Fishing Kayak Review: Old Town Loon 126 Angler

The reaction I heard from almost every angler who saw me in the new Old Town Loon 126 Angler was, “I’m not really a sit-inside angler, but damn, that’s a nice looking boat.” Smooth speed, straight tracking, nimble agility and fishing-focused features made me agree.

Sit-inside kayaks are lighter and lower to the water, making them easier to paddle long distances. Many anglers also prefer a sit-inside kayak for winter fishing, since the covered decks provide greater protection from the elements.

Old Town’s original Loon quickly became a classic for unmatched comfort and versatility. The open cockpit makes entering and exiting easy. At 12 feet, six inches, the boat is long enough to track well and short enough to maneuver anywhere. Anglers love the wide hull for stability and rockered keel for maneuverability.

a comfort-fishing focus. The star of the show is the Active Comfort System 2.0 (ACS2) seat. The generously padded seat can be adjusted a dozen ways for a bespoke fit. Leg support can be raised or lowered, and recline can be moved forward and back with a single adjustment point. Flow-through ventilation keeps the paddler’s back from turning swampy on hot days. The seat is so comfortable that insiders tell us the ACS2 will find its way into other Old Town and Ocean Kayak models.

My favorite addition is the removable and customizable work deck. The pod locks into the front deck to carry small tackle boxes, gadgets or a battery. An integrated USB port connected to a 12-volt battery charges phone and electronics that can be mounted to the gear track forward of the hatch. Twist two tabs to remove the work deck.

Behind the cockpit, two flush-mount rod holders are in reach and angled for trolling or bait fishing. Counter-sunk bungees on the bow hold my net where it won’t get tangled. At only 57 pounds, this boat is easy to throw over a shoulder for run-and-gun missions to backwater ponds or tricky launch points. Loading the Loon on my roof rack is effortless compared to car-topping a cumbersome sit-on-top.

Add in the cool camo color pattern and catchy graphics for fast looks that match the Loon’s zippy performance. I wasn’t a sit-inside kayaker before, but I am now. BEN DUCHESNEY

This article was first published in the Early Summer 2016 issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.