a bit challenging to track in windy conditions. This is a common issue with wider kayaks, as they tend to be more affected by the wind. However, this can be mitigated by using a rudder or skeg.

Who is the Old Town Sportsman 106 Best Suited For?

So, who is this kayak really for? The Old Town Sportsman 106 is ideal for anglers who are looking for a stable, comfortable, and feature-rich kayak for fishing. It's a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers, as it's easy to paddle and offers plenty of storage and customization options. If you're someone who spends a lot of time on the water fishing, this kayak is definitely worth considering. It's also a good option for those who want a kayak that they can stand and fish from, as the stable hull design makes it easy to maintain your balance. The Sportsman 106 is also well-suited for those who want to customize their kayak with accessories, as the accessory mounting tracks make it easy to add and remove gear. However, if you're primarily looking for a kayak for recreational paddling or touring, there may be better options available that are lighter and more efficient to paddle.

Alternatives to the Old Town Sportsman 106

Okay, let's say you're not quite sold on the Sportsman 106. That's totally fine! There are plenty of other great fishing kayaks out there. Let's take a look at a few alternatives that you might want to consider. This will give you a better understanding of the options available and help you make the best decision for your needs.

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14: If you're looking for a top-of-the-line fishing kayak with pedal power, the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 is a fantastic option. It's packed with features, including a comfortable Vantage seat, ample storage, and Hobie's signature MirageDrive pedal system. However, it's also one of the most expensive kayaks on the market.
Jackson Kayak Coosa FD: The Jackson Kayak Coosa FD is another great pedal-drive option that's designed specifically for fishing. It's known for its stability, maneuverability, and comfortable seating. It also has plenty of storage and accessory mounting options.
** perception outlaw 11.5:** For a more budget-friendly option, the Perception Outlaw 11.5 is a great choice. It's a stable and comfortable kayak that's designed for fishing, with features like a comfortable seat, plenty of storage, and accessory mounting tracks. It's a great value for the price.

Final Verdict: Is the Old Town Sportsman 106 Worth It?

So, what's the final verdict? Is the Old Town Sportsman 106 worth the investment? In my opinion, absolutely. If you're a serious angler looking for a stable, comfortable, and feature-rich kayak, the Sportsman 106 is an excellent choice. It's packed with features that are specifically designed for fishing, and it's built to last. Yes, it's a bit on the heavier side, and the price point is higher than some other kayaks, but the quality and performance justify the cost for many anglers. The stability, comfort, and storage capacity make it a joy to fish from, and the customizable design allows you to set it up exactly the way you want it. Overall, the Old Town Sportsman 106 is a top-notch fishing kayak that will provide you with years of enjoyment on the water.

Happy fishing, guys! I hope this review has helped you make a more informed decision about whether or not the Old Town Sportsman 106 is the right kayak for you. Remember to always prioritize safety when you're out on the water, and have fun!